Looking for the perfect gift for that special someone in your life who loves Korea? I’ve got you covered with unique Korea gift ideas! The holiday season is the best time to find that thoughtful gift and in this comprehensive guide, I have tons of inspo for you!

So why should you listen to me over all the other bloggers? Well, I lived in South Korea for almost six years and am familiar with the culture, people, and language.

There’s everything from authentic Korean gifts to Korean tea, and even something for the K-Pop fans in your life. Buckle up because you’re about to be wowed by all the great Korean gift ideas. 

Table of Contents

Gifts For Korean Beauty Lovers

The beauty industry in Korea is known for producing high-quality products. If it’s your first time buying Korean beauty-inspired gifts then I will break this section down into my favorites, plus others that have high reviews to make the process easier.  

Korean Face Masks

Korean face masks are always great gifts for Korean beauty lovers. If you’re traveling to Seoul, face masks also make cool souvenirs from Korea.

Korean Skin Care

Korean skincare gift sets are a great choice for stepping into the K-Beauty world. These sets will feature toner, moisturizer, ampoules, and other fun Korean beauty products. I’m currently using the Glow Recipe Line and it has been marvelous for my skin!

Korean Spa Experience

If you’re traveling to South Korea, this is one of the best kind of gifts to give. Many people don’t take enough time for self-care. 

And I’d like to add in general, Asian countries like Korea and Japan are elite when it comes to gentle beauty products. My number one recommendation is the Whoo Spa in Seoul.

Flower Knows Korean Makeup 

Flower Knows is a Korean makeup brand inspired by Korean culture. They use the Korean traditional art form when crafting their products.

If you know absolutely nothing about makeup, their gift sets and bundles are an excellent starting choice. 

Gifts For Korean Pop Fans

Do you have a K-pop obsessed family member or friend? This Korean gift and Kpop present ideas are sure to bring a smile to their face! K lovers of all ages are sure to love these things on the list!

Heart Pop Socket 

One of Korea’s trends that has caught on like wildfire is the heart hands. It’s an alternative to the peace sign and is all about love.

This heart pop socket is super useful because it’s soft, comfortable, and prevents you from dropping your phone.

BTS Dynamite Exclusive Pop! Vinyl 7-Pack Figure

It’s hard to deny BTS is a global phenomenon. Funko Pop has released a collection dedicated to their iconic song Dynamite.

This mini BTS Funko Pop set featuring the seven members will be one of your best K-pop gift ideas yet! 

BTS Throw Blanket

Any BTS fan will be “like crazy” with this warm throw blanket. It’s hypoallergic and soft which is always a good idea!

Korean Box Subscription Service

Why only gift them something for Christmas when they can get a present every month? Subscription services can get pricey, but you’ll be getting high-quality products without having to vet everything first.

Seoulbox Life

Not sure what to get the Korea lover in your life? Seoulbox Life is a good choice.

This box comes with hand-picked Korean items such as multifandom K-Pop merchandise, Korean lifestyle goodies, a K-beauty glow-up product, and a lifestyle box guide.

Seoulbox Signature

Seoulbox Signature also has some pretty cool Korean gifts for the Korean food lovers. This is a Korean snack box where you can get the latest snacks trending at the convenience store and around the country.

You can experience Korea through snacks, ramen, drinks, K-pop/K-drama merchandise, and K-beauty curated with unique themes.

Seoulbox V

The Seoulbox V is great for Korea lovers with dietary restrictions. These snacks are vegetarian so you’re still getting a taste of Korea without all the meat. 

Gifts For Korean Drama Fans

Look no further for gifts for Korean drama lovers. For this section specifically, I went browsing through the gifts for Korean drama fans section on Etsy.

In my opinion, you can get high quality and unique Korean gifts from the website.

Korean Drama Inspired Mug 

Pink is one of my absolute favorite colors (in case you can’t tell). This Korean Drama Aesthetic Fanatic Mug is one of the best ways to impress K drama fans.  

Korean Drama Inspired Stanley Cups

Keep your family members and friends hydrated with this super adorable stainless steel Korean collage cup.

Korean Drama Inspired Prints

Have a friend that’s kind of artsy? Then these Korean drama inspired prints are the perfect gift!

I Paused My K Drama To Be Here 

This funny K-drama Lover Shirts and Sweatshirts is the perfect Korean drama lover gift. After all…

They did pause their beloved show to come spend time with you… So feel special!

The Only Drama I Want Is Korean… With English Subtitles 

This KDrama Cotton Canvas Tote Bag is the best Korean drama inspired tote bag. It’s got an adorable drawing of ramen and soju on it. Which of course is a stable in Korean drinking culture. 

