The Best Korean Beauty Store for Tourists
🇰🇷 Ultimate Olive Young Shopping Guide
Planning a trip to South Korea?
If you’re into skincare, beauty, or health, you must make a stop at Olive Young, the No.1 health & beauty store in Korea. It’s more than just a drugstore—Olive Young is the heart of K-beauty trends, offering everything from cult-favorite Korean skincare to affordable makeup and wellness products.
In this complete guide, I’ll show you why Olive Young is a must-visit for travelers, what products are worth your money, where to find the best stores, and how to shop like a local—optimized with real travel tips and SEO-friendly keywords for all you blog readers and Google searchers out there.
Why Every Tourist Should Visit Olive Young
Whether you’re searching for the best Korean skincare store or simply want to grab some trendy sheet masks, here’s why Olive Young is the place to go:
- Latest K-beauty products all in one place
- Cheaper than Amazon or international resellers
- Try-before-you-buy with testers and samples
- Frequent sales and limited edition bundles
- Locations near every tourist hotspot
- Recognized as the go-to Korean beauty store by influencers and YouTubers
Where to Find Olive Young (Best Locations)
There are over 1,300 Olive Young stores across South Korea, with large flagship branches in popular tourist zones:
- Myeongdong Flagship Store – Seoul’s main shopping district
- Hongdae – Trendy area for young people and art
- Gangnam – Luxury meets beauty; huge product range
- Incheon Airport Duty-Free Store – Perfect for last-minute buys!
Pro tip: Search “Olive Young” on Google Maps or Naver Map for directions and opening hours.
Best-Selling Products at Olive Young (Loved by Foreigners)
Want to know what tourists and locals are obsessing over? Here are some top-rated Korean beauty products you can find at Olive Young:
| Product | Brand | Why It’s Popular |
|---|---|---|
| Sheet Masks | Mediheal | Hydrating, affordable, travel-friendly |
| Cica Cream | Dr. Jart+ | Soothes sensitive skin; global bestseller |
| Velvet Lip Tint | rom&nd | Lightweight texture + long wear |
| Toner Pads | Dermatory | Exfoliates + calms irritated skin |
| Hair Serum | Mise-en-scène | Korean women’s must-have item |
These products often go viral on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram—so grab them while they’re in stock!
Must-Buy Korean Beauty Products in Olive Young
Here’s a curated list of what to buy at Olive Young based on skincare type, popularity, and price:
- Bio Heal Boh Cica Ampoule – Ideal for calming sensitive skin
- Innisfree No-Sebum Powder – Controls oil all day; cult-favorite
- Peripera Ink Velvet Tint – Bold colors + amazing staying power
- BE PLAIN Green Cleansing Foam – Minimalist packaging, sensitive-skin approved
- Tocobo Sun Cream – Lightweight sunscreen; clean beauty hit
Olive Young Shopping Tips for Tourists
1. Time Your Visit for Sales
- Major promotions during May and November
- Up to 50% off on top brands like Cosrx, Laneige, Dr. Jart+
2. VAT Refund Available
- Ask for a tax refund receipt at checkout. Bring your passport!
3. Samples, Samples, Samples
- Big stores offer free testers and mini samples with purchases
4. Use the Olive Young App
- It’s in Korean, but you can browse bestsellers, get discount coupons, and check store locations
- Pro tip: Use Google Translate camera mode if needed
Hidden Gems: Korean Products Only Locals Know
Want to avoid buying only what’s trending? Here are some underrated yet highly-rated Olive Young exclusives:
- WAKEMAKE Lipsticks – Olive Young’s private brand with great color payoff
- BRINGGREEN Tea Tree Pads – Excellent for acne-prone skin
- BOH BHA Peeling Pads – Exfoliates without irritation
- Olive Young Life Essentials – Budget-friendly daily use items
Skin Type-Based Recommendations
| Skin Type | Recommended Products |
|---|---|
| Oily | No-Sebum Powder, Toner Pads |
| Dry | Ceramidin Cream, Vitamin C Serum |
| Sensitive | Cicapair Cream, BOH Ampoule |
| Combination | Mediheal Masks, Hair Serum |
Instagram-Worthy & Influencer Favorites
If you’re wondering what YouTubers and TikTokers are raving about, here’s the list:
- Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask – BTS uses it, and so should you
- Glow Recipe Products – Cheaper in Korea, same U.S. cult following
- Tocobo Vegan Sun Cream – A clean beauty favorite on social media
- Anua Heartleaf Toner – Instagram famous, actually works
Olive Young vs. Other Korean Beauty Stores
| Store | What Makes It Special |
|---|---|
| Olive Young | Best for variety, deals, and trendy items |
| Chicor | More luxury-focused (like Sephora Korea) |
| Lalavla | Smaller range, some overlap with Olive Young |
| Aritaum | Great for Amorepacific products only (Innisfree, Laneige, etc.) |
Olive Young stands out as the most convenient and comprehensive option.
Take-Home Souvenirs from Olive Young
Need gifts for friends or a little something for yourself?
- Sheet Mask Packs – Lightweight, affordable, always appreciated
- Tinted Lip Balms – Travel-sized and stylish
- Hair Serums or Hand Cream Sets – Practical + Korean packaging is cute!
Final Thoughts: Don’t Leave Korea Without It
Olive Young is more than just a store—it’s a gateway to the world of Korean beauty.
Whether you’re a skincare junkie or just curious about K-beauty, there’s something for everyone.
