My husband, his sister, my mother-in-law, and I are ready to brave the chilly winter weather as we embark on our holiday adventure in South Korea this December! We are ready to experience the local culture with every bite of delicious Korean food, put my Hangul skills to the test, and indulge in the world-renowned K-beauty products.
With a limited budget but an abundance of things to explore, I did my research to discover the best ways to spend our Korean won.
#1: BEAUTY OF JOSEON PROPOLIS SERUM
I’ve always been intrigued by honey in skincare, and the Beauty of Joseon Propolis Serum is exactly what my skin needs this winter. This honey-like serum is packed with propolis and niacinamide to balance oil production, minimize pores, and even out skin tone. It’s hydrating without feeling greasy. For about 21,000 KRW, this serum can provide what we need for the dry winter air.
#2: COSRX LOW PH GOOD MORNING GEL CLEANSER
As a longtime fan of COSRX, this gel cleanser never disappoints. It gently cleanses without stripping your skin, thanks to its pH-balanced formula. With BHA to unclog pores and tea tree oil to zap zits, this daily face wash keeps me feeling fresh without worrying about breakouts or dryness. It retails for as low as 10,000 KRW.
#3: SAEM ICELAND HYDRATING EYE STICK
For those days when I’ve hit the snooze button one too many times, The Saem’s Iceland Hydrating Eye Stick is a lifesaver. Infused with Icelandic glacier water, it delivers an instant hydration boost, giving my eyes the freshness they need to start the day right. It’s priced at 8,500 KRW.
#4: MIXSOON BEAN CREAM
Finding the perfect moisturizer can feel impossible until I discovered Mixsoon Bean Cream, selling for about 30,000 KRW. This thick yet light cream is a game-changer, leaving my skin plump, hydrated, and dewy. It’s truly the kind of cream I can see myself using for years to come.
#5: ROM&ND JUICY LASTING TINT
This lip tint is a cult favorite for a reason. Known for its long-lasting formula, the Rom&nd Juicy Lasting Tint offers beautifully soft shades. It’s perfect for achieving a natural, lasting lip look with minimal touch-ups throughout the day. Tint is priced at 13,000 KRW.
Image Credits: romand.us/products/rom-nd-juicy-lasting-tint
#6: AOU GLOWY TINT BALM
AOU has become one of my favorite K-beauty brands, especially their Glowy Tint Balm. Popular among K-pop idols, this balm works double duty as both a lip and cheek tint. For a flesh glow, you can get it for 18,000 KRW.
#7: TEAZEN KOMBUCHA
If you’re looking for a refreshing, healthy drink, Teazen Kombucha is a must-try. Loved by BTS’s Jungkook, this low-calorie, sugar-free kombucha comes in flavors like Shine Muscat and Peach. It retails for about 2,000 KRW.
#8: DELIGHT PROJECT BAGEL CHIPS
You haven’t truly tasted Korea until you’ve tried DELIGHT PROJECT’s bagel chips. Available in savory flavors like “Corn Soup” and “Real Pizza,” these crispy treats are a perfect snack while shopping or exploring. They’re addictive and definitely worth the purchase (i.e., 5,000 KRW each), even if the portions are a bit small.
#9: MEDIHEAL SHEET MASKS
As an avid fan of Korean skincare, I swear by sheet masks for instant hydration. MEDIHEAL offers a range of options, including their Watermide and Tea Tree masks, which are perfect for soothing dry or acne-prone skin. These masks (i.e., 2,000 KRW per mask) leave your skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after just one use.
#10: OMORI KIMCHI STEW RAMYUN
Warm up with a bowl of Omori Kimchi Stew Ramyun for about 2,500 KRW. The soft noodles and flavorful broth strike the perfect balance between spicy and tangy, with just the right amount of kimchi. It’s a comfort food that’s perfect for a chilly day in Seoul.
#11: K-FISH FISH CAKES
For a taste of traditional Korean street food, try K-fish fish cakes. These are often used in dishes like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and budae-jjigae (army stew). They’re chewy, savory, and packed with flavor. It retails in the grocery for about 3,500 KRW.
Image Credits: unsplash.com
#12: HAIO SEAWEED
Haio Seaweed (i.e., about 1,500 KRW each) is a simple yet delightful treat. Fresh, lightly toasted with sesame oil, it’s perfect for snacking or pairing with a bowl of rice. It’s the kind of snack you’ll want to stock up on!
#13: CHOCO PIE
No trip to Korea is complete without trying a Choco Pie. This chocolate-coated marshmallow cake, which costs approximately 1,500 KRW, is a beloved Korean snack. With unique flavors constantly being released, it’s always fun to try something new.
#14: AUTHENTIC GINSENG
Looking for an uncommon souvenir? Visit the ginseng market in Jegi-dong for high-quality ginseng products. From raw ginseng to extracts, you’ll find something for every budget, with most tourists spending around 50,000 to 80,000 KRW.
#15: KOREAN SOCKS
One of the best souvenirs you can buy in Korea are their famous socks. Whether you’re looking for something cozy or quirky, you can find a wide variety at affordable prices usually ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 KRW.
#16: FACE CARICATURES
Finally, capture the fun and whimsy of Korea with a face caricature. This entertaining experience allows you to transform your features into a playful work of art. This is perfect for a memorable souvenir or a gift for a loved one. Experience it for about 30,000 to 50,000 KRW via Klook app.
With so much to explore and so little time, these are just a few of the things I can’t wait to try. Which ones will you purchase? Feel free to comment below.
Image Credits: facebook.com/ittsfarahh