mimis guide

Looking for gift ideas? Need unique gift recommendations for your Seoul trip? Discover aesthetic Korean souvenirs that blend modern design with cultural flair, making them both distinctive and practical.

Each item on my recommendation list is more than just a keepsake; it’s a functional piece of art that brings a touch of Korean elegance to your daily life. Whether you’re treating yourself or searching for the ideal gift, these souvenirs offer a perfect mix of cultural significance and practical use.

This curated list features 10 Korean souvenirs under $30 (42,000 KRW), beautifully combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics. From trendy accessories to elegant home decor, these items truly represent Korea’s rich heritage and modern style, ensuring you get the best value for your money.

1. Peony Wooden Box (Moran Mokhap)

모란 목함

• Product: 1 wooden box
• Price: 38,000 KRW
• Brand: Hohodang

Step into the elegance of Korea’s Joseon Dynasty with this exquisite wooden box adorned with traditional Minhwa (Korean folk art) peony paintings. The peony, or ‘moran’ in Korean, was a symbol of wealth, love, and good fortune, often gracing the robes of royalty.

Crafted from lightweight Paulownia wood, known for its natural odor-absorbing properties, this box is both beautiful and practical. The interior features a luxurious silk-padded cushion, perfect for storing your most treasured items.

Note: Due to the wood’s soft nature, minor indentations may occur over time, adding to its charm and character.

2. Korean Brassware (Bangjja Yugi) spoon and chopstick set

방짜유기 수저, 젓가락 세트

• Product: 1 set of brass spoon and chopsticks
• Price: 29,000 KRW (Spoon rest: additional 15,000 KRW)
• Brand: Notdam

Bangjja Yugi is a traditional Korean brassware that stands apart from the wooden utensils of neighboring cultures. This handcrafted brassware cutlery, embodying a quintessential Korean aesthetic, stands out as a prime example of Korean art in the realm of unique souvenirs.

Bangjja Yugi is renowned for its durability, hygiene, and stunning finish. The special brass alloy is hammered and refined using age-old techniques, resulting in utensils that are not only functional but also resist tarnishing, maintaining their beauty for years to come.

Tip: To keep your Bangjja Yugi set in prime condition, follow the special care instructions available online.

3. Koryo Celadon Glass Set

고려 청자 잔 세트 (3 피스)

• Product: Koryo cheongja jan set (Koryo celadon glass set) (3 pieces)
• Price: 39,000 KRW
• Brand: MU:DS, National Museum Goods

Bring home a touch of Goryeo Dynasty elegance with this set of three mini drinking glasses. Crafted in the style of Koryo celadon, famous for its distinctive jade-green glaze, these glasses are a collaboration between the National Museum of Korea’s ‘MU’ brand and ceramic artist Sim Bo-keun’s ‘MUJAGI’.

One of the famous Korean aesthetic souvenirs, they not only highlight historical craftsmanship but also serve as a practical and stylish addition to any collection. Whether you’re sipping your favorite beverage or simply admiring their beauty, these Koryo celadon glasses are sure to be a conversation starter in any home.

Note: both microwave and dishwasher safe. However, keep in mind they’re not suitable for oven use.

4. Korean earthenware pot (Ttukbaegi)

뚝배기

• Product: ttukbaegi (Korean earthenware pot)
• Price: 46,000 KRW
• Brand: Notdam

Discover the heart of Korean cooking with this charming ttukbaegi from Soil Baker. This isn’t just any pot – it’s a piece of culinary magic that enhances flavors and keeps your food piping hot.

Crafted from thick, heat-resistant clay, ttukbaegi is a staple in Korean kitchens. Perfect for everything from hearty stews to fluffy rice, it allows for slow, even cooking that brings out the best in your ingredients.

This ttukbaegi not only serves as a functional cooking pot but also embodies a Korean simple aesthetic, making it one of the most appealing aesthetic Korean souvenirs for kitchen lovers.

Pro tip: This versatile pot is oven, stovetop, and microwave safe. Just remember to avoid sudden temperature changes to keep it in top shape for years to come.

5. Miniature Korean Onggi Pot (Hangari)

항아리

• Product: miniature hangari (traditional korean onggi pot)
• Price: 30,000 KRW
• Brand: Soil Baker

Bring the art of Korean fermentation to your table with this miniature hangari. Traditionally used for making kimchi and other fermented delights, this scaled-down version is ideal for modern homes and kitchens.

Crafted with the same care as its larger counterparts, this mini hangari showcases the distinctive rounded shape and unique curves typical of Onggi pots. Made from natural clay, it helps regulate temperature and moisture, making it perfect for serving sauces, pickles, or small side dishes.

While its design is subtly traditional, this one of the smallest kitchen souvenirs still offers a touch of Korean aesthetic charm, blending practicality with cultural elegance.

