Quirky stationery, red ginseng: What tourists in South Korea are buying these days

Olive Young, the country’s ubiquitous health and beauty chain, saw sharp growth not just in traditional tourist hubs like Myeong-dong but also in trendy districts and outlet malls. - Bloomberg

SEOUL: What are tourists in South Korea spending their money on right now? The answer might surprise you – and it probably fits in a tote bag.

Gone are the days when foreign visitors lined up at luxury boutiques and high-end department stores hunting for duty-free bargains.