Olive Young Hongdae - Image 1
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Olive Young Hongdae

4.4
·124 reviews·, South Korea

A massive, three-story K-beauty wonderland in Hongdae, packed with the latest Korean skincare, makeup, and wellness trends.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better browsing

CrowdLow
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Olive Young Hongdae - Image 1

Olive Young Hongdae

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better browsing

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A massive, three-story K-beauty wonderland in Hongdae, packed with the latest Korean skincare, makeup, and wellness trends.

4.4
(124 reviews)

"Heaven for those who loves cosmetics, body cares, mask pack and more. This store is the biggest one."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Explore All Three Floors

Don't stop at the first floor! Each level offers a unique selection of K-beauty treasures.

🗣️ Seek Out Promoters

Promoters on higher floors are often more patient and helpful with product recommendations.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Three Floors of K-Beauty

Three Floors of K-Beauty

Entire store

Explore a massive selection of Korean skincare, makeup, and wellness products across three expansive levels. A true haven for beauty enthusiasts!

Dedicated Men's Skincare Zone

Dedicated Men's Skincare Zone

First Floor

Discover a surprisingly large and well-stocked section dedicated to men's grooming and skincare products.

Rotating Pop-Up Stores

Rotating Pop-Up Stores

Various locations within the store

Keep an eye out for exciting pop-up events featuring popular K-beauty brands and limited-edition collaborations.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Hongdae Shopping Hub

Olive Young Hongdae is a multi-story K-beauty paradise! Expect it to be busy, especially on weekends. Arrive early or on a weekday to avoid the biggest crowds and get the best selection of trending Korean skincare and makeup.

English Support & Product Discovery

While many staff members are helpful, some reviews mention language barriers or less-than-ideal customer service for foreigners. Look for promoters on higher floors who are often more patient and knowledgeable about products. Consider using translation apps if needed.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better browsing
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday evenings
Why
Post-work rush, but manageable
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Peak shopping time, very busy
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A new Olive Young store just opened in Hongdae, and it's massive with 3 floors! 🏢 They carry a wide range of products and brands, including popular ones like Beauty of Joseon. 🌟 #OliveYoung #HongdaeShopping #KBeauty #expatinkorea #koreanskincare #seoullife #seoultravel
@lvorleak
21.8K likes • 360K views

🎯 Explore All Three Floors

Don't stop at the first floor! Each level offers a unique selection of K-beauty treasures. TikTok+1

🗣️ Seek Out Promoters

Promoters on higher floors are often more patient and helpful with product recommendations. Reddit

loved visiting this branch🥹 📍Olive Young Hongdae Playground Branch @ROUND LAB @beplain.shop @MEDIHEAL Global #kbeauty #oliveyoung #koreanskincare
@heyinlees
2.3K likes • 39.7K views
The new Olive Young opened in Hongdae is heaven for all Korean skincare and Korean beauty lovers! 🫧 It’s the second biggest store in Seoul and has three floors full of Korean make-up, skincare and more ✨ A must-visit place on your next trip to Seoul 💕 📍Olive Young Hongik Univ. Town (올리브영 홍대타운) ⏰ 10:00 - 23:00 Discount code at @OLIVE YOUNG Global: P1NKPR1NCESS #hongdae #koreanskincare #oliveyoung #...
@pink_princesss__
3.4K likes • 88.5K views

✨ Check for Pop-Ups

This location frequently hosts exciting brand pop-ups. Ask staff or check online for current events! TikTok+1

💰 Compare Prices

While generally good, prices can vary. Compare deals across different brands and sections. Reddit

New pop up in Hongdae alert 🚨 #livinginkorea #popup #fyp #oliveyoung #seoul
@sofiaalopesc
129 likes • 5.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Explore All Three Floors

Don't stop at the first floor! Each level offers a unique selection of K-beauty treasures. TikTok+1

