Less Touristy Or Unique Souvenirs That Are Sure To Please When Brought Back From South Korea
Here we are again, at that point in the trip when you have to wander the shopping streets, cute craft shops and other stores to find those long-awaited souvenirs for your friends and family.
But even though we may love magnets and mugs, a little change and more authenticity will certainly please everyone (unless your best friend is really into magnets, in which case you’ll have no choice but to comply).
So if you’re looking for less touristy and more unique souvenirs, let me introduce you to my favorites. Whether they’re traditional, cute or healthy, here’s the list!
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🎯 Would you like to go straight to my recommendations?
🗺️ Recommended Experiences:
📝 Handmade Stamp
🖼️ Korean Folk Painting Class (in Seoul and Suwon)
♨️ Perfume Making Class (in Seoul and Busan)
Traditional souvenirs
1. Chopsticks & spoon
Useful and sure to be a souvenir you’ll keep for ages, opt for a beautiful set of chopsticks. They’re usually sold as a set with a spoon, and come in metal or wood. Not only are they the perfect gift for everyone, but they also don’t take much space and are quite budget-friendly (see, I’m always thinking of those of us who travel light and on a budget).
Plus, you can use them in everyday life (picnic, work…) and they can easily slip into your carry-on, because you never know when you might need them.
2. Name stamps (dojang)
There’s nothing more personal and unique that giving someone or yourself a name stamp. Used to represent a person’s name like your signature, this is what Koreans used (or should I say use) to sign contracts or any other official document.
Of course, yours will have no official value, but it’s still a great and lovely souvenir to bring back from South Korea. And the best part is that you can actually create your own in workshops, like this one in Seoul.
3. Tea cups (celadon pottery)
If you’re looking for something a little more traditional, I’ve got just the thing! Ever heard of Korean celadon pottery (to learn more about it, click on the link to read this excellent article)? If not, now’s your chance to discover this magnificent, delicate and aesthetic art form.
Originally imported to Korea by the Chinese, Koreans have distinguished themselves and brought their own personal touch and originality to the celadon pottery.
Interested? Head to Eden Pottery or Hankook in Seoul to find unique, high-quality Korean celadon pottery.
Bear in mind, though, that this gift will be on the pricey side, and don’t plan on putting it in your lugagge (unless you’re not afraid finding it in pieces when you arrive). Better ship it!
4. Mother of Pearl
Another traditional gift to bring back from your trip, such as a small mirror or a mother of pearl jewelry box, for example, will wow your friends/family and make them want to learn more about the traditional technique and brilliant beauty behind it.
Often representing nature and made from the material present in the inner layer of the shell of certain mollusks, the nacre also called mother of pearl is, in fact, inlayed on a lacquered surface. But the whole process is more complicated than that, as it’s long and often takes months to produce a single piece.
But it’s its iridescent, striking and stunning decorations and designs that attract and charm people from all over the world. A craftmanship representing Korean culture, mother of pearl is a living legacy that will continue to live on for a long time (at least, I hope so).
5. Korean folk painting (minhwa)
Illustrating the daily lives of people, mythology, religion, and more, minhwa, or Korean folk painting, was very popular during the Joseon era and was, in fact, painted by anonymous artists, often coming from lower classes.
Today, you can see them at special exhibitions, but also at the Joseon Minhwa Museum, which houses more than 3,000 paintings from this period.
And for a more immersive experience, you can choose to create your own traditional folk painting to give as a gift or keep as a souvenir by attending a minhwa class in Seoul or Suwon.
6. Korean wedding ducks
Do you have friends who are getting married soon, or want a symbolic souvenir to show your harmonious and joyful life as a married couple? Then, there’s probably nothing more iconic than the pair of wooden ducks (blue ribbon for the groom and red ribbon for the bride) that you’re bound to see in many shops around Korea.
Symbolizing fidelity, peace, and eternal love in marriage, it’s the kind of gift you’ll want if you’re looking for a symbol of love but also tradition.
