The current USD-to-Korean won exchange rate is better than ever. As of now, 1 U.S. dollar equals ₩1,474, and it reached a high of ₩1,558 per USD in the summer of 2026. Over the past 10 years, the exchange rate has been as low as ₩1,054 per USD so you are now saving 25%-30% on top of Korea’s already low prices.
As stylish and sophisticated as any destination, and with costs at historic lows, Korea should be at the top of your list to take advantage of the strong U.S. dollar.
Here are the top 15 purchases and experiences we recommend to help you maximize the exchange rate on your next trip to Korea.
- All Things Skin
See a dermatologist for a comprehensive skin analysis that breaks down your skin condition, identifies underlying causes, and provides personalized recommendations for skin concerns and aging. Korea also offers high-end skincare treatments such as salmon DNA injections, which stimulate collagen and elastin production at the cellular level for anti-aging benefits.
While you’re at it, treat yourself to a facial at the Sulwhasoo Flagship Store Spa in Cheongdam.
- Get a Personal Color Consultation (Color Place, PicColor)
Discover which colors best complement your features and skin tone. Premium and master packages often include recommendations for hair color, necklines, accessories, perfume, nail colors, contact lens colors, eyebrow shape, eyewear, and personal styling, along with makeup lessons and body-shape-based fashion advice.
You can also get your personalized foundation shade professionally matched with HERA at AMORE in Seongsu.
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- Get the Full 10-Step Korean Hair Treatment
Treat yourself to a haircut, perm, hair coloring, scalp scaling, head massage, and protein treatment. You can also get subtle, fine-stroke eyebrow microblading, another service Korea is well known for.
- Buy Several Pairs of Glasses or Sunglasses
Many Korean optical shops make prescription lenses on-site, allowing you to take your new glasses home the very same day. Consider getting progressive lenses or transition lenses, which can be significantly more expensive in the United States. Brands such as Gentle Monster, Blue Elephant, and Carin design frames that fit Asian facial features particularly well.
BLACKPINK Jennie in Gentle Monster eyewear.
- Family Portraits and Professional Photoshoots
ODE Studio offers complete styling packages that include professional makeup, hairstyling, and coordinated outfits for the entire family. Capture beautiful family portraits in hanboks, suits, or casual clothing—perfect for your next Christmas card.
You can also get a professional headshot taken or rent a hanbok for a photoshoot at Seoul’s historic palaces and hanok villages.
- Comprehensive Medical Screenings and Dental Procedures
Korea’s famous comprehensive medical examinations include extensive full-body testing that can often be completed in just 2–6 hours.
Many visitors also choose to have dental work, including implants, while they’re in Korea.
- Visit a 한의사 for Traditional Korean Medicine and Korean Ginseng
A 한의사 (traditional Korean medicine doctor) treats patients of all ages, from babies to seniors. Clinics offer herbal medicines (한약), collagen jelly, probiotics, children’s supplements, growth hormone treatments, and many other wellness products.
For older adults, premium herbal formulas such as 공진단 can cost $900–$1,000.
HUNTR/X visiting a 한의사 in “KPop Demon Hunters.”
- Have a Custom Suit or Hanbok Made—or Invest in Luxury Goods
Korea has one of the world’s highest concentrations of luxury shopping. From the world’s largest Louis Vuitton store to countless flagship stores and celebrity ambassadors, you’ll find an incredible selection of designer brands.
Seongsu is home to many flagship luxury stores, while Seoul’s Jongno Jewelry District near Jongno 3-ga Station is an excellent place to commission custom gold jewelry.
- Stock Up on Skincare and Sunscreen
Visit a Korean pharmacy or Olive Young to stock up on acne treatments, pimple patches, EGF creams, and Korean sunscreen.
Many Korean sunscreens sold in the United States—even those from Olive Young’s California locations—use different formulations because the U.S. FDA has not yet approved several newer UV-filter ingredients that are widely used in Korea and Europe.
Pro tip: Order through duty-free apps such as Lotte Duty Free before your trip. You can purchase items online and pick them up tax-free at the airport, often saving 20–45%.
This month, my aunt purchased AESTURA products for 42–46% off and Sulwhasoo products for 30% off, along with discounts on many American and other international brands.
- Cosmetic Procedures
Korea is often considered the cosmetic surgery capital of the world.
Botox is relatively inexpensive, and procedures such as double-eyelid surgery, under-eye bag removal, mole removal, sunspot treatments, and acne scar treatments are widely available.
The blog Made in Korea covers a wide variety of cosmetic procedures and recovery experiences.
- Eat at a Michelin-Starred Restaurant
Don’t limit yourself to the famous ₩10,000–20,000 bowls of kalguksu at Myeongdong Kyoja. “Culinary Class Wars” judge Ahn Sung-jae is the chef-owner of Mosu, South Korea’s only three-Michelin-star restaurant. Browse the Michelin Guide through the CatchTable app and dine at restaurants owned by finalists from the show.
- Stay at a fancy hotel.
Spend a night at Paradise City, the luxury resort near Incheon International Airport where “Single’s Inferno” filmed Heaven Island (천국도) during Seasons 1 and 2.
The resort features an impressive indoor and outdoor pool, an acclaimed spa, traditional Korean bathhouses, salt rooms, and authentic Korean 때밀이 body scrubs.
Paradise City Hotel from “Single’s Inferno.”
- Take Taxis Instead of the Subway Once in a While
For an affordable splurge, download the Kakao T app and use Naver Map or KakaoMap to look up Korean addresses.
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Buy Electronics
Apple Korea sells Macs with dual Korean-English keyboards, making it easier than ever to switch between Hangul and English using the updated Caps Lock key. Say goodbye to keyboard covers and peeling Hangul stickers.
- Most Importantly—Actually Go to Korea!
The current won-to-dollar exchange rate is one of the most favorable foreign travelers have seen in years. If you’ve been thinking about visiting Korea, now is an excellent time to take advantage of the strong U.S. dollar while the exchange rate remains favorable.
