If you’re on the lookout for the best Korean gifts that will make the South Korea enthusiasts in your life jump for joy, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve curated a remarkable collection of 40+ cool and captivating items that capture the essence of Korea’s vibrant culture. From trendy K-pop merch to delectable snacks and beyond, this comprehensive guide has everything you need to impress even the most die-hard Korean aficionados. Get ready to uncover the ultimate Korean-inspired gift treasures!
Are you short on time? Check out the editor’s top three Korea-inspired gifts by budget.
- Large budget: Korean snack box (#2)
- Mid budget: Korean name necklace (#12)
- Small budget: Flower card game (#30)
Table of Contents
Save these South Korean gift ideas
Don’t forget to save these South Korean gifts for the next time you need unique ideas for someone who loves Korea!
South Korean gifts for large budgets
#1 A trip to South Korea
The number 1 gift for people obsessed with South Korea is, of course, a trip to South Korea. So head over to Skyscanner or whatever site you use and book a flight to Seoul!
You could also opt for a gift card, so the recipient can book a flight, hotel, or activities themselves.
#2 Korean snack box
If you are looking for gifts from Korea for foodies, then this box filled with 36 Korean snacks is the perfect gift. It includes classic Korean snacks from popular brands such as Orion, Lotte, Crown, and Haitai.
#3 Korean-style tea set
This traditional celadon Korean tea set includes 5 cups, a Sookwoo(hot-water cooler), and a Dahgwan (teapot). Celadon is the name for the typical green pottery that’s produced in many Asian countries, including Korea.
#4 DIY kimchi kit
If you are looking for more gift ideas from Korea for someone who loves Korean food, and more specifically kimchi, this is the gift you need!
Kimchi is fermented cabbage and it’s a popular side dish in Korea. And with this kit, they can ferment their own cabbage at home and create delicious homemade kimchi.
For more DIY inspiration, check out these 25 international DIY food kits.
#5 Korean fashion
W Concept is one of the most famous online fashion stores that sell clothes from many different Korean (and other) brands. They ship pretty much anywhere in the world, so you will surely find something for your recipient here. Though if you are in the US online store, you will also see brands that are not from South Korea.
If you want to be sure to buy from a Korean brand, check out Stylenanda, one of the many famous Korean fashion brands that ship worldwide
#6 Korean spice blends
If you are looking for more gift ideas for someone who loves Korean food and cooking, these spice blends are the perfect gift.
#7 Traditional Korean games
If you are looking for traditional Korean gift ideas for someone who loves games, this set of five typical Korean games is the perfect gift. The games included are:
- Yutnori
- Biseokchigi
- Gonggi
- Jegi Chagi
- Cat’s Cradle set.
You can find explanations for each game on Amazon too, so they’ll know how to play the games.
If you are looking for smaller gifts, you can also opt for the Yutnori game, which is the most popular of all five. Or check out #30 for a popular Korean card game.
#8 Seoul monthly subscription box
This is the ultimate gift from Korea for people who love the country. Every month they’ll have a surprise party from Seoul delivered to their doorstep! With a mix of delicious snacks, tasty food, K-Pop goodies, and K-Beauty treats, the Seoul box is a one-way ticket to flavor town and fabulousness. Plus, the theme changes every month, so the recipient will be surprised each month.
Or check out these awesome travel subscription boxes for foodies!
#9 Jewelry box with Korean print
This handcrafted jewelry box is a great gift idea from Korea for someone who loves Korean art and crafts. It’s a traditional Korean Mother of Pearl lacquerware. This technique (Mother of Pearl), which is popular in other Asian countries as well, has been used for ages. It’s a shiny camouflage layer typically made from seashells.
#10 Korean calligraphy wall art
This Korean handpainted calligraphy is a unique and personalized Korean-inspired gift for someone who wants to decorate their home in Korean style. You can customize the print by adding the recipient’s name and choosing whether you want only Korean symbols or both English words and Korean.
#11 Korean-themed puzzle
This stunning photograph of Seoul’s skyline is a great gift for Korean lovers, particularly people who love Seoul. And people who love putting together jigsaw puzzles of course.
Also, check out these 25 puzzle gifts for more inspiration.
South Korean gifts for mid-budgets
#12 Korean name necklace
This necklace is a super cute Korean gift for her. The necklace is available in rose gold, gold, and silver, and of course, you can personalize it with the recipient’s name.
#13 K-Pop merchandise
If you are looking for South Korean gifts for someone who is obsessed with K-Pop (Korean pop music), then K-pop merchandise of their favorite artists is the best gift you can get.
And trust me when I say that you can find more than enough K-pop merchandise.
