Dried Seafood
USD 15–60
Busan is the epicenter of Korean seafood, and these dried snacks are incredibly flavorful.
국립국어원 (CC BY-SA 2.0 kr)
Where to buy: Jagalchi Market, the largest fish market in the country.
What to Buy in South Korea
Local goods and souvenirs worth bringing home — with photos, typical prices, and where to buy them.
Busan Eomuk (Fish Cake)
USD 5–20
Vacuum-packed Busan fish cakes are the local standard, far superior to supermarket versions.
Pibiy (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Where to buy: Samjin Amook at Busan Station
Gochujang (Fermented Chili Paste)
USD 8–25
Look for traditionally fermented, clay-pot-aged jars sold by local vendors in market stalls.
johl (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Where to buy: Jagalchi Fish Market alleyways
Hand-painted Celadon pottery
USD 40–500
This iconic blue-green glaze technique dates back to the Goryeo dynasty.
Steve46814 (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where to buy: Insadong Ssamzigil market shops.
Hanjeon silk or linen clothing
USD 60–400
Modern designers reinvent these traditional shapes as lightweight, versatile daily wear.
Republic of Korea from Seoul, Republic of Korea (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Where to buy: Bukchon Hanok Village artisan studios and Insadong boutiques.
Ginseng extract
USD 50–400
Korean soil produces the world finest ginseng, strictly graded for medicinal quality.
IsaacMao (CC BY 2.0)
Where to buy: Gyeongdong Market herbal medicine section.
Korean Skincare (K-Beauty)
USD 15–150
Flagship stores offer trial-size sets and exclusive regional formulas not exported elsewhere.
camillaperrucci (CC0)
Where to buy: Seomyeon Underground Shopping Center
Celadon Porcelain
USD 40–300
Look for the distinct pale green glaze that defines this historic Korean ceramic tradition.
Where to buy: Insadong art galleries and specialized ceramics shops.
Ceramic Tea Sets
USD 50–300
Crafted with techniques refined over centuries, these sets define Korean tea culture aesthetics.
Where to buy: Craft shops near Beomeosa Temple.
Celadon pottery (Cheongja)
USD 40–500
The signature jade-green glaze mimics the refined aesthetic of the Goryeo dynasty ceramic tradition.
Where to buy: Insadong antique and craft shops along the main pedestrian street.
Custom name seal (Dojang)
USD 10–100
You can watch a master carver etch your name into a stone seal.
Where to buy: Small workshops along the main Insadong-gil street.
Ginseng products
USD 30–200
Korean red ginseng is globally recognized for quality and potency in medicinal teas and extracts.
Where to buy: Gyeongdong Market where stalls have sold medicinal herbs for generations.
Korean hanji paper stationery
USD 5–60
Handmade mulberry paper is durable, aesthetic, and resistant to aging.
Where to buy: Moongu-jeom shops in Insadong.
Handmade Hanji paper stationery
USD 5–50
This traditional mulberry bark paper is durable and textured, perfect for calligraphy or journals.
Where to buy: Bukchon Hanok Village specialized craft workshops.
Hand-dyed Indigo Textiles
USD 40–200
Deep, vibrant blues achieved through traditional fermentation methods create distinct, durable wearable pieces.
Where to buy: Dalmaji-gil art galleries and boutiques.
Modern K-Pop Merchandise
USD 15–120
Official store stocks include exclusive photo books and light sticks unavailable in international retail.
Where to buy: K-Town4U in Gangnam or official label boutiques in Myeong-dong.
Korean skincare sets
USD 15–150
Formulas are more advanced and significantly cheaper here than in international markets.
Where to buy: Olive Young flagship in Myeongdong, Sulwhasoo Flagship Store in Bukchon.
Korean designer streetwear
USD 50–400
Small-batch, high-fashion pieces often feature bold silhouettes unseen in global retail chains.
Where to buy: Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) surrounding boutiques and Seongsu-dong.
Korean skincare products (K-beauty)
USD 5–80
Shop the latest innovations and multi-step regimens at a fraction of their international retail costs.
Where to buy: Myeong-dong shopping street for flagship brand boutiques like Olive Young.
Korean stationery
USD 2–30
Bright colors and efficient design make these planners better than standard office supplies.
Where to buy: Kyobo Book Centre in Gwanghwamun.
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under Creative Commons licenses. Individual credits shown on each photo where available.