Myeongdong may be one of Seoul’s most famous neighborhoods, and for some travelers it might even feel a little predictable. Still, it remains one of my favorite places in the city. I have been visiting Myeongdong since my twenties, and it is one of those areas I never seem to get tired of.
With cosmetics stores, fashion brands, and duty-free shops packed into a relatively small area, it is often one of the first places international visitors explore in Seoul. Recently, however, there is another destination attracting just as much attention as Olive Young or department stores: Daiso.
There is a Daiso in almost every neighborhood in Seoul. I also have one near my home, and whenever I need something unexpectedly, it is usually the first place I visit. From household goods to travel essentials, it has earned a reputation among locals for carrying almost everything.
While Daiso has long been known for practical daily necessities, its beauty section has become increasingly popular in Korea. Some products have even sold out due to demand. For travelers, it offers an affordable way to experience K-beauty while also picking up useful items for the trip.
Walk through the Myeongdong branches and you will quickly notice visitors comparing sheet masks, browsing skincare shelves, and waiting at the cashier with baskets full of products. Among all the floors and departments, the beauty section is easily one of the busiest.
Table of Contents
- Why Travelers Love Daiso in Myeongdong
- Inside the Beauty Section Everyone Stops At
- Why Hydrogel Masks Are Trending in K-Beauty
- Best K-Beauty Finds Under 5,000 KRW
- Travel Essentials Worth Buying at Daiso
- Quick Shopping Summary
- Why I Recommend Daiso
Why Travelers Love Daiso in Myeongdong
Myeongdong is one of the shopping districts most first-time visitors to Korea eventually find themselves exploring. Naturally, cosmetics stores become part of the itinerary. In recent years, however, Daiso has become just as essential for many travelers.
The biggest reason is the price. Most products are sold between 1,000 and 5,000 KRW, making it easy to try several items without spending much. For travelers who want a quick introduction to Korean beauty trends before investing in higher-priced skincare, Daiso is especially appealing.
Most importantly, affordable cosmetics do not necessarily mean poor quality. Some of Daiso’s beauty products have developed a strong reputation among Korean shoppers. One example is the 1,000 KRW lip liner, which is often praised for its impressive color payoff. It has become a popular purchase among international students visiting Korea.
Another advantage is convenience. Beyond beauty products, Daiso also carries practical travel necessities. Since visitors can shop for skincare, toiletries, and everyday essentials in one place, it is particularly useful for those with a limited schedule.
There are Daiso stores throughout Seoul, but each branch is slightly different in size and product selection. The reason I recommend the Myeongdong locations is simple: the stores are larger, the inventory is broader, and new products tend to appear more quickly because of the high number of visitors.
- Daiso Myeongdong Station Branch: 13-25 Namsan-dong 3-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Daiso Myeongdong Main Branch: 53-1 Myeongdong 1-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
Inside the Beauty Section Everyone Stops At
The most eye-catching area inside Myeongdong Daiso is undoubtedly the beauty section.
Rows of sheet masks, toner pads, cleansers, hair products, and beauty tools fill the shelves, and the selection is much larger than many visitors expect. During my visit, this was also the area where people spent the most time browsing.
One reason the section is easy for foreign visitors to navigate is that many products clearly communicate their purpose. Keywords such as calming, moisturizing, brightening, and elasticity care are often displayed prominently on the packaging, making it easier to find products that match specific skincare concerns.
As interest in K-beauty continues to grow around the world, Daiso is increasingly viewed as more than just a household goods store. In Myeongdong, it feels like an affordable beauty shopping destination in its own right.
Why Hydrogel Masks Are Trending in K-Beauty
One of the most talked-about categories in K-beauty right now is the hydrogel mask.
Unlike traditional sheet masks, hydrogel masks adhere closely to the skin and gradually become thinner and more transparent during use. The texture feels almost as if an ampoule has been transformed into a mask, which is one reason the format has attracted growing attention from consumers around the world.
Products such as the Celderma Daily Transforming Hydrogel Mask line make this trend easy to understand. The range is clearly divided into functions such as calming, brightening, and elasticity care, helping shoppers choose a mask based on their skin concerns. The Azulene Calming Mask, in particular, is popular among people looking for soothing care for sensitive skin.
It is also one of the brand’s best-selling products. Considering how travel can leave skin feeling tired from flights, weather changes, and long days of sightseeing, it is easy to see why this type of mask appeals to international visitors as well.