If you are not into K-pop yourself, you may be surprised just by how big this industry is. But to give you an idea, here’s a mind-blowing stat.
When BTS (one of the most popular K-pop groups) launched a new video on YouTube in 2020, it was watched over 100 billion times (yes, that’s with a B) within the first 24 hours.
I thought that was quite an astonishing fact.
But anyway, back to the gifts.
If you know the recipient loves BTS then obviously you should be getting BTS merchandise. But if you are not sure which artist he or she prefers, but you do know he or she loves K-pop, then check out all K-pop gifts on Amazon. Or head over to number 36.
#14 Korean finger heart gifts
The finger heart (making a heart from your thumb and index finger) is a popular gesture in Korea to show love. You can find all sorts of finger heart items on Amazon, but I personally liked the hoodie the most.
#15 Korean cookbooks
Maangchi’s Big Book Of Korean Cooking: From Everyday Meals to Celebration Cuisine
This book is filled with delicious Korean recipes and beautiful photography to show you exactly how to recreate Korean dishes at home.
Cook Korean!: A Comic Book with Recipes
A fun book with 64 different Korean recipes, but instead of a classic cookbook, the recipes are shown in comic book style, making it a great Korean-themed gift for someone who loves comic books.
The Korean Vegan Cookbook: Reflections and Recipes from Omma’s Kitchen
This a great book to show you how to turn delicious Korean meals into delicious vegan Korean meals.
Seoul Food Korean Cookbook
Korean cooking from kimchi and bibimbap to fried chicken and bingsoo. The book contains 135 different Korean recipes to try at home.
#16 Korean knot gifts
Korean knots are a type of handicraft that has been made in Korea for centuries. It’s also known as madeup.
You can find jewelry with Korean knots in all shapes and sizes, I quite liked the simplicity of the floral bracelet, but any knot-inspired jewelry is a great gift from South Korea.
#17 Korean language course
Korean language courses are one of the best South Korean gifts for people obsessed with the country! If they are able to speak the language they can enjoy the country even more. They may finally be able to communicate with locals and understand the lyrics of their favorite K-pop songs.
Speaking of K-pop. If you are looking for Korea gifts for K-pop fans, here is the best gift you can get; Udemy offers an online course that teaches Korean through K-pop songs! Check it out here.
#18 DIY makgeolli kit
This DIY K-makgeolli is one of the best gifts for Korean lovers who love having a drink (or two). With this gift, they can make their own makgeolli at home.
In case you are not familiar with Korean booze. Makgeolli is a sparkly rice wine from Korea.
For more inspiration for booze lovers, check out these 25 international cocktail gifts.
#19 Skin care products
Korean skincare products are popular among both Korean and non-Korean women because they use natural ingredients and because Korean skins look absolutely flawless.
So this facial serum by SeoulCeuticals is a great gift for anyone who loves beauty products and taking care of their skin.
Or you could give a Bomibox subscription that contains multiple Korean beauty products, such as face masks, face serums, and creams each month.
Check out gifts #31 and #41 for more Korean gifts for beauty lovers.
#20 Korean-themed passport cover
If you are looking for practical gifts for travelers, a passport cover in a Korean theme is a great gift idea. You can find over 50 different Korean designs on Zazzle, or you can simply go for the one I picked.
#21 Fun books about Korea
History of Korea
A captivating guide to Korean history is the best gift for Korean lovers who are interested in history. The book covers everything from the Mongol invasions to the split into North and South.
Culture Smart: Korea- The essential guide to customs and culture in Korea
This is a great Korean gift idea for someone who is going to move to Korea or someone who loves learning about local cultures and traditions.
Hanok: The Korean house
This is a beautiful book full of images of traditional interior designs and one of the best gift ideas for someone who loves Korean home decor.
The Birth of Korean Cool: How one nation is Conquering the world through pop culture
This a great book for anyone who wants to understand more about Korean pop culture in a fun way.
#22 Cute Korean shirt
Are you looking for cute Korean gifts for someone who loves the adorable Korean fashion style? Then this Korean shirt with a rabbit is exactly what you need.
#23 Map of Korea
If you are looking for cute Korean gift ideas for travelers, then this beautiful map of Korea is the perfect gift!
They can show their love for the country in a unique and stylish way. Though check out Etsy if you want to find more designs.
#24 KAKAO FRIENDS gifts
A back cover case with a KAKAO FRIENDS theme is the perfect gift for Korean lovers because it’s like having a mini K-party in their pockets! Every time they pick up their phone, they’ll be greeted by adorable characters like Ryan or Apeach, spreading cuteness and K-style vibes.
Though check out Amazon for more sorts of KAKAO FRIENDS merchandise.
