Seoul - Shopping

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Shopping

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Asia South Korea Seoul Shopping

Overview

Shopping The guide was updated: 2021-07-25

Seoul is absolutely the place to be for shopping devotees - from street markets to high-end shopping malls, the Korean capital has it all. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Myeongdong, Itaewon, and Insadong - each with its own distinctive character. Seoul is a metropolis filled with shopping opportunities at every turn. Markets worth a stop include Namdaemun and Dongdaemun, the Gyeongdong Oriental Medicine Market selling all sorts of traditional miracle cures (Chegidong Station) and Noryangjin Fish Market, even if only to watch the traders in action (line 1, Noryangjin Station).

Namdaemun Market

Namdaemun Market

In the centre of Seoul, you will find Namdaemun Market – an open-air shopping extravaganza that has been a trading place for centuries! Here you can buy anything from a pig’s head to a Louis Vuitton replica handbag. It's the largest market in the country, selling everything from food to clothing.

Dongdaemun Market

Dongdaemun Market

Not far from Namdaemun is Dongdaemun, another bustling market area where once again just about anything can be found. Dongdaemun is made up of some traditional-style market stalls, wholesale outlets and various shopping centers selling mainly Korean and international fashion.

Myeongdong

Myeongdong

A popular shopping area, Myeongdong is the place to go if you're on the lookout for styles trending in Korea - often, rather unique clothing and accessories pieces may be found in the shops and stores dotting the district. Do mind that most shops only sell sizes geared at a smaller build, which means some Western travelers may encounter difficulty finding fitting clothing.

Itaewon

Itaewon

Itaewon is a part of town thoroughly enjoyed by Western tourists - finding appropriately-sized clothing presents less of a difficulty than elsewhere in town, and street salesmen often approach tourists with offers to flip through catalogues of knock-off brand goods (leading those interested into a basement store somewhere in the area - do exercise precaution if you choose to follow).

Apgujeong

Apgujeong

For upmarket shopping, try the Apgujeong area where the city's rich and beautiful come to stock up on the latest fashions. Apgujeong is home to locally and internationally known brand-name stores.

Insadong

Insadong

For traditional Korean crafts, try the Insadong neighbourhood - one of the best spots in town to shop for locally-made pieces. Here, shoppers will be able to select from hundreds of items ranging from ceramics to artwork and crafts made from humble paper.

COEX Mall

COEX Mall

The Incredibly large COEX Mall is a one-stop shopping location, where high-end international brands are represented alongside mid-range, affordable Korean stores. The mall's shopping, entertainment (there is an actual aquarium on-site), and dining options are endless - there will certainly be something there to suit every taste.

Yongsan Electronics Market

Yongsan Electronics Market

For latest electronics, both genuine and imitation (if you happen to be interested in the latter), try the Yongsan Market packed to the brim with vendors and shops selling phones, cameras, laptops, video games, and all sorts of useful devices. Prices tend to be lower than those in regular retail outlets.

Kyobo Book Store Gwanghwamun

Kyobo Book Store Gwanghwamun

For all your literary needs, Kyobo Book Store the place to be - with well-organized books and periodicals in multiple different languages and a very impressive selection, the book shop is probably among the best in town. Kyobo also sells stationery, electronics, games, and more.

Ewha Women’s University Fashion Street

Ewha Women’s University Fashion Street

The area around Ewha Women’s University teems with stores geared towards female shoppers; shops here are known to be generally rather affordable. The area is also where would find some of the city's coolest cafés and cheap and cheerful hair salons.

Hongdae Free Market

Hongdae Free Market

Held once a week (on Saturdays), Hongdae Free Market reflects the youthful and artsy spirit of the neighbourhood. Local artists and craftsmen gather here to showcase and sell their work, which is mostly unique, one-off items produced by the young designers themselves. Some street food stalls are normally in operation, too.

Noryangjin Fish Market

Noryangjin Fish Market

Perhaps, the largest seafood market in Korea, Noryangjin Fish Market is the place to marvel at mysterious marine creatures (many still alive) and - possibly - select some to be cooked and served on the spot - sit-down dining is available.

Åland

Åland

The store really is a shoppers' paradise - with multiple floors each having a different theme (street wear, feminine attire, etc.), Åland might just be one of the essential go-to places for the hottest Korean fashions. Leftovers are sold at the great value Åland After Åland outlet (19-12 Wausan-ro 17-gil, Mapo-gu).

SMTOWN coexartium

SMTOWN coexartium

For K-pop fans, SMTOWN is an essential shopping destination where fans not only get to browse through endless performer-branded consumer items, but even meet the starts in person if those happen to be in the store. There are several locations around Seoul.

Goto Mall

Goto Mall

Underneath Express Bus Terminal Station lies Go To Mall - one of the cheapest spots to shop for latest Korean fashion. Prices start at as low as a few dollars, affordable clothing and accessories filling the underground space teeming with shoppers.

Tongin Market

Tongin Market

There hardly is a better place for foodies on a budget than Tongin Market. At several cafes on-site (Box Lunch or Dosirak, for example), visitors may purchase a recommended 5 US dollars worth of coins, which may then be then exchanged for foods and snacks to complement the staple of soup and/or rice.

Gwangjang Market

Gwangjang Market

Known primarily as a clothing market, Gwangjang is a prime destination for those looking to fest on Korean street food - and it certainly has no shortage of mouthwatering choices. Constantly teeming with visitors, the market is a great place to savour some classic specialties such as bibimbap, as well as, perhaps, try something vey much out of the box, such as the dreaded live octopus.

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