Ultimate Myeongdong Shopping Guide: 25 Fun Gifts
We are in the final stages of finalising everything for the 2024 Roaming Around With Robin & Allison (RAWRA) trip to Asia. One of the last things on our ‘To Do’ list is to compile suggestions for our travellers’ free time in each city. Shopping always features, but this year I thought I would go all out and create the ultimate Myeongdong shopping guide to help our ladies spoil those left at home. I’m so extra! I know our travellers love to bring home souvenirs from their travels as gifts for family and friends. While I’m sure a stock-standard postcard, shot glass or fridge magnet would still be appreciated, I wanted to inspire better gifting. To that end, I’m confident I’ve found the 25 best souvenirs in Seoul.
Why Create A Myeongdong Shopping Guide?
One of the signature components of a RAWRA trip is providing suggestions for our travellers to do in their down time. I knew shopping had to feature in Seoul. Some of our group are return travellers. I’ve seen them in action in Sydney and Bangkok so I know the damage they can do with a credit card. My Myeongdong shopping guide is more than just a list of Seoul’s big shopping malls. When compiling my Myeongdong shopping guide I had two constraints to consider; time and location. We have allocated just four hours of free time in Seoul so all my suggestions are confined to Myeongdong, Insadong and the nearby markets. So here we go … my 25 must buy Seoul souvenirs for the folks back home. I know they are going to love whatever you choose ….
25 Must Buy Myeongdong Gifts
1. Face Masks
K-Beauty is renowned the world over. While famous brands such as Laneige, Sulwhasoo and Innisfree have found international fame, there are many, many more you have probably never heard of. Myeongdong has over 1000 different outlets selling Korean skincare. Hit Olive Young’s Myeongdong mega store where you can pick up just about everything you need. Want to avoid the crowds? Hit the Insadong (Jongno Main) store instead. While you are no doubt going to fill up your basket with lotions and potions for yourself, take a minute to think of those back home. Face masks make the perfect gift and not just for the ladies in your life. The fellas need to look after their skin as well and also deserve some pampering. I love the look of Medi-Peel collegan modelling cup for a DIY option, but you can’t go past the sheet masks for ease.
2. Dojang
Signing official documents with a seal rather than an ink signature is still a thing in Korea. A dojang is a personal stamp, usually with the bearer’s initials, that acts as a signature. Dojang’s are so popular that many Korean’s have multiple dojangs. While I’m not suggesting for one second your bank back home will accept a stamp rather than your usual moniker, a dojang sure does make an amazing souvenir (for yourself) or a very unique gift. While there are quite a number of shops offering dojangs, Myung Sing Dang Brush Store in Insadong is reputed to be the best. And of course you want the best! The dojang at Myung Sin Dang are hand made, are ready in about an hour and start at just KRW30,00. Don’t forget to get a cute ink pot while you are there.
3. Prescription Glasses
OK so maybe prescription glasses are a little tricky to buy as a gift, but it would have been a travesty not to include them in my Myeongdong shopping guide. Who says self-gifting is not a thing? Not me! Prescription glasses can set you back hundreds of dollars, but in Korea they are dirt cheap in comparison and start at just KRW30,000. Did I mention the eye test is free? And standard prescriptions are usually ready in an hour? How can you go wrong. There are a slew of Opticians in Myeongdong, many which have English speaking staff. Davich comes highly recommended. Myeongdong glasses tend to be on the pricier side for Seoul and true bargain hunters will head to Namdaemun Market which is just one subway stop away.
4. Lip Balms
Tight on luggage space? Lip balms take up next to no room and they are always appreciated, From the budget friendly everyday balms for a co-worker to the high end stuff for a treasured friend. You can’t go wrong. Pick up one (or 10!) while you are in Olive Young getting your face masks or try Daiso. There are two Daiso stores in Myeongdong. Make sure you go to the big one (12 stories!!!) near the station.
