Top 15 Gifts from Korea That Everyone Will Love
Looking for something to bring back to your family and friends from your trip to Korea? Here are the top 15 gifts from Korea that everyone will love.
Whenever I travel, I like to get memorable souvenirs that I travel to share with my friends and family. And when it comes to souvenirs, there is a big list of options available in Korea.
Korean culture has become so popular in recent years, and who would blame that, since Koreans are know for their attention to not only functionality, but also to design.
From K-beauty products to Korean ginseng, Korea offers a variety of gift options that stand out for their high quality, creativity, and affordable prices.
This guide will give you some gift ideas you can get from Korea, ensuring you return home with thoughtful treasures that will leave a lasting impression.
The Best Gifts from Korea
Traditional Korean Gifts
Let’s first start from the basics: traditional Korean gifts. Who doesn’t love a special gift that will remember them of the place that they visited?
That’s why I personally curated this list of some items you can find at the souvenir store of the National Museum of Korea, where they have trendy gifts and souvenirs to traditional products that even locals love!
Find the best of traditional designs mixed with high-quality products in one place.
1. Willow Tree and Cats Notebook
Picture Source: Museum Shop
I am personally a big fan of notebooks since I am a big fan of journaling. This Willow Tree and Cats Notebook is ideal for those cat lovers who want a special Korean style printing!
2. Gilt-bronze Outer Sarira Urn Handkerchief
Image Source: Museum Shop
If you are more into fashion, this pink handkerchief with a gilt-bronze outer sarira is a must. It’s the perfect combination of elegance and cultural significance.
The delicate pink fabric represents sophistication, while the gilt-bronze sarira design adds a touch of traditional Korean artistry. Inspired by historical Buddhist relics, this handkerchief not only serves as a practical accessory but also as a symbol of Korea’s rich heritage.
3. Modern Transitions in Korean Calligraphy and Painting – Eco Bag
Image Source: Museum Shop
This is perfect for art lovers who appreciate the beauty of traditional Korean painting but also enjoy contemporary design. The eco bag features a classic Korean painting, with a soft pink background.
This unique design of traditional imagery with a modern color palette makes it a standout accessory that blends the old with the new!
4. Bronze Ritual Bells KEyring
Image Source: Museum Shop
Keyrings are a charming and functional accessory that add personality to your bags and purses.
This particular keyring takes inspiration from the ancient bronze artifacts unearthed in Daegok-ri, Hwasun, known as Bronze Ritual Bells.
These bells, historically significant relics from Korea’s Bronze Age, were octagonal bronze plates with rounded bells attached at each corner.
Definitely one of those unique items that give a taste of Korean culture.
5. Gold Crown Ornaments Patterns from Tombs of King Muryeong Spoon and Chopsticks Set
Image Source: Museum Shop
Chopstick sets are a safe bet when it comes to gifts from Korea for your beloved ones.
This special edition has the pattern from King Muryeong’s and Queen’s coffin decoration in the Baekje Dynasty.
Made out of gold-color titanium, it is the ideal gift for those who appreciate elegant endings.
Tea and Snacks
When it comes to gifts that truly capture the essence of Korea, tea and snacks are at the top of the list.
Easily available in any convenience store or Korean supermarket, these are the popular choices beloved by locals and visitors alike.
Feel free to share with those family members who are big fans of Korean food!
6. Coffee Sticks
Koreans are well known for their love of coffee. There is a wide variety of instant coffee available in stick form, which everyone loves for its convenience and delicious taste.
Image Source: Coupang
Kanu is one of the most popular coffee stick brands in Korea, loved for its rich flavor and variety of options.
From classic Americano to creamy lattes, Kanu offers something for every coffee enthusiast.
Its compact packaging makes it perfect for busy mornings, travel, or gifting to coffee lovers back home.
7. Jujube Tea
Jujube tea, or daechu-cha (대추차), is a beloved traditional Korean tea made from dried jujube fruits, also known as red dates.
Renowned for its naturally sweet flavor and numerous health benefits, this tea has been enjoyed for centuries as a comforting and nourishing beverage.
Image Source: Coupang
This instant Jujube tea stick is the perfect size to gift to your people back home. With a combination of almond, nut and jujube, everyone will have a sweet and warm time together!
8. Osulloc Tea
Osulloc Tea is a well-known Korean green tea brand by both locals and visitors. Famous for their large tea fields in Jeju Island, Osulloc offers everyone the best taste of Korean tea.
Image Source: Amazon
Try out this Premium Tea collection to try out a little bit of everything! If you are looking for more exclusive flavors, make sure to visit the Osulloc Tea Museum.
9. Bulldak Fire Noddle Spicy Noodles
Image Source: Coupang
You might have seen these Korean instant noodles somewhere online before for being really spicy. And yes, they are indeed spicy, so be careful before trying them out.
10. Honey Butter Chips
Image Source: Coupang
Honey Butter Chip is a snack that has taken Korea—and the world—by storm. Known for its irresistible combination of sweet honey and creamy butter flavors, this potato chip is unlike any other.
Its unique taste and light, crispy texture make it a must-try treat for anyone visiting Korea or looking for a taste of Korean snack culture.
Skincare and Makeup
We can’t talk about Korea without K-beauty! Known for its innovative formulas, high-quality ingredients, and attention to detail, Korean skincare and makeup have become a global phenomenon.
This section will give you a better idea on the most beloved items and some of the most popular brands.
11. Face Sheet Masks
When it comes to Korean beauty gifts, face sheet masks are an absolute must.
Known for their instant skin benefits, these masks are infused with nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and natural extracts, making them the ideal gift for anyone looking to enhance their skincare routine.
Image Source: Olive Young
This Tiktok viral overnight Korean sheet mask lovers worldwide, and for good reason.
Known for its immediate skin-smoothing and glowing effects, Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask promises to elevate your skincare routine in just one quick, relaxing step.
12. Tint
Korean tints and lipsticks make a fantastic gift for beauty enthusiasts and makeup lovers alike.
Many Korean makeup brands, such as Etude House, Laneige, and Innisfree, offer beautifully packaged sets that make for an even more thoughtful and unique gift.
Image Source: Olive Young
Peripera is one of the most beloved and iconic Korean makeup brands, known for its fun, trendy products and vibrant color selections.
Check out the peripera Over Blur Tint here.
13. Cushion
Cushion compacts are one of the most revolutionary beauty products to come out of Korea, combining BB cream, sunscreen, and skincare benefits into one convenient, on-the-go product.
Give the gift of flawless, glowing skin with a Korean cushion compact—an easy-to-use product that combines makeup and skincare in one!
Image Source: Olive Young
TIRTIR went viral for offering a wide range of shades, which is uncommon for a Korean beauty brand. Check if they offer your skin tone here.
14. Facial Cleanser
Korean cleansers come in beautiful packaging and are available in a wide range of formulas, making them a great gift for anyone who loves skincare.
Image Source: Olive Young
Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleanser is a beloved choice by everyone (including myself!).
15. Moisturizer
When it comes to gifting skincare, a good moisturizer is an essential item that everyone can appreciate.
Applying moisturizer to your face is one of the key steps in skincare, ensuring that your skin stays hydrated, balanced, and glowing throughout the day.
Image Source: Olive Young
The moisturizer line by Aestura is recommended by Korean clinics due to its gentle yet effective formulas that cater to sensitive and compromised skin. This is the ideal gift for any skin type!
This post was all about the top gifts from Korea that everyone will love!
You got some other recommendations? Leave them in the comments~
