Olive Young Has Become Every Traveler’s First Stop in Korea

These days, almost every traveler visiting Korea has Olive Young on their itinerary. More than just a drugstore, it’s the easiest place to discover the best of K-beauty, trending products, and everyday Korean lifestyle items—all in one stop.

Why Is Olive Young a Must-Visit for Every Tourist?

Not that long ago, Olive Young was simply where Koreans stopped by to grab shampoo, sunscreen, or a new face mask after work. It was just another part of daily life. But these days, if you walk into an Olive Young in Myeongdong, Seongsu, or Hongdae, you’ll probably hear more English, Japanese, or Chinese than Korean.

Scroll through TikTok, YouTube, or Instagram travel guides, and you’ll see the same advice over and over again,

“The first place you should visit in Korea? Olive Young.”

The reason goes far beyond skincare. Olive Young brings together Korea’s hottest beauty brands, wellness products, snacks, and lifestyle items under one roof. You can try almost everything before buying, compare products side by side, and even ask staff for recommendations based on your skin type or concerns. Add frequent buy-one-get-one promotions, seasonal sales, and Tax Refund services for tourists, and it’s easy to see why visitors end up spending way more time-and money-than they originally planned.

Personally, if a friend were visiting Korea for the first time, I’d probably take them to Olive Young before any famous tourist attraction. It’s honestly one of the fastest and most fun ways to see what Koreans are actually using right now.

Which Item Should You Grab at Olive Young?

The biggest challenge at Olive Young isn’t finding something to buy. It’s deciding what to put back.

Luckily, the store makes it easy. Best-selling products are usually displayed right at the entrance, so even first-time visitors can quickly spot what’s trending.

You’ll find internationally loved K-beauty brands like Beauty of Joseon, Round Lab, Torriden, Anua, COSRX, Mediheal, and Dr.G, with products clearly organized by skin type and concern. Whether you’re looking for a gentle cleanser, a hydrating serum, or Korea’s famous sheet masks, chances are you’ll find plenty of great options.

And it doesn’t stop at beauty. Olive Young also stocks Korean snacks, protein bars, vitamins, travel-size essentials, hair care products, oral care, and all kinds of little everyday items that somehow end up in everyone’s shopping basket. It’s basically the kind of store where you walk in for one face mask… and leave carrying two full shopping bags.

Shopping at Olive Young has become part of the Korea travel experience itself. Hunting for the latest viral products, discovering brands you’ve never heard of, and scoring great deals is honestly half the fun. So here’s one piece of advice before your trip: leave some extra room in your suitcase. Trust me, you need that.