mimis guide

Cheap but Best Korean Souvenirs: Affordable and Meaningful Gifts for Everyone

Looking for souvenirs on a budget? I’ve got you covered with my top picks for cheap souvenirs that look expensive. Whether you’re searching for unique souvenirs for friends, meaningful presents for family, or thoughtful gifts for her or him, these affordable Korean souvenirs are sure to impress.

This list features the best budget-friendly souvenirs under $3, showcasing items from the National Museum of Korea and the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation. These non-obvious finds include beautiful artifacts and designs that capture the essence of Korean heritage, making them perfect for bringing back from your travels. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or looking for the perfect gift, these items offer a meaningful piece of Korea to treasure.

Let’s explore what you can bring back without overspending.

---

National Museum of Korea

---

Korean Liberation Flag postcard

한국 광복군 서명문 태극기 엽서

• Product: 1 postcard
• Price: 1,000 KRW
• Brand: MU:DS, National Museum of Korea

This postcard features the Korean Liberation Flag with signatures and inscriptions from the Korean Independence Army. It’s a meaningful keepsake that honors Korea’s journey to independence.

With its detailed depiction, this postcard makes a meaningful gift or keepsake for anyone interested in Korean history and independence movements. It’s a perfect way to honor Korea’s journey and heritage.

---

Denny Taegukgi Postcard

데니 태극기 엽서

• Product: 1 postcard
• Price: 1,000 KRW
• Brand: MU:DS, National Museum of Korea

This postcard features the Denny Taegukgi, a historical Korean flag presented by King Gojong of the Joseon Dynasty to American diplomat O.N. Denny. As the oldest surviving Taegukgi in Korea, this flag embodies a significant part of Korean history.

The postcard beautifully captures the essence of this historic flag, making it a meaningful gift or collectible for those interested in Korea’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

---

National Museum of Korea Hunminjeongeum-Themed Lined Notebook

훈민정음 노트

• Product: 1 notebook
• Price: 1,000 KRW
• Brand: MU:DS, National Museum of Korea

Celebrate Korea’s rich heritage with this elegantly designed notebook inspired by the Hunminjeongeum, the foundational document created by King Sejong the Great in the 15th century. This manuscript introduced Hangul, the Korean writing system, making literacy accessible to all Koreans.

This notebook, featuring a design based on the National Museum of Korea’s collection, makes a meaningful gift for those who appreciate history, culture, and fine stationery. It’s perfect for capturing your thoughts and preserving the memory of your museum visit.

---

Elegant Bookmark Inspired by Sariweoho

사리외호 책갈피

• Product: 1 bookmark
• Price: 3,500 KRW
• Brand: MU:DS, National Museum of Korea

This exquisite bookmark is inspired by the Sariweoho, a renowned relic from the Baekje period. The Sariweoho, also known as a reliquary vessel, is a beautifully crafted artifact used to house sacred relics. The design features intricate traditional patterns and is coated with 24k gold for an elegant finish.

Crafted from stainless steel and delicately coated with 24k gold, this bookmark combines luxury with cultural heritage. Its refined design makes it an ideal gift for book lovers, art enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates the timeless beauty of Korean craftsmanship. This bookmark not only adds a touch of sophistication to your reading but also serves as a distinguished keepsake that celebrates Korea’s rich cultural legacy.

---

Magnet “Clearing After Rain on Mount Inwang”

인왕제색도 마그넷

• Product: 1 magnet
• Price: 3,000 KRW
• Brand: MU:DS, National Museum of Korea

Clearing After Rain on Mount Inwang Magnet: Featuring “인왕제색도 (Clearing After Rain on Mount Inwang)” by Jeong Seon, this magnet captures the serene beauty of Seoul’s Inwang Mountain. The ink wash painting is known for its calming black-and-white tones and traditional style, making this magnet a timeless piece for any art enthusiast.

