My Seoul Travel Diary: South Korea Trips and Souvenirs

  • New Trip

Updated: 2025.03.10
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Good morning! I recently went to Seoul for my first trip to Korea.

 

It was a 3-night, 4-day trip where I was so captivated by Korean treasures that my suitcase groaned under the weight of all the souvenirs I bought.

 

This time, I'll be introducing trendy Korean souvenirs for 2025! And also, suitcases to help you bring them all home!

Table of Contents

  • Sparkling memories of my Seoul trip

  • 2025 Trend! Discovering Korean Souvenirs

  • The Importance of a Suitcase, Realized When Overloaded with Souvenirs

  • The perfect choice for your next trip! Luggage to support your upcoming journey.

  • Finally

  • FAQ

1. Sparkling Memories of My Seoul Trip

My 4-day, 3-night trip to Seoul was short but full of rich experiences.

What left the biggest impression was exploring the street food stalls in Myeongdong! Biting into a freshly made hotteok, I was enveloped in a sweet aroma and felt pure happiness.

I also drank traditional tea in Insadong and shopped late into the night in Dongdaemun…

I completely fell in love with Korea's energetic atmosphere, so much so that I already want to stay longer next time. The fun I had there even influenced my choices when picking out Korean souvenirs.

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2. 2025 Trends! Uncovering Korean Souvenirs

One of the greatest joys of traveling is, after all, souvenirs! When you open your suitcase and unpack them after returning home, it feels like opening a treasure chest and is so exciting. This time, we've carefully selected some interesting and out-of-the-ordinary Korean souvenirs. We'll introduce them by category!

 

1. HBAF Tteokbokki Flavored Almonds

From the "HBAF" series, famous for its honey butter almonds, comes tteokbokki flavor!

This unique snack encapsulates the sweet and spicy tteokbokki flavor in almonds. It can be purchased at "HBAF Almond Store" in Myeongdong and Lotte Mart.

Light and perfect for scattering, my friends loved it when I gave it to them, saying, "It's so Korean!"

 

Souvenir Spot: Myeongdong is a classic area with a wide selection of cosmetics and snacks. It's crowded, but if you want to visit various stores, you can't miss it!

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2. Chapaguri Instant Noodles

"Chapaguri," which gained popularity through the movie "Parasite," is a mix of Chapaghetti (soy sauce flavor) and Neoguri (spicy seafood flavor).

"Neoguri" was named because its round and plump noodles evoke the image of a raccoon dog (which is "neoguri" in Korean).

If you make it yourself, you can enjoy its rich flavor, making it a perfect souvenir to savor Korean culture.

 

Souvenir Spot: At large supermarkets like Lotte Mart, you'll find a wide variety of instant noodles, so Chapaguri is easy to find.

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3. Viyott Yogurt Drink (Limited Edition Flavors)

From the popular Korean "Viyott" yogurt drink series, we recommend the seasonal limited edition mango and strawberry flavors.

They are readily available at convenience stores (CU and GS25) and have cute packaging!

They are a hit with health-conscious individuals, and I even found myself wanting to stock up on a few for personal use.

 

Souvenir Spot: Convenience stores throughout the city are easy to pop into, and you might even find limited edition items. It's fun to check them out while walking around Myeongdong and Gangnam.

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4. Cushion Foundation-Type Highlighter

Korean cosmetics continue to evolve! The "cushion foundation-type highlighter" I found at "Olive Young" is a new kind of item that allows you to easily create glowing skin with its cushion format.

It wasn't too shimmery, offering a natural glow, and was so cute you'd want to buy it just for the packaging, making it the perfect souvenir for cosmetic lovers.

 

Souvenir Spot: Olive Young, found in Myeongdong and Hongdae, is a holy grail for K-beauty. If you want to try the latest cosmetics, you absolutely must visit!

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5. Cute stationery

Character notebooks and pens found at a雑貨屋 (zakka shop) in Hongdae.

The Korean-style pop designs, especially those with Kakao Friends' Ryan and Muzi, were so adorable that I bought a lot for myself. They also make great souvenirs for friends from school!

