Shopping & K-Beauty
K-beauty stores, markets, duty-free and tax refunds.
Guides for this section are being researched and checked. Meanwhile, start with the Start Here page or the Getting Around guides.
About this section
Korea is a shopping destination in its own right — for skincare and cosmetics, fashion, stationery, snacks and souvenirs. This section is about buying things: where to shop, how prices compare, and how to claim back tax as a visitor.
K-beauty. Health-and-beauty chains and brand flagship stores are everywhere in central Seoul and Busan, and tourist-area branches have staff used to foreign customers. Prices on the same product can vary between stores and online, and frequent sales change what’s cheapest.
Tax refunds. Visitors can claim back part of the VAT on eligible purchases. Some stores deduct it at the till; otherwise you claim at the airport or at refund kiosks. Keep your passport with you when shopping — stores need it for tax-free sales.
Markets and malls. Traditional markets like Namdaemun and Dongdaemun sit alongside underground shopping arcades and large department stores. Bargaining is not expected in most shops.
What we don’t cover. This section does not give medical, dermatology or cosmetic-procedure advice.
Shopping guides, with sources and a facts-checked date, will be published here. For paying and budgeting, see Planning Guides.