Pack Light, Travel Right: Shopping Guide in South Korea (Daiso & Olive Young)

Q1. How much cash should I exchange when traveling to South Korea?

A: Although South Korea is a highly safe country, it is advisable not to carry an excessive amount of cash. Exchanging around 50,000 to 100,000 KRW is sufficient for charging your public transportation card, shopping at traditional markets, and purchasing street food. For other expenses, using a travel card or credit card is much more advantageous.

Q2. Does Google Maps work well in South Korea? What are the alternative apps?

A: Due to national security reasons, the pedestrian navigation feature on Google Maps does not function properly in South Korea. Upon arrival, it is highly recommended to download 'Naver Map' or 'KakaoMap' and set the language to English. These are the primary navigation applications used by most people in Korea, including myself.

Q3. Can I use 110V electronic devices without an adapter?

A: South Korea uses a 220V, 60Hz power supply with round-pin outlets. While you can purchase a multi-plug adapter at Daiso for 5,000 KRW, you may need to charge your smartphone immediately on your first day. Therefore, bringing at least one adapter from your home country is recommended.

Q4. Should I bring all my emergency medication from my home country?

A: You only need to bring your regular prescription medications. Over-the-counter drugs such as digestive medicines, painkillers, and artificial tears can be easily purchased at any pharmacy in Korea by simply describing your symptoms. They typically cost between 3,000 and 5,000 KRW. Since pharmacies are ubiquitous, purchasing medication is very convenient.

Q5. Where can I buy an umbrella if it rains suddenly?

A: In South Korea, convenience stores (such as CU, GS25, etc.) are located approximately every 100 meters. Additionally, stores like Daiso sell transparent and folding umbrellas for 4,000 to 6,000 KRW, available 24 hours a day.

Q6. Do I need to leave a tip at restaurants or in taxis?

A: There is absolutely no tipping culture in South Korea. You only need to pay the exact amount written on the receipt. Furthermore, additional water and side dishes at restaurants are mostly free of charge or self-served. If any establishment demands a tip, please let me know, and I will report them.

Q7. Can I use a foreign credit card (Visa Tap) for Korean public transportation?

A: Foreign credit cards are not yet fully compatible with all public transportation systems in Korea. The most reliable and convenient method is to purchase a T-money card at an airport convenience store for about 10,000 KRW and recharge it with Korean Won (cash) whenever necessary.

Q8. Is toilet paper usually provided in public restrooms?

A: Public restrooms in Korea are exceptionally clean and well-stocked with toilet paper. However, older traditional markets may occasionally lack them, so carrying a packet of pocket tissues is a safe precaution. Overall, public facilities in Korea offer excellent service, but since it is not 100% guaranteed, it is best to be prepared.

1. South Korea Travel Essentials: What to Pack Before Departure

While South Korea boasts world-class shopping infrastructure, there are certain items you will need immediately upon disembarkation. Preparing these in advance will ensure a smooth start to your journey.

'K-ETA' or Visa & Passport : Even if you are from a visa-exempt country, you must check whether you are required to apply for a K-ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before entry. It is safest to have a passport with at least six months of validity remaining from your date of entry.

'e-SIM' or 'Pocket Wi-Fi' : Since using map applications, translators, and taxi-hailing apps is essential right from the airport arrival hall, pre-activating an unlimited data eSIM or physical SIM card is the most convenient option. South Korea's internet speed is exceptionally fast, making your travel highly convenient as long as your smartphone is connected.

Korean Won Cash for Recharging (50,000~100,000 KRW) : The compatibility of foreign credit cards with Korean public transportation is limited. Cash is strictly required when purchasing and recharging transportation cards at airport convenience stores or subway stations, as the recharging machines only accept cash.

220V C/F Type Adapter : Because South Korea uses 220V, 60Hz power with round-pin outlets, a multi-plug adapter is an absolute necessity for travelers from countries that use 110V.

Easy-to-Remove Shoes : There are still many places in Korea where you must take off your shoes, such as traditional Hanok accommodations, floor-seating restaurants, and templestays. Slip-on shoes or sneakers are far more practical than boots that are difficult to take off.

