What to Buy at Olive Young – A Foreigner’s Guide to K-Beauty Shopping

Visiting Korea and walking into an Olive Young store? It’s heaven for skincare lovers — but also overwhelming. So. Many. Products. 😮 What should you actually buy?

Here’s a guide to the top must-buy items at Olive Young in 2025 — from cult-favorite cleansers to Korean lip tints you'll fall in love with.

🧼 1. Cleansers That Actually Work

• Round Lab Dokdo Cleanser – Gentle, low pH, great for daily use
• ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil – Removes makeup like a dream

Great for beginners who want a simple but effective double cleanse routine.

💧 2. Toners That Hydrate, Not Irritate

• Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Toner – Light but super hydrating
• Anua Heartleaf 77 Toner – Calming, loved by Korean teens

Perfect for sensitive or acne-prone skin — and under $20!

🧴 3. Serums with Real Results

• Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum – Honey & propolis for glowing skin
• Torriden Dive-In Serum – Lightweight hyaluronic acid magic

These are top-sellers for a reason — visible glow in a week.

🧴 4. Sunscreens Koreans Actually Use

• Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun – Lightweight and no white cast
• Round Lab Birch Moisturizing Sunscreen – Hydrating and silky

Tip: Korean sunscreens feel like moisturizer — you'll actually enjoy applying them.

💄 5. Makeup That Feels Like Skincare

• rom&nd Juicy Lasting Tint – Glossy, non-sticky, long wear
• Peripera Ink Airy Velvet – Best-selling matte lip tint

Perfect for K-drama looks — light, airy, and youthful.

🧴 6. Sheet Masks Galore

Stock up on Korean sheet masks — usually under $1–2 each:

• Mediheal – For deep moisture
• Abib – Calming and trendy packaging

Great souvenirs or gifts — thin, travel-friendly, and fun to try.

🧴 7. Travel Minis & Limited Editions

Olive Young often carries limited-edition travel sets and exclusive bundles. Check the promo section near the entrance!

💡 Bonus Tips for Shopping at Olive Young

• 📦 Ask for free samples — they’re usually happy to give you a few
• 🌍 Global Olive Young? → Download the app for delivery to your country
• 💳 Most stores accept Visa, MasterCard, and mobile pay

✅ Final Thoughts

K-beauty doesn’t have to be confusing. With this guide, you’ll shop smart — and maybe come home with the glowing skin of your dreams. ✨

Want a beginner K-beauty routine or minimalist skincare guide? 👉 Follow Good Korea Info for honest, helpful tips every week.

Best Apps to Use When Traveling in Korea (2025 Edition)

Planning a trip to South Korea? 🇰🇷 From navigating the subway to translating menus, having the right apps can make your journey smoother, safer, and way more fun.

Here’s a list of 10 essential apps every traveler should download before arriving in Korea — all updated for 2025.

📱 1. Naver Map (네이버 지도)

Forget Google Maps — in Korea, it’s all about Naver Map. It offers real-time directions, bus routes, walking paths, and even indoor maps — all in English.

🚇 2. KakaoMetro (카카오 지하철)

Need to navigate Seoul’s subway like a pro? This app gives you live train times, transfer info, and even platform numbers.

🚌 3. KakaoBus (카카오버스)

For bus users, KakaoBus shows exactly when the next bus is coming — accurate to the second.

🗣️ 4. Papago Translator

Developed by Naver, Papago is the go-to app for accurate Korean-English translations. Better than Google Translate for menus, signs, and casual conversation.

💸 5. Currency Converter – XE or Wise

XE and Wise are both reliable for checking KRW exchange rates in real time. Great for budgeting on the go.

📲 6. KakaoTalk (카카오톡)

Korea’s #1 messaging app. Even cafés, hotels, and tour guides may contact you through it. Tip: Create an account with your phone number before you arrive.

🍱 7. MangoPlate

The “Yelp of Korea.” Use MangoPlate to find local restaurants with English reviews and photos.

🧭 8. VisitKorea App

Official app by the Korean Tourism Organization. Great for finding local festivals, guides, and curated travel ideas.

📶 9. SIM Cards & eSIM App (Airalo / KT eSIM)

Need mobile data without a local SIM card? Apps like Airalo let you install a Korean eSIM instantly.

🛒 10. Coupang Eats (쿠팡이츠) or Shuttle

Craving late-night Korean fried chicken? Use Coupang Eats or Shuttle to get food delivered to your Airbnb or hotel — with English menus.

✅ Final Tips

• Download apps before your trip (some may require local verification)
• Enable GPS and app permissions to get accurate results
• Most apps offer English, but interface may vary — explore them in advance

With these apps in your pocket, you’ll be ready to explore Korea like a local — without the stress or confusion. 📍

Want more local travel tips for Korea? 👉 Follow Good Korea Info for weekly culture, language, and lifestyle guides.