How to Shop at Olive Young in Korea: Must-Have Products & Insider Tips
If you spend even a few days in South Korea, you will hear one name over and over again: Olive Young. It is the country’s biggest health and beauty retail chain, a mix between a drugstore, Sephora, and a lifestyle shop all rolled into one. Inside, you will find Korean skincare, makeup, supplements, snacks, travel-size essentials, and trending viral products all in one place. It makes beauty and wellness feel accessible and fun. It carries both big Korean brands and rising indie favorites, constantly rotating promotions, seasonal deals, and “1+1” offers that make it very hard to walk out empty-handed. It is clean, organized, and incredibly convenient. Honestly, we think every country should have an Olive Young. And yes, every traveler ends up there. Even if you tell yourself you are not that into skincare. Even if you only need toothpaste. It somehow becomes part of your daily routine. We thought we would go maybe once. Maybe twice. We even planned specific “Olive Young shopping stops” during our Seoul trip. But somehow, we ended up in Olive Young almost every single day. On the way back to the hotel. After dinner. Between sightseeing stops. Just “quickly checking something.” Let’s say we never left with empty hands. 😄 Read on for tips on how to prepare and what to buy.
What Is Olive Young
Olive Young is South Korea’s largest health and beauty retail chain and one of the most recognizable stores you will see while waddling around Seoul. It combines skincare, makeup, supplements, personal care, hair products, wellness items, and even snacks all under one roof. Think of it as Sephora meets a drugstore, with a very Korean twist.
Inside Olive Young Korea, you will find everything from trending Korean skincare brands and viral sheet masks to collagen drinks, probiotics, travel minis, and limited-edition beauty collaborations. The layout is modern, bright, and easy to navigate, which makes it especially friendly for visitors who may not speak Korean fluently.
So why does every traveler end up here? Because it is the easiest way to access Korean beauty in one place. Instead of visiting multiple standalone brand stores, you can compare products side by side in one Korean skincare store. Whether you are looking for sunscreen, lip tints, acne patches, or gifts to bring home, Olive Young makes it simple.
Why Is It Called Olive Young
The name “Olive Young” reflects the brand’s focus on healthy living and youthful energy. “Olive” represents wellness and natural ingredients, while “Young” symbolizes vitality and beauty. Together, the name suggests a lifestyle centered around feeling fresh, healthy, and confident.
If you are searching for the best beauty store in Korea, Olive Young is almost always the first answer. It is not just a shop. It is a travel ritual at this point.
Where to Find Olive Young Stores in Korea
One of the best things about Olive Young is that you never really have to look far. They are everywhere. In major shopping streets, inside subway stations, near universities, inside malls, and even at the airport.
You will find multiple branches in:
- Myeongdong: Several stores within walking distance of each other
- Hongdae: Popular with students and younger shoppers
- Gangnam: Trendy, polished locations
- Subway Stations: Convenient for quick stops
- Incheon Airport” Last-minute skincare and beauty shopping
If you are staying in central Seoul, there is likely one within a five-minute waddle.
Flagship & Must-Visit Olive Young Stores in Seoul
If you want the biggest selection, exclusive products, or a more comfortable shopping experience, these branches are especially worth visiting.
Olive Young Myeongdong Flagship Store
📍Location: 53 Myeongdong-gil, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea
This is the most famous Olive Young in Seoul, and easily the largest one that most travelers visit. It is a massive multi-floor store packed with exclusive products, tourist discounts, and often English-speaking staff, which makes it very convenient for visitors. When we went inside for the first time, it honestly felt a little overwhelming. The number of people, the bright displays, the endless product shelves. We walked around, looked at everything, tried to process it, and ended up not buying anything that time. It was just too busy for us in that moment, so we later visited smaller, more secluded branches where shopping felt calmer. That said, if you are already in Myeongdong, it is almost impossible to miss. And if you want the biggest selection in one place, this is still the ultimate Olive Young experience.
- Accepts major credit cards
- Has a tax refund counter inside
If you visit only one Olive Young in Seoul, this is the safest choice for the biggest selection.
Olive Young Hongdae Store
📍Location: 160 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Popular among students and trendsetters. This location often stocks viral TikTok skincare and trending beauty products.
Olive Young Dongdaemun DDP Store
📍Location: 281 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (inside Doota Mall)
Perfect if you are already shopping in Dongdaemun fashion town or visiting DDP. Easy to combine with a larger shopping day.
