Korean brands are everywhere — from high-tech electronics to world-class skincare and cutting-edge fashion. These brands aren’t just popular locally; many have made a name for themselves globally.
Here’s a guide to the most famous Korean brands, what makes them special, and what you should bring home when visiting Korea.
1. Gentle Monster (젠틀몬스터)
Gentle Monster is South Korea’s most famous luxury eyewear brand, founded in 2011 by Hankook Kim. Known for bold and experimental designs, the brand quickly gained international attention, with flagship stores in Seoul that feel more like modern art museums than retail spaces.
Gentle Monster’s collaborations with BLACKPINK’s Jennie and brands like Moncler have cemented its status as a fashion icon.
Parent Company: Independent
Founded: 2011
Why Famous: Unique eyewear designs and immersive store concepts.
What to Buy: Seoul-exclusive sunglasses and limited-edition frames.
2. Ader Error (아더에러)
Founded in 2014, Ader Error is a design collective that blends streetwear with art. Known for deconstructed silhouettes, quirky graphics, and unconventional campaigns, the brand has partnered with companies like Puma and Maison Kitsuné. Its flagship store in Seoul is a destination for both fashion lovers and photographers.
Parent Company: Independent
Founded: 2014
Why Famous: Artistic streetwear that challenges traditional fashion norms.
What to Buy: Limited-edition collaboration hoodies and jackets.
3. Andersson Bell (앤더슨벨)
Andersson Bell, launched in 2014, reimagines Scandinavian minimalism through a Korean lens. The brand focuses on high-quality materials and relaxed yet refined silhouettes. Their seasonal collections mix structured tailoring with streetwear-inspired comfort.
Parent Company: Independent
Founded: 2014
Why Famous: Fusion of Nordic simplicity with Korean creativity.
What to Buy: Statement coats and Korean-exclusive knitwear.
4. Dr.Jart+ (닥터자르트)
Dr.Jart+ started in 2004 as a skincare innovator and quickly became a K-beauty giant. Its Cicapair line, designed to soothe sensitive skin, became a global bestseller. In 2019, it was acquired by Estée Lauder Companies, expanding its reach worldwide. Dr.Jart+ is known for merging dermatological science with fun, artistic packaging.
Parent Company: Estée Lauder Companies
Founded: 2004
Why Famous: Pioneered BB creams and introduced science-driven skincare to a global audience.
What to Buy: Cicapair Tiger Grass Cream in Korean-exclusive sizes.
5. Etude House (에뛰드하우스)
Etude House, part of Amorepacific Corporation, is a colorful and playful beauty brand that has been making makeup fun since 1995. Known for its affordable yet innovative cosmetics, it’s a go-to for teenagers and young adults. The flagship store in Myeongdong feels like a pink fairy tale castle.
Parent Company: Amorepacific Corporation
Founded: 1995
Why Famous: Affordable, trend-driven makeup with eye-catching packaging.
What to Buy: Play Color Eyes palettes, Dear Darling Water Gel Tint.
6. Kia (기아)
Kia Motors, founded in 1944 as a bicycle parts manufacturer, is now one of the world’s leading automobile brands. Known for its sleek designs, advanced technology, and competitive pricing, Kia exports vehicles worldwide. The Kia EV6 has gained global recognition for its electric vehicle innovation.
Parent Company: Hyundai Motor Group
Founded: 1944
Why Famous: Reliable, stylish, and competitively priced cars.
What to Buy: Not exactly a travel purchase, but visit Kia’s experience center in Seoul for test drives.
7. Laneige (라네즈)
Laneige, part of Amorepacific, has been a leader in hydration-focused skincare since 1994. The brand’s name means “snow” in French, reflecting its emphasis on clear and radiant skin. Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask and Water Sleeping Mask have become cult favorites around the world.
Parent Company: Amorepacific Corporation
Founded: 1994
Why Famous: Innovative hydration technology and overnight skincare products.
What to Buy: Lip Sleeping Mask in Korea-exclusive flavors like Grapefruit or Apple Lime.
8. Sulwhasoo (설화수)
Sulwhasoo is a luxury skincare brand rooted in traditional Korean herbal medicine, known as “hanbang.” Founded in 1966, it combines ginseng and herbal extracts with advanced skincare science. Its flagship store in Seoul offers luxury spa treatments.
Parent Company: Amorepacific Corporation
Founded: 1966
Why Famous: Premium skincare with Korean herbal medicine heritage.
What to Buy: First Care Activating Serum or Ginseng Renewing Cream.
9. COSRX (코스알엑스)
COSRX, established in 2013, focuses on simple, effective skincare with minimal ingredients. The brand’s acne patches and snail mucin products are particularly popular among international beauty lovers.
Parent Company: COSRX Inc.
Founded: 2013
Why Famous: Minimalist, skin-friendly formulas at affordable prices.
What to Buy: Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, Acne Pimple Master Patch.
10. Hyein Seo (혜인서)
Hyein Seo is a high-fashion streetwear brand launched by designer Hyein Seo in 2014 after she gained attention at the VFiles runway show in New York. Her designs mix youth culture, rebellion, and bold typography.
Parent Company: Independent
Founded: 2014
Why Famous: Edgy, gender-neutral streetwear with a rebellious spirit.
What to Buy: Statement jackets and graphic tops unique to Seoul boutiques.
