Olive Young Seoul (2026): Best Stores, Airport Branches and Instant Tax Refund

Olive Young is Korea’s biggest health and beauty chain, and for many visitors it’s the top shopping stop in Seoul. There are hundreds of branches, but a few are built for tourists: bigger ranges, multilingual staff and instant tax refunds at the counter. Here’s where to go and how to save money.

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Last checked: October 2026. Hours can change, so check the store page or Naver Map before you go. Dollar figures use about 1,330 KRW = 1 USD (October 2026).

First time in Korea? Start here: our step-by-step guide from landing to your first day.

Which Olive Young should you visit?

Olive Young Myeongdong (global flagship)

• 1F: skincare, sun care, sheet masks, derma brands and acne care.
• 2F: makeup, hair, body, men’s care, fragrance, health food, plus the Global Service Lounge and the duty-free (tax refund) desk.
• It accepts foreign cards and simple payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay. Gift wrapping is available for a fee.
• There’s no bag storage, so drop your suitcase first at Myeongdong luggage storage.

Map — Olive Young Myeongdong: Google Maps · Naver Map (Naver Map is still the most reliable app for walking, bus and subway directions in Korea)

Olive Young N Seongsu

• Olive Young’s largest store, opened in November 2024 in trendy Seongsu-dong, about a minute’s walk from Seongsu Station (Line 2), exit 4.
• Upper floors have skin consultations and experience programs. On-site booking for them opens in the morning, and slots fill fast, so go up first if you want one.
• Combine it with Seongsu’s cafés and pop-up stores for a half-day trip.

Map — Olive Young N Seongsu: Google Maps · Naver Map (Naver Map is still the most reliable app for walking, bus and subway directions in Korea)

Olive Young at Incheon Airport

• Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 have a branch on B1, outside the duty-free zone. Shop before security.
• Open 06:00–22:00. Good for forgotten items, but the range is smaller and it gets busy before morning flights.
• Anything liquid over 100 ml must go in your checked bag, so shop before you check in.

Instant tax refund at Olive Young

• Spend 15,000 KRW (~$11) or more in one purchase and show your physical passport (a photo won’t work).
• The refund is roughly 5–8% of the price, taken off at the counter.
• Some items, such as shopping bags and certain hygiene and food products, aren’t eligible.
• No passport with you? Ask for a refund slip and claim it at the airport. Full details: Korea tax refund guide.

Tips to save time and money

• Go before noon on weekdays. Myeongdong and Seongsu are packed in the evenings and at weekends.
• Watch for sale weeks. Olive Young’s big sales mean extra discounts on top of 1+1 deals.
• Not sure what to buy? Start with our Olive Young must-buy list. For centella and PDRN creams, also try a Korean pharmacy.
• Check the ranking shelf near the entrance for this month’s best sellers.

FAQ

What is the biggest Olive Young in Seoul?
Olive Young N Seongsu, opened in 2024. The Myeongdong flagship is the most visitor-friendly.

What time does Olive Young Myeongdong open?
10:00–22:30 every day, including holidays (hours may change).

Can I get a tax refund at Olive Young?
Yes. Spend 15,000 KRW or more in one purchase and show your physical passport at the counter.

Is there Olive Young at Incheon Airport?
Yes, on B1 of both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, open 06:00–22:00, before security.

Sources: Olive Young Myeongdong – official store page (hours, floors, tax refund) · CJ Newsroom – Olive Young N Seongsu · KTripTips – Olive Young Incheon Airport T1 · KTripTips – Olive Young Incheon Airport T2
Photos: Pkccccj / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Adbar / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 · Sgroey / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0