Charmaine AchaWhenever I travel to other countries, buying souvenirs for my friends and loved ones back home is always part of the itinerary. When I travelled to Korea last Dec 2016, I ditched the usual keychains and hunted down these cute and cheap Korea souvenirs instead. Would you believe some of them only cost ₩1,000 (US$0.80)? Dirt cheap, right?!
Also read: Top 13 Korean Souvenirs That Friends Will Love You For
Korea souvenirs as keepsakes
1. Socks
I’d say this is the safest, cutest and cheapest item on the list. These socks come in many different colours and designs. From cartoon characters and animals to national flags and signature brands — you name it, Korea has it!
Where to buy: Myeongdong Underground Shopping Centre; Insadong
Price: ₩1,000 per piece
2. Chopsticks
These chopsticks are so pretty, your friends would probably never want to use them.
Where to buy: Myeongdong Underground Shopping Centre; Insadong
Price: ₩10,000 per 10 pieces = ₩1,000 per piece
3. Nail clippers
I know I said I ditched the usual keychains, but these nail clippers cum keychains are an exemption for me. At least they serve a dual purpose.
Where to buy: Myeongdong Underground Shopping Centre; Insadong
Price: ₩7,000-10,000 per 10 pieces = ₩700-1,000 per piece
4. Pouches
For your girly BFFS, these multi-coloured pouches are a safe bet.
Where to buy: Insadong
Price: ₩1,500 per piece
5. Wallets
You can buy these wallets for your girl friends, too!
Where to buy: Insadong
Price: ₩3,000 per piece
6. Bookmarks
Bookmarks are good gifts for your bookworm friends, plus these are not the run-of-the-mill types. Need I say more?
Where to buy: Insadong
Price: ₩2,000 per piece
7. Ball pen set
Another keychain you say? Well, it’s a set with a ballpen as its highlight. Excuses, excuses. But don’t you find it valuable?
Where to buy: Myeongdong Underground Shopping Centre
Price: ₩10,000 per 4 pieces = ₩2,500 per piece
8. Korean paper products
I’m sure your artsy friends would love any of these Korean paper products. You may choose from a variety of items like paper bags and stationery.
Where to buy: Insadong
Price: ₩2,500-3,500 per piece
9. Hand mirrors
Give these hand mirrors to your vain friends!
Where to buy: Insadong
Price: ₩3,000 per piece
10. Wall decor (paintings)
The paintings on these frames are so beautiful, I can’t tell if they’re real or not. Nonetheless, they’re great souvenirs for your family members.
Where to buy: Insadong
Price: ₩3,000 per piece
11. Animal figurines
Although fragile, these animal figurines are handy and cute. You can easily bring them home.
Where to buy: Insadong
Price: ₩4,000 per piece
12. Zodiac figurines
Here’s to the ones who believe in lucky charms!
Where to buy: Insadong
Price: ₩5,000-7,000 per piece
13. Scarves
BF and I bought each for our moms. Awww… I’m not saying scarves are only for oldies, but I guarantee your mom will appreciate if you give her one from Korea.
Where to buy: Insadong
Price: ₩5,000 per piece
14. Plush toys
Get one of these cuties as your Korea souvenirs for the little ones! Aren’t they adorable?
Where to buy: Insadong
Price: ₩15,000-25,000 per piece
15. Bags
I can’t help but buy one for myself! All bags regardless of size and design only cost ₩10,000 each! Just wow! Tell me if you can resist!
Where to buy: Insadong
Price: ₩10,000 per piece
16. Handpainted folding fans
Image credit: Petar Milošević
While folding fans are a common sight throughout Asia, the traditional Korean prints on these useful sidekicks are what sets them apart.
Where to buy: Namdaemun market
Price: From ₩10,000 per piece
Korean beauty products
17. Face masks
Image credit: innisfree
I’m not a fan of beauty products, but when they’re offered for FREE, who am I to refuse? When you explore Myeongdong, some, if not all, skincare shops will offer free face masks. It’s up to you, though, if you grab the freebies or not.
Also read: Seoul: 10 Tips for Shopping in Myeongdong
Where to buy: Any skincare shop in Myeongdong
Price: ₩1,000-5,000 per piece
18. Body creams
Aside from face masks, you might also want to bring home a pack of these adorable body creams. Nice packaging, eh?!
Where to buy: Any skincare shop in Myeongdong
Price: ₩15,800-29,500 per set
Also read: 13 Must-Try Korean Beauty Brands & Their Best-Selling Products
Korean food items
19. Pastries
These pastries look enticing, and they’re so cheap! Definitely worth trying!
Where to buy: Insadong
Price: ₩500 per piece
20. Mochi-like treats
Might as well grab these mochi-like treats. Not sure how they taste, though. BF ate them all!
Where to buy: Insadong
Price: ₩1,000 per pack
21. Korean jellies
For your sweet tooth friends, give them a pack of these Korean jellies!
Where to buy: Insadong
Price: ₩2,000 per pack
22. Korean candies
Complete the set by buying a pack of Korean candies, too!
Where to buy: Insadong
Price: ₩5,000 per pack
23. Dragon beard candy
Image credit: Gary Au
They look like silkworm cocoons, but don’t worry, these wispy sweet treats are delightfully melt-in-your-mouth! They come in different flavours — peanut, almond and chocolate. I recommend you to try all.
Where to buy: Insadong
Price: ₩5,000-7,000 per box
24. Lotte Mart food items
If you don’t have time to go to Insadong or Myeongdong anymore, you can always go to any Lotte Mart outlet and buy some food items as your Korea souvenirs. Read 12 Must-Buy Food Items from Korea’s LOTTE Mart to check out our recommendations.
Where to buy: Any Lotte Mart outlet
Price: ₩5,000-10,000 per pack
25. Korean ginseng
Image credit: Eugene Kim
Ginseng can be an expensive item to buy if you go for the really premium stuff, but as a common ingredient, you won’t need to pay an arm or leg here! Best for impressing would be in-laws with – they don’t have to know the real cost of it!
Where to buy: Gyeongdong Market
Price: From ₩10,000 for about 300-500grams
That’s it! I hope you find my list of Korea souvenirs useful. Happy souvenir hunting! 😉