Korean Drama Essentials Blanket 

There’s a few things romantic Korean dramas have in common. You’re almost always going to get scenes featuring an umbrella, a piggyback ride, a head pat, a wrist grab, a back hug, and of course the confession! This K-Drama Plush Blanket is the perfect Kdrama fan gift. 

K-Drama Aesthetic Plush Blanket

I thought this K-drama Blanket made for the ultimate cozy home decor. I love how it has so many symbols of Korean on it such as hanbok, cherry blossoms, hangul, and so much more.

Gifts for Korean Book Readers

Before you visit Korea, check out my list of the best Korea books to read. It will help you understand the culture and give you insight into The Land of the Morning Calm.

True Beauty Webtoon

Korean cartoons are making waves and giving Japanese anime a run for their money. The True Beauty manhwa originally started off as a webtoon, then was developed into a drama, and it is now an animation streaming on Crunchy Roll! 

Buy Them A Seasonal Guide 

Living in South Korea taught me how to be a local and gave me the inside scoop you won’t find anywhere else. I spent a lot of time learning the language, culture, and society.

Everything I know about each season, what to do, and where to go is in these e-books. These e-books are the ultimate South Korea tourist guides to help you travel like a local.

Autumn in Seoul & South Korea Ebook

Autumn in Seoul is one of the best times to visit South Korea. This is a completely done for you itinerary complete with a map!

What You Will Get In This E-Book:
🏩 Where to stay in Seoul?
🥘 Best restaurants in Seoul?
🇰🇷 Must-see sites & can’t-miss activities? 
🍁What to pack for Korea in autumn?
🚆 What transport do I use to get around the city?
🧧 Plus insider travel tips, photo spots, and deep dives you won’t see on my blog.

Buy Here

Gifts For Korean Culture Lovers

Looking for a Korean New Year gift, Christmas gifts in Korea, or cute Korean gifts? Then why not give your Korea-obsessed friend traditional Korean gifts? 

Handmade Korean Seal 

In South Korea, people don’t use print to sign official documents. Many official documents are signed with their official handmade Korean seal.

Traditional Buckwheat Pillow

These Korean pillows provide great neck support! Help your loved one dream happily with this Korea gift! 

Mother of Pearl Jewelry Box

These make the best gifts from Korea because they’re so deeply embedded into Korean culture. Definitely check out Maddesign Mother of Pearl jewelry boxes for unique handmade South Korea gifts. 

Norigae

A Norigae is a traditional Korean accessory used in Hanbok, which can be hung on the goreum (coat strings) of a woman’s jeogori or her chima (skirt). Norigae are also Korean good luck gifts and are given on special occasions. 

Yut Nori 윷놀이

Yut Nori is one of the most popular traditional Korean games dating back about 5,000 years ago. This traditional game is popular among friends and families.

Korean Traditional Handmade Tableware

This Notbichae Premium Bronzeware is a little pricey, but I guarantee your Korea lover will appreciate this set nonetheless… You’ll find sets like this at fancy Korean restaurants, and it’s great for serving Korea-inspired dishes in your home. This set is made of traditional Korean hand-forged bronzeware which has great heat retention which keeps food warmer for longer.

Gifts For Korean Food Lovers

This is bound to make Korean food lovers in your life super happy. These are the best Korean gifts for the major foodies in your life.

Korean Instant Noodles

Junk food is always a great idea. Plus, Korean instant noodles are so much more tasty than generic noodles elsewhere.

Fun fact: there are entire aisles dedicated to ramen in the Korean supermarket. 

Makgeolli Home Brew Kit

Alcohol lovers rejoice because the art of making one of my favorite Korean brews is now easier than EVER. Hyesun House has a make-your-own makgeolli kit.

This milky-looking delicious drink is served in a metal bowl and enjoyed cold. Makgeolli is one of the oldest alcoholic beverages in Korea. With this simple step-by-step kit and videos on how to make it, this is perfect for the Korea lover in your life.

Lightly Roasted and Salted Korean Seaweed

I really love lightly toasted and salted Korean seaweed in sesame oil. These Korean snacks are keto-friendly and vegan-friendly. Whenever I have a salty craving, this definitely hits the spot. 

Korean Cook Books 

Osulloc Special Tea Gift Set

The Osulloc Teas make for one of the best gifts from Korea (espcially the green tea). This premium tea comes from Jeju Island and they promise to give you the freshest tea from farm to cup.

