Where can I find DIY supplies and home improvement materials in Korea?

Home improvement in Korea works a bit differently from the big-box warehouse model many foreigners are used to, since there is no exact Home Depot equivalent on every corner. For everyday small stuff like tools, hooks, tape, screws, and cleaning supplies, Daiso is the go-to and incredibly cheap, and it covers a surprising amount. For a wider range, big marts like E-Mart, Homeplus, and Lotte Mart have decent home and hardware sections. The traditional workhorse is your neighborhood 철물점 (cheolmuljeom), a small local hardware store in most areas; the owner can supply or advise on plumbing parts, fittings, keys, and repairs, and they are used to pointing at things if your Korean is limited.

For furniture and furnishing, IKEA has several Korean stores plus delivery, and Hanssem and Iloom are big local brands. The real game-changer, though, is Coupang, where you can search almost any tool, part, paint, or fixture and get it delivered next day, often cheaper than in store. For paint and larger renovation supplies there are specialty shops and online sellers. So the quick map is Daiso for cheap basics, your local 철물점 for hardware and advice, the big marts for a middle ground, IKEA for furniture, and Coupang for basically everything delivered to your door.