Must-visit beauty & cosmetics shops in Korea

Planning your long-awaited trip to South Korea? Whether you’re strolling down the lively streets of Myeong-dong, café-hopping in Hongdae, or shopping in Gangnam, one thing is certain — Korea is a paradise for beauty lovers. With its endless selection of skincare, cosmetics, and trendy beauty products, it’s no wonder Malaysians can’t resist stocking up whenever they visit.

To make your shopping spree easier, we’ve rounded up four must-visit beauty and cosmetics shops where you can score the hottest products. Even better, all these stores accept TNG eWallet, making payments smoother and more convenient while you explore Korea.

Olive Young

If there’s one store you cannot miss in Korea, it’s Olive Young — the country’s No. 1 health and beauty retailer. Think of it as the Korean version of Watsons, but with an even bigger focus on the latest K-beauty trends.

Here, you’ll find everything from skincare, makeup, and haircare to dietary supplements and lifestyle products. Olive Young is also known for carrying exclusive collaborations and trending TikTok beauty products that often sell out fast.

Must-grabs:

• MEDIHEAL Toner Pad
• d’Alba White Truffle First Spray Serum
• AESTURA Atobarrier365 Cream
• JUNGSAEMMOOL Essential Skin Nuder Cushion
• UNOVE Deep Damage Treatment EX

Innisfree

For those who love natural and eco-friendly skincare, Innisfree is a haven. Inspired by the pristine beauty of Jeju Island, Innisfree focuses on natural ingredients like green tea, volcanic clusters, and orchid extracts.

Their stores offer a calming shopping experience, with products that make thoughtful gifts as well as everyday staples.

Must-try items:

• Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Serum
• Volcanic BHA Pore Cleansing Foam
• Jeju Orchid Enriched Cream
• Forest For Men Premium Skincare Set
• Vitamin C Green Tea Enzyme Brightening Serum

Olens

If you’ve ever wondered how K-pop idols achieve those dreamy, sparkly eyes, the secret might just be Olens. This popular brand specialises in high-quality cosmetic contact lenses loved by celebrities like BLACKPINK and NewJeans.

Olens stores are a treat for shoppers, with staff ready to guide international visitors and even assist in English.

Popular picks:

• Scandi Series (subtle, natural colours)
• Glowy Series (for a bold, dolly-eye effect)
• ViVi Ring Series (perfect for daily wear)

Shopping tip: Don’t forget to bring your prescription details if you need vision-correcting lenses.

Tamburins

Looking for something more premium? Tamburins is a high-end Korean beauty and fragrance brand that has taken social media by storm with its minimalist aesthetics and unique scents.

The flagship store in Garosu-gil is more than just a shop — it feels like an art exhibition, making it a must-visit for Instagram-worthy photos.

Top picks:

• Egg Perfume Series
• Shell Perfume Hand Series
• Egg Lip Balm Series

Pay smarter while you shop in Korea with TNG eWallet

As you plan your Korean beauty shopping spree, don’t forget to also plan how to manage your travel expenses. One of the smartest ways to shop stress-free in Korea is by using the TNG eWallet Overseas QR feature.

With TNG eWallet, you don’t need to worry about carrying foreign cash or hunting for the best exchange rates. Simply top up your TNG eWallet in MYR and pay directly in KRW at participating stores, including Olive Young, Olens, Tamburins, and many more.

Here’s why it’s perfect for Malaysian travellers:

• Pay in over 50+ countries, including Korea
• Competitive exchange rates with no hidden fees
• Safe and secure transactions — just scan and pay
• Exclusive A+ Rewards vouchers for extra savings
• Widely accepted at K-beauty stores, restaurants, and shopping malls

How to pay in Korea using Overseas QR:

1. Tap on “Scan” and scan the merchant’s QR code.
2. Key in the amount in KRW and tap “Pay.”
3. Or, simply tap “Pay,” swipe up to pay abroad, select Korea, and present your QR code to the merchant.

In Korea, you’ll find Alipay+ QR codes almost everywhere, from convenience stores like 7-Eleven, CU, Emart24, and GS25 to bustling shopping districts. Whether you’re grabbing a quick snack or picking up K-beauty essentials, paying with TNG eWallet is effortless.

Travel smarter with more TNG eWallet features

Your beauty haul isn’t the only thing you should plan for — make your entire trip to Korea easier with these TNG eWallet travel solutions:

Visa Card: Shop at any global store that accepts Visa, both online and offline. Perfect for when you need a flexible backup payment option beyond QR.

Travel eSIM: Stay connected with affordable data plans the moment you land in Korea. No need to hunt for a SIM card counter at the airport.

SafeTrip Travel Insurance: Protect your trip with coverage for flight delays, lost luggage, and medical emergencies. Travel with peace of mind while you shop.

From cult-favourite skincare at Olive Young to the premium fragrance experience at Tamburins, Korea is truly a paradise for beauty enthusiasts. With TNG eWallet by your side, you can enjoy seamless payments, better savings, and added convenience throughout your trip.

So pack your shopping list, explore Korea’s best beauty shops, and travel smarter with TNG eWallet — your all-in-one companion for a stress-free, cashless adventure.