Everyone goes to Seoul, South Korea and buys skincare and makeup. In this post we will highlight unique things to buy in Seoul, South Korea. This was my fourth time to Seoul, South Korea (Check out my Shopping in South Korea-Seoul and Beyond post from all the way back in 2018.) So, I definitely understand a little more about shopping in Seoul.

However, I was tired of coming home with a suitcase full of items that were impulse buys. Many of these included items I bought on a whim at the dollar store that I never used. Today I’m sharing tips for intentional shopping in Seoul. Come home with unique things you will actually use.

Clothes Thrifting

VinPrime
I got super into thrifting while traveling after I went to a thrift store called 2nd Street in Tokyo two years ago. Thrifting in Asia is so much fun. It’s so interesting to see the styles of clothing people are donating in other parts of the world.

VinPrime is a thrift store with a great selection and multiple locations in Seoul. There were great sales during the time I went. Everything was 50% off. This was on top of the prices already being very reasonable.

The clothes were organized into sections, so it was very easy to find things. One aisle was completely made up of trench coats. Another had only skirts.

I didn’t want to have to purchase a new suitcase. However, if I was willing to do that, I would have bought many more things. I ended up buying multiple skirts, a jacket, a dress for myself and a dress for my mother.

Address: The Express Bus Terminal subway station.

Website: 빈프라임 – 해외 직수입 프리미엄 빈티지, Express Terminal Store | vinprime

Used Books/Music

Aladdin Used Books
This is a great quality used bookstore. All of the books were in excellent condition. It was very organized and didn’t look like a “used” bookstore. The store has books in Korean as well as other languages. They also sell stationary, including notebooks. I bought two notebooks.

Address: South Korea, Seoul, Seocho District, Gangnam-daero, 381 지하 1층

No English Website.

MusicKorea
This is my go-to store for buying Korean CDs. I first went to MusicKorea in 2014. The Myeongdong location moved to a different corner and is now smaller. However, it’s still a great option to pick up Korean CDs if that interests you.

Buying CDs isn’t something that is super unique. However, many people stream their music now and do not buy physical media. So, I still believe that it deserves a place on this list of unique things to buy in Seoul.

Address: 1st floor, 134, Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul Korea

Website: MUSIC KOREA: K-POP CDs Online Shop

Groceries

Lotte Super
Look out for supermarkets near your hotel or rental. I found a great supermarket named Lotte Super. It was located near my Airbnb in the Gangnam neighborhood of Seoul. This little supermarket was in the basement of a small shopping mall/apartment complex.

Supermarkets are great for saving money because you can cook your own food during your trip. They are also great places to pick up unique snacks that can be brought back home as souvenirs.

Address: 660 Seolleung-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea (It’s in the basement of this apartment building.)

No Website.

Misc.

Daiso is a Japanese dollar store that is popular in South Korea. They have everything from skincare to home items and snacks. It’s easy to want to buy everything.

In the past, I would go into Daiso and buy so many things. I was not intentional at all. Then I would return home with lots of things I never used. However, if you are interested in unique things to buy in Seoul, South Korea, Daiso is still a good choice.

Plan on visiting Daiso to look specifically for unique items. I look at each department (home goods, beauty items and snacks). Then I select items that I believe are truly different from items I’ve seen before. I also decide if it’s something I will actually use. Or items I can think of for specific people I know. I don’t just toss things into my basket anymore, just because they’re cute.

Address (12 Story Myeongdong Location): 134-1 퇴계로 Jung District, Seoul, South Korea

Website: Visit A Daiso Store Near You! – DAISO

Souvenir Stalls

These are great for general souvenirs that uniquely represent South Korea. You won’t find socks with traditional Korean figures on them in other countries. They are the perfect blend of practical and intentional.

Find lots of these stalls in the Dongdaemun neighborhood of Seoul near the Heunginjimun Gate and the Cheonggyecheon Stream.

Prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses

Top 50 Glasses
I had not bought prescription sunglasses in years. During this trip I bought a pair of sunglasses from Top 50 Glasses, a shop located in the same building as my Airbnb.

The customer service I received was incredible. The salespeople showed me which styles and frame shapes would work best with my prescription. I didn’t even know that was a thing.

I was nervous about being able to receive the sunglasses before I was due to go home. I was assured they would be ready in about two days. Imagine my surprise when they were ready the very next day.

Prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses are reasonably priced and ready very quickly. They are definitely a great choice for unique things to buy in Seoul, South Korea. 

Address: 서울특별시 강남구 학동로 342 에스케이 허브블루 114, 115호

Website: TOP50GLASSES

Now you know where to buy unique things in Seoul, South Korea. You won’t come home with a suitcase full of boring things that you will never use.