Best Souvenir Shopping in Seoul: 5 Must-Visit Supermarkets & Markets for Tourists [2026 Latest]

When it comes to the joys of traveling to Seoul, South Korea, shopping is definitely at the top! Among all the shopping, ‘souvenir hunting’ is an absolute must-do mission, whether it’s for gifts for family and friends or a little treat for yourself.

Based on the latest local information for 2026, we’ve carefully selected recommended spots where travelers can efficiently and deeply acquire Korean items. From classic large supermarkets to traditional markets buzzing with local energy, and even the evolving 12-story mega Daiso, we’ll detail each spot’s charm and their ‘must-buy items you can only find here’.

Lotte Mart ZETTAPLEX Seoul Station Branch

📍 Address: 405 Hangang-daero, Jung District, Seoul, Republic of Korea

Directly connected to Seoul Station, this large supermarket is immensely popular as a strong ally for travelers. It was relaunched as ‘ZETTAPLEX’ in September 2023, evolving into a more refined store that is easier to navigate and shop in. It boasts an overwhelming selection, from food to daily necessities, truly living up to the phrase ‘you can find anything here’.

Absolute must-check souvenirs include a wide variety of Korean seaweed, ‘KANU’ stick coffee whose sweetness soothes fatigue, and the classic ‘HBAF’ almond series. You’ll also find plenty of zero-calorie snacks perfect for small gifts, and unique Korean seasonings. A major draw is the immediate tax refund available at the register for purchases over 15,000 KRW upon presenting your passport. WOWPASS is also accepted.

The store also features a food court, where you can enjoy Jajangmyeon or dumplings at ‘NOODLE KING’ during your shopping break. Even with luggage, you can store it in the free lockers near the manned counter at the entrance and shop hands-free. If you buy too much, you can even use their EMS delivery service to Japan, making it the ultimate spot for last-minute bulk purchases before heading home.

Namdaemun Market

📍 Address: 21 Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung District, Seoul, Republic of Korea

Located within walking distance of Seoul Station, this is South Korea’s oldest and largest public market. With over 600 years of history, it’s a deep space teeming with local energy, where clothing, miscellaneous goods, food, and everything in between are packed tightly together. If you want to get Korean ingredients cheaper than at a supermarket, this is definitely the place to visit.

Recommended souvenirs include fragrant sesame oil, gochujang powder, and bulk-sold seaweed, unique to the market. The seaweed grilled right in front of you, though it has a shorter shelf life, offers a taste that’s on a completely different level from packaged supermarket products. Another unique joy of Namdaemun is discovering inexpensive and characterful local clothing, such as ‘Halmeoni Jokki’ (grandma vests) available for around 5,000 KRW.

The best time to visit is from around 8 AM to 10 AM. As lunchtime approaches, the crowds swell, making it difficult to even walk, so an early morning visit for breakfast is advisable. A quintessential local experience awaits, where you can savor exquisite Gimbap and Tteokbokki from street stalls while engaging in friendly bargaining and asking for freebies, often with a mix of Japanese (Note: Many shops are closed on Sundays, so be mindful).

Lotte Department Store Main Branch

📍 Address: 81 Namdaemun-ro, Jung District, Seoul, Republic of Korea

Directly connected to Euljiro 1-ga Station in the Myeongdong area, this luxury department store offers comfortable shopping regardless of the weather. If you’re looking for high-quality, thoughtful souvenirs, its basement food hall (depa-chika) is the perfect solution. The beautiful wrapping makes it ideal for choosing gifts for your boss or important friends.

Especially recommended is the traditional Korean confectionery, ‘Yakgwa’. The refined Yakgwa from famous shops are visually appealing and have an elegant flavor. Another talked-about hidden gem is ‘Bugeoguk Soup’ (freeze-dried dried pollack soup). It’s surprisingly authentic and delicious, and much cheaper than buying it through online retailers in Japan. The deli section even offers a service to rigorously vacuum-pack and container-wrap Ganjang Gejang (soy-marinated crab) for taking back to Japan, allowing you to enjoy authentic flavors after returning home, much to customers’ delight.

