If you're planning a trip to South Korea, there's a good chance that shopping is already on your itinerary. And if you're interested in Korean skincare or makeup, you've probably come across one name again and again—Olive Young.
But what exactly is Olive Young?
Is it just another cosmetics store? Is it worth visiting if you're only in Korea for a few days?
The short answer is yes.
Whether you're looking for viral skincare products, Korean sunscreen, trendy makeup, or even healthy snacks to take home, Olive Young is one of the easiest and most convenient places to shop. It's where both locals and travelers go to discover new products, compare different brands, and often find great discounts.
If it's your first time visiting Korea, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from what you can buy and why Olive Young is so popular, to practical shopping tips that can save you time during your trip.
Let's get started.
Looking for K-Beauty in Korea? Start with Olive Young
One of the biggest questions first-time visitors ask is:
"Where should I buy K-Beauty products in Korea?"
You'll find cosmetics almost everywhere—from department stores and duty-free shops to small neighborhood boutiques. But if you want one place where you can compare popular brands without spending your whole day shopping, Olive Young is usually the best place to start.
Think of it as Korea's largest Health & Beauty (H&B) store. Instead of visiting separate stores for skincare, makeup, hair care, and wellness products, you can browse thousands of items under one roof.
Even if you don't have a shopping list yet, it's a fun place to explore. Many travelers stop by "just to have a look" and end up leaving with a basket full of skincare products they didn't know they needed.
What Is Olive Young?
At first glance, Olive Young might look like a cosmetics store. But once you walk inside, you'll quickly realize it's much more than that.
Olive Young is Korea's leading health and beauty retailer, with stores located all across the country. You'll find them in popular tourist areas like Myeongdong, Hongdae, Gangnam, and Seongsu, as well as inside subway stations, shopping malls, and local neighborhoods.
One of the reasons people love shopping here is the variety.
Instead of focusing on a single beauty brand, Olive Young brings together hundreds of Korean and international brands in one place. That means you can compare products side by side instead of visiting multiple stores.
It's also where many new K-Beauty products first become popular. If you've seen a skincare product trending on TikTok or Instagram, chances are you'll find it at Olive Young before anywhere else.
What Can You Buy at Olive Young?
Although Olive Young is famous for K-Beauty, there's much more to discover than skincare.
Here's what you'll typically find inside the store.
Skincare
This is what most visitors come for.
You'll find cleansers, toners, serums, moisturizers, sheet masks, sunscreens, acne care products, and much more. Whether you're looking for a simple everyday routine or products for sensitive skin, there's something for almost every skin type and budget.
Popular Korean brands like Torriden, Round Lab, Anua, Beauty of Joseon, Dr.G, Mediheal, VT, and Biodance are commonly available.
Makeup
From natural everyday makeup to trendy Korean beauty looks, Olive Young offers a wide selection of cosmetics.
You can shop for:
- Lip tints
- Cushion foundations
- Concealers
- Blushes
- Eyeshadow palettes
- Mascaras
- Eyeliners
- Makeup brushes
Many brands regularly launch exclusive products or limited-edition collections that can only be found in Korea.
Hair & Body Care
Need a shampoo or body wash during your trip?
Olive Young stocks a wide range of haircare and body care products, including treatments, hair oils, styling products, lotions, and body scrubs.
It's also a convenient place to pick up travel-sized toiletries if you forgot to pack something.
Health & Wellness
One thing that surprises many visitors is that Olive Young isn't just about beauty.
You'll also find:
- Vitamins
- Probiotics
- Protein drinks
- Diet snacks
- Collagen supplements
- Energy drinks
- Oral care products
If you're curious about Korean wellness products, this is a great place to browse.
Snacks & Small Gifts
Before heading to the checkout, don't forget to look around the snack section.
Many stores sell Korean protein bars, healthy snacks, gummies, and seasonal treats that make easy souvenirs.
You'll also find beauty accessories like facial rollers, makeup puffs, hair brushes, and travel-sized skincare sets that are perfect for gifts.
Why Do Tourists Love Olive Young?
So why does almost every travel guide recommend visiting Olive Young?
It's not just because there are a lot of products.
The real advantage is that shopping here is incredibly convenient.
Instead of spending hours walking between different brand stores, you can compare cleansers from several brands, test different sunscreen textures, and discover products you've never heard of—all in one visit.
You'll also notice frequent promotions throughout the store. Discounts, bundle deals, and "Buy One, Get One" offers are common, especially on bestselling products.
For travelers, that's a huge plus.
Another reason people enjoy shopping here is that many stores are designed with international visitors in mind. In popular tourist areas, you'll often find English product labels, multilingual signs, and staff who can help with basic questions.
Even if no one speaks your language, shopping is still fairly easy because products are organized by category, and many bestsellers are clearly displayed.
Try Before You Buy: One of Olive Young's Biggest Advantages
One thing many first-time visitors don't realize is that you can try many makeup products before buying them.
This is one of the biggest reasons to shop in-store instead of ordering online.
Many makeup brands provide testers for products like:
- Lip tints
- Lipsticks
- Cushion foundations
- Blushes
- Eyeshadows
- Concealers
Instead of guessing which shade will suit your skin tone, you can compare different colors in person and see how they look under natural light.
If you've ever ordered makeup online only to discover the color looked completely different in real life, you'll appreciate this experience.
A quick tip: when using testers, it's best to swatch products on the back of your hand rather than applying them directly to your lips or eyes. Some stores also provide disposable applicators for hygiene, so keep an eye out for those.
For many travelers, this alone makes Olive Young worth visiting.
After all, finding the right shade is much easier when you can actually see it before making your decision.
Planning your shopping before you arrive? Visit the official Olive Young website to browse products and get a preview of what's available. The website is currently available only in Korean, but most browsers can translate it automatically. We'll also show you how to check store-specific inventory later in this guide.
