If you’re planning a trip to South Korea in 2025, get ready for a fascinating blend of tradition and innovation. From bustling markets in Seoul to peaceful mountain temples, Korea offers a treasure trove of cultural experiences—and naturally, you’ll want to bring a piece of it back home. But with so many interesting items to choose from, picking the right souvenirs can be a bit overwhelming.
To help you out, we’ve put together a guide to the 10 best Korean souvenirs you should consider buying in 2025. Whether you’re shopping for friends, family, or yourself, these unique and meaningful keepsakes will help you relive your Korean adventure long after your flight home.
Let’s dive into what makes each of these souvenirs special and why they’re worth packing in your suitcase.
1. Hanbok-inspired fashion and accessories
Traditional hanboks are stunning garments, full of color and elegance. But since they’re not exactly practical for everyday wear, modern Korean designers have started blending hanbok elements with contemporary styles. In 2025, you’ll find fashionable hanbok-inspired clothes and accessories that are both wearable and stylish.
Think flowy skirts with high waists, ribboned blouses, or pastel-toned jackets embroidered with floral designs. Even small items like hanbok-inspired scarves, handbags, or phone cases make perfect souvenirs. They’re beautiful, lightweight, and serve as a wearable reminder of Korea’s rich fashion heritage. Many shops in Insadong and Dongdaemun offer modern hanbok pieces that are easy to mix and match with Western clothing.
2. Korean skincare and beauty products
Korean skincare has earned global recognition for a reason—it’s innovative, affordable, and highly effective. In 2025, the K-beauty trend is going stronger than ever, with eco-friendly, cruelty-free, and AI-personalized skincare options becoming mainstream.
One of the best things about bringing back Korean beauty products is the variety. You can find everything from hydrating sheet masks and snail mucin serums to BB creams and lip tints. Popular brands like Laneige, Innisfree, Sulwhasoo, and COSRX are widely available, often at much lower prices than overseas. Even if you’re not into skincare yourself, these products make great gifts—especially the beautifully packaged ones that look like luxury items without the luxury price tag.
Don’t forget to stop by stores like Olive Young, Aritaum, or even dedicated K-beauty vending machines popping up in tourist hotspots.
3. Traditional Korean tea sets and herbal teas
Korea’s tea culture is deeply rooted in wellness and mindfulness. While coffee shops dominate urban life, traditional tea houses still offer a tranquil escape from the city buzz. Bringing back a Korean tea set is like bringing home a piece of this serene culture.
In 2025, expect to see modern minimalist tea sets alongside the classic celadon and porcelain designs. These often come with cups, a teapot, and sometimes a tray, all adorned with subtle floral or nature-themed motifs. Paired with locally harvested teas like omija (five-flavor berry), yuzu citron, or ginseng, they make a calming and culturally rich souvenir.
Even if you’re not an avid tea drinker, setting up a mini Korean tea corner at home can bring a touch of calm to your daily routine.
4. Handmade Korean ceramics
If you’re looking for something artisanal and truly unique, Korean ceramics are a great option. Pottery is one of Korea’s oldest and most respected crafts, dating back over a thousand years. Today, artisans across the country continue to produce breathtaking pieces—many of which are surprisingly affordable.
From delicate celadon vases to rustic white porcelain bowls and minimalist dinnerware, Korean ceramics combine function with artistry. Each piece tells a story, often inspired by nature, history, or Buddhist philosophy. Places like Icheon and Gangjin are well-known pottery regions, but you can also find beautiful handmade ceramics in Seoul’s Insadong, Hongdae, or Bukchon Hanok Village.
Just be sure to wrap them carefully—they’re worth the effort to bring home in one piece.
5. Korean snacks and candy
You can’t leave Korea without trying some of its addictively delicious snacks. Better yet, bring some home! Korean snacks make for fun, tasty souvenirs that are always a hit with friends and family.
Spicy, sweet, savory—there’s a flavor for everyone. You’ll find everything from honey butter chips and choco pies to shrimp crackers and seaweed rolls. If you’re feeling adventurous, grab a few packs of tteokbokki-flavored chips or cheese ramen. There are also traditional sweets like yakgwa (honey cookies), hangwa (rice snacks), or dasik (pressed tea cookies).