Another interesting point is the price difference. At many beauty brands, a single hydrogel mask often sells for around 5,000 KRW. At Daiso, however, similar hydrogel mask products can be found for approximately 2,000 KRW. This allows travelers to purchase several varieties at once without feeling guilty about the cost.
Not surprisingly, the mask section was also one of the busiest areas in the Myeongdong Daiso beauty zone.
Best K-Beauty Finds Under 5,000 KRW
There are more K-beauty products worth exploring at Myeongdong Daiso than many travelers expect.
Hydrogel masks and traditional sheet masks are usually the first products worth checking out. They are affordable, easy to pack, and popular as Korean travel souvenirs.
Toner pads are another good option. They have become a common step in Korean skincare routines, and their convenience makes them easy to use even while traveling.
Cleansing foam and travel-sized facial cleansers are also practical purchases. Because many are sold in smaller sizes, they help reduce luggage while still providing enough product for a trip.
Other beauty accessories such as cotton pads, makeup puffs, hair rollers, and brushes also offer surprisingly good value for the price.
Travel Essentials Worth Buying at Daiso
Personally, one of my most satisfying purchases from Daiso was not a beauty product at all. It was a lint remover.
It cost 5,000 KRW, and I had no complaints about its performance. Since 5,000 KRW is considered relatively expensive by Daiso standards, I expected decent quality, and it delivered. When I used it on sweaters and the heel area of socks covered with lint, the fabric looked noticeably cleaner within minutes.
Another memorable purchase happened before a recent glamping trip. On the way there, I realized that I had forgotten to pack both body wash and cleansing foam.
I stopped by Daiso in a hurry and found travel-sized versions of both products. The accommodation did provide amenities, but I preferred bringing personal products rather than using shared toiletries.
The two items cost only 3,000 KRW in total, making them an easy purchase. Small travel-sized products like these are usually sold for around 1,000 to 2,000 KRW each and are easy to carry in a backpack or suitcase.
Besides body wash and facial cleansers, travelers can also find shampoo, toothpaste, and other compact toiletries that are useful for short trips.
Quick Shopping Summary
| Category | Price Range | Why Buy It |
|---|---|---|
| Hydrogel Masks | Around 2,000 KRW | Accessible introduction to Korean beauty products |
| Sheet Masks | 1,000–2,000 KRW | Easy and affordable souvenir |
| Toner Pads | 2,000–5,000 KRW | Popular Korean skincare item |
| Travel Toiletries | 1,000–3,000 KRW | Convenient for travel |
| Beauty Tools | 1,000–5,000 KRW | Lightweight and practical |
| Lint Remover | 3,000–5,000 KRW | One of the most useful purchases |
* Swipe sideways to view the full table on mobile.
Why I Recommend Daiso
Myeongdong offers no shortage of shopping destinations, but Daiso attracts visitors in a slightly different way. It offers an affordable introduction to current K-beauty trends while also providing practical items that are genuinely useful during a trip.
One of the reasons Daiso stands out is how easy it is to explore without overthinking every purchase. Whether it is a hydrogel mask, toner pad, travel-sized cleanser, or a simple beauty tool, many products cost only a few thousand won. That makes it easy to try something new without worrying about the price.
Before heading home, it is also a great place to pick up Korean sheet masks and small skincare items as gifts for friends and family. They are lightweight, easy to pack, and far more affordable than many visitors expect.
If Myeongdong is already part of your Seoul itinerary, consider adding Daiso to your shopping route. Between the larger cosmetics stores and department stores, you may discover why so many travelers walk out carrying bags that are much fuller than they originally planned.
After Shopping in Myeongdong
Staying near Subway Line 2 makes it easy to move between Hongdae, Myeongdong, and other major Seoul neighborhoods. My Where to Stay in Seoul Near Subway Line 2 explains why this route works especially well for travelers who want flexible shopping and dining days.
After shopping in Myeongdong, continue the day on foot with my Namsan Walking Route from Myeongdong to Haebangchon. It connects the busy shopping streets of Myeongdong with a slower uphill walk toward Namsan, then down into Haebangchon for a different evening mood.
For dinner or drinks after the walk, save my Shinheung Market Yajang Pocha Guide. It is a good final stop if you want a more local Seoul night after the polished energy of Myeongdong.