What Taiwanese Travelers Actually Buy at Daiso Korea, and the Real Prices
The items that travelers from Taiwan most often pick up at Daiso stores in Seoul are sheet masks and snacks priced around 1,000 won. Daiso is a flat price retailer that applies the same price tag across all of its stores nationwide, so there is no difference in item prices whether you shop in Myeongdong or Hongdae. What does differ from store to store is whether a Tax Free receipt can be issued, and how much foreign card payments have increased.
Beauty Ranking: Sheet Masks Sweep the List
According to Daiso Mall's ranking of beauty purchases by foreign customers, the number one item is the VT PDRN Redness Shot Sheet Mask (25g, 1 sheet, 1,000 won). Second and third place go to the Vaseline sheet mask line, in the hydration and intensive moisture varieties, each priced at 1,000 won.
| Item | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|
| VT PDRN Redness Shot Sheet Mask | 25g, 1 sheet | 1,000 won |
| Vaseline Sheet Mask, Hydration | 1 sheet | 1,000 won |
| Vaseline Sheet Mask, Intensive Moisture | 1 sheet | 1,000 won |
| Packmiin Hydrogel V Sheet Mask | 1 sheet | 1,000 won |
The Packmiin Hydrogel V Sheet Mask took the top spot on Daiso Mall's fastest rising ranking, recording 381,000 views and more than 1,700 reviews.
Snack Ranking: Yakgwa and Almonds
The top selling food item at the Myeongdong store is Samlip Mini Honey Yakgwa, followed, according to a Korea Economic Daily tally, by Honey Butter Almonds & Peanuts and Hershey's Chocolate Chip Mochi Cookies. The Hershey's Chocolate Chip Mochi Cookie (90g) sold on Daiso Mall is priced at 1,500 won, while Baf Honey Butter Almonds & Peanuts (35g) is 1,000 won.
| Item | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Baf Honey Butter Almonds & Peanuts | 35g | 1,000 won |
| Hershey's Chocolate Chip Mini Cookie | 50g | 1,000 won |
| Hershey's Chocolate Chip Mochi Cookie | 90g | 1,500 won |
Choosing a Store: Myeongdong Station Branch vs. Myeongdong Main Branch
There are two Daiso stores in Myeongdong. Daiso Myeongdong Station Branch is located at 134-1 Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul. It opened on March 6, 2023, and operates from 10:00 to 22:00. Daiso Myeongdong Main Branch is located at 43 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, and keeps the same hours, 10:00 to 22:00.
Both stores follow the same Daiso Mall price list, so there is no price difference item by item. The point where they differ is whether a Tax Free receipt can be issued. The Myeongdong Station Branch offers Tax Free service, but other branches may operate differently, so it is best to check with staff directly before checkout.
According to a tally by Insight Korea, the number of overseas card transactions and the total payment amount at the Myeongdong Station Branch rose 60% and 74%, respectively, over the past year, while at the Myeongdong Main Branch they rose 50% and 60%, respectively.
Tax Free Refund Conditions
According to the official Global Tax Free guidelines, the total amount on a single Tax Free receipt must be between 15,000 won and 6,000,000 won to qualify for a refund. It applies to foreigners who have stayed in Korea for less than six months, requires departure within 90 days of purchase, and refunds are only given on unopened items.
Most Daiso items fall between 500 won and 5,000 won, so reaching 15,000 won at a single store usually means buying around ten items. Combining purchases from the beauty section and the food section makes it easy to clear that amount.
Duty Free Limit on Entering Taiwan
According to a notice from Taiwan's Ministry of Finance, starting June 26, 2024, the duty free limit for personal use items carried by returning travelers rose from NTD 20,000 to NTD 35,000. Starting January 25, 2025, the duty free limit for alcohol also increased from 1 liter to 1.5 liters.
Sheet masks or snacks bought at Daiso are low priced per item, so exceeding the limit is rare, but if you bought by the box, keeping your receipts will help when declaring at customs.
Sources: Daiso Mall VT PDRN Redness Shot Sheet Mask product page
Sources: 11st Hershey's Chocolate Chip Mochi Cookie 90g sales page
Sources: Daiso Myeongdong Station Branch store information
Sources: Global Tax Free official downtown refund guidelines