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The word Daiso has become entrenched in every budget shopper’s vernacular. And it’s a shared experience globally. Shop at any one of the Japanese chain’s 6,000 stores worldwide and you’ll get sucked into an unending vortex of cheap household items that paradoxically heals and hammers your wallet.
So what makes Daiso Korea so special then?
Well, for one, it’s technically a different company from Daiso Japan. In 2023, Daiso Korea became fully Korean-owned after South Korea’s Asung HMP Co acquired the entire stake that Japan’s Daiso Sangyo held in the company. Daiso Korea has even gone on record to say that it was not selling the same products as Daiso Japan.
And even if you weren’t privy to these business dealings, the fact that Daiso Korea has a different logo from all the other Daiso outlets in the world is quite literally the tell-tale sign that shopping here is a different experience altogether.
No store captures this difference more perfectly than the Daiso Korea outlet near Myeongdong Station.
The store has gone viral for being 12 storeys high, with tourists making the pilgrimage to snag wallet-friendly and unique items including camping items, storage units, Disney products and even pet products.
CNA Lifestyle recently checked out every level to suss out a few quirky gifts you can get for yourself and your loved ones during your next trip to Seoul.
1ST FLOOR (CHECKOUT COUNTER AND SEASONAL GOODS)
1. BTS dolls
Armys will be glad to know that happiness exists the moment they enter the store. These dolls of Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, Jungkook cost just 5,000 won (S$4.90) each – making them inexpensive gifts for that OT7 stan in your life.
2ND FLOOR (BEAUTY PRODUCTS)
Olive Young, meet your match. The second floor of Daiso Myeongdong Station is home to some of the cheapest beauty products we’ve seen during our time in Seoul. Toner pads were going as low as 5,000 won and we even spotted premium hair care products from the likes of Kerasys that cost just 3,000 won.
2. Hair extensions
As it turns out, getting your hair to look like a Korean celebrity’s can be as cheap as 1,000 won (S$0.98). The extensions here mimic a variety of hair styles and types including bobs, curls and waves. There are even coloured extensions which cost just 2,000 won.
3. Nose hair trimmer
At just 2,000 won, this trimmer is a great gift for those who struggle with the danglies.
3RD FLOOR (STATIONERY AND DIGITAL GOODS)
4. LED projection lamp
Get your room to look like a planetarium with these lamps (5,000 won). You can even adjust the colours of your projection.
4TH FLOOR (CHARACTER GOODS)
If you’re a Disney and Marvel fan, the fourth floor of Daiso Myeongdong Station is the place to be to stock up on your favourite merch. Character goods cost as low as 1,000 won, with designs featuring the likes of Iron Man, Winnie The Pooh and Chip & Dale.
5. Captain America shield pillow
I’m typing this article while hugging this pillow and it’s probably the best 5,000 won I’ve spent on merchandise. The cushion even comes with two straps to bring forth your inner Steve Rogers.
5TH FLOOR (FOOD)
6. Dalgona candy
With the second season of Squid Game airing soon, we suspect that dalgona candy is about to make its next comeback. These candies come as a packet of mini lollies for just 1,000 won – way cheaper than the dalgona sold by stores in Singapore.
Fair warning: The treats are pretty cloying despite their size.
7. Combat rations
Be the MVP at your next steamboat party for just 1,000 won.
7TH FLOOR (HOME INTERIOR AND STORAGE UNITS) AND 8TH FLOOR (BATH AND LAUNDRY ESSENTIALS)
Admittedly, the seventh and eighth floors of this Daiso store don’t really have quirky items. But they do have cheap ones. My colleague bought a whole storage unit for just 3,000 won.
9TH FLOOR (CAMPING AND SPORTING GOODS)
9. Foldable drink carrier
This carrier isn’t just quirky, it’s useful. Going on a coffee run for your colleagues? You’re all set with this handy tool which costs 3,000 won.
10TH FLOOR (GARDENING AND PET PRODUCTS)
10. Pet beds
The pet beds (5,000 won) in Daiso Korea are unlike the ones in Daiso stores in Singapore. We spotted beds in all sorts of shapes and colours including those modelled after a banana.
11TH FLOOR (TOOLS AND HANDICRAFT)
11. Fake CCTV camera
If you can’t afford an actual CCTV camera, the next best thing costs just 3,000 won. Of course, this hunk of plastic is useless should a crime occur but hopefully, it’s realistic enough to deter those with bad intentions.
12TH FLOOR (FASHION, TRAVEL AND SEASONAL GOODS)
12. Inflatable swimming pool
Measuring 90cm by 22cm, this inflatable pool is perfect for keeping your little ones entertained without taking up too much space.
Of course, these items are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the stuff you can get at Daiso Myeongdong Station. With 12 storeys to conquer, we recommend taking the elevator to the 12th floor and working your way down.
PS: There’s another secret elevator at the rear end of the store that’s rarely used.
CNA Lifestyle was in South Korea at the invitation of South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
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