When traveling to Korea, many visitors seek the perfect souvenirs to commemorate their trip or to give as unique gifts to family and friends. Korea offers a wide range of traditional and modern items, but for those looking for something a little offbeat or quirky, the country has a fantastic array of unexpected and fun options. From whimsical K-pop merchandise to unusual food-themed items, there’s something for every kind of traveler.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the best quirky souvenirs you can bring home from Korea, ensuring that you not only bring back a piece of the country’s culture but also something that will raise eyebrows and spark conversations.
1. K-Pop Merchandise: More Than Just Posters
South Korea is the birthplace of K-pop, and for fans of the genre, bringing home K-pop memorabilia is a must. While posters and albums are common souvenirs, you can find much more unusual items that scream K-pop fandom.
Visit stores like SM Town, K-star Road, or even local stationery shops to find quirky K-pop merchandise such as:
- Dolls and figurines: Miniature versions of your favorite K-pop idols.
- Custom K-pop lightsticks: Each K-pop group has its own lightstick design, and these have become must-have collectibles for fans.
- Idol face masks: Why wear a regular face mask when you can have one emblazoned with your favorite K-pop star’s face?
Why It’s Quirky:
K-pop fandom takes collectibles to the next level, with fans proudly displaying a range of eccentric items that go beyond basic merch. Plus, nothing says quirky like carrying a lightstick that lights up in your favorite group’s signature color.
2. Food-Themed Socks
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In Korea, socks aren’t just a wardrobe necessity—they’re a way to make a statement. Food-themed socks have become a massive trend, and you can find socks that feature everything from kimchi to ramyeon. These quirky designs are often sold at markets like Namdaemun or Myeongdong, and they’re both affordable and practical.
Other popular sock designs include Korean food brands and characters like the smiling Choco Pie or the fiery Shin Ramyun logo. You can also find socks with traditional patterns like bibimbap (mixed rice) or tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes).
Why It’s Quirky:
These socks are both fun and functional—who wouldn’t want a pair of socks featuring their favorite Korean snack? They make for great conversation starters and are an affordable gift for friends back home.
3. Korean Beauty Sheet Masks with Bizarre Ingredients
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Korean beauty products, or K-beauty, are famous worldwide for their effectiveness and innovative formulas. While sheet masks are a typical souvenir, some masks contain truly bizarre ingredients that add a quirky edge. For example:
- Snail mucin masks claim to repair and hydrate skin.
- Bee venom masks are said to stimulate collagen production.
- Gold-infused masks promise to brighten and tone.
These masks, often sold in convenience stores like Olive Young or Aritaum, make a fun gift for beauty lovers who want to try something out of the ordinary.
Why It’s Quirky:
It’s not every day you come across beauty products infused with snail slime or bee venom. These unusual ingredients, coupled with the luxurious packaging, make K-beauty masks a quirky yet practical souvenir.
4. Poop-Themed Souvenirs
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In Korea, poop is more than just a joke—it’s a cultural icon. The country’s fascination with poop is best captured in Ddong Cafe and Toilet-themed restaurants, where food is served in mini toilet bowls. This poop obsession extends to quirky souvenirs, such as:
- Poop-shaped keychains: Found in souvenir shops around Insadong and Hongdae.
- Poop-shaped cushions: Decorate your living room with a soft cushion that looks like the famous poop emoji.
- Poop candies: Chocolate or coffee-flavored, they’re perfect gag gifts.
Why It’s Quirky:
The idea of poop as a fun motif may seem strange to visitors, but in Korea, it’s seen as playful and lighthearted. These poop-themed items make for memorable and laugh-inducing gifts.
5. Kimchi-Themed Accessories
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Kimchi, Korea’s beloved fermented cabbage dish, is a national treasure. While you may not be able to bring home fresh kimchi without risking leakage in your suitcase, you can bring home quirky kimchi-themed items that capture the spirit of this iconic dish.
