Forgot Your Adapter? Why Daiso COEX Mall is a Life Saver for Travelers

Picture this: you’ve just landed in Seoul, checked into your Gangnam hotel, and opened your suitcase only to realize your power adapter is sitting on your kitchen counter at home. Or maybe you forgot to pack chopsticks for your Korean BBQ picnic, or you need a last-minute gift before heading to the airport. This is where Daiso COEX Mall becomes your Korean travel guardian angel.

Nestled inside Starfield COEX Mall, Asia’s largest underground shopping complex in the heart of Gangnam, this Daiso location has rescued countless international travelers from minor disasters and budget-breaking purchases. Unlike tourist-trap convenience stores charging premium prices, Daiso offers Korea travel essentials at wallet-friendly prices (1,000-5,000 won per item), accepts foreign-friendly payment cards like WOWPASS and NAMANE, and stays open until 10 PM when most shops have closed.

Whether you need an emergency phone charger, want to stock up on Korean souvenirs without spending a fortune, or simply enjoy browsing quirky Japanese-Korean household goods, this guide will show you exactly why Daiso COEX deserves a spot on your Seoul itinerary.

What Makes Daiso COEX Mall Special for Travelers

Daiso Korea has evolved far beyond its Japanese dollar-store roots. Since becoming fully Korean-owned in 2023, Korean Daiso stores now feature unique Korean-designed products, better organization, and larger layouts than their global counterparts. The COEX location specifically caters to the international crowd flooding through Gangnam’s premier shopping destination.

What sets Daiso COEX apart from other budget stores is its strategic position inside Starfield COEX Mall — the beating heart of Seoul’s cheap shopping in Gangnam scene. While boutiques and department stores in the surrounding Apgujeong and Cheongdam neighborhoods can drain your wallet quickly, Daiso offers a refreshing alternative where almost everything costs under $4 USD.

The store stocks an impressive range of Korea travel essentials that most visitors inevitably need: universal power adapters (the famous "pig nose" converters), portable phone chargers, luggage organizers, toiletries in travel-sized containers, and even basic Korean phrases printed on cute stationery. For travelers staying in Gangnam’s business hotels, this Daiso functions as both emergency supply shop and souvenir treasure hunt.

How to Find Daiso Inside the COEX Maze

Let’s be honest — COEX Mall is massive, sprawling, and notoriously confusing even for Seoul locals. Finding Daiso requires some strategic navigation, but once you know the landmarks, it’s straightforward.

Address: 513, Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 강남구 영동대로 513)

Subway Access:

• Samseong Station (Line 2, Exit 5 or 6): 7-minute walk through underground passages
• Bongeunsa Station (Line 9, Exit 7): 7-minute walk, slightly closer to Daiso’s entrance

Finding Daiso Step-by-Step:

1. Enter COEX Mall through either subway station connection
2. Head toward the Starfield Library — the Instagram-famous floor-to-ceiling bookshelves that serve as COEX’s central landmark
3. From the library, walk toward the B1 level shopping area
4. Look for signage directing you toward "Lifestyle" or "Living" sections
5. Daiso occupies a prominent corner location with its distinctive red-and-white signage

Pro Navigation Tip: Download the Naver Maps app before your trip and search "다이소 코엑스" (Daiso COEX) in Korean. The indoor mapping feature shows you exactly which corridor to follow. Alternatively, ask any COEX information desk staff — they’re accustomed to directing lost tourists to Daiso.

Operating Hours: Daily 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

The extended hours make Daiso COEX particularly valuable for travelers who realize they’re missing something after dinner. Many nearby restaurants in Gangnam, like Gimsukseoung’s aged samgyeopsal or Nari Restaurant’s frozen samgyeopsal, are within walking distance, making Daiso a convenient pre-dinner or post-dinner stop.

Payment Options: WOWPASS, NAMANE, and More

One of Daiso COEX’s biggest advantages for international travelers is its acceptance of WOWPASS and NAMANE Card — two prepaid tourist cards specifically designed for foreign visitors to Korea. This feature alone saves you from the headache of finding a currency exchange or ATM when you just need a quick adapter.

