Korea Shopping Guide for Foreigners: Mart, Daiso, Olive Young, Traditional Market

Korea is a shopping paradise. There are many different types, from large supermarkets to ultra-low-cost household goods stores, cosmetics drugstores, and traditional markets. We will kindly list representative shopping destinations that foreigners should know about.

Large supermarkets — E-Mart, Homeplus, Lotte Mart

A great place to buy groceries and daily necessities at once E-Mart, Homeplus, Lotte MartIt is. There is a wide variety of fresh food, ready-to-cook food, and daily necessities, and the prices are reasonable. However, large supermarkets Mandatory closure on Sundays approximately twice a monthIt is often closed, so check the closing days before visiting.

Daiso — a low-cost store that has everything

DaisoAll kinds of daily necessities such as kitchen, cleaning, stationery, storage, beauty, etc. very cheaply This is where they sell it. It is really useful when you first start living in Korea and make small household purchases. It is considered the best cost-effective shopping destination.

Olive Young — Cosmetics/Drug Store

Olive Youngis a representative drugstore that sells K-beauty cosmetics, skin care, health foods, and snacks. It is also popular with foreign tourists because you can test and buy new cosmetics. It is cheaper if you take advantage of the membership/sale period.

Traditional Market – Authenticity and Freshness

traditional marketYou can enjoy fresh agricultural and marine products, side dishes, and street food (tteokbokki, pancakes, hotteok, etc.) at low prices. It's a good idea to bring cash, and the friendly atmosphere of bargaining and exchanging bonuses is also a unique charm of Korean markets.

Good tips to know

Warehouse-type stores (Costco, etc.) Large volume/discountThis is my strength, and when I’m in a hurry Online shopping (Coupang, etc.)This is convenient. If you are a short-term tourist, if you purchase more than a certain amount, Tax refund (value-added tax refund)You may receive a , so take your receipt with you. By store Membership·App Don't forget about discounts.

Grocery shopping and shopping in Korea will become much more enjoyable and economical if you know where to shop for your needs!