Shopping
24 questions.
- Korean clothing and shoe sizingCompare centimetre measurements and shoe length rather than relying on familiar size labels.
- Olive Young 1+1 and 2+1 deals explainedFor 1+1 or 2+1 offers, check eligible products and collect all the items yourself.
- Olive Young Global vs in-store pricingCompare the Korean store price with the international website, including delivery and taxes.
- Korea's seasonal sale calendarCheck the retailer's announced sale dates rather than assuming a seasonal discount.
- Department store food halls in the basementVisit department-store food halls for prepared food and check each branch's closing time.
- Daiso: Korea's ₩1,000–5,000 variety storeDaiso sells inexpensive everyday items. Check product quality, price and branch hours.
- Traditional markets and haggling normsAsk the price first. If buying several items, politely ask whether a discount is available.
- Shopping in Myeongdong, Seongsu or Gangnam?Choose shopping areas by the products and stores you want to visit.
- Duty-free: downtown vs airport vs onlineCompare duty-free prices and confirm where and when you must collect the goods.
- Duty-free pickup at departureAllow time for duty-free collection and bring the documents specified by the retailer.
- What you cannot take out of KoreaCheck export restrictions and your destination's import rules before buying goods to take home.
- Liquid rules for cosmetics in carry-onCheck cabin liquid limits and pack larger containers in checked baggage when permitted.
- Shipping purchases homeCompare postal services by destination, delivery time, weight and prohibited items.
- K-beauty ingredient glossaryRead the ingredient list and distinguish approved product claims from marketing language.
- Matching K-beauty products to your skin typeCheck ingredients and warnings when choosing products for your skin.
- Counterfeit risk and where not to buyUse identifiable retailers and check authenticity before buying branded goods.
- Electronics, 220V voltage and plug shapeCheck the voltage printed on the appliance or charger before buying electronics.
- Buying a phone in Korea: SIM-free and warrantyCheck network compatibility, warranty coverage and the total price before buying a phone.
- Choosing souvenirs to bring homeTry museum shops and craft retailers, and check export rules for older objects.
- What's worth buying in a convenience storeLook for local products and offers, then check food import rules for home.
- Korean bookshops and stationery storesExplore bookshops and stationery stores, checking branch hours before travelling.
- Vintage and thrift shopping in SeoulCompare flea-market clothing with curated vintage shops, and check sizes and condition.
- Buying Korean art, ceramics and craftBuy from identifiable craft sellers and check export requirements for older objects.
- Planning a Seoul shopping route by clusterGroup nearby shops into one visit and check each shop's opening day.