What do foreign tourists buy most at Olive Young?
When you visit Olive Young in Myeongdong or Seongsu, you can see foreign tourists putting similar things in their baskets. Some of them may be surprising from a Korean perspective.
Poll
What you see most often in tourists' baskets
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If a friend from overseas came to Korea, what would you recommend?
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It’s hard to state an exact ranking of “top purchases by tourists,” since it varies by store, time of year, and nationality, but I think sunscreen, sheet masks, toner pads, and lip products are often seen in their baskets. Pimple patches are also lightweight and easy to buy in multiples, so people often pick them up as gifts.
If I had to recommend just one thing to a friend from overseas, I’d say sunscreen. That said, many people already use a product that works well for them in their own country, so rather than telling them to switch just because something is popular in Korea, it’s a good idea to ask if they’re curious about its texture or finish. Sheet masks and lip tints are safe choices for easy gifts, while toner pads can depend on personal preferences for fragrance, pad size, and how they’re used, so I tend to recommend them when I know my friend’s preferences.
Of the poll choices, my vote goes to sunscreen! What product would you recommend first to a friend from overseas?
If you were recommending Korean cosmetics to a friend in Japan, which category would they appreciate?
For a friend in Japan, a lip tint or sheet masks seem like easy gifts to give. If you know their preferences for colors or scents, go with a tint; if you don’t, a pack of several sheet masks is a safe choice. Toner pads are another option if you want them to experience something distinctly Korean. However, some people may find exfoliating types irritating, so I recommend choosing a moisturizing type to start.
Sunscreen is practical, but people have preferences for what they usually use and how it feels on the skin, so it’s safer to ask them first. Many products are easy to buy in Japan too, so I think they’re more likely to appreciate a gift chosen based on their preferences and ease of use rather than on the idea that it’s “only available in Korea.”