KoreaList

Cheap Thrills from Korea Worth Your Last Won

Cheap things to buy in Korea are aplenty which is good news because traveling on a budget in Seoul can be a challenge. We’ve already broken down the best shopping areas where you can do some do cheap shopping in Seoul. But to help you sort through the overwhelming amount of products Seoul offers and to make sure you pick up perfect souvenirs from Seoul, here are 8 cheap things to buy in Korea. 

Cheap Thing #1: Socks

Cheap things to buy in korea
Cheap Thing #1: Socks (Flickr/Chelsea Marie Hicks)

Socks are one the best cheap things to buy in Korea. Seoul is a mecca for inexpensive, high-quality socks. Find colorful patterns and playful prints. At around USD$1.00 a pair, you can pretty much afford to bring pack a pair for everyone you know.

Cheap Thing #2: Cosmetics

Korea is famous for their sheet masks and luckily, they’re on our list of cheap things to buy in Korea. Grab a stack and gift to your BFF who’s obsessed with beauty (or gift to yourself for some quality me-time). While you’re at it, head to Korean beauty stores like Tony Moly, Hollika Hollika, The Faceshop or Etude House and pick up other inexpensive goodies like lip gloss, hand creams or masks in super adorable packages.

Cheap Thing #3: Soju

Cheap Thing #3: Soju (Wikimedia/Beatlehoon)

Weekends are made for soju! Bring home a few bottles of soju in your suitcase and break them out for last-minute gifts, birthday celebrations or just any ol’ Friday night. You can find soju at any convenience store in Korea for about USD$3.00 a bottle which means weekends are about to get a whole lot more fun.

Cheap Thing #4: T-Shirts

cheap things to buy in korea: t-shirts
Cheap Thing #4: T-shirts (Flickr/Tory)

T-shirts (among other clothing items) are of the cheap things to buy in Korea. We’re talking about cute and trendy tees, forget those lame ‘My grandma went to Rome and all I got was this lousy t-shirt’ shirts. Visit an underground shopping street or mall in Seoul for some great, cheap shopping.

Cheap Thing #5: Shoes

Shoes make our list of cheap things to buy in Korea because with a little perusing of the underground malls, you can spot affordable (and trendy!) sandals and flats for both men and women.

Cheap Thing #6: Accessories

Cheap shopping in Seoul doesn’t get better than accessories in Korea. Hats, totes, purses, and costume jewelry are a steal in Korea. They won’t break the bank and they come with adorable quotes, illustrations, and patterns.

Cheap Thing #7: Everything K-Pop

Got a friend who loves all things K-pop? Head to Seoul for some cheap shopping of K-pop paraphernalia. Score pens, stickers, fans, posters, pins and more plastered with your favorite K-pop stars.

Cheap Thing #8: Korean Snacks

cheap things to buy in korea: snacks
Cheap Thing #8: Korean Snacks (Flickr/Yusuke Kawasaki)

Snacks are not only one of the cheapest things to buy in Korea but they’re also one of the tastiest. Drop by one of Korea’s many duty-free stores and collect chips, candies and snack cakes. Pop them in your suitcase and savor your memories of Seoul, even after you return home.

With amazing finds and cheap things to buy in Korea, the most difficult part of shopping for souvenirs will be resisting the urge to not keep everything for yourself!

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One comment

  1. It still amazes me how cheap Korean snacks can be so tasty.