[EN] Olive Young Guide for Beginners: What to Check First

Olive Young is one of the most well-known stores people talk about when it comes to shopping in Korea.

 

But if it is your first time visiting, it can feel a little overwhelming. The store is big, the products are everywhere, and it is not always easy to know where to start.

 

So in this post, I put together a simple beginner-friendly guide to what you should check first at Olive Young. Instead of personal review-style content, this post focuses on easy-to-understand product categories and general shopping tips for first-time visitors.

 

Korean drugstores can feel a little overwhelming at first because there are so many product options.

 

Who this post is for

 

• First-time visitors to Olive Young
• People who are not familiar with Korean drugstores
• Anyone who feels overwhelmed by too many product options
• People who want to start with simple and easy shopping
• Even Koreans who still feel a bit lost at Olive Young sometimes

 

What kind of store is Olive Young?

 

Olive Young is one of Korea’s best-known health and beauty stores.

 

You can usually find beauty products, skincare, body care, hair care, and even some lifestyle or wellness items in one place.

 

One common mistake first-time visitors make is trying to look through everything at once. But honestly, that gets tiring fast. There are so many brands and so many shelves that shopping can actually become more confusing.

 

If this is your first visit, it is much easier to start with product categories that are simple and easy to understand.

 

What should beginners check first?

 

If you are new to Olive Young, the easiest categories to start with are usually sheet masks, sun care, and basic soothing or moisturizing skincare.

 

The reason is simple: these categories are usually easier to understand, even if you are not very familiar with Korean beauty products.

 

 

1. Sheet masks

Sheet masks are one of the easiest categories to start with at Olive Young.

 

Even though there are many options, the purpose is often very clear, such as hydration, soothing, or nourishment. They are also relatively easy to buy without feeling too much pressure, and many people see them as a simple way to enjoy Korean beauty shopping.

 

 

2. Sun care

Sun care is another beginner-friendly category.

 

You will usually find products like sunscreen creams and sun sticks. Since the purpose is clear, it is easier to browse even if you do not know many brands yet. At first, it is enough to focus on simple things like whether it looks easy to apply or convenient to carry.

 

 

3. Soothing and moisturizing skincare

If skincare feels too broad or confusing, it is usually better to start with basic soothing or moisturizing lines instead of going straight into highly specific functional products.

 

Based on general user reactions, these basic categories are often seen as easier starting points for beginners.

 

It is usually much easier for beginners to start with clear and simple product categories.

 

Sections you do not need to spend too much time on at first

 

If this is your first visit, you do not need to explore every section in detail.

 

For example, full makeup sections or highly specialized skincare categories can feel a lot more difficult in the beginning.

 

A much easier order to follow would be:

 

• Sheet masks
• Sun care
• Soothing and moisturizing skincare
• Hair care or body care
• Makeup, if you still have time

 

This order works well because it starts with categories that are easier to understand and compare.

 

Common mistakes first-time visitors make

 

The first mistake is picking products just because they are on sale.

 

Discount signs are tempting, but if you are new to Olive Young, it is more helpful to understand the category first before looking at promotions.

 

The second mistake is jumping straight into advanced or highly functional products without knowing the brands.

 

It is usually better to begin with categories that feel easy and familiar rather than trying to find the “best” product right away.

 

The third mistake is buying too much on the first visit.

 

Based on overall user reactions, first-time shoppers often feel more satisfied when they start small and keep things simple.

 

Final thoughts

 

If you are visiting Olive Young for the first time, it is much easier to begin with clear and beginner-friendly categories like sheet masks, sun care, and basic soothing or moisturizing skincare instead of trying to look at everything.

 

The goal is not to shop like an expert right away.

 

The goal is to start with categories that are easy to understand and comfortable to browse.

 

So if Olive Young feels a bit overwhelming at first, do not worry.

 

You really do not need to make it complicated. Start small, look around slowly, and focus on the basics first.

 

In the next post, I will also organize the different types of shopping stores you may come across in Korea, including Daiso, convenience stores, and drugstores. Once you know the differences, shopping in Korea feels much easier.