Shopping in Seoul – Are you a true shopaholic? Interested to shop until late at night to find the latest fashionable items? Going on a vacation to Seoul truly won’t disappoint you!
Seoul is undoubtedly a famous shopping paradise among tourists because it boasts a bunch of shopping centers that are open every day even until late at night, selling everything from clothes, skincare to souvenirs.
If you think that Korean style handbags are expensive, you may be wrong. Seoul has everything to offer, from expensive items to affordable ones, if you know where to find those items. We’ve cobbled together 5 affordable shopping locations that will be perfect for you!
1. Gangnam Underground Shopping Centre
Gangnam Underground Shopping Centre is a destination where you can find many cute items such as shoes, bags, accessories, cosmetics and souvenirs. Here, you can find the latest clothing styles with half of the price at shopping malls.
There are about 200 shops in this place selling shirts and jeans starting from ₩5,000 to ₩10,000 (60,000 IDR to 118,000 IDR). It is the most updated place when it comes to trends.
The shopping paradise, also known as the GOTO Mall, is located at the subway station, so you don’t have to worry if it’s raining outside because you can still shop all day long!
Address: Yeoksam 1-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
How to get there: get off at Gangnam Station (Line 2). The subway station is connected with Gangnam Underground Shopping Center.
2. Myeongdong
Myeongdong is a skincare haven. You can find various Korean skincare brands such as Laneige, Innisfree, Etude House and so on. When you arrive at Myeongdong, you’ll find dozens of stores that give visitors free skin care samples, masks, or other cosmetics.
This shopping street is a must visit place in Seoul for those of you who are looking for Korean cosmetics, fancy clothes and tasty local foods.
The good thing is that most of the stores at Myeongdong offer tax free claims for a certain amount of transactions. The process is easy peasy! Just show your passport to them and do the tax free process later at the airport.
Address: 66, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
How to get there: Myeong-dong station, line 4. Take exit 6 / Euljiro 1-ga Station, Line 2. Take exit 5.
3. Namdaemun Market
Namdaemun in Korea means the south gate. In this market, you can find many clothing for you and your family without breaking the bank. The market offers both modern and vintage items.
In this oldest and traditional market, you can also bargain for the stuff you want to buy. The type of products available here are toys, clothing, kitchenware, glasses, cosmetics and so on. There are parts of the market that is open 24/7, but to make sure you get everything you need, you can visit the market in the morning or in the afternoon.
Address: 21, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
How to get there: Namdaemun Market is located in the central area of Seoul and can be reached by subway. Take Line 4 to Heoyeon Station and get out at either Gate 4, 5 or 6.
4. Dongdaemun Market
Dongdaemun in Korea means the east gate. It has a wide variety of shopping malls such as Migliore or Doota. The market has more modern facilities and display compared to Namdaemun market.
Prices are fixed in shopping malls like Doota, however, you can always bargain on the street. With 26 shopping malls and over 30,000 shops, the market is one of the most important shopping venues in Korea.
Address: 266, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
How to get there: Take a subway to Dongdaemon Station (Seoul Subway Line 1 & 4), Exit 8 or 9.
5. Hongdae
Hongdae is situated in front of Hongik University that is well known for its fine-arts program. You can feel the creative vibes there by looking at the decorations of the shops, clubs, and pubs around Hongdae.
In this area, you can find international brands such as H&M, Bershka and many local shops that sell souvenirs, accessories and clothes. There are many handicraft shops that are great for buying authentic items for the loved ones back home. Besides shopping, you will also be amazed by the street performance there.
Address: 19-3 Wausan-ro 21-gil, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
How to get there: Take Subway Line 2 and stop at Hongik University Station. Then, look for Exit 9 and take a short walk there.
Top 5 Shopping Hotspots in Seoul
Although you don’t speak Korean, it is not difficult to find those markets because Korea public transportation is very efficient. Korea is a great country to visit if you’re a shopaholic.
Moreover, besides shopping, there are many activities you can do in Korea, such as participating in Boryeong Mud Festival! It is a festival that include mud wrestling, mud sliding and swimming in the giant mud bath!
Seoul has so much to offer for you and your family. Let’s plan your vacay and book your ticket at tiket.com.