11. Innisfree (이니스프리)
Innisfree, launched in 2000, is a natural skincare brand inspired by Jeju Island. The company uses ingredients like green tea, volcanic clay, and orchid extracts. It’s a top choice for eco-conscious beauty lovers.
Parent Company: Amorepacific Corporation
Founded: 2000
Why Famous: Affordable natural skincare from Jeju Island ingredients.
What to Buy: Green Tea Seed Serum, Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay Mask.
12. LG Chem (엘지화학)
LG Chem is one of South Korea’s largest chemical companies, producing materials for batteries, petrochemicals, and advanced materials used in electronics and electric vehicles.
Parent Company: LG Corporation
Founded: 1947
Why Famous: A global leader in battery technology and materials innovation.
What to Buy: Not consumer products, but visit LG Science Park in Seoul for innovation exhibits.
13. Minjukim (민주킴)
Minjukim is a high-end fashion label founded by designer Minju Kim, who gained global recognition after winning Netflix’s “Next in Fashion” in 2020. Her designs are whimsical, colorful, and inspired by Korean culture.
Parent Company: Independent
Founded: 2015
Why Famous: Playful, romantic designs blending Korean heritage with modern couture.
What to Buy: Unique dresses and Seoul-exclusive collections.
14. POSCO (포스코)
POSCO (Pohang Iron and Steel Company) is one of the largest steel producers in the world, founded in 1968. While it’s not a consumer-facing brand, its materials are used in everything from cars to skyscrapers.
Parent Company: POSCO Holdings
Founded: 1968
Why Famous: Cutting-edge steel production and industrial innovation.
What to Buy: Not applicable for travelers, but POSCO Museum in Pohang is worth a visit.
15. BANILA CO (바닐라코)
Banila Co, founded in 2006, is a cosmetics brand best known for its Clean It Zero cleansing balm, a must-have in any K-beauty routine. It focuses on modern, functional skincare that preps the skin for makeup.
Parent Company: F&F Co., Ltd.
Founded: 2006
Why Famous: Best-selling cleansing balm loved worldwide.
What to Buy: Clean It Zero in limited Korean editions.
16. Beauty of Joseon (뷰티 오브 조선)
Beauty of Joseon draws inspiration from Korea’s Joseon Dynasty skincare secrets, blending hanbang ingredients like ginseng with modern formulations. Founded in 2014, it’s become a global K-beauty favorite.
Parent Company: Independent
Founded: 2014
Why Famous: Elegant, traditional-meets-modern skincare approach.
What to Buy: Revive Serum with Ginseng + Snail Mucin.
17. Covernat (커버낫)
Covernat is a heritage-inspired streetwear label founded in 2008. It’s known for casual, everyday wear that combines vintage American workwear aesthetics with Korean street style.
Parent Company: F&F Co., Ltd.
Founded: 2008
Why Famous: Minimalist yet stylish streetwear.
What to Buy: Logo hoodies, fleece jackets, and limited drops.
18. KUSIKOHC (쿠시코크)
KUSIKOHC, created by designer Cho Gi Seok, is an avant-garde fashion brand mixing conceptual art with wearable pieces. Each collection tells a deeper story through visual symbolism.
Parent Company: Independent
Founded: 2016
Why Famous: Artistic, story-driven clothing.
What to Buy: Statement accessories and limited-run graphic wear.
19. LG Electronics (엘지전자)
LG Electronics, part of LG Corporation, produces home appliances, TVs, smartphones, and more. Founded in 1958, LG is a global electronics leader known for innovation and sleek design.
Parent Company: LG Corporation
Founded: 1958
Why Famous: High-quality electronics and home appliances.
What to Buy: Korean-exclusive home gadgets or accessories.
20. Matin Kim (마뗑킴)
Matin Kim is a fast-rising Korean fashion brand founded by designer Kim Doyeon. Known for minimalist and chic designs, it’s gaining traction among young Koreans and influencers.
Parent Company: Independent
Founded: 2019
Why Famous: Simple yet stylish everyday wear.
What to Buy: Signature tote bags and knit cardigans.
21. Missha (미샤)
Missha, founded in 2000, is famous for affordable skincare and makeup products that rival high-end brands. It gained global fame for its Time Revolution essence, a dupe for more expensive serums.
Parent Company: Able C&C Co., Ltd.
Founded: 2000
Why Famous: Affordable, high-quality K-beauty products.
What to Buy: Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence.
22. O HUI (오휘)
O HUI is a luxury skincare brand under LG Household & Health Care, focusing on anti-aging and skin renewal. The products use advanced science and premium ingredients.
Parent Company: LG Household & Health Care
Founded: 1997
Why Famous: Luxurious anti-aging skincare.
What to Buy: The First Geniture skincare line.
23. POST ARCHIVE FACTION (PAF) (포스트 아카이브 팩션)
Founded in 2018, PAF is a contemporary fashion brand blending technical design with urban streetwear. It’s known for its unique garment construction and futuristic aesthetic.
Parent Company: Independent
Founded: 2018
Why Famous: Architectural, experimental clothing.
What to Buy: Technical outerwear and asymmetrical pants.
24. pushBUTTON (푸쉬버튼)
pushBUTTON, founded in 2003 by designer Seung Gun Park, is known for its playful, gender-fluid fashion. The brand often experiments with exaggerated proportions and bold prints.
Parent Company: Independent
Founded: 2003
Why Famous: Bold, unconventional designs that challenge norms.
What to Buy: Colorful statement pieces from Seoul flagship stores.