Olive Young COEX Mall Store
📍Location: 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (inside Starfield COEX Mall)
A large, modern store inside COEX. Great stop if you are visiting the COEX Aquarium or Starfield Library. Comfortable layout and wide selection.
Although we listed some of the flagship Olive Young stores above, you really do not have to plan your trip around visiting those specific branches. Olive Young is practically on every corner in Seoul. You will naturally walk past one, often multiple times a day. So instead of chasing a particular location, step into whichever one appears along your route. There is another one just a few minutes away, anyway.
If you specifically want to visit one of the larger branches, search for “Olive Young Flagship” on Google Maps or Naver Maps. The flagship stores are usually clearly labeled and are easy to identify because they are multi-floor, more spacious, and carry a wider product range.
So why choose a flagship store? First, the selection is bigger. You will often find exclusive sets, limited editions, and newly launched products that smaller neighborhood branches may not stock yet. Second, they are more tourist-friendly. Many of them have English-speaking staff, clearer signage, and dedicated tax refund counters, which makes shopping smoother if you are visiting Korea for the first time.
That said, you do not have to hunt them down. If you want the full, overwhelming, everything-in-one-place Olive Young experience, go to the flagship. If you prefer a calmer browse, smaller branches work just as well.
What to Buy at Olive Young (Must-Have Products)
Waddling into Olive Young without a plan is dangerous. Trust us. Here is what is actually worth putting in your basket, broken down into clear categories to make your shopping easier. We researched for weeks before we felt we were ready to step into Olive Young, and we also scheduled our beauty treatment on the second day we arrived in South Korea, because we received personalized tips on our skin type for what to buy at Olive Young.
Best Korean Skincare at Olive Young
This is what Olive Young is truly famous for. If you are looking for a proper Korean skincare store experience, start here.
Cleansers. Gentle foam cleansers, low pH cleansers, and oil cleansers are everywhere. Korean cleansers are known for being effective but not stripping the skin.
Popular options you will often see:
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- COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser. A cult favorite for sensitive skin.
- Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleanser.. Very gentle and hydrating.
- Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil. Viral for double cleansing.
- Dr.G Green Mild Up Cleanser. Popular for calming irritated skin.
Toners. Hydrating toners and soothing toners are extremely popular. Look for calming ingredients like centella, heartleaf, or hyaluronic acid.
Best sellers at Olive Young often include:
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- Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner. Frequently viral on TikTok.
- Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Toner. Lightweight and deeply hydrating.
- COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner. Great for gentle exfoliation.
- Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Toner. Excellent for dry skin.
Sheet Masks. One of the easiest souvenirs to bring home. Affordable, lightweight, and often sold in bundles or 1+1 deals.
Look out for:
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- Mediheal N.M.F Aquaring Mask. Extremely popular hydrating mask.
- Abib Mild Acidic pH Sheet Mask. Great for sensitive skin.
- Dr.Jart+ Dermask. Slightly higher-end option.
Sunscreens. Korean sunscreens are next level. Lightweight, no white cast, and comfortable for daily wear. Many travelers stock up specifically on SPF here.
Top picks:
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- Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF50+. Probably the most viral Korean sunscreen.
- Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream. Hydrating and gentle.
- Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun+. Popular mineral sunscreen.
- Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel. Lightweight and non-greasy.
Viral TikTok Products. Olive Young is usually quick to stock trending K-beauty products. If something is going viral online, you will find it here.
Best Makeup to Buy
Korean makeup focuses on natural, glowing looks.
Cushion Foundations. Lightweight coverage with skincare benefits built in. Easy to use and perfect for travel.
Top Cushion Picks You’ll Often Find at Olive Young:
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- Laneige BB Cushion Hydra Radiance. Moisturizing, glowy finish.
- IOPE Air Cushion XP. Classic Korean cushion with excellent longevity.
- Hera UV Mist Cushion. Natural coverage with SPF protection.
- CLIO Kill Cover Founwear Cushion. Full coverage but still breathable.
Lip Tints. A Korean classic. Long-lasting, lightweight, and available in endless shades.
Highly Rated Tints You Will See at Olive Young:
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- Rom&nd Juicy Lasting Tint. Wide shade range and cult favorite
- Peripera Ink Airy Velvet. Iconic look and clouds of color.
- 3CE Velvet Lip Tint. Elegant, soft texture.
- A’PIEU Juicy-Pang Water Blusher Tint (can double as cheek tint too)
Mascara. Korean mascaras are known for holding curl extremely well, especially for straight lashes.
Popular Mascara Picks to Spot at Olive Young:
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- CLIO Kill Lash Superproof Mascara. Long-wear and curl-holding.
