Charmaine AchaBringing home souvenirs is one of the best parts of any trip — little keepsakes that remind you of your journey and gifts that make friends and family smile. If you’re visiting South Korea in 2025, you’ll find no shortage of unique and affordable souvenirs beyond the usual keychains and magnets. From quirky accessories and traditional crafts to K-beauty essentials and iconic Korean snacks, there’s something for everyone on your list.
Here’s a 2025 guide to the best souvenirs in Korea — what to buy, where to find them, and why they make such meaningful gifts.
Also read: Top 13 Korean Souvenirs That Friends Will Love You For
Korea souvenirs as keepsakes
1. Socks
A cult-favorite Korean souvenir! These socks come in endless designs — from K-pop idols and cartoon characters to cute animals and trendy logos. They’re lightweight, practical, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Where to buy: Myeongdong Underground Shopping Centre, Insadong
2. Chopsticks
Korean chopsticks are often stainless steel and beautifully decorated with intricate patterns. They make elegant, useful gifts that highlight Korea’s dining culture.
Where to buy: Myeongdong Underground Shopping Centre, Insadong
3. Nail clippers
A surprisingly popular souvenir! Many Korean nail clippers double as keychains and come with traditional or modern designs. They’re both fun and functional.
Where to buy: Myeongdong Underground Shopping Centre, Insadong
4. Pouches
Small, colorful pouches featuring traditional Korean embroidery or modern cute prints are perfect for storing coins, accessories, or cosmetics. They’re especially popular as gifts for female friends.
Where to buy: Insadong
5. Wallets
Compact wallets in bold colors or with Korean motifs are another thoughtful gift. They’re affordable, lightweight, and practical — easy to tuck into your luggage.
Where to buy: Insadong
6. Bookmarks
For your book-loving friends, Korean bookmarks come in metal, wood, or fabric, often decorated with hanbok patterns, Korean landscapes, or traditional symbols.
Where to buy: Insadong
7. Ball pen set
Korean stationery is well-loved worldwide, and pen sets often come packaged with keychains or small trinkets. They make excellent souvenirs for students or coworkers.
Where to buy: Myeongdong Underground Shopping Centre
8. Korean paper products
Korea has a long tradition of handmade paper (hanji). Today, you’ll find this heritage reflected in stationery, journals, and gift bags — perfect for artsy friends.
Where to buy: Insadong
9. Hand mirrors
Compact mirrors with colorful designs or mother-of-pearl inlay are popular among visitors. They’re practical yet elegant, and small enough to fit into any bag.
Where to buy: Insadong
10. Wall decor (paintings)
Small framed artworks or calligraphy pieces make meaningful souvenirs for families. Many are painted on hanji paper, giving them a distinct texture and look.
Where to buy: Insadong
11. Animal figurines
Ceramic or wooden animal figurines are easy to carry and make charming gifts for kids or animal lovers. They also add a quirky touch to home décor.
Where to buy: Insadong
12. Zodiac figurines
Inspired by the 12-year Korean zodiac cycle, these figurines are often given as lucky charms. They’re thoughtful souvenirs for friends who enjoy symbolic keepsakes.
Where to buy: Insadong
13. Scarves
Soft, lightweight scarves with Korean-inspired patterns make versatile souvenirs. They’re stylish, practical, and appreciated across all ages.
Where to buy: Insadong
14. Plush toys
Cute and huggable, plushies inspired by Korean characters or K-pop mascots are perfect for children (or the young at heart).
Where to buy: Insadong
15. Bags
Trendy tote bags and crossbody styles are popular in Korea, often featuring bold prints or traditional embroidery. They make great everyday accessories.
Where to buy: Insadong
16. Handpainted folding fans
Image credit: Petar Milošević
While folding fans are common across Asia, Korea’s versions often feature traditional hanbok designs, landscapes, or calligraphy — making them special keepsakes.
Where to buy: Namdaemun Market
Korean beauty products
17. Face masks
Image credit: innisfree
17. Face Masks
No trip to Korea is complete without sheet masks! From soothing aloe to brightening ginseng, they’re a must-buy for skincare fans. Shops in Myeongdong often hand out free samples, too.
Where to buy: Skincare shops in Myeongdong
Also read: Seoul: 10 Tips for Shopping in Myeongdong
18. Body creams
Korean beauty stores sell body creams in creative packaging — from fruit-shaped containers to minimalist jars. They’re fun, giftable, and smell amazing.
Where to buy: Skincare shops in Myeongdong
Also read: 13 Must-Try Korean Beauty Brands & Their Best-Selling Products
Korean food items
19. Pastries
Street vendors and shops in Insadong sell Korean-style pastries filled with red bean or sweet cream. They’re light, tasty, and easy to pack as snacks.
Where to buy: Insadong
20. Mochi-like treats
Chewy, colorful rice cakes and mochi-style sweets are popular picks. They often come in assorted flavors, making them a fun treat to bring back home.
Where to buy: Insadong
21. Korean jellies
Colorful jelly candies in unique flavors like yuzu, grape, or peach are a sweet gift idea, especially for kids or sweet-toothed friends.
Where to buy: Insadong
22. Korean candies
Hard candies with ginseng, fruit, or honey flavors are a staple souvenir. They’re portable and make easy-to-share office treats.
Where to buy: Insadong
23. Dragon beard candy
Image credit: Gary Au
A must-try Korean specialty! Dragon beard candy looks like tiny silk cocoons but melts in your mouth with fillings like peanut, almond, or chocolate. Watching it being made is part of the fun.
Where to buy: Insadong
24. Lotte Mart food items
If you’re short on time, head to any Lotte Mart or supermarket. You’ll find instant noodles, seaweed snacks, and ready-to-pack Korean treats that travel well.
Where to buy: Lotte Mart outlets nationwide
25. Korean ginseng
Image credit: Eugene Kim
Known for its health benefits, ginseng is one of Korea’s most iconic products. Whether in tea, candy, or dried root form, it makes a memorable gift — especially for older relatives.
Where to buy: Gyeongdong Market
From cute stationery and traditional crafts to world-famous K-beauty products and delicious Korean snacks, shopping for souvenirs in Korea is an experience in itself. Whether you browse the busy lanes of Insadong, the underground malls of Myeongdong, or the shelves of Lotte Mart, you’re sure to find something special to bring back in 2025.
Happy souvenir hunting — and don’t forget to leave some extra space in your suitcase!
