When it comes to shopping for souvenirs, there are plenty of items to look for; however, choosing traditional items that carry a special memory, but also share the true identity of Korea will make a meaningful gift for yourself as well as for other receivers. Although food and fashion items are great, we suggest you considering these items; hanbok (Korean traditional clothes), pottery, fans, good luck pouches (‘bokjumeoni’ in Korean), or other crafts that are either handmade or contain high artistic value. These have been the popular picks preferred by international tourists to bring back home for many years. They all make beautiful gifts and are readily available throughout the country for purchase at reasonable prices!
Table of Contents
Traditional Items
Hanbok
Hanbok, a type of traditional Korean clothing, is now only worn during national holidays or weddings. The beauty of hanbok is in its clean, artistic lines and its vibrant colors. Hanbok are custom-made to enhance the wearer’s beauty and minimize flaws; for example, the collar can be altered to make one’s neck appear longer. In fact, many female celebrities nowadays prefer wearing hanbok over western-styled dresses for the merits of hanbok’s flexibility and beauty enhancing designs.
Hanbok was not considered complete unless worn in the appropriate traditional manner. However, in recent years, the wearing of hanbok has become greatly simplified and modernized. The designs are endless but are divided into a few major styles; formal and lifestyle, adults and children, female and male, as well as seasonal. The price normally falls in the range between 100,000 and 300,000 won, although the fabric and accessories used will make a huge difference in the price tag.
In addition, hanbok has been gaining a lot of attention from international consumers thanks to many hallyu dramas and films portraying the costumes. Famous shops frequented by visitors are located near Insa-dong and Samcheong-dong, all close to major tourist attractions.
Dojagi
Pottery (“dojagi” in Korean) is a compound noun of the words “dogi” (earthenware) and “jagi” (porcelain). In Korea, pottery is divided into four types: porcelain, earthenware, stoneware, and clayware, all coming in various sizes and functions. In fact, Korea is known for its long history of producing porcelain teacup and plate sets internationally. They all boast the finest quality, making them the top item on many visitors’ wishlists.
Small dishware or dojagi-made accessories, such as exquisitely crafted key chains, are not only good for carrying around, but also great at showing one’s love for Korea and its wonderful customs in valuing traditional arts and the aesthetics of slowness. A popular place for tourists to treasure hunt for these items is Insa-dong, where you can find almost anything made with dojagi, priced from just 10,000 won and up.
Arts and crafts
Along with dojagi, Korea has a proud history of excellence in arts and crafts; for example, najeongchilgi, folding fans, and luck pouches. There’s no better way to remember your time in Korea than by taking home one of these lovingly-crafted, traditional pieces.
‘Najeonchilgi’ is a traditional mother-of-pearl craft in which beautiful patterns made of shells are inlaid into wood and coated with a lacquer finish. Folding fans, essential items during the summer, are also excellent souvenirs to consider. Bokjumeoni luck pouches, mini-quilts, knots, or charms embroidered with traditional Korean patterns are also widely found in many shops at the tourist areas of Namdaemun and Dongdaemun traditional markets and Insa-dong.
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