Olive Young Myeongdong Flagship’s Reopening : November 2023 Renovation Updates

I’ll introduce shopping tips for foreign tourists along with my firsthand experience at the Olive Young Myeongdong Flagship store, which reopened on November 1st, the heart of cosmetics in Myeongdong. This store is the largest Olive Young store in the world.

Olive Young Myeongdong Flagship Information

• Address: 53 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Olive Young Myeongdong Flagship
• Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM (Open every day)
• Features: The largest flagship Olive Young store among all Olive Young stores worldwide. True to its flagship status, this store is where new products are first launched, representing a symbol of K-Beauty, offering a wide array of limited edition products.

Finding Your Way to Olive Young Myeongdong Flagship

Finding your way to Olive Young Myeongdong Flagship is quite straightforward. First, search for ‘Olive Young Myeongdong Flagship’ on Google Maps. From Seoul Subway Line 4, take Exit 6 at Myeongdong Station, and head in the direction indicated when you exit. You’ll encounter Myeongdong Shopping Street. Enjoy the shopping experience and savor some delicious street food while leisurely making your way up. Eventually, you’ll reach a large theater called Myeongdong Art Theater; take a right turn there, and after a short walk, you’ll spot the Myeongdong Flagship Store.

As it’s a large store occupying an entire building, being the biggest Olive Young store globally, it’s quite easy to spot.

Olive Young Myeongdong Flagship Visit Review

When I visited Olive Young in Myeongdong, it felt like stepping into a colossal cosmetics paradise. The building was akin to a castle, with the entire two floors dedicated solely to Olive Young. The first floor had numerous cash registers, while the skincare section displayed both discounted items and newly launched products. Foreign visitors from around the world were shopping, creating a vibrant atmosphere with various languages—Japanese, Chinese, Thai, English—all mingling in the air. It felt exhilarating just being there, as if joining in on the shopping spree.

On the second floor, the cosmetic products were neatly displayed in their respective sections. The busiest area was undoubtedly the makeup section, where many foreigners were testing and trying out various products. Following that, the Luxe Edit section drew a considerable crowd, showcasing Olive Young’s high-end and limited edition cosmetic items.

There were separate cash registers on the second floor as well. Inside that area, they had sections for men’s cosmetics, hair styling products, and bathroom essentials. Despite the store being quite spacious and crowded, there was a relaxed shopping atmosphere. I visited on a Friday, but I heard they regulate the number of people during busier times, like weekends. Foreign tourists can manage their shopping time, so I’d recommend visiting this popular store during off-peak hours when there are fewer locals and indulging in other tourist activities on the bustling shopping streets during peak hours.

Olive Young Myeongdong Flagship Shopping Tip

At Olive Young, you can try out basic demonstration products like cosmetics, eyeliners, lipsticks, perfumes, and more. When you want to touch up your makeup lightly while traveling, I recommend using the products available in the store. Of course, it’s essential to ask the staff for guidance on using the demonstration products. Feel free to use them; it’s not impolite in any way.

Utilize the Monthly Pick section. Olive Young showcases items with the highest discounts each month in this section. It’s highly favored by Koreans and typically offers discounts of around 45% or even up to a maximum of 70%. This section essentially provides Black Friday-level discounts, often not just for unpopular items but for overstocked popular products. Make sure to check if the product you’re looking for is in the Monthly Pick section.