5. Socks
Socks you say? Yup! Believe it or not, socks are a very popular gift to buy in Seoul. Koreans typically do not wear shoes indoors and it was considered rude to be barefoot so most people wore socks indoors not so long ago. While modern Korea is much more accepting, socks, especially novelty socks, are still very popular. Socks are affordable (around KRW10,00 for 11 pairs), easy to pack and come in endless varieties. Even your four legged friends are catered for. For that price they are never going to last long, but it will be fun while it lasts. Just make sure not to wear your socks with sandals. No. Just no. Take some cash to the Myeongdong Underground Shopping Centre as while many vendors offer card payments, they prefer cash.
6. Tea
Want me to spill the tea on where to buy tea in my Myeongdong shopping guide? Sorry! Couldn’t resist! Koreans seem to be able to make tea out of just about anything and turn to tea for the health and medicinal benefits. Insadong is the place to be for tea. The back streets are studded with traditional tea houses and Shin Old Tea House is my pick of the bunch. Nok-Cha (Green Tea) is by far the most popular, but be adventurous and take a minute to try Yeonnip-Cha (Lotus Leaf Tea), Gukhwa-Cha (Chrysanthemum Tea), Seokryu-Cha (Pomegrante Tea) or Insam-Cha (Ginsing Tea) while you are picking out your gifts.
7. Chopsticks (Jeotgarak)
Korean chopsticks differ from the chopsticks found in most of Asia in that they are slimmer, flatter and made of metal. Precious metal was originally used by the Royal Family to detect poison in food, but these days metal is used as it is eco-friendly, far more durable and resists staining from the marinated and picked food characteristic of Korean cuisine. Being heavier, metal chopsticks are a little trickier to use than their wooden Japanese and Chinese counterparts. Korean chopsticks sets (Sujeo) are often accompanied with a spoon. Did you know that Korean chopsticks come in different lengths? Men’s chopsticks are generally 10 inches and women’s are usually 9 inches. Shorter ones (and training chopsticks) are available for the little ones. Whether you are buying for a novice or an expert, they are sure to get a kick out of trying to master traditional metal Korean chopsticks.
8. Traditional Fans (Buchae)
Seoul can be sweltering in summer so it’s not unusual for residents to tote their own personal cooling devices around. The number of spokes in a fan indicates your standing in society and 50 spoke fans are reserved for the royal family. Gifting fans on special days was the norm and recipients would hand decorate them. Buchae come in a range of varieties including banggu (flat) and jeop (foldable). Teageukseon (red, white and blue) are used at international events and featured in the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Buchae decorated with peonies are used in Buchaechum, a traditional Korean fan danced performed by women. Which one will you choose?
9. Soju
Now we are getting to the good stuff! The booze! Soju is by far Korea’s most popular alcoholic drink. An acquired taste, Soju is strong (about 13%) and cheap. Soju is available in supermarkets and convenience stores everywhere so I had to include it in my Myeongdong shopping guide. Popular flavours include fresh, grape, blueberry and Pomegranate. Beware: Drinking Soju to excess can cause an epic hangover. Go easy!
10. Makgeolli
Makgeolli dates back to the Koryo Dynasty and is Korea’s oldest alcoholic beverage. A fermented rice wine made with nuruk, Makgeolli was made at home for centuries. Sadly during the Japanese occupation (1910 – 1045) Makgeolli was outlawed in an attempt to crush Korean culture and support local Sake production. Post WWII the emphasis was on modernisation and Makgeolli production dropped further. Fast forward to 2024 and modern young Koreans keen to connect with culture are embracing Grandma’s Makgeolli. Like anything, Makgeolli quality varies. Cheapies in many flavours are available at Lotte Mart, Emart and convenience stores. The good stuff is harder to find, but check out Spring Breeze for a more discerning bottle. Want to try brewing your own Makgeolli? Amazon has load of DIY kits to help you out.