2. First Day in Korea: Daiso Korea & Olive Young Must-Have Shopping List

I consider this to be one of the greatest advantages of traveling to Korea. There are numerous stores where you can easily purchase daily necessities. It is perfectly fine if you arrive with just your passport and cash. Once you visit 'Daiso' and 'Olive Young,' which are located throughout Korean city centers, you will realize there was no need to bring a heavy suitcase.

1) Daiso Korea: The Ultimate Destination for Cost-Effective Practical Items

Most products range from 1,000 to 5,000 KRW, making it the perfect place to buy items locally and discard them before your departure, allowing you to travel light. In addition to the items below, there is a vast selection, so you can enjoy shopping while economically acquiring what you need.

Coin Purse (1,000~2,000 KRW) : Essential for managing the change left over from recharging your T-money card or the small bills used for buying street food at food stalls (Pojangmacha).

Portable Wet Wipes & Pocket Tissues (1,000 KRW per pack) : Highly useful for wiping your mouth after eating outdoor street food or for safely disposing of wooden skewers.

Korean Multi-Plug Extension Cord (5,000 KRW) : An indispensable item that allows you to charge multiple electronic devices simultaneously when your hotel room lacks enough outlets or you only brought one adapter.

Umbrella Pouch / Waterproof Cover (2,000 KRW) : Protects your bag from getting wet when you carry a damp folding umbrella into the subway or indoors on a rainy day.

Compact Reusable Shopping Bag (1,000~2,000 KRW) : Korean supermarkets and convenience stores either charge for plastic bags or do not provide them at all. A lightweight, portable shopping bag is incredibly useful.

2) Olive Young: Recovery and K-Beauty Essentials for Tourists

Located in every major downtown area, this is the mecca of K-Beauty, filled with items that will elevate the quality of your trip to Korea. It is also quite entertaining just to browse.

Calming Calf Patches (approx. 3,000~4,000 KRW) : The best item to relieve leg fatigue at night after walking over 20,000 steps a day through the steep, hilly streets of Bukchon or Itaewon.

Travel-Sized Cleansing & Skincare Sets (5,000~10,000 KRW range) : Instead of packing heavy liquids in your checked baggage before traveling to Korea, purchase high-quality Korean cosmetics tailored to your skin type in mini sizes locally. You can also test them directly in the store. Korean cosmetics are widely known for being affordable yet excellent in quality.

Acne Soothing Patches (5,000~8,000 KRW) : Highly effective when applied directly to sudden skin breakouts caused by changes in water or the environment. This is one of the products that my foreign friends are most satisfied with.

3. Korean Convenience Store Tips and Pharmacy Essentials

1) 24-Hour Convenience Stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven)

Power Bank Rental Service : Using map applications and translators drains your smartphone's battery quickly. Most Korean convenience stores offer affordable power bank rentals through specific applications, allowing you to return them to different branches. (If you bring your own, remember it must be carried in your cabin baggage, not checked in).

Ice Cups (approx. 700~1,000 KRW) : Experience Korea’s unique and affordable convenience store culture by purchasing coffee or beverages in pouches and pouring them directly into a cup filled with ice. There is an amazing variety of flavors and types of drinks, so be sure to try them. I highly recommend this, as there are countless beverage combinations even I haven't tried yet. You will experience entirely new flavors.

2) Local Korean Pharmacies (Marked with a Red Cross)

Digestive Medicines and Antidiarrheals (approx. 3,000~4,000 KRW) : You might experience indigestion or an upset stomach from spicy and salty Korean food or unfamiliar street food. Ask the pharmacist for a "liquid digestive medicine (masineun sohwaje)" along with pills. You will find numerous pharmacies no matter which region you visit. Many pharmacies also remain open on weekends.

Artificial Tears / Disposable Eye Drops (approx. 5,000 KRW) : Quickly relieves dry eyes caused by spring fine dust or dry winter weather.

Besides these, Korean pharmacies stock a wide range of items, including headache medicine, bandages, and health supplements. You will find it quite enjoyable to shop there.

