Planning a trip to South Korea?
If skincare and beauty shopping are on your itinerary, Olive Young (올리브영) should be at the top of your list.
Olive Young is Korea's largest health and beauty retailer, with more than 1,300 stores nationwide. From Seoul and Busan to Jeju Island, you'll find stores in almost every popular tourist area.
Many visitors are surprised to discover that products sold in the United States are often 20% to 50% cheaper in Korea, even before tax refunds.
In this guide, we'll compare popular products sold at Olive Young in the US and Korea, explain why they're worth buying during your trip, and provide the Korean product names so you can easily find them in stores.
Why Buy Olive Young Products in Korea?
Shopping in Korea offers several advantages.
- Lower retail prices
- Frequent Olive Young promotions
- Exclusive gift sets
- Tax Free shopping for eligible tourists
- Wider product selection
- Limited edition collaborations
Many products that cost over $20 in the US can often be purchased for around $10–15 in Korea.
US vs Korea Price Comparison
| Product | Korean Product Name | US Price | Korea Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Toner | 라운드랩 1025 독도 토너 | $15.30 | ₩13,500 (≈ $8.80) |
| Anua Heartleaf 77 Soothing Toner | 아누아 어성초 77 수딩 토너 | $21.00 | ₩20,000 (≈ $13.10) |
| Torriden DIVE-IN Serum | 토리든 다이브인 저분자 히알루론산 세럼 | $21.60 | ₩22,000 (≈ $14.40) |
| Dr.G R.E.D Blemish Clear Soothing Cream EX | 닥터지 레드 블레미쉬 클리어 수딩 크림 EX | $25.20 | ₩25,900 (≈ $16.90) |
| Torriden DIVE-IN Mask | 토리든 다이브인 저분자 히알루론산 마스크 | $29.70 | ₩29,000 (≈ $19.00) |
| MEDIHEAL Madecassoside Blemish Pad | 메디힐 마데카소사이드 흔적 패드 | $23.99 | ₩17,900 (≈ $11.70) |
| Manyo Pure Cleansing Oil | 마녀공장 퓨어 클렌징 오일 | $20.00 | ₩15,500 (≈ $10.10) |
| beplain Mung Bean pH-Balanced Cleansing Foam | 비플레인 녹두 약산성 클렌징폼 | $17.10 | ₩18,200 (≈ $11.90) |
| Bioderma Sensibio H2O | 바이오더마 센시비오 H2O | $20.99 | ₩20,000 (≈ $13.10) |
| d'Alba White Truffle First Spray Serum | 달바 화이트 트러플 퍼스트 스프레이 세럼 | $26.00 | ₩29,900 (≈ $19.60) |
Prices may vary depending on promotions, exchange rates, and product sets.
Product Guide
1. ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Toner (라운드랩 1025 독도 토너)
One of Korea's most beloved toners.
This toner is known for its lightweight hydration and gentle exfoliation, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
Best for
- Dry skin
- Sensitive skin
- Daily hydration
Buy in Korea if: you want one of Korea's most awarded skincare products at a significantly lower price.
2. Anua Heartleaf 77 Soothing Toner (아누아 어성초 77 수딩 토너)
One of the biggest TikTok skincare sensations.
Heartleaf extract helps calm redness and irritation, making it popular among people with acne-prone skin.
Best for
- Oily skin
- Combination skin
- Sensitive skin
3. Torriden DIVE-IN Serum (토리든 다이브인 저분자 히알루론산 세럼)
Often called the "glass skin serum."
Its low-molecular hyaluronic acid provides deep hydration without feeling heavy.
Perfect under makeup.
4. Dr.G R.E.D Blemish Clear Soothing Cream EX (닥터지 레드 블레미쉬 클리어 수딩 크림 EX)
One of Korea's most recommended moisturizers for damaged skin barriers.
Lightweight, cooling, and suitable even during hot Korean summers.
5. Torriden DIVE-IN Mask (토리든 다이브인 저분자 히알루론산 마스크)
If your skin feels dry after a long flight to Korea, this mask is an excellent choice.
Many Olive Young stores sell value packs that aren't available overseas.
6. MEDIHEAL Madecassoside Blemish Pad (메디힐 마데카소사이드 흔적 패드)
These toner pads have become a staple in Korean skincare routines.
Instead of using cotton pads and toner separately, simply wipe your face with one pad.
7. Manyo Pure Cleansing Oil (마녀공장 퓨어 클렌징 오일)
A bestseller for removing sunscreen and waterproof makeup.
Gentle enough for daily use.
8. beplain Mung Bean pH-Balanced Cleansing Foam (비플레인 녹두 약산성 클렌징폼)
A mild cleanser with mung bean extract.
Leaves the skin feeling clean without tightness.
9. Bioderma Sensibio H2O (바이오더마 센시비오 H2O)
Although it's a French brand, Korean Olive Young stores frequently offer promotional pricing.
It's worth checking before buying it overseas.
10. d'Alba White Truffle First Spray Serum (달바 화이트 트러플 퍼스트 스프레이 세럼)
A favorite among travelers looking for glowing skin.
Use before makeup or anytime your skin feels dry.
Tips for Shopping at Olive Young
Bring Your Passport
Foreign visitors can receive Tax Free benefits on eligible purchases.
Check for "1+1" Promotions
One of the best reasons to shop in Korea.
You may receive a second product free or enjoy exclusive travel sets.
Visit Larger Stores
Branches in areas such as Myeongdong, Hongdae, Gangnam, and Seongsu usually have the widest product selection and English-speaking staff.
Show the Korean Product Name
Not every staff member is familiar with English product names.
Showing the Korean product name can help you find products much faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Olive Young cheaper in Korea?
Yes.
Many skincare products are between 20% and 50% cheaper than in the United States.
Can tourists get Tax Free?
Yes.
Most tourists can receive Tax Free benefits when purchasing eligible items.
Bring your passport when shopping.
Does Olive Young accept credit cards?
Yes.
International Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and many other credit cards are accepted.
Can I find English labels?
Most major stores provide English product descriptions.
Staff members in tourist areas also usually speak basic English.
Final Thoughts
If you're visiting South Korea, shopping at Olive Young is one of the easiest ways to experience Korean beauty culture while saving money.
Not only are prices often lower than in the US, but you'll also find exclusive promotions, limited-edition sets, and a much wider range of products.
Before your trip, save this guide on your phone so you can quickly compare prices and show the Korean product names while shopping.
Happy shopping in Korea!
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