After shopping, dining at the sophisticated food court is also recommended. You can savor gentle local flavors at popular Kalguksu (Korean noodle soup) restaurants like ‘Veteran’. This store also offers immediate tax refunds at the register, so don’t forget your passport.

Gwangjang Market

📍 Address: 88 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, Republic of Korea

Located near the Dongdaemun area, Gwangjang Market (Kwangjang Sijang) is a festive hub bustling with locals and tourists every day. Though famous as a ‘food market’, it’s actually an excellent spot for souvenir hunting. It gradually comes alive around 9 AM, with the peak time being after 11 AM.

A must-buy souvenir here is the incredibly fresh ‘Changja’ (kimchi made with octopus or squid). The market vendors will offer samples, and if you mention you’re taking it back to Japan, they’ll meticulously wrap it to prevent any leakage (and sometimes even offer a heartwarming Yakult as a bonus!). Recently, more shops selling ‘Nubi Bags’ made from traditional Korean quilting fabric have appeared, making them a popular topic as you can get colorful bags at great prices.

Furthermore, don’t miss the evolving ‘second floor’ of the market. Amidst the old wholesale district, a retro-concept Starbucks and an Olive Young offering personal color analysis have opened. There’s even a space where you can try on Hanbok (traditional Korean dress) for free. It’s a frontline of old and new fusion, where you can indulge in deep street food (like yukhoe, live octopus, and bindaetteok) and then slowly explore the latest trends.

Daiso Myeongdong Station Branch

📍 Address: 134-1 Toegye-ro, Jung District, Seoul, Republic of Korea

Towering right in front of Myeongdong Station Exit 1 is an astonishing 12-story mega Daiso. Unlike Japan’s 100-yen stores, Korean Daiso stores offer products in the 1,000 to 5,000 KRW range, meaning they boast a mountain of higher-quality and well-designed items.

Recommended items here include cute Korean-exclusive packaged snacks, stationery designed with Hangeul, and affordable cosmetics unique to a beauty-conscious nation. For small gifts or picking up a few trinkets for yourself, it offers unbeatable cost performance.

However, navigating it requires some strategy. Despite having 12 floors, there’s only one small public elevator, which constantly leads to long queues. The recommended approach is to first go up to the top floor by stairs or elevator, then descend floor by floor using the stairs. If you’re short on time, it’s wise to focus on floors directly relevant to souvenirs: 3rd floor (stationery), 4th floor (character goods), and 5th floor (food). The checkout lines move quickly, and tax refunds are also available upon presenting your passport.

Smart Shopping Tips and Precautions for Korean Souvenirs

Here are some practical tips for enjoying smart and comfortable shopping in Seoul.

1. Always carry your passport and an eco-bag
In Korea, an increasing number of stores, including supermarkets, department stores, and even Daiso, offer immediate tax refunds at the register for purchases exceeding a certain amount (currently 15,000 KRW or 30,000 KRW, etc.). Always carry your passport. Additionally, plastic shopping bags are strictly charged for, so it’s highly recommended to bring a larger eco-bag.

2. Check expiration dates and storage methods
For items bought at markets, such as seaweed or kimchi, and traditional sweets from department stores, the expiration date may not always be clearly stated on the package. It’s a good idea to confirm with the staff when purchasing: ‘Is it room temperature (sang-on) or refrigerated (naengjang)?’ and ‘Until when (eonjekkaji)?’. If you plan to take kimchi or changja back home, bringing Ziploc bags or an insulated cooler bag from your country will be perfect.

3. Market visits typically require ‘cash’ and are best in the ‘morning’
While credit cards are standard at supermarkets and department stores, many small stalls and vendors in Namdaemun Market and Gwangjang Market still require cash (KRW). Also, afternoons tend to be swamped with tourists, so if you want to avoid crowds and leisurely browse or haggle, visiting in the morning is best.

Utilize these spots according to your purpose and preferences, and bring back a suitcase full of wonderful Korean memories!