Why Myeongdong is the K-Beauty Capital
Myeongdong is ground zero for K-Beauty shopping in Seoul. Within just a few blocks, you will find more beauty stores per square meter than anywhere else on earth.
At the heart of it all is Olive Young โ Korea's largest health and beauty chain with over 1,300 stores nationwide.
For international visitors, Olive Young in Myeongdong is the ultimate one-stop shop for skincare, makeup, and beauty products that have taken the world by storm.
Whether you are hunting for the viral sunscreens that took over TikTok or looking for cult-favorite serums at Korean prices, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Best Olive Young Stores in Myeongdong
1. Olive Young Myeongdong Town (Flagship)
The crown jewel of Olive Young stores. This massive 3-floor flagship is the largest beauty store in Myeongdong, stocking exclusive items you cannot find at smaller branches.
The first floor focuses on trending skincare, the second floor on makeup and hair care, and the third on health supplements and body care.
- Address: 53 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu
- Hours: 10:00 AM โ 11:00 PM daily
- Why visit: Largest selection, exclusive products, multilingual staff
2. Olive Young Myeongdong Station
Right at Myeongdong Station Exit 6, this is the most convenient branch for subway travelers.
It is smaller than the flagship but always well-stocked with bestsellers. Perfect for a quick grab if you know what you want.
- Address: 66 Myeongdong 4-gil, Jung-gu
- Hours: 10:00 AM โ 10:30 PM daily
- Why visit: Most convenient location, right at the station exit
3. Olive Young Myeongdong Jungang
Located on the main Myeongdong shopping street, this mid-sized store gets heavy foot traffic but has a solid selection of all the popular brands. Great for browsing between meals and shopping.
- Address: 27 Myeongdong 8-gil, Jung-gu
- Hours: 10:00 AM โ 10:30 PM daily
- Why visit: Central location on the main street
4. Olive Young Myeongdong 2nd Branch
A quieter alternative tucked slightly off the main drag. If the flagship is too crowded (especially on weekends), this store offers a more relaxed shopping experience with the same products.
- Address: 16 Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu
- Hours: 10:30 AM โ 10:00 PM daily
- Why visit: Less crowded, peaceful shopping
5. Olive Young Chungmuro
Just one station away from Myeongdong, this branch near Chungmuro Station is a local favorite with competitive prices and occasional store-exclusive deals. Worth the short detour if you want to avoid tourist crowds entirely.
- Address: 20 Toegye-ro 20-gil, Jung-gu
- Hours: 10:00 AM โ 10:00 PM daily
- Why visit: Local prices, no tourist crowds
Must-Buy K-Beauty Products for Tourists
Sunscreen (Best Sellers)
- Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: The most viral Korean sunscreen globally โ lightweight, no white cast, rice + probiotics formula (~โฉ12,000)
- ROUND LAB Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream: Hydrating SPF50+ that feels like a moisturizer (~โฉ16,000)
- SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum: Watery texture, perfect under makeup (~โฉ14,000)
Serums & Essences
- COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence: The OG K-Beauty essence โ hydrating, repairing, suits all skin types (~โฉ14,000)
- Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner: Calming toner for sensitive/acne-prone skin, TikTok sensation (~โฉ19,000)
- Torriden DIVE-IN Serum: 5 types of hyaluronic acid for deep hydration (~โฉ17,000)
Sheet Masks
- Mediheal N.M.F Aquaring Ampoule Mask: Korea's #1 sheet mask brand, intense hydration (~โฉ1,500 each)
- Dr. Jart+ Dermask Water Jet Vital Hydra Solution: Premium pick for dry skin (~โฉ3,000 each)
- TONYMOLY I'm Real Mask: Budget-friendly variety pack, great souvenirs (~โฉ1,000 each)
Lip Products
- rom&nd Juicy Lasting Tint: The #1 K-Beauty lip tint, long-lasting, gorgeous shades (~โฉ9,000)
- CLIO Kill Lash Superproof Mascara: Smudge-proof even in Korean summers (~โฉ14,000)
- AMUSE Dew Velvet: Trending velvet lip, seen on K-drama actresses (~โฉ16,000)
Cushion Compacts
- LANEIGE Neo Cushion Matte: Flawless K-drama glass skin finish (~โฉ34,000)
- CLIO Kill Cover Fixer Cushion: Full coverage, long-wear champion (~โฉ28,000)
Shopping Tips for International Visitors
Tax-Free Shopping
- All Myeongdong Olive Young stores offer instant tax refund for purchases over โฉ15,000
- Bring your passport โ tax refund is processed at the register
- You save approximately 10% off the listed price
Olive Young Global Membership
- Download the Olive Young Global app before your trip
- Get an additional 5-10% discount coupon for first-time foreign visitors
- The app shows product reviews in English and tracks your purchases
Best Time to Visit
- Weekday mornings (10-12): Least crowded, full stock
- Avoid: Saturday afternoons and holidays (extremely crowded)
- Sale seasons: January, July (up to 50% off selected items)
Pro Tips
- Look for 1+1 deals (buy one get one free) โ especially on masks and cleansers
- Check the "Global Hot" section near the entrance for bestsellers
- Staff can help you find products by showing photos from social media
- Many products have travel-size versions perfect for carry-on luggage