11. K-Pop
Short for Korean popular music, K-Pop has breached the borders and hit the international stage. Psy’s catchy 2012 tune Gangnam Style was on everyone’s lips for a spell and still gets people on the dance floor over a decade later. New bands appear almost weekly but BTS, Blackpink and Seventeen are mainstays. Myeongdong is the epi-centre of K-Pop merch which ranges from dolls, posters, bags, jewellery, T-Shirts, key rings and more. K-Pop makes a fun gift for teens and tweens. Try Music Korea, Buruttrak or Annyeong. Need help with your K-Pop moves? Try this dance class.
12. Korean Starbucks Merchandise
People have been collecting Starbucks mugs for over 30 years. The selection has expanded and now there is lots to choose from including tumblers, gift packs and even teddies, many of which are unique to Korea. The Insa Starbucks store branding is in Korean rather than English in keeping with the traditional nature of the location. With over 600 Starbucks stores in Seoul alone, you can’t go more than a few blocks without stumbling over one. If you know a Starbucks fan, this is the gift for them.
13. Korean Paper (Hanji)
Korea has a proud history of paper making dating back over 1300 years. Hanji is handmade from the inner bark of the mulberry tree and is both incredibly strong and incredibly beautiful. Hanji is seeing a resurgence in modern Korea as the need to preserve ancient traditions and culture is recognised. While this is a Myeongdong shopping guide, Insadong is the clear winner in term of buying Hanji. Try Dongyang Traditional Korean Paper (7 Insadong 4-gil). Stationery and craft lovers in your life will surely love a few sheets of gorgeous paper to make their next project extra special.
14. Ceramics/Pottery
Did you know a Joseon dynasty moon jar sold for $4.5m at a Christie’s auctions last year? Described as old, round, imperfect and beautiful this could be the most expensive piece of Korean pottery on record. I’m going to assume that you don’t have a seven figure budget for your gifts, but don’t despair, Korean pottery, ceramics and earthenware can be affordable. If you have the time why not join a pottery class and make your own moor jar. Gifting something made with your own two hands is so special. Not as special as a $4.5m moon jar, but special nonetheless. Spend some time discovering the many ceramic and pottery stores in Insadong as you choose a special gift.
15. Bamboo Flutes
There are a number of varieties of traditional Korean bamboo flutes; daegeum, songeum, junggeum and tunsgo. Which ever one you choose, there are a cluster of music shops all surrounding the same intersection in Insadong which are sure to be able to sort you out. Want to try before you buy? This Korean musical experience not only allows you to watch a talented performance, but you also get to try your hand at playing. Cool!
16. Silk Scarves
No Myeongdong shopping guide would be complete without something to wear. Scarves take the guess work out of choosing the right sizes and are so versatile. Most women’s fashion stores will offer a selection. Try the third floor of Ssamziegil in Insadong or SALE 50 which has multiple stores in Insadong (11-2 Insadong-gil & 24 Insdaong-gil) and Myeongdong.
17. Mother Of Pearl Lacquerware (Najeonchilgi)
I bet you didn’t expect a history lesson on a post about shopping in Myeongdong, but I’m going to do it anyway so strap yourself in. Korean lacquerware was first noted in the Three Kings Period (57BC – 668AD). Mother of pearl was introduced in the Shilla Period (668AD – 935AD) and it really became popular in the Goryeo Dynasty (918AD – 1392AD). The Japanese halted production duriing their occupation (1910-1945), but flourished again in the 1960’s and 1970’s. In 2024, you can choose from mother of pearl lacquerware jewellery boxes, jewellery, mirrors, combs and even mobile phone cases. Crafty Insadong is the place to shop for mother of pearl lacquerware. The Seoul Museum of Craft Art has some excellent examples of mother of pearl lacquerware or you can try your hand at making your own at this mother of pearl craft workshop.