In 2025, many convenience stores and grocery chains even offer snack boxes curated for tourists, complete with English labels and fun packaging. It’s like a foodie treasure chest that fits right in your carry-on.
6. K-pop and K-drama merchandise
If you’re a fan of Korean pop culture—or shopping for someone who is—you’ll be thrilled with the sheer volume of K-pop and K-drama merchandise available. In 2025, the Hallyu (Korean Wave) continues to sweep across the globe, and Korea is the ultimate place to grab official goods.
Photobooks, posters, albums, light sticks, clothing, and character merchandise from BTS, BLACKPINK, NewJeans, Stray Kids, and many more are easy to find in places like Myeongdong, Hongdae, or the underground shopping center at COEX. Even K-drama-themed merch has grown in popularity, with items inspired by shows like Crash Landing on You or Goblin still enjoying global fame.
These souvenirs are perfect for fans, and there’s something extra special about getting them straight from the source.
7. Jeju Island specialties
If your trip includes a visit to Jeju Island, don’t miss the chance to bring home some of its unique, locally made products. Jeju is known for its volcanic soil, clean air, and fertile farmland, which all contribute to its famous skincare ingredients and food products.
One of the most popular souvenirs from Jeju is anything made with its iconic Hallabong oranges—especially the jams, chocolates, and teas. You’ll also find products made from green tea, volcanic ash, and even lava seawater, all used in premium cosmetics and soaps.
Traditional stone figurines known as dol hareubang (grandfather statues) are another must-have. They come in all sizes, from pocket-sized souvenirs to garden-ready sculptures. Whether it’s food, beauty, or folklore, Jeju’s specialties offer a refreshing twist on typical Korean gifts.
8. Korean calligraphy art and stationery
For something more personal and artistic, consider bringing home Korean calligraphy or traditional stationery. Korea has a long literary and artistic tradition, and this is reflected in beautifully crafted items that are both practical and poetic.
In 2025, stationery stores in Korea are more creative than ever. You’ll find elegant notebooks bound in hanji (traditional paper), bamboo-handled brushes, and ink sets that are almost too beautiful to use. Some shops even offer personalized name stamps or handwritten calligraphy quotes on rice paper.
If you’re into journaling, sketching, or just love beautiful paper goods, this is a perfect souvenir category. And even if you don’t use them, these pieces look stunning framed as home décor.
9. Korean ginseng and wellness products
Korea is famous for its high-quality ginseng, long valued for its health benefits. Known to boost energy, support immunity, and improve mental focus, ginseng has been part of Korean medicine for centuries. In 2025, you’ll find ginseng not just in traditional dried roots, but in sleek modern formats like extracts, capsules, candies, and even skincare products.
Gyeongdong Market in Seoul is a great place to shop for authentic ginseng and other herbal goods, but it’s also widely available in department stores and health boutiques. Be sure to ask for export-friendly packaging and certifications if you’re planning to take it abroad.
Whether you’re buying it for yourself or gifting it to someone health-conscious, Korean ginseng is both thoughtful and valuable.
10. Mini hanok or temple models and cultural figurines
Finally, for those who want a piece of Korea’s traditional architecture and spirituality, miniature hanoks (traditional Korean houses), temples, and figurines make charming and meaningful souvenirs. These handcrafted mini models are often made of wood or ceramic and showcase Korea’s iconic curved rooftops and intricate lattice doors.
You can also find small Buddhist statues, pagoda replicas, or figurines dressed in traditional hanbok. These are perfect for display at home or work, and they serve as beautiful reminders of your time exploring Korea’s ancient temples, palaces, and villages.
Many of these items are sold in cultural gift shops, museums, and hanok village boutiques. Some are even handmade by local artisans, adding an extra layer of authenticity and charm.
Bottom line
Choosing the right souvenir is more than just shopping—it’s about capturing the memory of your journey. In 2025, Korea offers a wide variety of keepsakes that reflect its culture, craftsmanship, and contemporary creativity. Whether you’re drawn to fashion, food, art, or wellness, there’s something here that fits your taste and budget.
So don’t rush through your last-minute souvenir shopping. Take the time to find items that speak to your experience. When you return home and unpack your bags, you’ll be glad you did. Each piece will tell a story—and that’s the best kind of souvenir there is.
