Contain brand-name goods and is divided into food, men’s, women’s, shoes, hats and other sections. It’s a great way to shop since all the necessary goods are gathered in one place for your shopping convenience.
Street shopping
If you’re the type of person who gets a kick out of wandering the hectic streets full of vendors offering clothes, accessories and shoes at discounted prices in search of a gem, Korea is the place to be. Various areas offer something distinctly unique, so it’s fun to pick and choose an area and start shopping.
Apgujeong-dong
- An excellent place to view the fashion leaders of Korea. Apgujeong offers luxury brand shops, popular overseas brand shops and even used luxury goods shops. There are some nice cozy coffee shops along the way, providing for great places to rest your feet. Galleria Department Store opposite Rodeo Street contains some of the priciest goods around.
- Directions: Take Apgujeong Station, line 3, exit 2 and walk up straight in the opposite direction of the exit. Try to visit some of the nice shops and boutiques on the street that lead to Cheongdam Station, line 7.
Myeong-dong
- This area has become a mainstay on the list of tourist destinations. It’s home to a number of shops and boutiques that offer hip and trendy threads at affordable prices. Migliore and Avatar are large shopping malls that can provide shoppers with hours of fun.
- Directions: Myeongdong Station, line 4, exits 6, 7 will lead you to the busy streets ofMyeong-dong. The underground walkway is connected to Euljiro 1-ga Station, line 2.
Samcheong-dong
- The area running parallel and to the rear of Gyeongbokgung is known as Samcheong-dong. If you think this area is full of traditional garments and clothes, you are way off! Modern and hip fashion designers with their own unique styles can be found here.
- Directions: Take Gyeongbokgung Station, line 3, exit 5 and follow the palace stonewall until you reach a slew of shops and restaurants.
Insadong
- If you are in search of traditional items, Insadong is the place for you! Neckties with traditional patterns, modernized hanbok sewn from the national flag, Insadong has anything and everything related to the country and its traditions. Koreans also frequent this area in search of antique goods and traditional tea shops.
- Directions: Take Anguk Station, line 3, exit 6 and walk down until you reach Crown Bakery. Make a left and you are now in Insadong Cultural Street which leads to Jongno 2-ga rotary. From Jonggak Station, line 1, exit 3, walk straight until you reach Tapgol Park andmake a left.
Itaewon
- This is the most multicultural place in the country. Itaewon offers some of the best authentic ethnic food in Seoul. However, there’s more to Itaewon than great food. It offers Korean antiques and sports uniforms at low prices. Guys come from all over the city to this interesting and unique neighborhood, especially for the customized jerseys.
- Directions: Take Itaewon Station, line 6 and any exit will lead you to the streets of Itaewon. Replica jersey shops are clustered near exit 4.
Markets
Namdaemun Market
- Tel. 02-991-7718
- http://www.indm.net [K, E, J]
- Also known as Dokkebi Market (goblin market), Namdaemun has retained most of its original looks throughout the years. The same can’t be said for Dongdaemun market. The shabby and rundown looking buildings might deter you from venturing in, but these buildings contain hightech electronics at unbeatable prices. Another part of the market contains imported food. Taking a cue from the modern Dongdaemun market, Mesa, a large fashion shopping mall offers options for young, trendy shoppers. Located near Hoehyeon Station, line 4.
Dongdaemun Market
- Tel. 02-2262-0114
- http://www.dongdaemunsc.co.kr [K]
- When it was established in the early 20th century, the market was a traditional outdoor market containing fish, fruits and other goods. Nowadays, Dongdaemun is known as the place to shop for trendy clothes at affordable rates. Cheongdaemun, Doota, Migliore and other buildings/ shopping centers contain hundreds of booths per floor. A dizzying array of booths offering various selections is available. Dongdaemun Station, line 1.
Specialized markets
Kwangjang Market
- Tel. 02-2267-0291~2
- http://www.kwangjangmarket.co.kr [K]
- A wholesale market containing traditional hanbok, modern wares as well as fabric, it is a world-renowned wholesale market and very popular amongst visitors. If you’re interested in purchasing a traditional Korean costume, this is a great place to start. Jongno 5-ga Station, line 1.
Bangsan Market
- Tel. 02-2266-8765
- http://www.bangsanmarket.net [K]
- If you want to make something, whatever it may be, you should take a trip to Bangsan Market. This market offers everything from wrapping paper to kitchen utensils, design supplies among others. Euljiro 4-ga Station, line 2.
Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market
- Tel. 02-814-2211~2
- http://www.susansijang.co.kr [K]
- The biggest fisheries wholesale market in Korea. Variousmarine products from all over the country are brought to this market and distributed after fierce biddings during the early hours of the day. It is not merely a wholesale market. Visitors can buy fresh seafood and also enjoy a heaping dish of raw fish served up fresh on the spot. Noryangjin Station, line 1.
Nakwon Arcade
- Tel. 02-742-4020
- http://www.enakwon.com [K]
- Nakwon Arcade is home to various shops selling musical instruments. Located near Insadong, a trip inside will reveal a world of guitars, pianos, saxophones and drum sets among others. You can also find used instruments, amps, repair and rental shops. Take Jongno 3-ga Station, line 5, exit 5 and walk in the direction of SC Jaeil Bank.
Mega marts
E-Mart
- Tel. 02-380-1234
- http://emart.shinsegae.com [K]
- A huge supermarket run by Shinsegae Department Store. There are 17 locations throughout the city that provide all goods necessary for daily living from food to bicycles.
Lotte Mart
- Tel. 1577-2500
- http://www.lottemart.com [K]
- A chain run by the Lotte corporation. There are 8 locations throughout the city and much like EMart, has just about all the goods you can think of relating to daily living.
Kim’s Club
- Tel. 02-440-0998
- http://www.htstore.co.kr [K]
- This chain of ten marts originally started as a supermarket.
Home Plus
- Tel. 02-3459-8000
- http://corporate.homeplus.co.kr [K]
- A large wholesale mart run by Samsung Tesco. There are six locations in the city.
Costco
- Tel. 02-2679-1234
- http://www.costco.co.kr [K, E]
- There are three Korean branches in Seoul. This wholesaler contains ample amounts of imported goods and requiresmembership.