🗣️ Seek Out Promoters

Promoters on higher floors are often more patient and helpful with product recommendations. Reddit

✨ Check for Pop-Ups

This location frequently hosts exciting brand pop-ups. Ask staff or check online for current events! TikTok+1

💰 Compare Prices

While generally good, prices can vary. Compare deals across different brands and sections. Reddit

🤳 Free Skin Tests

Utilize the free skin analysis services for personalized product suggestions. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.4
(124 reviews)

Reviews Summary

This multi-level Olive Young in Hongdae is a K-beauty paradise with an extensive product range, including a notable men's section and exciting pop-up events. While many praise the selection and prices, some visitors have reported negative experiences with rude staff, particularly towards foreigners, though helpful promoters are also present.

"Three floors big, this branch sells a wide range of products. Currently it has an event promoting Zootopia 2."

Ronald Pai

"Olive Young is one of my favorite places to shop! They have such good prices and an amazing variety of products — from skincare and makeup to hair and wellness items. There’s truly something for everyone, and it’s so easy to find the latest Korean beauty trends all in one place. The only downside is that it can get a bit crowded at times, especially during peak hours, but it’s definitely worth it for the selection and deals they offer. Highly recommend stopping by if you love beauty products!"

Eldina B.

"The staffs at the 1st floor are extremely rude especially,
(1) a young girl with blonde hair being extremely aggressive and severely discriminating against foreigners. She questioned us rudely with an unwelcoming attitude when we were discussing at an empty area near the queue regarding the 3 full bags of products chosen from the shop before payment. She could have politely asked us to stand elsewhere to avoid blocking the traffic. After a few minutes, a crowd formed again at the area shown in the photo for quite sometime and she did not take action to ease the crowd at that area. This shows that she was discriminating against the foreigners and had an inconsistent working attitude.

(2) the only male cashier at that time was extremely unfriendly with an angry face.

Although the staffs at the 1st floor that we encountered were extremely rude, a promoter at the 3rd floor was patient in describing the products to us. This was the reason why we bought 3 full bags of products that cost about 500k won.

Overall, it was an unpleasant experience in the shop with extremely rude staffs at the 1st floor"

Angelo Tung

What People Like

Vast product selection
Great K-beauty brands
Exciting pop-up events

What People Dislike

Rude staff experiences
Can get crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Olive Young Hongdae is easily accessible via the Seoul subway. Take Line 2 to Hongik University Station and use Exit 9. The store is a short walk from the station. TikTok+1

Yes, it's located in the heart of Hongdae, a vibrant district known for its street art, indie music scene, fashion boutiques, and cafes. You can easily combine your visit with exploring the area. TikTok+1

The closest subway station is Hongik University Station (Seoul Subway Line 2, Airport Railroad Express, Gyeongui-Jungang Line). TikTok

Public parking is available in the Hongdae area, but it can be expensive and difficult to find, especially during peak hours. It's generally recommended to use public transportation. Reddit

Yes, taxis are readily available in Seoul. You can provide the address '57 Hongik-ro 6-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul' to your driver. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Olive Young is a retail store and does not require an entrance ticket. You can browse freely. TikTok+1

Olive Young Hongdae typically opens around 10:00 AM and closes at 11:00 PM (23:00). However, hours can vary slightly, so it's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information. TikTok

There is no admission fee to enter Olive Young Hongdae. It's a free-to-enter retail space. TikTok

As a retail store, there's no need to book in advance for general entry. However, special pop-up events might have specific booking requirements or limited entry. TikTok

While there aren't specific tourist discounts, Olive Young often has sales, promotions, and loyalty programs. Keep an eye out for these during your visit. Some TikTok creators offer discount codes for online purchases. TikTok

🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Products

Olive Young Hongdae offers a vast array of Korean beauty products, including skincare, makeup, haircare, body care, and wellness items. They stock both popular and emerging K-beauty brands. TikTok+2

