Find out the 10 coolest brands that you can buy for a fraction of Singapore’s price when you shop in Korea. Whether it’s clothes, shoes, or accessories, get your shopping fix for less with these brands!
Whether you’re here for business or pleasure, visiting Korea has its many perks. Aside from the vibrant culture, mouth-watering food, and picturesque landscapes, what also drives tourists in is the shopping opportunities. If there’s one thing that everyone can agree on, it’s that Korea has some of the best deals when it comes to shopping.
We’re here to show you which are the hottest brands that are worth spending your Won on when in Korea. Here’s a list of 10 brands that are cheaper in Korea than in Singapore — from makeup and skincare to fashion, food and electronics, we’ve got all bases covered!
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💄 Beauty: Makeup, Skincare & Fragrance
Everyone probably knows of the popular big Korean brands like Innisfree, Etude House, and Sulwhasoo even if they aren’t invested in skincare. However, skincare enthusiasts know that those names barely scratch the surface of Korean beauty. There are plenty more incredible Korean brands that have yet to set up shop in Singapore. If you’re in search of brands that you can buy cheaper in Korea than in Singapore, here are some beloved brands that have cult followings and celebrity endorsements.
1. Beauty of Joseon
Image credits: Beauty of Joseon
Beauty of Joseon is a South Korean beauty brand that has been gaining immense popularity in recent years, especially on TikTok. Many users fell in love with their famous sunscreen and went onto TikTok to give rave reviews, leading to a huge surge of cult following for the brand.
Founded in 2018, it offers a wide range of skincare products that are formulated based on Hanbang, traditional Korean herbal ingredients, that have been part of the skincare repertoire since the Joseon dynasty. Some really popular products you might have heard of are their sunscreen, essences, and serums. People love the brand for its effective and natural-ingredient-based formula that is also cruelty-free.
Here is the price comparison for some of Beauty of Joseon’s most popular products:
| Item | Price in Singapore | Price in Korea |
| Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics (SPF50+ PA++++) | From S$11~ | 18,000 KRW (~S$18) |
| Ginseng Essence Water | S$21 | 18,000 KRW (~S$18) |
| Glow Deep Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide | S$20 | 17,000 KRW (~S$17) |
YouTrip’s Ultimate Saving Guide: Unveiling Brands That Are Cheaper In Korea Than Back Home: Singapore prices were taken from Lazada, Korean prices were taken from Beauty of Joseon Korea
2. Abib
Image credits: Abib
Abib is known for its minimalist packaging and unique ingredient combinations like blackberry and charcoal soap. The brand has a holistic approach to beauty, formulating products that treat skin troubles and restore skin radiance with effective formulas developed by their research institution. They have different lines that cater to different skin concerns and types, featuring superstar ingredients like heartleaf, Yuja, ginseng, sedum, collagen, and hyaluron. They are also highly raved about for their sun-stick and sheet masks, both of which have garnered the stamp of approval from Korean skincare reviewers Olive Young and HwaHae.
| Item | Price in Singapore | Price in Korea |
| Quick Sunstick Protection Bar | S$41 | 28,000 KRW (~S$28) |
| Mild Acidic pH Sheet Mask Heartleaf Fit (10 pieces) | S$54.50 | 40,000 KRW (~S$40) |
| Heartleaf Spot Pad Calming Touch | S$39.50 | 27,000 KRW (~S$27) |
Tip: If you’re doing your shopping on Shopee, stand to get up to 10% cashback via YouTrip Perks!
YouTrip’s Ultimate Saving Guide: Unveiling Brands That Are Cheaper In Korea Than Back Home: Singapore prices were taken from Abib’s official Shopee store and Korea prices were taken from Abib Korea’s official website.
3. Peri Pera
Image credits: Peripera Singapore Facebook
Owned by CLIO, Peri Pera is a Korean makeup brand that takes its name and inspiration from Peri, a fairy in Persian mythology. The brand has gained a massive global following for its affordability, diverse product ranges, vibrant colours, and playful packaging. Peri Pera is known for their large selection of lip products, from tinted balms to matte liquid lipsticks. But they also offer eye shadows, mascaras, eyeliners, blushes, highlighters, foundations, cushions, concealers, powders, and primers. Their wallet-friendly and charmingly cute products make it so easy for anyone to pick their brand!
Here is the price comparison for some of Peri Pera’s most popular products:
| Peripera Product | Price in Singapore | Price in Korea |
| Ink Velvet Lip Tint | S$11.13 | 10,000 KRW (~S$10) |
| Ink Airy Velvet | S$11.13 | 10,000 KRW (~S$10) |
| All Take Mood Palette | S$30 | 21,000 KRW (~S$21.10) |
Tip: Get up to up to 2.1% cashback when you shop at Watsons via YouTrip Perks!
