Exploring Seoul’s Longevity Scene #2: Olive Better Gangnam

I would not be surprised if more than half of Himedi’s American health checkup customers have visited Olive Young during their time in Korea. For many international visitors, it has become one of the most familiar places to explore Korean beauty products.

Olive Young has recently started introducing new store concepts. Among them, the one I would personally recommend most to our customers is Olive Better. I recently visited its Gangnam location, which is newer than the Gwanghwamun store.

My reason is simple: Olive Better offers an enjoyable shopping experience for a much broader range of customers.

While traditional Olive Young stores are still largely focused on beauty, Olive Better expands the experience into wellness, with products related to nutrition, fitness, sleep, recovery, and everyday health.

Olive Better is organized around six pillars and offers a wide range of products beyond skincare (Source: Olive Better Home Page)

"Eat Well" section offers a wide range of products, including protein supplements, healthy snacks, tea, and coffee.

For example, its selection of supplements is particularly strong. Even customers who are mainly interested in protein or fitness products can find plenty to explore, from unfamiliar ingredients and formats to thoughtful packaging and different ways of taking them. Few retailers in Korea have Olive Young’s ability to bring together such a wide range of products. Whether you are traveling with family, a partner, friends, or on your own, Olive Better Gangnam is an easy place to enjoy browsing.

The fitness supplement section includes product descriptions in English. I usually shop online instead of visiting beauty-focused Olive Young stores, but as someone who enjoys working out, I could see myself coming back to Olive Better more often

Small bottled energy shots are common in the U.S. but harder to find in Korea. Olive Better adds variety with products designed for different ways of taking them.

Olive Better stands out for its strong selection of functional health products and supplements

Olive Better Gwanghwamoon

• 1st branch, opened in January 2026
• Address: 17 Jong-ro 3-gil, Jongno District, Seoul
• Hours: 9 am - 10 pm (weekday), 10am - 10 pm (weekend)

Olive Better Gangnam (Recommended)

• 2nd branch, opened in April 2026
• Address: 374 Gangnam-daero, Gangnam District, Seoul
• Hours: 9 am - 10:30 pm (weekday), 10am - 10:30 pm (weekend)

About the Author

Donkyo Seo — Co-founder & CEO, Himedi

For the past 9 years, Donkyo has helped international patients navigate Korean healthcare. Himedi is licensed by Korea's Ministry of Health & Welfare (License #A-2016-01-01-2345).