Absolutely! You'll find a wide selection of sought-after brands like Beauty of Joseon, Round Lab, Mediheal, Abib, and many more. TikTok+2

Some staff members speak English, particularly those assisting with specific brand promotions. However, it can be inconsistent. TikTokReddit

Yes, this branch features a significant and well-organized men's skincare and grooming section on the first floor. TikTok

Best-sellers often include popular serums, toners, sheet masks, and cushion foundations. It's worth asking staff or checking trending displays for current favorites. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography & Experience

Generally, personal photography for non-commercial use is allowed. However, be mindful of other shoppers and avoid blocking aisles. Some pop-up events might have restrictions. TikTok

Its sheer size across three floors, the dedicated men's section, and the frequent, exciting pop-up events make it a standout destination for K-beauty enthusiasts. TikTok+2

Yes, testers are usually available for many makeup and skincare products. Look for designated tester areas. TikTok

The store has multiple floors and an elevator, which should assist with accessibility for those with mobility challenges. TikTok

The Olive Young Awards pop-up celebrates the brand's top-selling and most popular products of the year, often featuring interactive displays and exclusive experiences. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Olive Young Hongdae can be a fun stop for families, especially if anyone in the group is interested in K-beauty. The store is spacious with an elevator, making it easier to navigate with strollers. TikTok While the primary focus is cosmetics, you can find some lifestyle and wellness items that might appeal to different ages. Be prepared for crowds, which might make it challenging with very young children. Consider visiting during off-peak hours on weekdays for a more relaxed experience.

💄 K-Beauty Enthusiasts & Makeup Lovers

This is your ultimate destination! With three floors packed with the latest Korean skincare, makeup, and haircare, you'll be in heaven. Explore popular brands, discover emerging trends, and take advantage of any ongoing pop-up events for exclusive finds. TikTok+2 Don't miss the chance to try out products and perhaps even get a free skin analysis. TikTok

🛍️ Budget-Conscious Shoppers

Olive Young is known for its competitive pricing and frequent sales. While it's a large store, you can find great deals on popular items. Reddit Look out for promotions and consider purchasing multi-packs of sheet masks or value sets. Some TikTok creators offer discount codes for online purchases, which might be applicable to in-store promotions or future visits. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Multi-Story K-Beauty Experience

Olive Young Hongdae isn't just a store; it's a K-beauty destination spread across three floors, offering an unparalleled shopping experience. The sheer scale means you can find an extensive range of products, from cult-favorite skincare to the latest makeup trends. Many visitors describe it as a 'playground' for beauty lovers, with ample space to explore and discover new items. TikTok+2

On the first floor, you'll often find a significant section dedicated to men's grooming, which is a notable feature. As you ascend, each floor presents a curated selection of brands and product categories. The store is known for its clean, modern aesthetic, making browsing a pleasure. However, be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends, as its popularity draws many shoppers. TikTok+1

Beyond the permanent collection, Olive Young Hongdae frequently hosts temporary pop-up stores and events for specific brands or seasonal collections. These pop-ups add an element of surprise and exclusivity to your visit, offering unique photo opportunities and limited-edition products. TikTok+2

Navigating Customer Service and Product Recommendations

When it comes to customer service at Olive Young Hongdae, experiences can be mixed. While many visitors find the staff helpful, particularly those manning brand-specific promotional booths on higher floors, some reviews mention instances of rudeness or difficulty communicating in English. Reddit

For those seeking product recommendations, it's often best to approach the brand promoters directly. They are typically well-versed in their specific product lines and can offer more detailed advice. Some TikTok videos highlight the availability of free skin tests, which can provide personalized recommendations based on your skin type. TikTok

If you encounter language barriers, don't hesitate to use translation apps on your phone. Many shoppers find success by pointing to products or using visual aids. Despite occasional service hiccups, the vast selection and the thrill of discovering new K-beauty finds make it a worthwhile visit for many. TikTok