Walk into Olive Young for the first time and choosing is harder than you’d expect. Skincare, sunscreen, sheet masks, cushions, lip products, hair and body care: it’s all in one place.
The short version: decide what you want before you go, start with the bestseller shelves, narrow down by your skin concern or usual shade, check what 1+1 deals really include, ask about a tax refund at checkout, and think about your suitcase before you pay.
1. Before you go: decide what you’re shopping for
You don’t need to research every product. Just knowing what you want to buy, roughly how much you want to spend and what already works for your skin makes the visit much easier.
If there’s a product you really want, note its exact name and shade number. For something specific, like a particular cushion shade, check the store’s stock in the Olive Young app first to avoid a wasted trip.
2. In the store: compare everything in one place
If you plan to buy several things, a large store with a wide range is easier: you can compare skincare, makeup and gifts in one visit. Flagship branches in tourist areas such as Myeongdong carry the most.
Not sure where to start with so many unfamiliar brands? The BEST, popular and trending displays are a good first stop. Products many people keep choosing usually have a reason: price, texture or function. From there, narrow down to what fits your skin type or the result you want.
3. Shop by category
Skincare: start with the job you need done. Dryness, sensitive skin, cleansing or sun protection each point you to different shelves. If Korean skincare is new to you, sunscreen, cleansers and sheet masks are easy first buys; for serums and creams, compare against textures or ingredients that already work for you.
Cushions and lip products: compare in person. Cushion numbers like 21, 23 and 25 are a good starting point, but the same number can look different between brands: see what 21, 23 and 25 really mean. Lip colors can also look different in real life than on the packaging or your phone, so test them if you can.
Hair, body and gifts. Shampoo, treatments and body products often come in large sizes, so think about suitcase space. For gifts, sheet masks, minis and sets are easy to share.
4. Shop smart: read the deal, not just the label
Beyond regular discounts, you’ll often see 1+1, 2+1, special sets and free extras. For products you already use, or plan to share with family and friends, these can be good value, and a set with a refill or minis can beat buying the item alone. For something new, check the price and what’s actually inside rather than buying just because you get “more.”
Olive Young’s biggest discount event, the Olive Young Sale, usually runs about four times a year: typically in March, June, late August to September and December. If your trip happens to overlap, check what’s on before you go. Even outside sale weeks there are always individual deals; what matters is the actual price on the day you visit.
5. At checkout: ask about a tax refund
Foreign visitors can get part of the tax back on qualifying purchases, and many Olive Young stores offer it: often right at the register. Bring your physical passport and ask when you pay. The rules (₩15,000 minimum per receipt, instant vs later refunds) are in our Korea tax refund guide.
6. Bought a lot? Plan your packing
If you’ve bought several liquids or gels (toners, lotions, sunscreen, shampoo) check the bag rules for your flight home.
| Bag | Rule for liquids and gels |
|---|---|
| Carry-on | Each container 100 ml or less, all inside one clear resealable bag of 1 L or less |
| Checked bag | Most regular cosmetics over 100 ml are fine; sprays and aerosols may have extra limits |
The limit is the size printed on the container, not what’s left inside: a half-empty 150 ml bottle still can’t go in your carry-on. Sheet-mask bundles, shampoo, body care and big sets also add bulk and weight quickly, so think about space before you pay, and check your airline’s rules if you bought a lot.
The short version
- Decide what you want; for several products, pick a large store.
- Start with bestsellers, then narrow down by skin concern or your usual shade.
- Check what 1+1 deals and sets really include.
- Ask about a tax refund at checkout: bring your passport.
- Pack liquids over 100 ml in your checked bag.
Stock, deals, sale dates, tax refund services and airline rules vary by branch, date and airline. Check the official information before you shop or fly.