Look for kimchi-themed accessories such as:
- Kimchi refrigerator magnets: Perfect for foodies and home chefs.
- Kimchi plush toys: A cute and cuddly way to celebrate Korea’s national dish.
- Kimchi-themed phone cases: For the die-hard kimchi lover who wants to take their favorite food everywhere.
Why It’s Quirky:
Kimchi is central to Korean cuisine, and these quirky items pay homage to the dish in a lighthearted way. Whether it’s a plush toy or a quirky magnet, these souvenirs will make any kimchi lover smile.
6. Miniature Hanbok Keychains and Dolls
The hanbok is Korea’s traditional attire, characterized by its vibrant colors and flowing lines. While full-size hanbok are beautiful and elaborate, they may not be the most practical souvenir for tourists. Instead, consider picking up miniature hanbok dolls or keychains.
These cute items are often dressed in traditional hanbok and make great keepsakes. You can find these miniature figures in craft stores in Insadong or at various souvenir shops around Seoul.
Why It’s Quirky:
Though hanbok themselves are deeply rooted in tradition, these miniature versions offer a whimsical and collectible twist. They’re a charming nod to Korea’s history, but in a much more portable (and quirky) form.
7. Character Merchandise: From Kakao Friends to LINE Friends
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Korean characters like Kakao Friends and LINE Friends have become cultural phenomena in their own right. These adorable mascots, such as Ryan the lion or Apeach the peach, appear on everything from notebooks to water bottles and plush toys.
Visit the flagship Kakao Friends store in Hongdae or the LINE Friends store in Myeongdong to find a variety of quirky, character-themed items. Popular options include:
- Character-shaped pillows: Bring home a cuddly version of your favorite Kakao Friend.
- Stationery sets: Pens, notebooks, and other office essentials adorned with cute character faces.
- Toothbrush holders: Even your bathroom routine can be made more fun with these quirky designs.
Why It’s Quirky:
Kakao and LINE characters are adored in Korea, but they remain relatively unknown outside Asia. Bringing home character merchandise makes for a unique gift that reflects Korea’s pop culture in a playful way.
8. Fish-Shaped Bungeoppang Plush Toys
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Bungeoppang, a popular street food in Korea, is a fish-shaped pastry filled with red bean paste or custard. While you can eat bungeoppang at food stalls, plush versions of these fish-shaped pastries have also become a quirky souvenir trend.
Found in markets and tourist shops, bungeoppang plush toys come in various sizes, from small keychains to full-sized cushions. These plush toys are a fun and unexpected way to remember one of Korea’s most beloved street snacks.
Why It’s Quirky:
Transforming a street food into a cuddly plush toy is a charming and uniquely Korean concept. It’s perfect for visitors who want a fun and nostalgic memento of their time trying bungeoppang.
9. Korean Ginseng Candy and Snacks
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Korean ginseng is renowned for its health benefits, and while ginseng products like tea and supplements are widely available, ginseng-flavored candy and snacks offer a quirky twist. These unique treats can be found in stores like Hwanggeum Ginseng in Namdaemun Market, where you can pick up boxes of ginseng candy to share with friends and family.
For a more adventurous palate, try ginseng-flavored chocolate or chips—they might be an acquired taste, but they’re undeniably quirky and make for a fun conversation starter.
Why It’s Quirky:
Ginseng is typically associated with health and wellness, but when it comes in candy or snack form, it takes on a whole new (and quirky) flavor profile. These unusual treats are a must-try for the curious traveler.
Conclusion
Korea is a treasure trove of quirky souvenirs that go beyond traditional keepsakes. Whether it’s poop-shaped keychains or food-themed socks, the country’s playful and creative spirit shines through in its souvenir offerings. These unique items provide a fun way to remember your trip and make for unforgettable gifts that will stand out from the usual mementos.
So next time you’re in Korea, skip the standard postcards and magnets, and hunt for one-of-a-kind souvenirs that reflect the country’s vibrant and quirky culture!
