When I was in Mangwon-dong, I came across a cosmetics outlet called Off Beauty. Foreign visitors and young Koreans kept walking in, so I got curious and went inside too. The shop was selling cosmetics at discounts of up to 90%.
My verdict: Off Beauty is worth a visit if you enjoy bargain hunting and want to test lots of K-beauty products cheaply. The stock mixes famous brands with ones you’ve never heard of. Just go in expecting a treasure hunt, not a place to find one specific product, and check the expiry date on everything you buy.
Quick answer
- Off Beauty is a warehouse-style cosmetics outlet with discounts of roughly 20% to 90% off standard retail prices
- It started at Gwangjang Market and now has more than 30 stores, including Myeongdong, Seongsu, Mangwon and cities outside Seoul
- The Mangwon store I visited mixed famous-brand perfumes and products with brands I didn’t recognize
- Best for testing skincare, masks and other products you’ll use up quickly
- Check expiry dates, compare prices on your phone and skip shade-sensitive color makeup
What Off Beauty is
Off Beauty is a beauty outlet run by Q&B International. It opened its first store in Gwangjang Market in Seoul and, according to FashionNetwork, now operates more than 30 stores, including Myeongdong, a large “Mega Factory” store in Seongsu, and branches in Busan, Daegu and Suwon.
The model is simple. By buying in bulk and cutting out distribution layers, Off Beauty sells cosmetics at roughly 20% to 90% off standard retail prices. The company describes its stock as “strategic inventory,” such as overproduced items and packaging-update stock, not only products close to their expiry date. The stores are kept simple, with fewer displays and staff, which helps keep costs down.
My visit to the Mangwon store
The Mangwon store sits next to Mangwon Market, and its shelves and trays were packed with discounted products. I found perfumes and other products from famous brands mixed in with products I’d never heard of.
My impression was that if you choose carefully, you can find good products at low prices. It’s the kind of store where taking your time pays off.
Off Beauty pros
- Big discounts. Discounts run from about 20% to 90%, and some sheet masks are reported to sell for around ₩500
- A wide mix. You’ll see well-known brands and small, unfamiliar ones side by side, including some luxury fragrance
- Low-risk testing. Cheap prices make it easy to try several brands or product types in one visit
- Tourist-friendly. Stores are in busy visitor areas, and tax refunds are reportedly available for passport holders (confirm at the counter)
- Many items have long expiry dates. One visitor noted most items expiring in 2027 to 2028, with a separate corner for items closer to their date
Off Beauty cons
- Stock changes constantly. Don’t count on finding one specific product
- Warehouse-style display. Products are stacked in trays and boxes, so a specific item can be hard to find
- Expiry dates vary. Check the date on every product, especially anything in the “closer to expiry” corner
- Not always the cheapest. Compare with Olive Young’s sale price and online prices before you buy
- Color makeup testers may be worn. Another reason to skip shade-sensitive products here
Off Beauty vs Olive Young
| Off Beauty | Olive Young | |
|---|---|---|
| Discounts | Up to ~90% off retail | Regular sales and 1+1 deals |
| Stock | Changes constantly | Consistent, very wide range |
| Layout | Warehouse-style trays and shelves | Organized by category |
| Best for | Bargain hunting and testing | Specific products and new trends |
| Tourist tax refund | Reportedly available | Instant refund at the register |
I see them as partners, not rivals. Use Olive Young when you know what you want, and Off Beauty when you want to explore. For Olive Young timing and refunds, see my sale guide and tax refund guide.
What to buy at Off Beauty
- Worth trying: sheet masks, toner pads, toners, ampoules and other skincare you’ll finish quickly
- Worth comparing first: pricier items like perfume. Check the price on your phone and look at the seal
Tips for shopping at Off Beauty
- Check the expiry date on every product before you buy
- Compare prices on your phone, especially for items you already know
- Take your time and browse the shelves and trays, because good finds are mixed in
- Bring your physical passport in case a tax refund is available
- Don’t plan your skincare routine around a specific product, because stock changes
FAQ
What is Off Beauty in Korea?
It’s a warehouse-style beauty outlet that sells cosmetics at roughly 20% to 90% off retail prices, with more than 30 stores in Seoul and other cities.
Is Off Beauty worth visiting?
It can be, if you enjoy hunting for deals and testing new brands cheaply. Check expiry dates, compare prices with Olive Young, and skip shade-sensitive makeup.
Is Off Beauty cheaper than Olive Young?
Often, but not always. Discounts can reach 90%, but stock changes, so compare prices on your phone before you buy.
Where is the Off Beauty store in Mangwon?
It’s next to Mangwon Market in Mangwon-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul. Other branches include Myeongdong and Seongsu.
Is Off Beauty authentic?
Prices this low make many people wonder. Check seals and expiry dates, and compare pricier items with Olive Young before you buy.
This guide shares my own visit and general information. Stock, prices and promotions change often, so check current details before you buy.
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