YouTrip’s Ultimate Saving Guide: Unveiling Brands That Are Cheaper In Korea Than Back Home: Prices for Peripera items in Singapore were taken from Watsons and Korea prices were taken from Peripera Korea’s official website.
4. Tamburins
Image credits: Fashion Guide Taiwan
Want to smell like the gorgeous BLACKPINK’s Jennie? Check this brand out.
Tamburins is known for its minimalist and anti-mainstream packaging that looks like couture accessories. They offer a range of products such as hand creams, perfumes, lip balms and skincare. Apart from being their model and having a collab with them, in a video about her daily self-care, Jennie reveals that she also uses Tamburins’ Bigalico Showery Body Wash and Lotion.
Even without celebrity endorsement, Tamburins is a brand to be reckoned with. With their edgy packaging and irresistible scents, it is clear Tamburins appeals to those who appreciate art, beauty, and quality.
| Product | Price in Singapore | Price in Korea |
| The Shell Perfume Hand Cream (30ml) | From ~S$26 | 18,000 KRW (~S$18) |
| Chamo Perfume (50ml) | From ~S$174 | 139,000 KRW (~S$139.40) |
Tip: If you’re doing your shopping on Lazada, stand to get up to 10% cashback via YouTrip Perks.
YouTrip’s Ultimate Saving Guide: Unveiling Brands That Are Cheaper In Korea Than Back Home: Singapore prices are estimations taken from Shopee and Lazada, while Korea prices were taken from Tamburins’ official website.
🛍️ Fashion
In this extremely fashionable Asian country, you’re bound to find apparels you’d grab at a budget you’re comfortable with in Korea! Check these out 👇
5. Gentle Monster
Image credits: Gentle Monster
An eyewear brand that has been sported by the world’s biggest trendsetters, Gentle Monster is a Korean eyewear brand that has gained worldwide recognition for its bold and avant-garde approach to eyewear that challenges the conventions of traditional glasses and sunglasses.
Worn by the likes of Son Ye Jin, Jennie of BLACKPINK, and Tilda Swinton, you can tell that Gentle Monster products are highly sought-after by fashion elites.
In addition to its unique designs, Gentle Monster is also known for its immersive and theatrical retail stores. The brand has curated a retail experience that is unlike any other, with each store featuring its own esoteric concept. The prices of their products also reflect the artistry of the brand, with a pair of sunglasses starting from about 240,000 KRW (~ S$241). So if you’re looking for novel eyewear and don’t mind spending a pretty penny, check out Gentle Monster’s store in Korea!
| Gentle Monster Products | Price in Singapore | Price in Korea |
| Mondo | S$395.00 | 279,000 KRW (~S$280.30) |
| Cookie | S$424.00 | 300,000 KRW (~S$301.40) |
YouTrip’s Ultimate Saving Guide: Unveiling Brands That Are Cheaper In Korea Than Back Home: Prices were taken from Gentle Monster’s respective region online websites.
6. FILA
Image credits: Wonderland Magazine
While FILA may not be a Korean brand, it’s still cheaper in Korea than in Singapore. Along with other sports-style brands, FILA has a strong presence in Korea despite being an Italian brand. FILA offers fashionable and functional sportswear at a reasonable price. You have probably seen one of its most famous products, the distinctive Disruptor sneakers, which feature a chunky sole and retro-inspired design. FILA has also been worn by many celebrities and influencers like Rihanna and BTS. Additionally, you can easily find FILA stores along the streets of Korea so you’re bound to bump into one while exploring the city.
| Products | Price in Singapore | Price in Korea |
| FILA Disruptor | ~S$184 | 79,000 KRW (~S$79.37) |
| FILA Logo T-shirt | from S$98 | From 35,000 KRW (~S$35.16) |
YouTrip’s Ultimate Saving Guide: Unveiling Brands That Are Cheaper In Korea Than Back Home: Singapore prices were taken from Farfetch and Shopee, while Korean prices were taken from FILA’s Korea website.
🤤 Food
Korea has plenty of great food options that are way cheaper than they would be in Singapore. Let’s take a look at some of our favourites:
7. Jinro Soju
Image credits: Serious Eats
Soju needs no introduction and needless to say, it’s definitely on this list. Jinro soju is a popular brand of soju by HiteJinro, a multinational Korean beverage maker that also produces beer (y’know Hite Beer), whiskey, and plum wine. Drinking soju in restaurants or bars easily sets you back more than S$10 per bottle. This is heart-wrenching for your pocket, especially when you know how much cheaper they are in Korea.
