If there’s one country that’s redefining global fashion, it’s South Korea. From chic skincare innovations to streetwear that looks straight out of a K-drama, Korea’s style scene is magnetic. For Indians who love both tradition and trend, shopping in Seoul can feel like walking through a glossy magazine that’s come alive, only better. Whether you’re a beauty enthusiast or a minimalist dresser, here are five stylish things you must pick up from South Korea.
K-beauty skincare that’s truly worth the hype
We’ve all seen the viral glass-skin reels, but trust me, the real magic happens in Korean beauty stores. This year, skincare is all about “K-Green Beauty,” where nature meets science. Brands like IsNtree and Beauty of Joseon are leading the clean-beauty movement with ingredients like yam root, fermented green tea and mugwort. Even the packaging is recyclable and aesthetically minimalist, a win for both your skin and the planet.
Then there’s Tamburins, which has become the new “it” brand in Seoul for fragrance-based skincare and luxe hand creams that double as vanity art. Walk into one of their art-gallery-style boutiques, and you’ll feel like you’re in a perfume museum. Stock up on serums and masks here; your bathroom shelf will thank you.
Trendsetting streetwear that rivals Paris and Tokyo
Korean street fashion is a mix of rebellion and polish, think edgy silhouettes, oversized jackets, clean sneakers and bucket hats that look straight out of a music video. In 2025, Seoul’s streetwear scene is buzzing with fresh collections from ADER Error, Musinsa Standard and Reike Nen, which blends hanbok-inspired shapes with modern tailoring.
If you love smart-casual looks that make a statement, head to the Hongdae and Gangnam districts. You will find local designer pop-ups and vintage stores where college students and stylists shop side by side. For Indian travellers, these outfits work beautifully once you’re back home too, a relaxed Reike Nen top with Indian silver jewellery or a Musinsa jacket over a kurta makes for an unexpectedly cool Indo-Korean blend.
Sunglasses that look straight out of a music video
No Korean fashion trip is complete without a visit to a Gentle Monster store. Known for their futuristic eyewear and dramatic in-store art installations, this brand continues to dominate in 2025. Their limited-edition frames are favourites among both K-pop stars and Hollywood celebs.
This year, Gentle Monster has dropped a collaboration with Maison Margiela that’s all about sleek transparency and sculptural designs. Pair their oversized black frames with your favourite sari, or wear their soft-tinted lenses on a Himachal holiday, they instantly add a touch of Seoul sophistication wherever you go.
Statement jewellery and accessories
While India is known for its ornate jewellery, Korea’s take on accessories is sleek, delicate and incredibly versatile. Brands like Mzuu, Portrait Report, and Monday Edition are creating jewellery that’s understated yet full of personality. Think thin chains with sculptural pendants, mismatched earrings, and rings inspired by art and geometry.
These pieces pair beautifully with Indian fashion. Imagine a minimalist Korean choker with a Banarasi saree or a chunky ring with an oversized kurta, it’s a global fusion that works effortlessly. Korean jewellery is also affordable compared to European brands, making it a smart luxury buy.
Designer hanboks and fusion pieces
The hanbok – Korea’s traditional attire has undergone a stylish revival. Contemporary designers are reinterpreting it with softer fabrics, pastel shades and wearable silhouettes. Leesle, Tchai Kim, and Danha Seoul are among the labels turning the hanbok into global fashion.
For 2025, there’s a growing interest in fusion hanboks that mix Korean draping with Western tailoring. They make for beautiful festive wear in India, elegant yet different from the usual lehengas or saris. If you’re planning a wedding guest outfit or festive look, a modern hanbok jacket paired with gold jhumkas could easily make you the most stylish person in the room.Beyond the products, shopping in Korea is an experience in itself. Stores are designed like art spaces, cafes serve skincare lattes, and even street markets like Myeongdong or Dongdaemun feel fashion-forward. The best part? Prices range from budget-friendly to high-end luxury, so there’s something for every traveller.What’s more, Korean brands are moving towards sustainability this year, from cruelty-free beauty to biodegradable fabrics. So when you shop, you’re not just buying style; you’re supporting innovation with a conscience.Whether it’s a serum that gives you glass skin, sunglasses that scream Seoul chic, or a reinvented hanbok for your next big celebration, Korea in 2025 is a fashion lover’s paradise. So when you pack your bags, leave a little extra room because once you start shopping there, it’s impossible to stop.