Budget-Friendly Shopping in Korea: Daiso 다이소

For most soldiers, life in Korea can mean living on a budget and possibly arriving light due to weight restrictions. Back in the States, local dollar stores supply cheap essentials often in cramped stores that weren’t always the best for looks. Korea is a little different.

Whenever a newcomer asks where they get essential household items on any number of forums, the common refrain is a Korean gem – Daiso. This chain of stores takes the dollar shop concept and elevates it. Daiso, or 다이소, is actually a Japanese business (which is another place to visit when in Japan) but has branches all over the world, including the United States. As of 2023, Daiso Korea separated from the original Daiso Japan though, making Korean Daisos all fully Korean-owned.

The Daiso stores in South Korea can vary in size from a single floor, like the one in Paengseong outside USAG Humphreys, to underground locations like the largest Daiso at the Gangnam Express Bus Terminal Branch, to the 7-story Daiso in Hongdae, or the tallest, the 13-story Daiso in Myeong-dong. All stores are well-lit, very clean, and organized by type of items and their use. Using Naver, finding the nearest Daiso (or DaiSo) is pretty simple, and most are even located on or near public transportation for those with limited off-installation mobility.

Now, what might one find at Daiso? Well, almost anything short of major fashion, electronics, and appliances. Wandering a Daiso can be a fun excursion to just see what you might find. Each store is has a varied inventory that is organized into areas, so finding items for your kitchen, bath, or even campout, is relatively easy. Naturally, smaller stores may be more limited in selection, but even the small one outside Osan Air Base’s main gate packs a lot in a little space.

Shoppers can easily build a complete serving set for a family of any size at Daiso, including plates, bowls, silverware (both Western and Korean), cups, and even cooking utensils on a budget. Stocking your bathroom with most things you might need is easy at Daiso too. Other sections include beauty supplies, office supplies, crafts, toys, and even snacks. The stores even have special themes throughout the year with limited items. If you’re interested in keeping up with these limited items and special promotions, follow the Korean Daiso chain on Facebook and Instagram as they announce information frequently.

So how much does it cost? Most items run between 1,000 and 5,000 won (₩). That’s roughly $0.60 to $3.50, depending on exchange rates. Not entirely a ‘dollar’ shop, but still very affordable compared to items at Exchange or other Korean stores like eMart or HomePlus. Items must be cheap then. Not exactly. Many of the items are decent to good quality and should last most tours in Korea, maybe even longer.

Daiso also has a few interesting surprises in store. If you enjoy the outdoors, Daiso carries some decent small items such as smaller utensils for lightweight camping and even warm covers for the more common camping chairs. Besides the limited-themed items, the stores can carry branded items for some of your favorite pop culture characters such as Marvel and Disney brands and even BTS! Best advice, find one and explore sooner rather than later.

Shopping at Daiso is not much different than any other store in Korea. Now there is one quirk about checking out at Daiso – which barcode to use. The register will ask you to scan the “2D barcode”, which is a small QR code usually next to the price. After a few trips, you’ll learn what to look for with ease. Some items, mostly non-Daiso brands like drinks, will use the usual barcode.

Bringing your own reusable bag is a plus, as it will save you a few won. If you don’t have one, there are plenty of bags to purchase at the checkout, from small ones that will fit in a purse or backpack when folded, to larger ones that border on airline carry-on size. Most stores will have a cashier, but self-checkout is more common now. The terminals all have an English option, so no worries there and they take American credit cards. The registers can be small, but don’t fret as they are still easy to use.

For those assigned to Korea, Daiso is an essential first stop that is convenient and budget-friendly, offering both practicality and comfort. It is a treasure trove of essentials with an accessible and affordable shopping experience. Visit today if you are looking to create a comfortable living space without breaking the bank.

Daiso Information

Website: www.daisomall.co.kr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daisolife

Instagram: http://instagram.com/daisolife

Naver: https://blog.naver.com/daisoblog

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@daisolife

Daiso Hauls Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/daiso.hauls.korea

Top Daiso Locations in Seoul

Largest Daiso in Korea

[NAVER Map]

Daiso Gangnam Express Bus Terminal Branch

19-4 Banpo-dong Seocho-gu Seoul