- Ginseng
South Korea has favorable conditions for ginseng cultivation, including the ideal climate and soil, making its ginseng one of the world’s finest.
Korean ginseng is known for its beneficial effects on maintaining energy and preventing illness.
When purchasing ginseng, it can be difficult to distinguish its quality, so it is recommended to buy it from large department stores or duty-free shops.
- Hanbok
The traditional Korean clothing, Hanbok, is colorful and is the most representative souvenir of Korea. The price of a Hanbok varies depending on its fabric, design, type of embroidery, and decorations. In addition to traditional Hanbok, there are also modified Hanbok options, which are more affordable and easier to wash. -
Kimchi
It is the most representative Korean food and an essential part of every Korean meal. In addition to the most common napa cabbage kimchi, there are many other varieties, which can be purchased in department stores and duty-free shops. -
Seaweed
Korean-made seaweed is not only inexpensive and delicious but also highly nutritious, making it a must-buy for visitors to Korea. Nowadays, there are many types of seaweed available for sale, including naturally roasted seaweed, seasoned seaweed brushed with sesame oil, as well as stone seaweed, algae seaweed, and more. These can be purchased in department stores or markets. -
Shell Gem Boxes
It is a traditional Korean handicraft made with shell decorations. After coating a wooden gem box with lacquer, intricate animal or plant-shaped shells are applied to embellish it, creating a beautiful and luxurious design.
Its history dates back to the 4th century, showcasing not only Korea’s rich cultural traditions but also reflecting people’s pursuit of beauty and creativity.
- Alcohol
There is a wide variety of traditional Korean alcoholic beverages that complement Korean cuisine, including soju, raspberry wine, pear wine, rice wine, and dongdongju. These can be purchased at airport duty-free shops and department stores.
Among them, fruit-flavored soju is especially popular among soju enthusiasts due to its diverse and rich flavors, with grapefruit and peach being particularly favored.
- Retro Desserts
The retro dessert trend has arrived, with traditional treats like yokan, oily honey pastry, and rice cakes making a comeback as popular choices. These delicious sweets can be found in convenience stores, department stores, and cafés. -
Souvenirs
You can purchase stationery featuring images of landmarks such as the ancient palaces of Seoul and Namsan Seoul Tower as souvenirs, allowing you to reminisce about the wonderful memories of your trip to Seoul every time you use them.
Seoul is home to many famous mountains, and after a hike, don’t forget to buy a souvenir as a symbol of the harmonious coexistence of nature and the city.
