What souvenirs should I buy when traveling to South Korea?

Buying souvenirs for yourself or gifts for friends and family is always a fun part of the Korean travel experience. Below are some souvenirs you should "pack" when traveling to Korea.

Cosmetics

Korean beauty and skincare products are spreading worldwide and are loved by many. They are among the best things to buy in Korea. So, if you're unsure what to buy when traveling to Korea, this is definitely a great suggestion. BB cream, primer, moisturizer, face masks, lipstick… are common items that everyone can use.

Korean beauty and skincare products are spreading throughout the world and are loved by many people.

You can choose from several popular Korean cosmetic brands such as: Innisfree, Etude House, Missha, Skinfood, The FaceShop, Olive Young…

Korean Red Ginseng

Ginseng is widely cultivated in South Korea. It is one of the beneficial foods that helps boost the immune system, improve health, and treat illnesses. In South Korea, besides being consumed directly, ginseng is processed into many products, from drinks and snacks to candies.

You can find and buy these products at supermarkets nationwide or in specialized ginseng stores. Among Korean ginseng varieties, the most famous is the red ginseng from the "Cheongkwanjang" brand, which is favored by many locals and tourists. They are expensive but worth buying as gifts for your loved ones.

Dried seaweed

As a specialty and a popular dish in Korean meals, seaweed is also a great souvenir to buy when traveling to Korea.

You can find seaweed at any supermarket or convenience store in South Korea.

You can buy dried seaweed for making soup or pre-processed, seasoned seaweed that's ready to eat (often called gim). Not only is it inexpensive, but seaweed is also quite light, so you can buy a lot to give as gifts to your friends and colleagues.

Korean rice wine

Soju and Makgeolli (Korean rice wine) are two popular alcoholic beverages in Korea. When visiting Korea, you should definitely try both to better understand the country's cuisine . Each type of alcohol has its own distinctive flavor. Traditional soju is quite strong, but nowadays producers have created varieties with delicious, slightly sweet fruity flavors, making them very popular among young people.

Traditional Korean handicrafts

You should definitely buy at least one of the many traditional Korean handicrafts, from plates, cutlery sets, ceramics, teacups, and more. Dojang seals are used as signatures in ancient Korean documents. You can purchase custom-engraved seals to give as gifts.

Hanji paper is a traditional, handcrafted paper that is a beloved item in Korea. It comes in a variety of beautiful colors and designs, making it a perfect gift.

Hanji paper is a traditional, handmade paper that is popular in Korea. It comes in many beautiful colors and designs, making it a great gift option.

Another handcrafted item you can buy as a gift is a handmade wooden mask (Hahoetal). Originating from Andong, these Korean masks are carved from wood and have a long history in Korean culture.

K-Pop & K-Drama Products

If you have relatives or friends who are huge K-Pop or K-Drama fans, then merchandise related to the Korean entertainment industry would be a very meaningful gift. There are many shops around Seoul where you can find all kinds of K-Pop-related goods such as posters, paintings, signed stills, t-shirts, and much more.

HAI YEN (compiled)

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