Note: While it’s dishwasher and microwave safe, avoid using it in the oven or on direct heat to preserve its beauty and functionality.

6. Mother-of-Pearl (Najeonchilgi) Coaster

나전칠기 코스터

• Product: jagae coaster (mother-of-pearl coaster)
• Price: 18,000 KRW
• Brand: Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation

Among Korean souvenirs, many emphasize aesthetics through the use of najeonchilgi. This traditional Korean technique, involving the inlay of mother-of-pearl into lacquered wood, creates stunningly beautiful pieces that reflect a deep appreciation for Korean craftsmanship and aesthetic principles.

These coasters aren’t just practical; they offer a touch of Korean charm and aesthetic appeal, making them a captivating addition to any home. Ideal as a thoughtful gift or a special treat for yourself, these coasters seamlessly integrate centuries-old Korean artistry into contemporary life, offering both beauty and utility.

Tip: These coasters are more than just drink mats. Use them to display small jewelry pieces or as decorative accents around your home.

7. Mother-of-Pearl (Najeonchilgi) Business Card Holder

나전칠기 명함집

• Product: Mother-of-Pearl Business Card Holder (Cheongnyong Design)
• Price: 30,000 KRW
• Brand : MU:DS, National Museum Goods

Networking just got a whole lot more stylish with this exquisite business card holder. Featuring the iconic Cheongnyong (Azure Dragon) design, this piece is a perfect blend of Korean tradition and modern functionality.

Crafted using the najeonchilgi technique, the holder showcases intricate mother-of-pearl inlay work on a stunning sky-blue background. The result is a sleek, slim profile that’s as eye-catching as it is practical.

The silver frame reinforcement adds durability without compromising on style. Whether you’re exchanging cards at a business meeting or storing your own, this holder is sure to make a memorable impression.

Fun fact: The Cheongnyong is one of the four guardian spirits in Korean mythology, symbolizing the east and spring. By carrying this holder, you’re not just organizing your cards – you’re carrying a piece of Korean cultural heritage.

8. Bamboo Fabric (Moshi) Fan

모시 부채

• Product: Bamboo Fabric Fan
• Price: 30,000-35,000 KRW
• Brand: Jukho Baram

Forget those flimsy paper fans – meet the moshi fan, a Korean summer essential that exemplifies Korean aesthetic principles. Crafted from ‘moshi,’ a traditional textile made from bamboo fibers, these fans merge practicality with a touch of understated Korean beauty.

Made by Jukho Baram, a family-run workshop in Gurye, each fan is handcrafted with care by Master Kim Juyong, who tends to bamboo groves and continues a craft tradition that has been passed down through three generations.

Fans are among the most popular Korean souvenirs, and this moshi fan stands out as an example of Korean aesthetic souvenirs with its simple yet elegant design. Though the design may seem simple, it is this very simplicity that highlights the elegance of Korean craftsmanship.

Note: These fans are made to order, so plan ahead! The extra wait is worth it for a piece of authentic Korean artistry.

9. Door Bell

풍경 문 종

• Product: Bamboo Fabric Fan
• Price: 40,000 KRW
• Brand: EN

Transform your entryway with this charming Korean door bell. More than just a pretty chime, this bell is steeped in traditional symbolism and designed to invite good energy into your home.

The round frame is inspired by the ‘so-kotture’ (cow’s nose ring), a symbol believed to ward off misfortune and evil spirits in Korean folklore. But that’s not all – this bell also incorporates additional charms for wealth and prosperity.

Every time the door opens, you’ll be greeted by a clear, lovely sound that’s both welcoming and auspicious. It’s a beautiful way to add a touch of Korean tradition to your modern home.

Tip: Hang this bell by your front door to create a warm, inviting atmosphere for your guests while subtly channeling positive energy into your space.

10. Goebul Norigae Key Ring

괴불노리개 키링 (열쇠고리)

• Product: Goebul Norigae Key Ring
• Price: 23,000 KRW
• Brand: Guseulddam

Traditionally part of hanbok accessories, this modern adaptation of the ‘goebul’ key ring brings Korean aesthetic souvenirs to everyday life. Symbolized by three interconnected loops, the ‘goebul’ represents protection from misfortune and attracts prosperity. Once believed to ward off negative energy, this powerful symbol now graces your keychain.

Each key ring is meticulously handcrafted, filled with cotton, and sewn using traditional techniques. The fine silk material adds a touch of luxury, while the hand-tied knot represents a special wish for the owner’s happiness.

Whether used for keys or as a stylish bag charm, this Goebul Norigae key ring is a beautiful example of Korean heritage and modern practicality, showcasing Korean aesthetic principles in a meaningful way.