Ginseng Products
USD 20–300 · From Daejeon
South Korea produces the highest quality roots for energy and immune support.
IsaacMao (CC BY 2.0)
Where to buy: Jungang Market herbal medicine section.
What to Buy in South Korea
Local goods and souvenirs worth bringing home — with photos, typical prices, and where to buy them.
K-beauty skincare sets
USD 10–100 · From Gyeonggi Province
You can find the latest innovative formulations at local boutiques for half the Western markup.
U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate Airman Timothy F. Sosa. (Public domain)
Where to buy: Olive Young stores in Suji or Giheung
Dol hareubang basalt statue
USD 5–50 · From Jeju Special Self-Governing Province
Small carvings of these volcanic rock guardians protect your home from evil spirits.
Kbarends (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where to buy: Seogwipo Olle Market
Korean Celadon Pottery
USD 40–500 · From Daejeon
Look for the distinct jade-green glaze that captures the Goryeo dynasty aesthetic.
Steve46814 (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where to buy: Daejeon Folk Market or specialty ceramics shops in Yuseong-gu.
Hand-painted fans
USD 15–50 · From Gyeonggi Province
Portable art pieces featuring intricate calligraphy or seasonal ink landscapes painted by village masters.
Public domain
Where to buy: Korean Folk Village souvenir courtyard
Ceramic Tea Set
USD 40–250 · From Daejeon
The region produces elegant celadon-style ceramics perfect for traditional tea ceremonies.
George Chernilevsky (Public domain)
Where to buy: Local artisan galleries near the Daejeon Museum of Art.
Ginseng tea
USD 20–80 · From Gyeonggi Province
This regional staple offers a grounding, earthy flavor and serves as a classic wellness gift.
CC BY 4.0
Where to buy: Local markets in Suji-gu district
Celadon Ceramics
USD 40–500
This pale green glazed pottery style is a historic tradition unique to Korea.
Steve46814 (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where to buy: Insa-dong craft galleries and Ssamzigil market.
Dried persimmons
USD 10–30 · From Gyeonggi Province
Sweet, chewy snacks naturally preserved during the crisp autumn months in the surrounding valleys.
Hyeon-Jeong Suk (CC BY 2.0)
Where to buy: Yongin Jungang Market produce stalls
Custom hanbok
USD 150–600
Intricate, vibrant silk embroidery that makes for a unique, wearable investment piece.
Republic of Korea from Seoul, Republic of Korea (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Where to buy: Gwangjang Market hanbok stalls.
Korean Folk Village ceramics
USD 30–200 · From Gyeonggi Province
Hand-thrown vessels reflect traditional firing techniques preserved at the local living museum.
karendotcom127 (CC BY 2.0)
Where to buy: Korean Folk Village artisan shops
Hanbok-inspired accessories
USD 15–50 · From Gyeonggi Province
Intricate silk tassels used to adorn traditional garments make for compact, distinctive souvenirs.
Public domain
Where to buy: Korean Folk Village gift shops
Korean ginseng root
USD 40–300 · From Gyeonggi Province
Yongin sits in a region known for sourcing potent, high-quality roots used for teas.
IsaacMao (CC BY 2.0)
Where to buy: Yongin Jungang Market
Seongsimdang Bakery Singjeon-jjinppang
USD 5–20 · From Daejeon
This bakery is a Daejeon institution, and these buns are the city flavor.
User:Piotrus (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Where to buy: Seongsimdang Daejeon Station branch.
Daejeon Seongsimdang Bakery Bread
USD 1–5 · From Daejeon
This bakery defines local pride and their crunchy red bean buns are legendary.
Ptko (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Where to buy: Seongsimdang Main Store near Daejeon Station.
Traditional Silk Scarf
USD 30–120 · From Daejeon
Local weavers use natural dyes to create patterns reflecting historic regional motifs.
Marie Lutrell (CC0)
Where to buy: Daejeon Jungang Traditional Market.
Korean stationery
USD 3–30 · From Gyeonggi Province
South Korean designs are sleek, functional, and far more affordable here than abroad.
Schekinov Alexey Victorovich (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where to buy: Kyobo Book Centre in Yongin
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.
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
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under Creative Commons licenses. Individual credits shown on each photo where available.