- Peripera Ink Black Cara. Affordable and reliable curl retention.
- Etude House Curl Fix Mascara. Great for natural lifted lashes.
- Rom&nd Better Than Mascara. Rich pigment and clump-free finish.
Supplements & Health Products
Olive Young is not just beauty. It is wellness too.
Collagen. Powder sticks, drinks, and capsules are very popular in Korea.
Collagen products are a huge hit in Korea, especially for glowing skin and hair elasticity. Look for:
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- The Collagen by DHC. Easy daily tablets many travelers pick up.
- Shiseido The Collagen Powder Stick Packs. Great for travel and mixing into drinks.
- Upsa Collagen Drink Packs. Pre-mixed, easy on the go.
Probiotics. Convenient daily sachets are easy to travel with.
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- Probiotics Daily Pack (Generous Brand). Popular travel-friendly sachets.
- Ildong Probiotics for Adults. Trusted classic option.
- Goodal Probiotics Drink. A drinkable form that’s easy to take while sightseeing.
Red Ginseng. A traditional Korean health product is often bought as a gift.
Red ginseng is a classic Korean health product that also makes a meaningful gift.
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- CheongKwanJang Korean Red Ginseng Extract. One of Korea’s most iconic ginseng brands.
- Hong Samjeong Red Ginseng Drink. Ready-to-drink convenience.
- Korean Red Ginseng Capsules. Easy for travelers to pack.
Korean Snacks at Olive Young
Yes, you will also find snacks here. So look out for.
Popular Candy. Trendy sweets and seasonal flavors.
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- HBAF Almonds (Honey Butter Almond, Wasabi, Tiramisu, etc.). One of the most iconic Korean snack brands with tons of creative flavors.
- Pepero Special Editions. Especially seasonal or limited flavors.
- Orion Choco Pie (Limited Flavors). Sometimes exclusive variations.
- Malang Cow Candy. Chewy milk candy that is surprisingly addictive.
- Crown MyChew. Fruity chewy candy in travel-friendly packs.
Protein Snacks. Protein bars and healthier alternatives are widely available.
Korea has a surprisingly big protein snack market.
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- Dr. You Protein Bar . Probably the most common and widely loved.
- Post Protein Bar (Chocolate / Brownie flavors). Easy to pack.
- Protein Chips by Nongshim. Healthier-feeling chip alternative.
- Protein Balls & Mini Snack Packs . Found near the wellness section.
Limited Edition Treats. Seasonal or exclusive packaging that you might not find in regular convenience stores.
Buy Me a Ko-fi
Of course, these are just our personal recommendations. Especially when it comes to skincare, make sure you choose products that actually suit your skin type and concerns. Do not just grab whatever is trending or viral online. What works beautifully for someone else might not work for you.
It really helped that we had a beauty treatment booked on our second day in Seoul. After a proper skin analysis, we knew exactly what our skin needed, which made shopping at Olive Young much more intentional. Instead of randomly buying half the store, we focused on products that matched our skin goals. A little research plus professional advice made a big difference.
Travel-Size Products
One thing you will love about Olive Young as a traveler is its huge selection of travel-sized skincare and beauty products. You will find mini cleansers, small toners, compact sunscreens, and even trial kits of popular brands. It makes it so much easier to test something before investing in a full bottle.
What we especially loved were the 1+1 sets. Many brands, including favorites like Beauty of Joseon, often sell a full-size product alongside a travel-size version. So you get the complete product for home, and a mini version perfect for travel. For us, that was ideal. We waddled away with our full skincare routine sorted and ready for long-term use, plus perfectly sized minis for the rest of the trip. If you are trying to keep your luggage light or want to experiment safely, definitely look out for the travel-size section. It is one of the smartest ways to shop at Olive Young.
Shopping tips for Olive Young in Korea
- Tax refund basics. Always bring your passport when shopping. It’s required for the tax‑free or immediate tax refund service at participating stores. Minimum spend thresholds vary by promotion or store. When special events run, Olive Young has offered immediate tax refund perks for purchases at or above a set amount, e.g., a past KTO promotion required KRW 100,000 or more, and participation in designated stores. Because these thresholds can change, confirm the current minimum and any coupons or event details with staff before paying.
- Passport needed, plan. Some stores will ask for your physical passport to issue the tax‑free benefit or related discount. Keeping it handy speeds checkout and avoids surprises.
- Best times to shop. Try weekdays or earlier in the day to avoid long lines, especially in high‑traffic areas like Myeongdong or Gangnam. If you’re staying nearby, drop in briefly rather than waiting for a perfect moment; Olive Young is often around the corner anyway.