7. Embroidered purse (bokjumeoni)
If you’re familiar with hanboks (traditional Korean clothing), you know that they don’t have pockets, and that’s why people needed something to carry objects like their money or small items. Made of silk or cotton and translated as “lucky pouch” because of its patterns representing wealth, fortune…, and always with vibrant colors, it was quite an important item, since tap to pay didn’t exist yet.
Nowadays, it’s not longer very common, but as it symbolizes good luck and is very pretty, it makes for a great souvenir that will appeal to young and old alike.
8. Korean dolls
Made of wood, porcelain, acrylic…, and beautifully handcrafted in their cute hanbok clothing, I’m sure such a gift would look good in your display case at home.
As long as you’re not afraid of dolls, of course. I’ll personally use my wild card on this one.
Unique souvenirs
9. Funny socks
I know, you must be thinking “What is she talking about? How could funny socks be a unique souvenir?”
But wait until you see them and you’ll understand why they make such an original and fun gift. Bearing the colors of famous soju brand, international logos, famous characters, and much more, and costing next to nothing, you’ll soon find yourself wandering the shopping streets in search of the most original ones to bring back your loved ones.
It’s also a nice way to add a touch of color and craziness to our lives, don’t you think? And it’s the ideal souvenir for the little ones too!
10. Pokémon cards
I must admit that I’m not the biggest Pokémon fan; my childhood was more marked by marbles, pogs and Card Captor Sakura than by Pokémon, but if you’re a fan and collector, then you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in South Korea.
Plus, it’s also an investment, as cards and anything related to Pokémon could increase significantly in value in a few years or decades. Well, do you think it’s too late to get started?
11. Postcards & stationery
True: postcards are one of the most common gifts to bring back from a trip, but you can find real gems around South Korea. I’m especially thinking of the ones I found in Jeju and at the Blueline Park in Busan. Not to mention the museums and popular landmarks that often sell them too.
Whether you want to send them to your loves ones or keep them as souvenirs, you’re sure to find many beautifully illustrated postcards, so much so that, like me, you’ll be tempted to collect them.
And let’s not forget all the cute stationery items you can get: from stickers to pens, there’s no shortage of options. And you don’t have to break the bank or go far, just pop into Daiso or Artbox and you’ll find your happiness.
12. Perfume
If you know your friends’ or family’s tastes, or what they usually wear, then making your own perfume is a thoughtful, original and unique gift to give.
Take a memorable perfume making class, sniff, breathe, and find the fragrance that best suits you (or suits the receiving person).
Food and drinks
13. Korean tea
Tea lovers, this one’s for you! If you’re like me, meaning you’re not a coffee drinker, then you’ll be happy to know that Koreans love tea, some of which can’t be found anywhere else (or at a higher price). So why not bring back some unique, healthy and traditional teas for everyone to try?
Opt for some nokcha (green tea), oksusucha (corn tea), ssukcha (mugwort tea)…, or any flavor you like or would like to try.
And don’t forget to visit the O’Sulloc Tea Museum in Jeju if you have time, to learn about tea history and taste the best green tea ice cream you’ll ever have.
14. Ginseng
Often given as a gift during holidays or important celebrations to wish someone a long life, ginseng isn’t only full of healthy benefits, but also delicious. Its taste is slightly bitter, slightly sweet, with a hint of spiciness.
If you’re looking for a healthy gift for your relatives, that’s also apparently great for boosting your immune system (ideal in winter), then ginseng is the top choice.
15. Snacks
There are so many yummy snacks in South Korea that you’ll have trouble finding at home (or that will cost you twice as much) that I recommend stocking up on your favorites (even a dedicated suitcase won’t be enough, trust me).
And even though you’ll be happy to indulge yourself to your favorite sweets and snacks, I’ve found that bringing back local food is actually the best way to introduce your friends/family to a country’s culture, and even make them want to visit it themselves. Because the way to a person’s heart is always through their stomach!
And that’s a wrap for my list of souvenirs to bring back from South Korea! What about you? What souvenirs do you love to bring back for your loved ones? Leave them in the comments!
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