Store Category	Recommended Items to Purchase	Shopping Tips & Features
Daiso (Discount Store)	Coin purses, travel plug adapters, 220V charging cables, mini umbrellas, slippers, vacuum storage bags, travel-sized bottles, hand mirrors, heat packs, luggage tags.	Highly cost-effective; almost all daily necessities and travel essentials are priced between 1,000 and 5,000 KRW.
Olive Young (K-Beauty Store)	Calming calf patches, travel-sized facial cleansers/shampoos, sunscreens, acne soothing patches, facial sheet masks, hand creams, mouthwashes.	A premier K-beauty retailer located in every major downtown area. Optimal for purchasing skin-soothing products and portable hygiene items during your trip.
Korean Convenience Stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven)	T-money transit cards, ice cups, portable power bank rentals, umbrellas, disposable razors, bottled water, compact wet wipes.	Operating 24 hours a day, these stores are ideal for easily acquiring urgent supplies immediately after late-night arrivals or while traveling.
Pharmacies (Marked with a Red Cross)	Liquid digestive medicines, digestive pills, antidiarrheals, Tylenol, muscle pain relief patches, artificial tears, waterproof bandages.	Fast-acting over-the-counter medications can be purchased without a prescription by simply explaining your symptoms (e.g., "Stomach ache," "Digestion") to the pharmacist.
Subway Underground Shopping Centers	Affordable cotton socks (around 1,000 KRW), indoor slippers/slip-on shoes, seasonal clothing (t-shirts, thin cardigans), winter gloves/scarves.	An excellent destination to purchase budget-friendly apparel and basic clothing items.
Large Supermarkets (E-mart, Lotte Mart, Homeplus)	Korean roasted seaweed (Gim), packaged Kimchi, Ramyeon, large-sized snacks, instant rice, fresh meat.	Perfect for purchasing processed Korean foods for souvenirs or grocery shopping for cooking at your accommodation.

4. Four Seasons Preparation: South Korea Weather Packing Guide

South Korea has very distinct four seasons, so it is necessary to pack flexibly according to the time of your visit.

Season	South Korea Weather Conditions	Essential Packing List
Spring (March–May)	Significant temperature fluctuations between day and night, yellow dust, and fine dust.	Light outerwear (windbreakers, cardigans), KF94 health masks, allergy eye drops.
Summer (June–August)	High temperatures and humidity, monsoon season (heavy rain), and severe heatwaves.	Dual-purpose umbrellas (for UV protection and rain), quick-drying clothing.
Autumn (September–November)	Clear and dry skies, chilly night breezes.	Autumn knits or lightweight jackets, moisturizing lip balms, and hydrating face creams.
Winter (December–February)	Severe cold dropping to -10°C (14°F) and piercing winds.	Long puffer jackets or heavy winter coats, thermal underwear, gloves, scarves, and heat packs (easily purchasable at local convenience stores or Daiso).

5. Recommended Items to Upgrade Your South Korea Travel Experience

Foreigner-Exclusive Prepaid Travel Cards (WOWPASS, NAMANE Card, etc.) : These are cards that can be recharged directly with foreign currency at kiosks without needing Korean Won in cash. They greatly reduce the hassle of currency exchange by functioning simultaneously as a credit card for restaurants and a public transportation card in Korea. They can be issued at unmanned kiosks in airports or major subway stations. If you are unsure how to use them on-site, ask the staff, and they will kindly assist you.

Category (구분)	NAMANE Card	WOWPASS
Key Features (주요 특징)	Customizable with personal designs (e.g., photos or characters).	An all-in-one travel card combining currency exchange, standard payments, and public transit functions.
Issuance & Top-Up (발급/충전)	Issued via the mobile app or self-service kiosks. Supports various top-up methods.	Issued and recharged directly at automated self-service kiosks.
Accepted Locations (사용처)	Public transportation, convenience stores, cafes, restaurants, etc.	Accepted for payments at restaurants, convenience stores, Starbucks, and for public transit usage.

Thick, Well-Cushioned Socks : Walking through Korean subway transfer passages or the streets of Myeongdong and Hongdae can cause significant foot fatigue. Pack high-quality, thick cotton socks, or purchase a bundle of 10 pairs affordably for around 10,000 KRW at underground subway shopping centers (such as Goto Mall or Hongik University Station).

Personal Tumbler : Korea has a surprisingly large number of cafes. My foreign friends were truly amazed at first. At almost all cafes, you can receive a discount on takeout orders if you bring your own tumbler. It is also extremely convenient when using the water purifiers located in trains or hotel corridors.

Real Tips for Journey to Korea

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