O’Food Box Korean Sauce Essentials

The O’Food Box has everything you need to make your favorite Korean dishes. K-Food lovers can choose from different package options like Korean sauce essentials, Korean kitchen essentials, and Korean street food bundles. 

Korean Red Ginseng

Red Ginseng makes a great gift from Korea. If you’re in the country, buy it there because its a lot cheaper.

If you’re not, you can easily get the CheongKwanJang Korean Red Ginseng Drink. This herbal mix is meant to give you an energy boost that won’t leave you feeling jittery.

These are good gifts as it can also be used as a pre or post workout energy drink. This Korean Red Ginseng Drink used to help speed up recovery time, muscle soreness, and support endurance while exercising.

Gifts For Korean Fashion Lovers

Maybe your friend truly enjoys wearing their love for Korea. This list has great ideas for Korean gifts for friends or that special someone in your life. 

Korean Alphabet Necklace

A Hangul necklace is an excellent Korean gift. One that is personalized with their name is even better. I recommend this 925 Sterling Silver Korean Nameplate Necklace as a great Korean Christmas gift. Or a Korea gift just because. 

Cute Korean Things to Buy

Wondering what to get from Korea? If you happen to be visiting Seoul and are looking for cute things from Korea, I suggest these good Korean souvenirs. Many of these cool things to buy in Korea can be found in Insadong which is best for traditional Korean souvenirs. 

Korean Traditional Silk (Hanji) Fan 

Korean hanji fans are often found at traditional markets and souvenir shops in Seoul. They’re a great gift from Korea because they’re light and won’t take up a lot of space in your suitcase. They were highly regarded in East Asia and beyond for their superior quality and beauty.

Traditional Korean Silk Coin Purse

Korean coin purses have been used by women throughout history for practical and complimentary purposes. They would compliment the traditional Korean dress, known as hanbok. 

Korean Celadon Buddhist Incense Burner

Need some more inspo on what to buy when in Korea? These incense burners known as hoon-ro make the best Korean souvenirs. They’re used to eliminate bad smells and energy out of your space.

Traditional Korean Masks

Traditional Korean masks are called tal. They have a long tradition of being used in ceremonies and rituals, as part of battle uniforms, and in royal courts.

Korean Hanbok Teddy Bears 

Korean hanbok teddy bears make for cute things to buy from South Korea. They’re huggable and oh-so lovable.

Fur Baby Hanbok 

Looking for cute Korean things? Explode with cuteness with these fur baby hanboks. Who needs a special occasion to celebrate when they look so cute?

If you’re in Seoul, the main strip outside Hongik University Station Exit 9 has many stalls selling hanbok with traditional designs. 

Gifts For Korea Travel Lovers 

This section is for those who are going to travel to Korea. Unfortunately, the price of plane tickets and the cost of living have gone up. This is the best Korean gift for someone to have a truly memorable experience in Korea. 

Buy Them A Korean Tour

Below is my list of favorite tours I’ve taken in Korea. There’s no better way to show you love someone than gifting them an experience.  

Buy Them A Korean Class Experience 

These are also lovely Korea gifts since they’ll be making something with their own hands and experiencing Korean culture.

Korean Language Learners

Talk to Me in Korean

Talk To Me in Korean is the OG Korean language learning service. It is the best place to go for free and paid resources for learning Korean.

They have workbooks and textbooks to help you further your knowledge with exercises. If you’re interested in all the resources I used to study Korean, check out my blog post! 

Korean Class 101 Subscription

With the Korean Class 101 Subscription, they’ll get lessons with transcripts and chapter tests to apply their knowledge. This was a resource I found invaluable when I first started living in Korea. 

Learn Korean With BTS

The Tiny Tan Learn Korean with BTS system is designed for Korean language beginners. This box set includes the pen (featuring Jin’s voice) and the book.

It is divided into five chapters featuring Korean vowels, consonants, complex vowels, writing structure and batchim, linking the sounds, and with a bonus chapter on games. 

Pocketalk

If you’re planning on traveling to Korea, the Pocketalk is a life-saving device! Language barriers are the WORST! This is one of the coolest translation devices I’ve used because it translates 82 different languages in real time.

I hope this list of Korean gifts will inspire you to give the best one to a friend, lover, or family member who admires Korea! Whether it be an inspired Korean birthday gift, Christmas gifts from Korea, or gifts for Korean friends. These Korean gifts ideas are bound to make your special person smile.

This post contains affiliate links which means at no additional cost to you, I make a small commission to help keep Gina Bear’s Blog running. Thanks for your support!

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  1. Pingback: 5 Things You Should Buy When in Korea | Linda Goes East

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