18. Hanbok Teddy
No space or budget for a Hanbok for yourself? While you can rent one for a day for a few dollars, you don’t get to take it home. The next best thing is a hanbok teddy. I mean just look at these guys. They are so cute, Hanbok teddies comes in various sizes from budget multi pack key rings to the bigger varieties below. If you already have a favourite teddy just buy the Hanbok from Namdaemun Market and dress them to the nines.
19. Korean Name Jewellery
I’m a big fan of splashing my name on everything I can. Why not I say! A Korean name necklace, bracelet, ring or pair of earrings can make a great gift IF the name translates well. In order for an English name to translate well to Korean it needs to be the name of an object not just a name. Robin (also a bird) translates well to Ulsae (울새). Allison, on the other hand, is just a name. The best I can do is look to the meaning of my name for a translation. Allison = noble = Gogwihan (고귀한). Not going to lie, I’m not loving Gogwihan. If you know a Rose, Petal, Ginger, Pearl, Ivy, Violet, Willow or any other person in your life whose name is also an object this could be the perfect gift for them. Want to make your own? Try this class.
20. Crochet Dish Scrubbers
No one wants to be washing dishes by hand, but it’s a necessary evil. These cute crochet dish scrubbers may make it just about bearable. Made from Korean ‘eyelash yarn’ they are hand crocheted and come in many different varieties and are are so darn cute. Get yours at Daiso.
21. Korean Cookbook
Want to relive the flavours of Seoul? Grab a mate who is handy in the kitchen a Korean cookbook. Surely they have to invite you over when they try out one of the many delicious recipes. I mean it would be rude not to. English books store are thin on the ground and your best bet is Kyobo Bookstore Gwanghwamun. Bulgogi anyone?
22. Bojagi
Bojagi roughly translates as ‘covering’ or ‘wrapping cloth’. Koreans are a thrifty bunch and not wanting anything to go to waste they would sew the scraps of fabrics left over from making Hanboks into square cloths to live again as gift wrapping. These days Bojagi is not just made of scraps and can include large square of single fabric and are often embroidered. Typically made of silk or ramie, you can use your Bojagi over and over again and I would argue that these beautiful items are just as good (or better than!) the gift inside. Once you have your bojagi take the time to learn how to wrap your gift. Want to learn more? The Seoul Museum of Craft Art has a permanent exhibition dedicated to bojagi.
22. Norigae
Norigae, knotted tassels, date back to the Josean Dynasty and are typically used to decorate the traditional Korean Hanbok. These also make a great keyring or addition to your Bojagi. You’ll find Norigae in the markets, Insadong and Ssamziegil mall.
24. YutNoRi
YutNori is traditional Korean game loved by children and adults alike, particularly on special holidays like Lunar New Year. The game consists of a playing board and four wooden sticks used in the same manner as dice. Players divide themselves into two teams and aim to get to home base first. Lot’s of fun for the young or the young at heart. You can buy YutNoRi at the markets in and around Myeongdong and Insadong.
25. Gonggi
Gonggi is much like my childhood favourite game ‘jacks’ that consumed much of my primary school lunch breaks. While the shape of the ‘stones’ in gonggi differ to those of my childhood, the concept is the same. Toss the stones, catch them on the back of your hand, toss them again and catch them in your palm. Pick up the stones that are not caught while tossing a stone is tossed in the air. Gonggi is abundant and cheap from the markets. Buy a pack for everyone!
Myeongdong Shopping Guide Wrapped Up
So that was a long list huh? I hope you found some inspiration to maximise your Myeongdong shopping experience. No matter what you choose I know your recipient will appreciate the effort. Take your gifting to the next level by printing up a little card explaining the significance of the item, wrapping it thoughtfully and handing your parcel over with both hands as is the custom in Korea.
Disclosure Statement: This post is not sponsored. The information provided is based on our own personal experiences and has not been influenced in any way by the brand(s) featured. This post contains affiliate links and any purchases will earn us a small commission at no additional cost to you.