---

Magnet “Boating to Peach Blossom Spring”

도원행주도 마그넷

• Product: 1 magnet
• Price: 3,000 KRW
• Brand: MU:DS, National Museum of Korea

Boating to Peach Blossom Spring Magnet: This magnet showcases the elegant painting “도원행주도 (Boating to Peach Blossom Spring)” by Ahn Jung-sik. The piece, created in 1915, features beautiful, colorful Joseon-era landscape art. It’s a perfect way to bring a touch of traditional Korean artistry into everyday life.

---

Najeon Chilgi pattern stickers

자개모양 홀로그램 스티커

• Product: 1 sticker sheet
• Price: 2,700 KRW
• Brand: MU:DS, National Museum of Korea

These stickers are inspired by the exquisite Najeon Chilgi technique, a classic Korean lacquerware art where mother-of-pearl is intricately inlaid into lacquered surfaces to create beautiful, shimmering designs. The stickers mirror this dazzling effect with their holographic patterns, capturing the mesmerizing sparkle and radiant elegance of traditional inlays.

Perfect as a thoughtful gift or a special treat for yourself, these beautiful stickers add a touch of traditional charm to any item. Their vibrant and luxurious appearance makes them an ideal choice for anyone who appreciates art and crafts.

---

Korean Traditional Najeon Pencil Set

나전칠기 연필 세트

• Product: 1 pencil set (5 pencils)
• Price: 1,500 KRW
• Brand: MU:DS, National Museum of Korea

This elegant pencil set features five pencils adorned with traditional Korean najeon patterns, a unique technique that incorporates mother-of-pearl or seashell inlays. The set includes pencils in classic black and vibrant red, each beautifully showcasing these intricate designs that celebrate Korea’s cultural heritage.

Presented in a sophisticated paper case, this set is an excellent gift for those who appreciate fine stationery or are interested in decorative patterns. Produced by the Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation, these pencils make a perfect souvenir or present, offering a touch of Korean tradition and elegance. Ideal for stationery enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys distinctive designs.

---

Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation

---

Korean lucky bag card

복주머니 카드

• Product: 1 postcard and 1 envelope
• Price: 1,900 KRW
• Brand: Korea cultural Heritage Foundation

복주머니 (bokjumeoni, Korea’s lucky pouch) card. These elegant cards feature beautiful illustrations of traditional lucky pouches of Korea, known as “bokjumeoni”. A “bokjumeoni” is commonly used to wish for good fortune during holidays or special occasions, and is often utilized to convey congratulations and gratitude. Pouches in the cards are adorned with Gilsang patterns believed to bring good luck. The designs highlight the luxurious and auspicious nature of these pouches, making the postcards thoughtful gifts or greetings for your loved ones.

Perfect for sending well-wishes or expressions of gratitude during the year-end and New Year holidays. Each package includes one postcard and one envelope.

---

Atrifact pattern note

유물 문양 노트

• Product: 1 notebook
• Price: 1,500 KRW
• Brand: Korea cultural Heritage Foundation

This notebooks feature illustrations of Korean artifacts.

It includes four different patterns:

• 독립 신문 (Independent Newspaper) : This was a private newspaper published in both Korean and English in 1896. It was the first purely Korean script newspaper and Korea’s first English newspaper, and it served as the official publication of the Independence Club.
• 책례반차도 (Book Ceremony Illustration) : This depicts a ceremonial procession of a king. It is based on a 1721 illustration of Crown Prince Yeongjo’s book ceremony, recreated by later generations.
• 봉황문 (Phoenix Pattern) : This design features the phoenix motif used in the ceremonial attire of high-ranking women during the Joseon Dynasty, particularly the attire of the Empress and the Crown Prince’s wife.

---

the royal attire of King Yeongchin’s family note

유물 문양 노트

This mini notebook is inspired by the royal attire of King Yeongchin’s family from the Joseon Dynasty. It captures the elegance of the royal court and offers insights into the cultural significance of traditional Korean dress.

Ideal as a cultural souvenir, this notebook highlights the history and traditional attire of the Joseon era. It makes a thoughtful gift for those who appreciate Korean history and fashion, or for anyone looking to add a touch of historical elegance to their stationery collection.

---

Related Posts

10 Unique and Aesthetic Korean Souvenirs and Gifts under $30

---