10 Olive Young Buys Reddit Says Are Worth the Extra Suitcase
Updated October 2026
Olive Young in Myeongdong is basically Disneyland for skincare people. We read the Reddit haul threads so you walk in with a list instead of leaving with 40 sheet masks and regrets.
Intro
There is a very specific moment on every Seoul trip. You walk into Olive Young “just to look” and walk out needing a second suitcase.
To keep you focused, we went through haul threads in r/KoreanBeauty, r/kbeauty and r/KoreaSeoulBeauty, including one where a Korean commenter shared what she and her friends actually use. Here’s what keeps coming up.
How we picked: Every product was recommended in public Reddit threads. Opinions are paraphrased. We don’t quote prices. Pro tip from a redditor: bring your passport, because tourists can get a tax refund on purchases.
1. Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Toner
The hook: The toner a Korean redditor and her friends actually use.
In a “what is a must buy from Korea” thread, a commenter who said she’s Korean listed Round Lab’s Dokdo Toner and Birch Juice cream among her friend group’s favorites.
What travelers rave about: Gentle, hydrating, works for most skin types.
Honest complaints: It’s simple. If you want a dramatic “treatment,” look elsewhere.
Best For: A no-drama daily toner.
Shop: Shop Round Lab Dokdo Toner on Amazon
2. Torriden Dive-In Hyaluronic Acid Serum
The hook: The hydrating serum that’s “huge in Korea.”
A detailed r/KoreanBeauty Olive Young list called it huge in Korea for hydration and protecting the skin barrier, and a Seoul shopper in r/KoreaSeoulBeauty named Torriden as a top brand to look for.
What travelers rave about: Lightweight, layers well, great after a dry flight.
Honest complaints: Pure hydration. Don’t expect acne or dark spot results.
Best For: Dehydrated skin and post-flight recovery.
Shop: Shop Torriden Dive-In Serum on Amazon
3. Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream
The hook: The barrier cream with dermatologist street cred in Korea.
Redditors mention the hype around Aestura’s Atobarrier cream, and one noted Aestura is a brand popular with Korean dermatologists.
What travelers rave about: Rich but not greasy, good for sensitive skin.
Honest complaints: Might be too rich for very oily skin in summer.
Best For: Dry or irritated skin.
Shop: Shop Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream on Amazon
4. Mediheal Sheet Masks and Toner Pads
The hook: Buy the tub, not the single packs.
The top comment in that must-buy thread, simply, recommended the tubs of mask sheets instead of single packs. Mediheal masks come up in nearly every haul thread, and one shopper loves the collagen ampoule pads for a quick moisture pick-me-up.
What travelers rave about: Cheap, easy, perfect for hotel nights.
Honest complaints: Bulky to pack if you buy too many. You will buy too many.
Best For: Hotel spa nights.
Shop: Shop Mediheal masks on Amazon
5. Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Serum
The hook: The pick for breakouts and post-acne marks.
The same long Olive Young list said the Anua azelaic acid serum helps with post-inflammatory marks, hyperpigmentation and acne-causing bacteria.
What travelers rave about: Targets marks without being harsh.
Honest complaints: Results take consistent use. A week of vacation won’t do it.
Best For: Acne-prone skin.
Shop: Shop Anua Azelaic Acid Serum on Amazon
6. Centellian24 Madeca Cream
The hook: The cica cream a 2026 Seoul shopper would rebuy.
In a September 2026 r/KoreaSeoulBeauty thread, a traveler listed Centellian24 Madeca cream among the products they bought at Olive Young Myeongdong Town and would definitely buy again.
What travelers rave about: Calming, good for redness.
Honest complaints: Texture is thicker than some like.
Best For: Redness and sensitive skin.
Shop: Shop Centellian24 Madeca Cream on Amazon
7. Kahi Multi Balm Stick
The hook: The viral stick that actually earned it.
One returning traveler said there’s a reason it went viral: they use it for a midday hydration boost or as a primer when skin still feels dry.
What travelers rave about: Tiny, carry-on friendly, no mess.
Honest complaints: Can feel slick over makeup if you overdo it.
Best For: In-flight touch-ups.
Shop: Shop Kahi Multi Balm on Amazon
8. Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Toner
The hook: The softening toner for fragrance-free fans.
The same traveler described it as a softening and moisturizing toner that’s fragrance free.
What travelers rave about: Gentle, cushiony feel.
Honest complaints: Not a fast-results product.
Best For: Sensitive, fragrance-averse skin.
Shop: Shop Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Toner on Amazon
9. Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
The hook: The exfoliating toner on a 2026 rebuy list.
The r/KoreaSeoulBeauty shopper listed it alongside Round Lab’s sunscreen and Madeca cream as a definite rebuy.
What travelers rave about: Smoother texture.
Honest complaints: Acids plus vacation sun is a combo. Wear sunscreen and go slow.
Best For: Dull, bumpy texture.
Shop: Shop Some By Mi Miracle Toner on Amazon
10. Abib Gummy Sheet Masks
The hook: The weekly mask for serious hydration.
The same Korea-trip shopper called Abib gummy masks really hydrating and uses them weekly.
What travelers rave about: Thick, juicy, stays on.
Honest complaints: Pricier than basic masks.
Best For: A post-flight glow rescue.
Shop: Shop Abib gummy sheet masks on Amazon
Where to Stay for Maximum Shopping Efficiency
Stay in Myeongdong so the Olive Young flagship is a walk away and you can drop bags back at the hotel between hauls. Lotte Hotel Seoul sits right on the edge of Myeongdong.
Details checked in October 2026. Where we could not verify a price, we link to current listings instead of quoting one. Prices, schedules and offers change, so check the official site before you go. Some links are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This article is general travel information, not medical or safety advice.
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