You might be surprised to find that flavoured soju like grape, plum, and strawberry aren’t as popular in Korea as they are in Singapore. Instead, Korean locals drink unflavoured soju like the Chamisul line, which is apparently the world’s most popular liquor. So make some space in your luggage for the bottles and pad some clothes in between them for protection!
Here’s a rough comparison of Jinro soju prices in Korea vs in Singapore:
| Price in Singapore | Price in Korea | |
| Flavoured (360ml) | From S$8 (online) from S$11 (grocery stores, restaurants or bars) | ~1,600 KRW (~S$1.60) |
| Chamisul (360ml) | from S$11 | ~1,500 KRW (~S$1.50) |
YouTrip’s Ultimate Saving Guide: Unveiling Brands That Are Cheaper In Korea Than Back Home: Singapore prices were taken from Shopee and Fairprice supermarket.
8. Bibigo
Image credits: Bibigo Official Instagram
Bibigo is another Korean food brand with an impressive selection of products (and a handsome spokesperson 😉). Bibigo offers convenient but authentic Korean food with a modern twist, like frozen dumplings and ginseng chicken, as well as microwaveable buns and snacks that are perfect for munching on the go. They also have instant banchan, or side dishes, like kimchi, anchovies and laver. Yum.
| Products | Price in Singapore | Price in Korea |
| Bibigo Kimchi (500g) | ~S$7.25 | 4,900 (~S$4.90) |
| BIbigo Gyoza (525g) | ~S$7.47 | 5,480 (~S$5.50) |
YouTrip’s Ultimate Saving Guide: Unveiling Brands That Are Cheaper In Korea Than Back Home: Singapore prices were taken from Fairprice Supermarket. Prices from Korea were taken from Bibigo’s official website.
💫 Miscellaneous
9. Samsung
Image credits: Radio Times
If you’re in the market for electronics, why not try Samsung? The brand offers a wide range of products from smartphones to household appliances from TVs to refrigerators — all at prices that are significantly lower than Singapore’s. But of course, you’re not buying a TV or refrigerator home, right…? More practical gadgets you can bring back are the Galaxy smartphones, Galaxy Watches, Galaxy Buds, and The Freestyle Projector.
Here is a price comparison of Samsung products in Singapore vs Korea:
| Samsung Products | Price in Singapore | Price in Korea |
| Galaxy S23 Ultra | From S$1,828 | From 1,599,400 KRW (~S$1,607) |
| Galaxy Watch 5 | From S$402 | From 269,000 KRW (~S$270) |
| Freestyle Projector | From S$1,312 | From 1,000,000 KRW (~S$1,004) |
YouTrip’s Ultimate Saving Guide: Unveiling Brands That Are Cheaper In Korea Than Back Home: Prices were taken from Samsung’s respective region online websites.
10. Artbox
Image credits: Korean Corner
In Korea, it’s easy to spot charming stationery shops that also sell accessories, organisational lifestyle products, and other adorable trinkets. Think of a shop full of planners, stickers, pouches mugs, decor, craft tape, and much much more. It’s a stationery addict’s paradise! Artbox is a popular Korean brand of this genre with stores in Korea, Singapore, Thailand, and other countries. Given their prices locally, these items can seem really frivolous however, luckily, they are significantly cheaper in Korea. A notebook that costs 5,000 KRW (~S$5) in Korea can cost up to $9.90 in Singapore! For stationery lovers, planners and scrapbooking enthusiasts, this place might suck up hours of your time.
Check out the price comparison of some Artbox products in Korea and Singapore:
| Artbox Products | Price in Singapore | Price in Korea |
| Grid Notebook | S$7.30 | 3,500 KRW (~S$3.50) |
| Inner Bag Organizer Pouch | S$19.20 | 9,900 KRW (~S$9.90) |
| Mason Jar Cup | S$10.80 | 2,500 KRW (~S$2.50) |
YouTrip’s Ultimate Saving Guide: Unveiling Brands That Are Cheaper In Korea Than Back Home: Singapore prices were taken from ARTBOX Shopee Store and Korea prices were taken from POOM
Enjoy The Wonderful Culture & Deals The Land Of Korea Has To Offer!
Image credits: Korea Travel Post
Whether you’re looking for makeup, skincare, food, fashion, or something else, there are plenty of unique and affordable brands in Korea that can give you a bang for your buck. Shopping smarter doesn’t mean you have to scrimp and save every single cent. Taking advantage of the cheaper prices in Korea and attractive exchange rates on your YouTrip Card to get the things you want at a fraction of the usual cost is smart shopping!
So if you’re looking for a go-to travel card, sign up for your complimentary YouTrip card today with promo code <YTBLOG5> and get FREE S$5 in your account!
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Happy shopping!
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