Payment Methods Accepted:

• WOWPASS Card ✓
• NAMANE Card ✓
• Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex)
• Korean debit cards
• Cash (KRW)
• Mobile payments (Samsung Pay, Apple Pay)

Why WOWPASS and NAMANE Matter:

These prepaid cards function as combination transportation cards, payment cards, and currency exchange tools. Loading them with Korean won at their dedicated machines (found at Incheon Airport and major Seoul stations) gives you better exchange rates than hotels or traditional currency exchange booths. Being able to use these cards at Daiso means you can shop without carrying cash or paying foreign transaction fees on your credit card.

Self-Checkout Available: Daiso COEX features both staffed registers and self-checkout kiosks with English language options, making the payment process smooth even if you don’t speak Korean.

Must-Buy Items at Daiso COEX

Walking into any Daiso feels like entering a Korean variety show — colorful, slightly overwhelming, and packed with things you didn’t know you needed. Here’s your curated shopping list of best Korean souvenirs and practical items worth grabbing.

Emergency Travel Essentials

Power Adapters (돼지코 – "Pig Nose"): ₩2,000-3,000
The #1 item forgotten by international travelers. These compact universal adapters fit Korean Type C and F outlets, earning their "pig nose" nickname from their distinctive two-prong shape. Buying one at Daiso costs a fraction of hotel gift shop prices (which often charge ₩15,000+).

Portable Phone Chargers and Cables: ₩3,000-5,000
Basic charging cables and portable battery packs for emergency situations. While not the highest quality for long-term use, they’re perfect for getting through your trip if you forgot yours.

Travel-Size Toiletries: ₩1,000-2,000
Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and skincare products in TSA-friendly sizes. Korean skincare brands available here cost less than at duty-free shops.

Perfect Korean Souvenirs

Cute Stationery with Hangul: ₩1,000-3,000
Stickers, notebooks, pens, and memo pads featuring Korean alphabet designs, traditional patterns, or K-pop inspired graphics. These lightweight gifts are perfect for teachers, students, or stationery lovers back home. The sticker selection is particularly impressive, with hundreds of designs displayed on sliding shelves.

Stainless Steel Chopsticks: ₩2,000-4,000
Traditional Korean metal chopsticks make thoughtful, authentic gifts. Unlike the disposable wooden ones, these represent Korean dining culture where proper chopstick etiquette includes knowing when to use chopsticks versus spoons. They’re also practical — dishwasher-safe and long-lasting.

Korean Character Goods: ₩1,000-5,000
Daiso Korea collaborates with Disney, Sanrio (Hello Kitty), and popular Korean characters. Official licensed products at discount prices make excellent collectibles or children’s gifts.

K-Beauty Tools (Cheaper Than Olive Young!)

Makeup Brushes and Puffs: ₩1,000-2,000
Quality beauty tools at prices that undercut even Olive Young, Korea’s beauty megastore. The cosmetic sponges, eyebrow razors, and facial massage rollers are cult favorites among Korean beauty enthusiasts.

Sheet Mask Holders and Skincare Organizers: ₩2,000-3,000
Practical tools for organizing your Korean skincare haul. The acrylic organizers are sturdy enough to survive the trip home in your checked luggage.

Korean Snacks in Small Packages

Seaweed Snacks (김 스낵): ₩1,000-2,000
Small packs of roasted gim (Korean seaweed) seasoned with sesame oil and salt. These crispy, umami-rich snacks are lighter and cheaper than buying larger packages at convenience stores, making them ideal for trying different flavors or gifting.

Korean Jellies and Candies: ₩1,000-2,000
From chewy rice cakes to fruit-flavored jellies, the candy section offers unique Korean treats not available at Western stores. The individually wrapped candies are airport security-friendly and fit perfectly in carry-on bags.

Small Packaged Korean Snacks: ₩1,000-2,000
Miniature versions of popular Korean chips, crackers, and dried fruits. Perfect for sampling flavors before committing to full-size bags.

Shopping Strategy: Start at the travel essentials section near the entrance if you’re on an emergency mission. For leisurely souvenir hunting, allocate 30-45 minutes to browse every aisle — you’ll discover unexpected treasures like traditional Korean tea sets, origami paper with traditional patterns, or seasonal items celebrating Korean holidays.

Best Time to Visit and Insider Shopping Tips

Timing your Daiso COEX visit strategically can mean the difference between relaxed browsing and fighting through crowds of teenagers and tour groups.

