Shopping & beauty in Seoul
Olive Young is amazing, but Seoul shopping can run away with you. A list helps. And not every Korean skincare or haircare product is actually good.
Shopping in Seoul is fun, but also a trap if you don't plan. A few honest things I noticed.
Shopping can be overwhelming - make a list
Seoul is dangerous if you like shopping.
Skincare, clothes, cute accessories, K-pop albums, stationery, snacks - there is a lot.
I'd recommend making a list of what you actually want to buy. Otherwise it's easy to get overwhelmed or buy random things everywhere.
Bring space in your suitcase
Linked to shopping: bring space.
Seoul has so many nice shops, and if you like skincare, cute things, snacks or clothes, you'll probably come back with more than expected. I wouldn't overpack before going.
Use Olive Young, but compare a little
Olive Young is amazing and super convenient for skincare and beauty products.
But because it's everywhere and very tourist-friendly, it's easy to buy too much. I'd still check promotions and compare a little, especially if you're buying many products.
Be careful with skincare products
Korean skincare is amazing and super tempting, but I'd still be a bit careful.
Some ingredients used in Korea aren't allowed in Europe, so not every product is automatically as good as we think. Maybe some products work well, but it doesn't always mean they are the best for your health.
I personally use Yuka to check products, but not everything is available there. I'd recommend staying a bit careful instead of buying everything just because it's Korean skincare.
Be careful with haircare products too
I noticed the same thing with hair products. Most of the shampoos I found were full of silicones and sulfates.
I was actually happy that I brought my own products from Europe. So if you're careful with the products you use, I'd recommend bringing your usual shampoo, conditioner or haircare products with you.
Don't expect everything to be cheaper
Some things are cheaper than Belgium, especially food, cafés, skincare and public transport.
But not everything is automatically cheap. Some trendy cafés, shops or touristy experiences can still be expensive. I wouldn't assume that everything will be a good deal just because you're in Korea.