In Korea, happiness doesn’t always come with a luxury price tag. Sometimes, it fits right in the palm of your hand and costs less than a cup of coffee.
If you follow Korean lifestyle trends, you’ve likely heard of Olive Young for all things K-beauty. But for everything else—from charming home goods to clever travel hacks—there is another retail giant that captures the heart of daily life here: Daiso.
For locals and long-term residents like myself, a trip to Daiso isn’t just an errand; it is a pursuit of So-hwak-haeng (소확행). This is a popular Korean concept meaning “Small but Certain Happiness.” It’s the joy of finding a perfectly cute ceramic mug, a set of pastel highlighters, or a clever kitchen gadget that makes life slightly easier, all without breaking the bank.
If you are planning a trip to Seoul or looking to experience authentic Korea local life, here is why you must add a Daiso visit to your itinerary.
More Than Just a Dollar Store
While you might have dollar stores back home, Korean Daiso is a different breed. The quality is surprisingly high, the designs are trendy, and the prices are unbeatable. Most items range from 1,000 KRW (approx. $0.70 USD) to 5,000 KRW ($3.50 USD).
You can find Daiso in almost every neighborhood, but for the ultimate experience, visit the Myeongdong Station Branch. It occupies an entire 12-story building right in front of Exit 1. It’s not just a store; it’s a vertical theme park of affordable shopping!
Seasonal Surprises: A Year in Daiso
One of the best ways to experience Korean culture is to see how the shelves change with the weather. Daiso releases limited-edition series that locals go crazy for:
- Spring (March-May): The “Cherry Blossom Series” takes over. Expect pink everything—tumblers, picnic mats, umbrellas, and stationery adorned with falling petals. It’s the perfect gear for a picnic by the Han River.
- Summer (June-August): Korea gets humid! You will see walls of portable handheld fans (a summer essential here), cooling arm sleeves, and mosquito repellents.
- Autumn (September-November): The shelves turn into cozy hues of brown and orange. Look for squirrel and acorn-themed home decor and soft blankets for camping.
- Winter (December-February): Survival mode kicks in with “hot packs” (adhesive heat pads), fuzzy earmuffs, and DIY Christmas decorations to warm up small apartments.
Top 5 Souvenirs to Buy (That Look Expensive!)
If you want to bring a piece of Korea home without spending a fortune, skip the tourist trap shops. Here are the items I always recommend to friends visiting from abroad:
1. Traditional Metal Chopsticks & Spoons (Sujeo)
Korean metal chopsticks are flat and can be tricky to use at first, but they are iconic. At Daiso, you can find beautiful sets engraved with traditional patterns for just 2,000~3,000 KRW. They make elegant, practical gifts for family back home.
2. “Character” Socks
Korea is famous for high-quality, adorable socks. You will find walls dedicated to them—from cute animals to famous cartoon characters and simple pastel stripes. At 1,000~2,000 KRW a pair, they are the ultimate guilt-free purchase.
3. DIY Hangul Name Stickers
This is a fun experience rather than a product on the shelf. Look for the “Name Sticker Kiosk” (네임스티커) machines, usually located near the entrance or the stationery section.
- How it works: You type in your name, choose a cute character design (like Pororo or Disney), and pay about 1,000~2,000 KRW.
- The Result: The machine instantly prints a sheet of waterproof stickers with your name in Hangul (Korean). It’s a fantastic, personalized souvenir you can stick on your phone or luggage!
4. K-Beauty Tools
While you buy your serums at Olive Young, buy your tools at Daiso. Their makeup sponges, blending puffs, and hair rollers are legendary among Korean beauty YouTubers for their cost-performance ratio.
5. Cute Stationery & Planners
Koreans take note-taking and diary decorating seriously. You will find an endless supply of high-quality pens, memo pads, and “Polco” (Polaroid decoration) stickers that are perfect for scrapbooking your travel memories.
Practical Tips for Your Daiso Visit
To navigate the store like a local, keep these tips in mind:
- The Price Tag: If an item has no price tag sticker, it is usually 1,000 KRW. Otherwise, the price is clearly marked on the back (2,000, 3,000, or 5,000).
- Self-Checkout: Most stores now use Self-Checkout Kiosks. Don’t worry—there is an “English” language button! You simply scan the QR code on the product (usually small and square, distinct from the barcode).
- Tax Refund: Major tourist branches (like the massive 12-story Daiso at Myeongdong Station or the Hongdae branch) offer Immediate Tax Refunds.
– Spend over 30,000 KRW to qualify.
– Bring your Passport: You must scan it at the kiosk or register at the counter to get the tax deducted instantly or receive a refund receipt. Don’t forget it at the hotel! - Shopping Bags: Plastic bags cost extra (usually 100 KRW). Locals usually carry a reusable tote, or you can buy a reusable Daiso shopping bag at the counter.
A Moment of Simple Joy
In a fast-paced city like Seoul, Daiso offers a moment of pause. It’s fun to just wander the aisles, marvelling at a peeling gadget you didn’t know you needed or laughing at a funny plush toy.
It reminds us that happiness doesn’t have to be grand. It can be found in a 1,000 KRW sticker pack that makes you smile every time you open your planner.
Have you ever visited a Daiso in Korea? What was the best “small happiness” item you found? Let me know in the comments!