- Use store staff for help. If you’re unsure about tax refund eligibility, promotions, or even global shipping options, the staff can usually clarify what’s currently available. A quick check with them can save time and confirm whether you meet any spending requirements or need extra documentation.
- Check promos or seasonal deals. Olive Young regularly rotates offers, bundles, and 1+1 deals. Even if you’re not planning a big haul, a quick scan for current promotions can turn a small purchase into a better value.
- Don’t overbuy on impulse, but be open to good deals. Plan your main items, but be flexible if you see a genuine promotion or limited‑time bundle. Especially if you were already budgeting for skincare or snacks, a smart deal can reduce your total spend.
- Use the Olive Young App. Download the Olive Young app to check for digital coupons, member-only promotions, and limited-time discounts. Even as a visitor, you can browse current deals and see which products are on sale before heading to the store. It helps you plan smarter and avoid missing out on 1+1 offers or seasonal promotions.
These tips keep your shopping smooth, help you actually get any tax‑related benefits available, and make sure you’re not losing time or money chasing outdated thresholds.
Our Olive Young Haul
Our haul was heavily skincare-focused. We picked up cleansers and double-cleansing products, hydrating toners, several sunscreens (because Korean SPF truly is elite), and serums targeted to specific skin concerns. We also added cushion makeup and lip tints, stocked up on sheet masks in bulk, grabbed travel-size minis whenever possible, bought supplements like collagen, and of course added a few snacks to the basket because it is impossible not to.
The sunscreens were absolutely worth stocking up on. The 1+1 skincare sets that included travel-size minis were one of the smartest purchases. The products we had researched beforehand and the items recommended after our skin analysis felt like the best investments. Shopping became much easier once we knew exactly what our skin needed. And we will not need to buy skincare for at least 1.5 years. When we look at it that way, the total spend suddenly feels much more reasonable.
We did not walk out with “just one thing.” 😄 By the end of our trip, we had spent 566,610 KRW at Olive Young. Yes. You read that correctly. But in our defense, we were building a full skincare routine, stocking up on essentials, and taking advantage of those dangerous 1+1 deals.
Below, you can find a downloadable PDF we created before going to South Korea, so we know what to buy in Olive Young. It also came in handy when we asked a shop assistant where the product was and could show a picture.
What We Love About Olive Young
- You can try products before buying. Most stores have testers available, so you can feel textures, test shades, and see how a product sits on your skin before committing.
- 1+1 deals and travel-size minis. The value sets are amazing. Getting a full-size product plus a travel-size version makes it perfect for both home and travel.
- They are everywhere. You never have to plan your route around Olive Young.
- Tax-free shopping. Bring your passport and enjoy immediate tax refund options in most major stores.
- Huge product selection. Skincare, makeup, supplements, snacks, and personal care. Everything in one place.
- Constant promotions. Rotating discounts, trending product displays, and seasonal bundles make every visit feel different.
- Tourist-friendly. Many larger branches have English signage and staff who can assist international shoppers.
- Clean and organized layout. Even though it can get busy, products are clearly categorized and easy to compare.
It is basically the perfect mix of convenience, value, and K-beauty excitement.
Is Olive Young Worth Visiting
Our honest verdict? Yes. Very much yes. And being in South Korea, you won’t be really able to avoid it. If you love skincare, Olive Young is paradise. It is the easiest way to explore Korean beauty in one place, compare products side by side, and discover both cult favorites and new launches. It is also fantastic for gifts. Sheet masks, lip tints, sunscreen sets, collagen sticks. They are lightweight, practical, and feel very “K-beauty Seoul.” However, if you are a strict minimalist or easily get overwhelmed, it can feel like a lot. Bright lights, endless shelves, constant promotions. It is easy to overspend if you waddle in without a plan.
But overall? If you are even slightly curious about Korean skincare, Olive Young is absolutely worth stepping into at least once.
If you are heading to South Korea, leave luggage space. Seriously. Olive Young is not the kind of store you waddle into and leave empty-handed.
Set yourself a budget before you go in. Decide what you are looking for. And whatever you do, do not say, “We are just going in to look.” That is exactly how it starts.
Olive Young is fun, exciting, slightly overwhelming, and incredibly tempting. But with a little planning, it can also be one of the most satisfying shopping experiences of your trip. Go in curious. Shop smart. And prepare to restock your skincare shelf for the next year or two.
Pack your bags and waddle on!
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