Olive Young Haul: 10 Items Every Tourist Buys in Myeongdong

Stepping into an Olive Young in Myeongdong is a rite of passage for any beauty lover visiting Seoul. Known as the "Sephora of Korea," this health and beauty giant is where trends are born and viral TikTok products are put to the ultimate test. The Myeongdong flagship store, in particular, is a chaotic, multi-level wonderland where tourists from all over the globe scramble to fill their baskets with "1+1" deals and exclusive sets you can't find anywhere else.

But with thousands of products lining the shelves, the experience can be overwhelming. If you aren't prepared with a list, you might find yourself wandering aimlessly through the aisles of sheet masks and sunscreens. To help you navigate the madness, we’ve rounded up the "Olive Young Starter Pack" the ten legendary items that almost every tourist hauls back home in their suitcase. These aren't just trendy; they are the consistent best-sellers that actually deliver on their promises.

1. Mediheal Teatree Essential Mask

You cannot leave Olive Young without a box of these. Mediheal is the king of sheet masks, and their Teatree version is a staple for calming stressed, breakout-prone skin. Tourists often buy these by the dozen because the price in Myeongdong is unbeatable compared to international retailers.

2. Torriden Dive-In Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum

If you see a blue bottle in everyone's basket, it’s this one. This serum has topped the Olive Young awards for years. It’s famous for its "weightless" hydration, absorbing instantly into the skin without a hint of stickiness, making it the perfect base for any skincare routine.

Also read: Korean Beauty Trends to Watch This Year

3. Unoive Deep Damage Treatment EX

K-Beauty isn't just about the face anymore. This hair treatment has become a viral sensation for its ability to turn "straw-like" bleached hair into silk. The signature scent is luxurious, and the results are immediate, which is why people often clear the shelves of this specific tub.

4. Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen

As we’ve mentioned before, this is the "holy grail" of sun protection. In Myeongdong, you’ll usually find these in special "double packs," and tourists take full advantage. It’s the sunscreen for people who hate sunscreen.

5. COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch

While available globally, buying these in bulk at Olive Young is a tradition. These hydrocolloid patches are the "emergency button" for whiteheads. They are thinner and more effective than most Western alternatives, making them a must-haul item.

6. Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule

This beautiful glass bottle contains 100% Centella Asiatica extract. It’s incredibly soothing and looks stunning on a vanity. It’s the go-to product for anyone dealing with a damaged skin barrier or redness from traveling.

7. Rom&nd Juicy Lasting Tint

No haul is complete without color cosmetics. Rom&nd has mastered the art of the "MLBB" (My Lips But Better) look. Their tints offer a glassy finish that stays put even after a meal, and the sheer variety of shades available in-store is a makeup lover's dream.

8. Abib Gummy Sheet Mask Heartleaf Sticker

The "Gummy" name comes from the way the sheet physically "hugs" your face to ensure every drop of essence is absorbed. The Heartleaf version is specifically designed to cool down red, angry skin, perfect after a long day of walking around Seoul.

9. Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner

This toner went viral for being the #1 toner in Korea for acne-prone skin. It’s incredibly simple but effective. Tourists love it because it’s a massive bottle that lasts forever and works for almost every skin type.

10. Ilso Natural Mild Cleansing Oil

While Manyo is popular, Ilso has been climbing the charts recently for its incredible ability to "melt" blackheads. It’s a favorite for those who take their double-cleansing ritual seriously and want that deep-pore clean.

Shopping at Olive Young is more than just a retail trip; it’s a deep dive into the heart of Korean self-care culture. The beauty of these ten items is that they represent the best of what K-Beauty offers: innovation, affordability, and, most importantly, results. So, when you find yourself in Myeongdong, make sure you have an extra suitcase ready because once you start filling that olive-green basket, it’s very hard to stop.

Also read: What Global Consumers Can Learn from Korean Beauty Routines