I went on a free & easy trip to S.Korea in Jul/Aug and I knew I need to visit ODBO.There is only ONE shop selling ODBO products and the location of the shop is quite out of the way. Many people got to know of this product through their tour guides (as it is included in most of the S.Korea tour package).
And so, by word of mouth, the brand ODBO got spread from one to another…among non-Koreans. Why did I come to such conclusion? During my research for the location of the shop, I came upon quite a number of blogs stating that their Korean friends do not know about the brand. Hmmm…weird.
Anyway, I have been wanting to pen this down (erm…since Aug? haha) so as to help others who are going on f&e and would like to get ODBO products.Even at this point of time, when I do a google search on ‘where can I buy ODBO products in Korea’/ ‘ODBO duty free shop korea’, the same blog surfaced as top of the search: http://seoulinspiration.wordpress.com/2011/11/16/odbo-outlet-in-seoul/
and this was found on that blog:
direction to ODBO outlet found online
Okay, I saw that there were some other photos added. I must thank this blog as well because I did find the ODBO outlet based on this map. :)
Here’s my contribution:
After exiting Mapo-gu Office Station, Exit 3, walk straight along the fence. It will take around 15-20 min to the end of the fenced walkway.
You will see this gas station on the way, on your right. Continue to proceed forward.
And you will soon see the Outback Steak Restaurant. Turn right after the restaurant.
Continue walking. By now, around 20 min has passed…. and around 3-5 min later, you will see another gas station (S-OIL). Along the way, across the street on the left, there is a Toly Moly duty free shop as well.
Continue heading forward. You will reach the outlet on less than 10 min! :)
As this is a Duty Free Shop, tax will be excluded on the total amount that you are paying. Other than ODBO products, there are also Face Shop products found here. The range of products are slightly different from those at the other outlets around the shopping area (ie, Hongdae, Myeongdong, Itewon etc..). As my friend had managed to get an item available in SG at this store but not at the other outlets. I supposed the ‘movement’ of the stocks are slower here as the place is mostly visited by tour groups who have already went to FaceShop, Skinfood, Missha, EtudeHouse..etc before they visit this ODBO -my POV.
Be sure to check out the bundle promotions when you are there!
So, after checking off another ‘must-visit’ on my list, we took a bus back to Hongdae station. It will kill us to walk another ~20min back to the Mapo-gu Office :x
Studied the bus routes and found out that these 2 buses can bring us to Hongdae station. Although most of the Koreans cant really speak English, their public buses will announce the station when approching. So, Keep Calm and just Hop On.
ODBO Outlet Opening/Business Hours:
Daily from 11am – 6pm
Enjoy your ODBO outlet adventure! :)
10 Comments so far
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darkchocolate; whitechocolate 
2012 been to Korea for holiday and had brought 1 set of this odbo products. Nearly for 2 years but nothing come to expected. My skin problem is outer dry n inner oily like to grow pimples and had pigmentation. Can please help?
Comment by Serene Lim June 21, 2013 @ 1:04 amHi Serene,
I have been using ODBO products for a year till date. I realized that the products are mostly good for ‘maintenance’ and do not really help in targeting any ‘skin enhancements’. I refer ‘maintenance’ here as moderate moisturizing, just a good everyday moisturizer/serum and ‘skin enhancements’ here as extra-moisturizing/anti-aging/whitening/brightening etc.
As per your skin type as inner oily and outer dry, I do not have a definite solution to that. However, to me, I think you can start by concentrating in balancing the moisture of your skin. Pimples are either hormonal or due to dirt. Be sure to remove all makeup and even sunblock at the end of the day, followed by cleansing. Pigmentation wise, it takes time to get rid of them. Invest in a good whitening essence if possible –it works faster.
Just my 2 cents worth.
Comment by missingray June 24, 2013 @ 8:47 pmFirstly, thanks for the directions…it was spot on and Rey easy to follow and I found the shop to get stuff for friends!!!
However, i would like to contribute what i learnt from the journey.
Actually after asking the staff in the store, they gave me a shorter and more direct way of getting there. It’s also near a place for shopping and you can go there to shop after visiting if the walk is not too bad for you (though I must say both ways are challenging for the average Singaporean…lol)
Ok so here goes:
1) Take train Hongik University (line 2) and take exit 1
2) Walk straight after exiting and cross the first road junction and make an immediate right turn.
3) Follow the road and walk straight for about 10 mins to reach the store.
(Some significant markers)
– You will see a petrol kiosk SK on your left as you walk
– When you pass the kiosk and before crossing the road, you should see a 7-11 store on our left. Cross this road and you will be near!!!
– You should then see a church up on a small hill (can see the cross on the horizon when one looks up. Walk pass this church and you will reach the store on your left in less than 50 steps
Hope this helps and enjoy shopping!!!
Comment by David Chong June 21, 2013 @ 10:51 pmHi David,
You are welcome. Thanks for your contribution. I will try it out the next time i visit Seoul :)
Comment by missingray June 24, 2013 @ 8:26 pmThanks for these directions; they were helpful and accurate! Not much to see along the way as well but it seems nearer than the other on the map.
Comment by PY November 20, 2013 @ 11:40 amDo you have a phone number to odbo outlet store by any chance?
Comment by Sylvia January 22, 2014 @ 1:14 amHi Sylvia,
Sorry, I do not have their contact. You might wanna try asking tour agencies if they can provide you with the contact number..
Comment by missingray February 28, 2014 @ 11:56 pmHi..I’m visiting Seoul in coming early April this year and i’m desperately looking for this brand! so happy to see this blog and ways to get there.. i really hope i can find the way.. and is still valid till now right? lol
Comment by Becky February 24, 2014 @ 5:29 pmHi Becky,
Yea, sure! the outlet is still there – as confirmed by other readers :)
Comment by missingray February 28, 2014 @ 11:52 pmThanks!! by the way.. does anyone knows if we can buy the products and ship back to Singapore??
Comment by Becky March 11, 2014 @ 1:03 pm