There was a piece of paper reading "1+1" stuck on the front of the checkout counter. A foreign student next to me asked a question. "I only need one, is that okay?" If you search for it, you get an answer like this. "1+1 is a promotion where you buy one and get one more free." That's correct. But they don't tell you why it's always attached, or whether it's okay to buy just one. ## Promotions are almost always on Korean cosmetics stores run a promotion on some product almost every week. So the list price is less a price you must pay than something closer to a reference price. Customers wait for a promotion before they buy, too. If you buy when there's no promotion, it almost feels like you're losing out. ## Two People Split the Purchase Koreans go together with a friend and each take one. At the checkout, you can just say, "Please ring them up separately." When buying for yourself, you stock up on things you keep using, like sunscreen or cream. So they don't find it strange to ask for "one more." ## Can I Buy Just One? You can buy it. Just make sure to check this, though. - Read the small print next to the promotion sign. 1+1 means a bundle of two, and 2+1 means a bundle of three. - If you buy only one, the promotion may not apply and you might pay the full price. - Promotion terms change often. Before you pay, "How much is it if I buy just one?" Go ahead and ask.