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
