Wondering what to buy at Olive Young? If you’ve spent any time on K-beauty TikTok, you’ve probably seen the words “Olive Young haul” a hundred times. This isn’t hype — Olive Young is South Korea’s biggest health and beauty retail chain, and it has become the default first stop for nearly every visitor exploring K-beauty. As of August 2026, foreign customers from 192 countries had already spent over $727 million there this year alone. So if you’re heading to Korea soon (or just want to shop the Global Mall from home), here’s exactly what to buy at Olive Young as a first-timer.
1. Skincare Essentials
Korean sunscreen has a reputation for a reason — lightweight, no white cast, and genuinely pleasant to wear daily. Two names come up constantly: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun and Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel, both usually priced in the ₩9,000–12,000 range.
Image1: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun sunscreen tubes on display at Olive Young
As of September 30, 2026, Beauty of Joseon’s Relief Sun (Rice) sunscreen is currently being sold in two set options: the ‘Double’ set for ₩20,000($14.8) and the ‘Chunsik’ set (which includes Korean character merchandise) for ₩24,000($17.7).
For actives, COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence remains a cult favorite for hydration and repair, and Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner is a go-to for calming sensitive or irritated skin.
2. Sheet Masks (The Easiest Souvenir)
Sheet masks are cheap, light to pack, and universally loved as gifts. Mediheal’s N.M.F line is a safe pick at around ₩1,500 each (often discounted from ₩3,000), and Olive Young frequently runs “10+10” promotions that make stocking up even more worthwhile.
Image2: Mediheal N.M.F Ampoule sheet masks on shelf at Olive Young, priced at 1,500 won
3. Makeup Worth Packing
If you want color cosmetics, rom&nd Juicy Lasting Tint is one of the most talked-about picks — a lip tint that regularly retails around ₩13,000 but is very frequently discounted to ₩9,900, and consistently shows up in “what I bought” videos.
Image3: rom&nd Juicy Lasting Tint display wall at Olive Young
4. Beyond Beauty: The “Functional” Trend
Here’s something worth knowing if you only associate Olive Young with makeup: foreign shoppers are increasingly buying dermocosmetic skincare (products designed for specific skin concerns) and “inner beauty” items like collagen or vitamin drinks — both categories reportedly growing well over 60% year-over-year among international customers. Vita-C drinks and hangover-relief products are common impulse buys near the checkout counter too.
5. Practical Shopping Tips
- Tax refund: Purchases over ₩15,000 in a single transaction typically qualify for a refund (roughly 5–7%) — bring your passport, and flagship stores offer instant refunds on the spot.
- Where to go: Myeongdong has the widest selection and the most tourist-friendly service (English signage, multilingual staff), with Hongdae, Gangnam, and Seongsu as strong alternatives.
- Budget: Most first-time visitors end up spending somewhere between ₩50,000–200,000 per visit.
- Timing it right: If your trip lines up with Olive Young Festa (typically held in June), you can catch discounts of up to 50%.
- Sign up for membership: It’s free and usually comes with a 15–20% welcome coupon — worth doing before you shop, even for a short trip.
Final Thoughts
Olive Young can feel overwhelming on a first visit — aisles of skincare, towers of sheet masks, and constant promotions everywhere you look. But if you go in with a shortlist (sunscreen, one hydrating essence, a handful of sheet masks, maybe one makeup item), you’ll walk out with a suitcase-friendly haul that covers the essentials without the overwhelm.
*Notice! Prices reflect an in-store visit on September 30, 2026, and may vary by location or change over time.
Leave a Reply