#25 Korean-themed socks
Socks a great small and practical Korean-themed gift for anyone. Check out all options on Zazzle or go for the cute socks with hearts in the color of the flag of South Korea.
#26 Online taekwondo courses
Taekwondo is the most popular form of martial arts in Korea. So if you are looking for traditional Korean gifts for people who are into sports or martial arts, these courses are a cool gift idea.
And even if the recipient is not so into sports, it’s a great gift that will also help to keep them safe when traveling.
#27 South Korea travel guides
Lonely Planet: Korea
This is one of the best gifts for someone who travels on a budget and who is about to travel to Korea.
Solo girl’s travel guide to South Korea
As you probably already guessed this book is a great gift for a solo female traveler in Korea.
#28 Korean-themed travel mug
Check out all 416 different Korean-themed travel mug designs on Zazzle or buy this funny K-pop one as a gift for someone who loves Korea, K-pop, and takeaway coffee.
#29 Korean gifts envelopes
If you are looking for unique gifts from South Korea, but you also want to give cash, then these traditional envelopes are a great idea!
South Korean gifts for small budgets
#30 Korean card game
This Korean traditional card game is another one of the best gifts from Korea for people who love games, particularly card games.
The flower cards can be used for different games, such as Go-Stop, check out the explanation of different flower card games at Pagat.
#31 Korean skincare book
If you are looking for Korea gift ideas for her, this book about Korean skincare is the perfect gift for her.
Korean skincare has pretty much taken over the world due to its effectiveness in creating clear and natural skin and by only using natural products. This book will teach her all the secrets Koreans that use to get to that beautiful glowy skin.
#32 Korean hot sauce
Do you need Korean-inspired gifts for someone who misses Korean food, but who is too lazy to prepare Korean meals at home?
Then these Korean hot sauces are the best gifts for them. All they have to do is add one of the sauces to their dishes and they have created the Korean taste at home without any effort.
#33 Korean-themed tote bag
This tote bag with the map of Korea and the cute but cheesy text: My Seoul is in South Korea, is perfect for anyone looking for a way to live more sustainable and ditch plastic bags!
#34 Korean coloring book
This coloring book with Korean art is a great relaxing and soothing gift for Korea lovers.
#35 Korean travel poster
This is one of the best South Korean-themed gifts for people who want to bring a bit of Korea to their homes.
#36 K-pop slang dictionary
This book is another one of the great gift ideas from Korea for someone who loves K-pop. But it’s also a fun gift for someone who loves to know Korean slang, regardless of whether they like K-pop or not.
#37 K-drama gifts
Just like K-pop, K-drama is extremely popular both in Korea and outside. So if you know the recipient loves K-drama, check out all the cool gift ideas on Amazon, or go for the cute make-up bag.
#38 Traditional daenggi hair accessory
A daenggi is a traditional Korean hair accessory, that makes a great and authentic gift from Korea. your loved one can instantly transform into a legendary Hallyu star, ready to conquer the world with their fabulous locks. Whether they’re attending a wedding or just lounging at home, the daenggi adds a touch of elegance and whimsy to any hairstyle.
#39 More Korean-themed gifts: luggage tags
If you are looking for Korea-inspired gifts for someone who loves kimchi but you didn’t want to go for the DIY kimchi kit, then this luggage tag is a great practical and small gift.
And for those who don’t love kimchi (though are they really a Korean fan if they don’t love kimchi?), check out the other options on Zazzle.
#40 Korean tea
If you are looking for gifts from South Korea for a tea lover, then gifting a typical Korean tea is one of the best ideas. Tea is a super popular beverage in Korea, and one of the most popular Korean flavors is Barley tea. Check out the next item for another popular tea in Korea.
Check out the tea gift guide for more gifts for a tea lover.
#41 K-beauty face mask subscription
The Facetory subscription box is the perfect small gift from Korea for K-beauty fans. If the Bombi box was a bit over your budget, this monthly subscription box with a fresh set of K-Beauty sheet masks is perfect!
#42 Korea travel journal
A travel journal that is specific to the country they love or the country they are going to visit is the perfect small gift for travelers.
If you would rather give a neutral travel journal, check out these 25 cute travel journals.
Save these South Korean gift ideas
Don’t forget to save these Korea gifts on Pinterest, so you’ll know where to look next time you need some inspiration.
Final notes on South Korea gifts
I hope that this guide to 40+ cool Korea Gifts has left you brimming with excitement and inspiration for finding the perfect presents for your South Korea-obsessed loved ones. Whether it’s the latest K-pop merch, mouthwatering snacks, or traditional treasures, there’s a gift here to suit every taste!
- Large budget: Korean snack box (#2)
- Mid budget: Korean name necklace (#12)
- Small budget: Flower card game (#30)