Optimal Visiting Times

Weekday Mornings (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM):
Absolute best time. The mall is quieter, aisles are fully stocked, and staff can assist you without competing with crowds. Particularly ideal if you’re staying in a nearby Gangnam hotel and can stop by before other sightseeing.

Late Evenings (8:00 PM – 9:30 PM):
Second-best option. After-dinner shoppers have thinned out, and you can browse peacefully. This timing works well if you’ve just finished dining at one of Gangnam’s restaurants.

Avoid:

• Weekends (all day): Korean families, tourists, and teenagers pack every aisle
• Lunchtime (12:00 PM – 2:00 PM) on weekdays: Office workers from surrounding buildings swarm in
• Korean holidays (Seollal, Chuseok): Shorter hours and massive crowds

Insider Shopping Tips

Bring Your Own Shopping Bag: Daiso charges ₩100-500 for plastic or paper bags. Bringing a foldable eco-bag saves money and makes you blend in with eco-conscious Korean shoppers.

Check the Seasonal Section First: Located near the main entrance, this area features limited-time items, Korean holiday decorations, and trendy products that won’t be available on your next visit. During December, you’ll find Korean-style Christmas decorations; in autumn, Chuseok gift items.

Compare Prices for K-Beauty: While Daiso’s beauty tools are excellent value, compare actual cosmetics prices with nearby Olive Young locations (there’s one inside COEX). Sometimes Olive Young has better deals on full-size skincare products.

Language Tip: Most products have English descriptions, but downloading the Papago translation app lets you scan Korean-only labels for detailed information.

Don’t Skip the Food Section: Beyond snacks, Daiso stocks useful kitchen tools, traditional Korean tableware, and food storage containers that make great functional souvenirs.

What Else to Explore in COEX Mall

Since you’re already navigating COEX’s underground labyrinth to reach Daiso, maximize your visit by exploring other unique attractions in this sprawling complex.

Starfield Library:
The Instagram-famous floor-to-ceiling bookshelves housing 70,000 books across two levels. Free to enter, perfect for photos, and features cozy reading nooks. The adjacent % Arabica Seoul coffee shop provides caffeinated refreshment.

COEX Aquarium:
One of Korea’s largest aquariums featuring 40,000 sea creatures including Korea’s biggest shark collection. Tickets: ₩26,000 adults, ₩23,000 children.

Dining Options:
From casual Korean street food stalls serving hotteok (sweet filled pancakes) to upscale restaurants, COEX’s food court and restaurants cater to every taste and budget. The Japanese, Korean, and Western options provide relief if you need a break from kimchi.

Bongeunsa Temple:
Just a 10-minute walk from COEX’s northern entrance, this historic Buddhist temple from 794 AD offers a serene contrast to the mall’s commercial energy. The 28-meter Maitreya Buddha statue is among Korea’s tallest stone sculptures.

Other Shopping:
Hyundai Department Store and Parnas Mall connect directly to COEX via underground passages, offering higher-end fashion and luxury brands if Daiso’s budget-friendly options whet your shopping appetite.

Your COEX Daiso Game Plan

Daiso inside COEX Mall solves the little travel emergencies that can derail a Seoul trip while offering authentic Korean souvenirs at prices that won’t break your budget. The combination of accepting WOWPASS and NAMANE cards, stocking genuine Korea travel essentials, and maintaining convenient hours makes this location particularly valuable for international visitors exploring Gangnam.

Whether you’re grabbing a last-minute power adapter before your business meeting, collecting cute Korean stationery as gifts, or simply experiencing the delightful chaos of Korean discount shopping culture, Daiso COEX delivers. Pair your visit with lunch at one of the nearby Gangnam restaurants, photograph the Starfield Library, and you’ve created a quintessentially Seoul afternoon.

Quick Reference:

• Location: B1 Floor, Starfield COEX Mall, 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu
• Hours: Daily 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Access: Samseong Station (Line 2) or Bongeunsa Station (Line 9)
• Payment: WOWPASS, NAMANE, credit cards, cash
• Budget: ₩10,000-20,000 for a good haul of essentials and souvenirs

Have you discovered any hidden gems at Daiso COEX? Share your favorite budget finds in the comments below!