 

Souvenir spot: Hongdae is the center of youth culture, with a rich selection of unique雑貨 (zakka) and character goods. The joy is in strolling around and discovering hidden gems.

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When choosing these Korean souvenirs, I was excited to look for things that made me think, "I don't see this in Japan" or "They'll be surprised when I give them this."

Korean markets and shops are full of unique items, and I always end up buying too much. Souvenirs truly are a wonderful way to share travel memories.

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3. The Importance of Suitcases, Realized After Buying Lots of Souvenirs

But here's a problem.

I bought too many Korean souvenirs and my suitcase wouldn't close!

Especially the bottled sauces and bags of popcorn took up a lot of space, making me realize I "really need a proper suitcase."

When you travel, your luggage might be light on the way there, but for some reason, it's always bursting with souvenirs on the way back. Without a sturdy and easy-to-use suitcase, you can't bring back your precious treasures with peace of mind.

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4.New Trip it is! A suitcase that will support you on your next trip too

Therefore, for your trip to Korea, we recommend the "New Trip" suitcase.

"New Trip 0702" and "New Trip 1101" are perfect for you if you love souvenirs!

 

New Trip 0702: Front-Opening Type
The front-opening design, which allows you to put things in and take them out while the suitcase is standing upright, is super convenient!

It has pockets for your laptop, tablet, and passport, so you can quickly take them out at the airport.

With a USB charging port, you can charge your devices on the go.

Made from a blend of ABS resin and PC, it's lightweight and durable, and the YKK zipper provides peace of mind.

The four-wheel casters are silent and have stoppers, there are side hooks for hanging luggage, and it's perfect with a TSA lock!

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New Trip 1101: Aluminum Frame Type
PC100% body and aluminum frame for lightweight and excellent impact resistance.

High waterproofness and tight sealing prevent odor leakage from sauces.

Double casters with suspension are approximately 30% quieter, and with stoppers for ease of use.

The interior features double-sided zippers and mesh pockets for easy organization, and TSA locks for perfect security.

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The ease of use of the "New Trip 0702" and the peace of mind of the "New Trip 1101" are both useful for buying Korean souvenirs!!!

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5. Finally

Every time I travel to Korea, I discover something new, and I always look forward to picking out Korean souvenirs.

I hope you all enjoy finding unique souvenirs to your heart's content with your "New Trip" suitcase. Until next time, happy travels!

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FAQ

1. Do I need a visa to travel to Korea?

As of March 2025, Japanese travelers do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days for tourism purposes.

However, you must apply for "K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)" upon entry, so be sure to complete the online application at least 72 hours before departure.

2. Cash or card: Which is better for payments in South Korea?

In urban areas like Seoul, credit cards and mobile payments (such as KakaoPay) are widely accepted, but cash (Korean Won) is more convenient at markets and food stalls.

If you're buying souvenirs, it's best to have both ready. You can exchange currency at airports or banks.

3. Where's the best place to buy souvenirs in Korea?

Myeongdong (cosmetics and sweets), Dongdaemun (general goods and food), Hongdae (trendy items and art goods), and Lotte Mart (food and instant foods) are classic choices.

Convenience stores (CU, GS25) are also convenient for easily purchasing limited-edition drinks and snacks.

Each area has its unique characteristics, so choose based on what you're looking for.

4. Are there any souvenirs from Korea that are prohibited from being brought into the country?

When bringing items into Japan, you need to be careful with fresh food (e.g., fresh kimchi, fruits) and meat products (e.g., sausages).

Processed kimchi, instant noodles, and sweets are allowed, but some cases may require a customs declaration, so it's a good idea to keep your receipts if you purchase a large quantity.

5. Are there any tips for buying souvenirs cheaply?

Supermarkets (Lotte Mart and E-Mart) and convenience stores are cheaper than tourist spots.

At markets in Myeongdong and Dongdaemun, some shops allow bargaining, so try asking for "a little discount!" when buying multiple items.

Duty-free shops can also offer good deals on cosmetics and alcohol.

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