Essential Korea Shopping Guide: The Ultimate Guide to Clothing, Shoe, and Cosmetic Sizes
Don't get confused while shopping in Korea! From 55 and 66 clothing sizes to millimeter shoe measurements and cosmetic shades, we've compiled a detailed conversion guide for foreign travelers.
One of the greatest joys of traveling to Korea is shopping. However, have you ever felt flustered when encountering unfamiliar numbers like '55' or '66' for clothes, or a '240' for shoe sizes? Korea uses a unique sizing system different from the US or Europe, and without knowing how to convert them beforehand, you might waste time in the fitting room.
In this article, we provide a quick reference guide for everything you need to know about shopping in Korea, including clothing, shoes, and even foundation shades. With this guide, you will be able to confidently find your 'perfect fit' anywhere in Korea.
What you will learn in this post:
Women’s and Men’s clothing size conversion tables (US, EU, UK comparison)
How to read Korean shoe sizes in millimeters (mm)
The difference between K-Beauty foundation shades 21 and 23
Essential local tips for shopping at Korean malls
1. Women's Clothing Sizes
The most common numbers seen in Korean women's clothing stores are 44, 55, and 66. This is a system based on past standard body measurements of Koreans. Note that Korean sizes tend to run slightly smaller than Western brands.
Korean Size | International | US | UK | EU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
44 | XS | 0~2 | 4~6 | 32~34 |
55 | S | 4 | 8~10 | 36 |
66 | M | 6 | 12~14 | 38 |
77 | L | 8 | 16 | 40 |
88 | XL | 10 | 18 | 42 |
💡 Local Tip 1: Clothes labeled 'Free Size' usually mean they fit sizes 55 to a slim 66. Unlike 'One Size Fits All,' they may run small depending on your body type, so be sure to check the actual measurements.
2. Men's Clothing Sizes
Men’s clothing generally follows a numerical system starting from 90, increasing in increments of 5. These are based on chest circumference (cm).
Korean Size | International | US | EU |
|---|---|---|---|
90 | XS | 34 | 44 |
95 | S | 36 | 46 |
100 | M | 38 | 48 |
105 | L | 40 | 50 |
110 | XL | 42 | 52 |
Recently, 'oversized' fits have become a trend in Korea, and many clothes are produced to be looser than the actual labeled size. If you want a stylish fit, going one size up is a good strategy.
3. Footwear
This is the most intuitive system. Korea marks shoe sizes based on the actual length of the foot in millimeters (mm). While often unisex, width can vary by brand.
Women's Shoes
Korea (mm) | US | UK | EU |
|---|---|---|---|
230 | 6 | 4 | 36.5 |
235 | 6.5 | 4.5 | 37 |
240 | 7 | 5 | 38 |
245 | 7.5 | 5.5 | 38.5 |
250 | 8 | 6 | 39 |
Men's Shoes
Korea (mm) | US | UK | EU |
|---|---|---|---|
260 | 8 | 7 | 40.5 |
270 | 9 | 8 | 42 |
280 | 10 | 9 | 43 |
290 | 11 | 10 | 44.5 |
💡 Local Tip 2: Many mass-market shoe stores or local brands in Korea only stock up to 250mm for women and 280mm for men. For larger sizes, visit global brand stores like Nike or Adidas, or specialized shops in areas like Hongdae or Itaewon.
4. K-Beauty Foundation Shade Guide
When choosing cushion compacts or foundations at drugstores like Olive Young, you will see numbers like 21 or 23.
No. 21 (Light Beige): The light skin tone most preferred by Koreans. Corresponds to 'Ivory' or 'Fair' in Western brands.
No. 23 (Natural Beige): A more subtle, natural tone. Choose this if you prefer 'Sand' or 'Medium' tones.
Recently, shades have become more segmented, such as 21N (Neutral) or 21C (Cool/Pink). The most accurate way to choose is to test the product on your hand using the testers provided in-store.
5. Practical Checklist for Shopping
Fitting Room Etiquette: In many Korean clothing stores (especially road shops), you may be asked to wear a 'face cover' when trying on white tops to prevent makeup smudges.
Trying on Shoes: When trying on shoes, always use the provided shoehorn and check them while standing on the provided carpet rather than stepping directly onto the floor.
Tax-Free: Check if the store offers an
Immediate Tax Refundservice. If you present your passport, you can pay the tax-excluded amount right at the register (usually for purchases over 30,000 KRW).
FAQ
Q: Do Korean clothes generally run small?
A: Yes, compared to global brands (like H&M, ZARA), local Korean brands are tailored to Asian physiques, specifically regarding shoulder and sleeve length, so they may feel slimmer.
Q: Is it easy to exchange or return items?
A: It is possible within a week at department stores or large retail chains if you have the receipt and tag. However, at Dongdaemun markets or small road shops, returns are often not possible, and only exchanges may be allowed, so please check before purchasing.
Conclusion
Knowing the Korean sizing system beforehand will save you time and increase your shopping satisfaction. The millimeter-based shoe system is particularly easy and accurate since you only need to know your foot length. Use this guide to snag your favorite items in Korea!
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