Korea Character Goods Shopping Guide: A Complete Guide to Kakao Friends, Line Friends, and Sanrio (2026)

Korea is a paradise for travelers who love cute character merchandise. Beyond just places to buy items, these 'flagship stores,' which blend massive figures and themed cafes, are excellent tourist attractions in their own right.

Here are the must-visit character goods shopping spots and shopping tips in Seoul for 2026.

🦁 1. Kakao Friends

These characters belong to Korea's national messenger app, KakaoTalk, with Ryan and Choonsik being the most popular.

Hongdae Flagship Store: A three-story mega-store featuring a 'Ryan Cafe' and dedicated Choonsik-themed spaces. You can find many limited-edition plushies and items with Korean-inspired designs.
Gangnam Flagship Store: The best place to find digital accessories and collaborations with the latest IT devices.
Main Locations: Hongdae, Gangnam, Gwangbok-dong in Busan, and Jeju (near the airport).

🐻 2. LINE FRIENDS SQUARE

This is where you can find the globally loved Brown and Cony, as well as BT21 merchandise, which was designed by the members of BTS themselves.

Myeongdong Store: The most popular branch among travelers; taking a photo with the giant Mega Brown at the entrance is a must-do.
Seongsu/Insadong: Increasingly, more 'LINE FRIENDS SQUARE' stores are opening with trendy, aesthetic interiors.
Checkpoint: Keep an eye on your schedule before visiting, as pop-up stores featuring collaborations with popular K-POP artists like NewJeans are held frequently.

🎀 3. Sanrio & POP MART

Recently, Sanrio characters and the random figure brand Pop Mart have gained immense popularity in Korea.

Sanrio Lovers Club (Hongdae/Haeundae): A character-themed cafe and shop that operates via advance reservation.
Pop Mart (Hongdae/Myeongdong): The mecca for 'blind box' (random figure) shopping that Koreans are currently crazy about. Look out for limited-edition series created in collaboration with Korean artists.

💡 Tips for Smart Character Shopping

Tax Refund: You can get a tax refund on purchases of 15,000 KRW or more at a single store. Don't forget to bring your passport!
Collaboration Pop-up Stores: New character pop-ups open every week in Seongsu-dong or in the basement of The Hyundai Seoul in Yeouido. Try searching for 'Character Pop-up' on Instagram.
Underground Shopping Malls: In places like the Express Bus Terminal (GOTO Mall) or Gangnam Station underground shopping centers, you can buy cute character socks and stationery in bulk for cheap (great for gifts), even if they aren't official brand merchandise.

Conclusion

Have you filled your bags with cute goods? After shopping, take a break at unique Korean cafes, or use your tax refund to manage your food budget in Korea more comfortably!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where is the best place to check for the latest information on shopping for character goods in Korea?

The number one souvenir from Korea: character goods! We’ve compiled the 2026 update, covering everything from massive flagship stores in Hongdae and Myeongdong to popular Sanrio pop-ups and Pop Mart blind box shopping tips.

When is the best time to start preparing for a character goods shopping trip to Korea?

It is easier to handle unexpected situations on-site if you check the basic regulations, operating information, costs, and alternative routes before you leave.