$27 for a shopping bag? Costco Korea's totes become a 'must have' for foreign tourists.

Just last year, Koreans practically cleared out Trader Joe's tote bags across the United States, with its various versions — from compact totes to oversized versions — often seen on people's shoulders across Korea.

Now, Korea appears to have its own unlikely souvenir, with foreign tourists increasingly eager to take home Costco Korea's reusable shopping bag.

"Does anyone know if the Costco in Seoul still has these reusable bags for sale? Hoping to get some for gifts," one Reddit user wrote in late May, adding that they had already visited a Costco in Ulsan but failed to find one.

The post drew more than 440 upvotes and 40 comments, many from users asking where they could purchase the bag.

Several shared information about which Costco branches still had stock, while others expressed disappointment at missing out."I would do a lot for that bag," one commenter wrote. A similar Reddit post by a user who said they had purchased 10 of the bags received more than 1,200 likes.

The item drawing attention is a large tarpaulin tote measuring 20 inches long, 14 inches high and 10 inches wide. The bag is decorated with illustrations unique to Korea, such as a royal palace, Seokgatap Pagoda, a tiger and a gayageum, a traditional Korean string instrument. Floral patterns inspired by traditional Korean motifs run along the sides.

The bag can only be purchased at Costco stores in Korea and retails for 3,000 won ($2).

Demand has become strong enough that some sellers have listed the bag on eBay for as much as $26.84, over ten times its original retail price.

Costco's tote is not the only everyday retail item to gain souvenir status among foreign visitors.

A more readily available and easily spotted example is Olive Young's reusable shopping bag. Made from thick white tarpaulin, the bag features the retailer's logo accented with its signature neon green and coral pink colors.

Over 2 million of the totes have been sold since their release in January 2025, according to data provided by Olive Young. Only available at Olive Young’s brick-and-mortar stores, the 3,000-won tarpaulin bag is also listed on eBay for up to $39.99 as of Friday.

"With Olive Young becoming a must-visit shopping stop for foreign tourists in Korea, the retailer's branded tarpaulin bag has emerged as a popular keepsake symbolizing a trip to the country," an Olive Young source said.

BY WOO JI-WON [[email protected]]