Want to buy Korean beauty products while you're in Korea? Here's what you need to know!
If you're visiting Korea, one thing you absolutely shouldn't miss is K-beauty shopping.
Seriously, Korean skincare and makeup are famous worldwide — and buying them here is so much cheaper (and more fun).
Let me show you three easy ways to shop for Korean cosmetics while you're in Korea,
plus a super handy tip for when you go back home but still want your K-beauty fix 😉
1. Myeongdong — The OG K-beauty shopping district
Myeongdong is basically skincare heaven.
All the big names like Etude House, Innisfree, Tony Moly, and Missha have shops everywhere,
and they often run crazy deals like 1+1 or give you tons of free samples.
The best part? The staff are used to international customers,
so there’s usually someone who speaks at least basic English.
Whenever my friends visit from abroad, I always take them here first. It’s vibrant, easy to navigate, and you can compare tons of brands side by side.
2. Wholesale markets in Hwagok or Sindang — If you’re after crazy deals
Feeling adventurous?
You should check out the wholesale beauty markets in Hwagok or Sindang.
These places are where beauty shop owners go to stock up —
so the prices can be way cheaper than regular stores.
But heads up: not every shop sells small quantities to individuals.
It’s a good idea to ask first if they allow single item purchases.
Still, it's totally worth it. You might discover lesser-known brands that aren't even online yet!
3. Olive Young — Your all-in-one beauty stop, anywhere in Korea
Too busy to hunt around?
Just pop into Olive Young.
They’re literally everywhere — from big cities to train stations — and they’ve got a solid mix of popular K-beauty brands in one place.
They also have skincare tools, health supplements, and new trending products every week.
And yeah, the staff is super helpful, even if your Korean isn’t great.
It’s the most convenient option if you want to see what’s trending in Korea right now.
Love a product and want to buy it again from abroad? Here's how:
Tried something in Korea and now you’re hooked?
No worries — you can still get your K-beauty favorites even after you fly back home.
Option 1: Olive Young Global
👉 https://global.oliveyoung.com
They have an English website and ship internationally.
It works fine for most people, but shipping fees can be a bit high and some items aren’t available in every country.
Option 2: My go-to — BuyBeautyKorea.com 💙
Okay, I might be biased (I help run it!),
but this site is awesome if you're serious about K-beauty.
You’re getting authentic Korean products shipped directly from Korea, and it’s super foreigner-friendly.
Here’s why it’s worth checking out:
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🆓 Free shipping if you spend over $30
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🎁 10% off if you buy 5 or more items
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🌍 Supports PayPal and major credit cards
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💬 Available in English, Japanese, German, etc.
Basically, if you loved the product in Korea, you can reorder it anytime with no hassle. It’s kind of like taking Korea home with you.
Quick Recap — What's the best way to shop?
Situation | Go here |
---|---|
Want to explore and try everything | Myeongdong |
On a budget and want deals | Hwagok or Sindang |
Just want something quick & easy | Olive Young |
Shopping from abroad | BuyBeautyKorea.com 💻 |