Traditional products
The Insadong district, for example, like others in different cities, but also temples all over Korea, will offer them.
Kitchen utensils: South Korea is full of utensils that are specific to its traditional culture. These include bowls, wooden spoons and, above all, chopsticks (which are made of metal, unlike Chinese and Japanese chopsticks). Engraved sets containing a pair of chopsticks and a spoon are readily available.
Traditional masks: you can opt for these colorful wooden masks featuring laughing, sad or frightening faces, to bring an ethnic touch to your home decor. Originally religious objects, they were later used in plays.
Fans: highly refined and colorful, traditional Korean fans(buchae, 부채) depict genre scenes or landscapes typical of South Korea.
Hanboks : if the budget allows, as they are quite expensive, you can take home a traditional Korean garment.
Ceramics: this art form has always had a special place in Korean culture, and is very representative of it. Although very large vases will obviously be difficult to transport, you can opt for equally elegant cutlery rests.
Hanji: traditional Korean paper made from mulberry pulp. Writing paper is readily available in traditional stores.
Wooden bracelets: very often associated with Buddhism, these bracelets made from small varnished or painted wooden balls are very affordable. They are easily found in temples with small sales outlets.
Pocket mirrors: even if they don't represent the country's typical craftsmanship, their ornamentation is typically Korean.
Fashion products
Cosmetics: South Korea is renowned for its cosmetics, often at very reasonable prices. In any city center, you'll find franchises that are all the rage (Innisfree, TonyMoly, Nature Republic, Etude House...). Among the best-sellers (which don't take up much space in your suitcase) are fabric masks. Extremely inexpensive and often with attractive special offers (20 masks for 10,000 won), they are ideal as gifts for loved ones. There are also body creams and hand creams, often with atypical designs.
Clothes: some districts, such as Myeongdong in Seoul, are famous for their many clothing stores with unbeatable prices. On the downside, all sizes are hard to find (above size 38, it's almost mission impossible).
Socks : on the face of it, this may seem a bit of a crazy idea, but the Koreans, in many stores, on markets or even on small independent stands, offer very good quality socks, often with very original designs. A pair is only 1,000 won. Now's your chance to stock up!
To drink and eat..
Kimchi: a true Korean culinary monument, it's perfect to take away for those days when you miss Korean cuisine and its spicy flavors.
Pastries: often rice-based, or filled with red bean paste, these are perfect for a gourmet souvenir (Gangjeong, Yakgwa, Yugwa, Kkul-ppang...).
Dried seaweed: Koreans are hooked! They love to flavour their rice with it. As well as being very fragrant, it's good for your health.
Ginseng: although it's not really a food in its own right, there are many good food aids based on the famous Korean red ginseng. Admittedly, it's a little expensive, but buying it here is better than using chemical supplements. It also helps to avoid the cheaper counterfeits available on the Internet.
Snacks : head for the small convenience stores open 24 hours a day (7 Eleven, CU, GS25, Emart24...). Here you can buy mountains of Korean snacks like honey, banana and octopus chips, but above all you can stock up on ramyeons 라면, the famous and delicious Korean instant noodles.
Tea : although not as widely available as in China or Japan, Korean tea is just as delicious. It's particularly famous in the Boseong district, where there are huge green tea bushes. In the same vein, you can also opt for a traditional tea set.
Soju: this small green bottle, typical of Korean drinking dinners, will be ideal on your return to accompany your travel tales. Soju glasses are available everywhere, but can be used for any type of liqueur. Stores often offer newspaper to protect glass products.
Miscellaneous products
Stationery: pencils, kits, calendars, bags, notebooks... Koreans are big fans, and they offer a wide range of stationery products with often adorable and original designs.
Cuddly toys: in Seoul, as elsewhere, you can't miss the chance to pick up stuffed animals and other small toys. They're the perfect souvenir to take home for the little ones. The fee is usually 1,000 won, but the techniques are easy to master.
K-pop items: you'll easily find CDs or merchandise derived from the various boy or girl bands.
Finally, if your budget gets too tight at the end of your trip, you can simply keep a few coins and banknotes!
