Why Daiso Is Korea’s Favorite Store (And a Must-Visit for Tourists)

What Daiso Shopping Means to Koreans: More Than Just a Store

Stella's Meta Description: Discover the cultural significance of Daiso in Korea. From affordable daily essentials to trendy beauty finds, learn why Koreans see Daiso as more than a store—it’s part of their lifestyle.

Introduction

For many visitors to Korea, Daiso is an exciting discovery: a neatly organized chain store filled with affordable goods ranging from home essentials to beauty products. But for Koreans, Daiso is not just a store—it’s a cultural touchpoint and a deeply familiar part of everyday life. When locals say, “I’ll just check Daiso,” it’s shorthand for solving a practical problem quickly, affordably, and conveniently.

The Rise of Daiso in Korea

Daiso Korea opened in 1997 as a collaboration between Japan’s Daiso and a Korean distributor, and quickly expanded due to its unbeatable mix of price, accessibility, and variety. The brand positioned itself as “the store that sells everything you need, for less than 5,000 won.”
By the 2010s, Daiso had become a household name. With over 1,400 branches across the country (as of the mid-2020s), you can find a Daiso in nearly every neighborhood, often near subway stations or busy shopping areas. Its success lies in its ability to adapt to Korean consumer behavior—offering fast product turnover, trend-driven items, and localized goods that feel distinctly Korean rather than imported.

Why Koreans Love Daiso

☺︎ Affordability Without Sacrifice
In Korea, Daiso is synonymous with good value. Items range from 1,000 to 5,000 won, making it possible for students, homemakers, and office workers alike to buy useful products without worrying about budget. Importantly, the quality often exceeds expectations for the price, which builds trust and loyalty.

☺︎ Convenience and Accessibility
Because Daiso stores are everywhere, Koreans don’t have to make special trips to shop there. Need a new phone charger? A storage box? A pack of pens? There’s probably a Daiso within a 10-minute walk. This convenience cements its role as a go-to solution.

☺︎ Surprising Variety
The Korean saying “There’s nothing Daiso doesn’t have” reflects the sheer variety of items available. From kitchen gadgets and laundry solutions to beauty sponges and stationery, it’s a one-stop shop. For young people setting up their first apartment, or families needing everyday items, Daiso is indispensable.

☺︎ Seasonal and Trendy Goods
Daiso doesn’t just sell practical basics—it also keeps up with trends. During holidays like Chuseok or Lunar New Year, it stocks seasonal decorations. In summer, you’ll find cooling towels and portable fans. In winter, hot packs and cozy socks dominate. This constant refresh keeps shopping fun and relevant.

Daiso as a Part of Korean Daily Life

☺︎ Students and Young Adults
For students, Daiso is where they buy affordable school supplies, snacks, and cute desk accessories. University students moving into dorms or studio apartments often rely on Daiso for affordable household goods, from hangers to kitchenware.

☺︎ Office Workers
Busy professionals often stop by Daiso for small work-related needs—like organizers, pens, or phone stands. Since stores are located near office districts, Daiso is the “office supply closet” for many.

☺︎ Families and Homemakers
Parents and homemakers rely on Daiso for practical solutions: children’s toys, cleaning products, kitchen tools, and storage bins. The low prices make it easy to try new solutions without feeling wasteful.

☺︎ Seniors
Older generations appreciate Daiso for its affordability and practicality. For retirees living on pensions, Daiso provides budget-friendly products without sacrificing comfort or quality.

Emotional Connection: More Than Just Shopping

For many Koreans, a trip to Daiso sparks joy and nostalgia. It’s not uncommon to hear people say, “I only went in for one thing, but I ended up buying ten.” There’s an element of treasure hunting—discovering unexpectedly useful or cute items that bring small happiness.

Daiso has also become a shared cultural experience. Friends may suggest, “Let’s go to Daiso” not just for shopping, but as a casual outing. Couples sometimes browse Daiso together to buy matching mugs, storage solutions, or home décor. Parents take children who enjoy the colorful displays of toys and stationery.

In this way, Daiso creates a kind of everyday magic: small, affordable pleasures that brighten routine life.

The K-Beauty Connection

Daiso’s role in Korea extends beyond household goods—it has also made waves in beauty. The store stocks an impressive range of cosmetics, skincare, and beauty tools at extremely low prices. Many of these items are produced by Korean beauty manufacturers, sometimes as “dupes” of higher-end products.

Makeup sponges and brushes rival those sold at luxury brands. Sheet masks and skincare items attract curious shoppers who want to experiment without overspending. Nail products and accessories are favorites among young women.

Beauty influencers often feature “Daiso hauls” on YouTube or Instagram, praising the quality-to-price ratio. For foreign tourists, Daiso is sometimes their first exposure to affordable K-beauty.

Seasonal Daiso Fever in Korea

One fascinating aspect of Daiso shopping in Korea is how seasonal products ignite consumer excitement. For example:

• Cherry blossom season: Pink-themed cups, stationery, and blankets sell out quickly.
• Halloween: Costumes, masks, and decorations fill stores weeks ahead.
• Christmas: Ornaments, mini trees, and gift wrap create festive displays.

These limited-time collections encourage repeat visits, as customers want to “see what’s new” before items disappear.

Social Media and the Daiso Craze

Korean social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Naver blogs are filled with Daiso content. People share their latest finds, room organization tips, or beauty hacks using Daiso items. The hashtag #다이소 (Daiso) consistently trends, demonstrating its popularity not only as a store but as a lifestyle brand.

In fact, some products go viral after being highlighted online, leading to nationwide sell-outs. This creates a sense of community—people bond over the thrill of discovering affordable yet high-quality goods.

Daiso and Korean Identity

Daiso resonates with Koreans because it embodies values important to daily life:

• Practicality – solving problems with simple tools.
• Affordability – living well without overspending.
• Innovation – finding new, clever solutions to everyday challenges.

In many ways, Daiso reflects the Korean spirit of resourcefulness and adaptability. It democratizes consumer culture by making stylish, functional products accessible to all income levels.

Tourists and the Daiso Experience

For foreign visitors, shopping at Daiso can feel like uncovering a hidden gem. Many tourists buy souvenirs such as:

• Korean-style stationery
• Skincare masks and beauty tools
• Cute home décor
• Seasonal trinkets

Because of its affordability, travelers can fill their suitcases without breaking the bank. Travel blogs often recommend visiting Daiso as part of the authentic Korean shopping experience.

The Future of Daiso in Korea

As Korea’s consumer culture evolves, Daiso continues to thrive by adapting to new trends. Recently, the brand has launched collaborations with popular characters, expanded eco-friendly product lines, and even introduced smart storage solutions for urban living.

With rising living costs, the demand for affordable yet quality products will only grow. Daiso is well-positioned to remain a central part of Korean daily life for decades to come.

Conclusion

For Koreans, Daiso is more than just a discount store. It’s a cultural staple, a place where practicality meets joy, and where small purchases bring daily satisfaction. Whether buying essentials for a first apartment, picking up seasonal decorations, or discovering the latest viral beauty tool, Daiso is woven into the fabric of everyday Korean life.

To truly understand modern Korea, step into a Daiso. You’ll see not only shelves of affordable products but also a snapshot of how Koreans live, adapt, and find happiness in the little things.