If you're are traveling to Seoul, the best thing to do is SHOP!
As you know, most clothes and goods are manufactured in Asia! By the time these products get on the shelves, the prices have been marked up four times the production cost. Therefore, if you're in the hub of it all, why not pick up a pair of shoes, a camera, and an outfit…….or three.
UNDERGROUND MALLS
There are a lot of boutiques EVERYWHERE, even below street level. The underground stores are great; some products tend to be cheaper here than at big markets. I've made a list of my favorite (largest to smallest) underground shopping malls. Here it is:
Express Bus Terminal Station (Subway line 3, seven 0r 9)Gangnam Station (Subway Line 2 or Shinbundang Line)Jamsil (Subway Line 2 or 8)Samsung Station (Subway Line 2)Myeongdong Station (Subway Line 4)Jongak Station (Subway Line 1)
SHOPPING AREAS
Myeongdong is one of the biggest shopping areas! After checking out the underground mall, you should go up to street level and check out the hustle and bustle of this area. It is an amazing tourist attraction and there are many street food vendors that sell yummy snacks! Early afternoon is the best time to go during the week, less crowded, but you won't be able to sample any food. Usually, the vendors don't set up until later in the day. Although it might be jam packed with people, it's worth the hassle, just to see the area in action.
Sinsa-dong is another popular area for shopping. It is the SoHo of Seoul. The famous Garosu-gil Road has cute little boutiques, as well as major name brand stores. The side streets are home to little cafes, eateries, and more stores. This is my favorite area to eat, chill and shop. I feel like I am back in NYC, with a little of Seattle mixed in it.
Hongdae is a hip area for hanging out all day. They have lots of boutique stores, as well as some big name brands like Forever21, New Balance, H&M, etc. I love going to Hongdae, but beware, on weekends it gets super crowded because there are so many things to do: such as watching entertaining buskers, going to cute cafés, eateries, bars and clubs. If you’re claustrophobic, avoid it at all cost.
Dongdaemun is the fashion district of Seoul. This is the place where wholesalers go for all their needs, from beads to fabrics to daily wear. Usually, this area is bustling from 10 pm to 5 am. Once, I had to get something and decided to go on a Friday night and it was insane. I felt like I was in Time Square during rush hour. If you're not looking to buy bulk, no worries there are places you can go to buy single items. Also, Dongdaemun has an area that sells antiques and secondhand goods!
Namdaemun is one of the oldest markets. They sell everything! Many foreigners flock to this market, whether to buy clothes, souvenirs, and knick-knacks or to explore. Always negotiate for a better price!
In Seoul, there are lots of markets in different areas, which sell vegetables, fruits, fish, and even herbal medicines. In Seoul, there are three huge markets: Garak Market (Songpa-Gu), Cheongnyangni Market (Dongdaemun-gu), and Noryangjin Fish Market (Dongjak-Gu).
The big conglomerate supermarkets (Emart, Homeplus, LotteMart) close on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of every month, in order to give small businesses a chance to survive in the slow economy.
SHOPPING CENTERS
Seoul has some BIG malls that sell higher end goods!
These malls have well-known Korean and Western stores such as H&M, Zara, Beanpole, Armani Exchange, Body Shop, Vivien, Hazzys, etc. Korea is becoming more open to western products; with many familiar designers.
Seoul has three major department stores Lotte, Hyundai, and Shinsegae. They carry many brands from big to small named designers in all different categories. If you need to get your "Kiehl's"* products, most of these department stores carry them. These three department stores are closed on Mondays, once a month.
For tourists or travelers with a valid passport and an airline ticket is able to stop at any Lotte Duty-Free store to get name brand products for duty-free prices. The majority of Koreans get all their expensive products at the duty-free shops in Seoul or at the airport.
For anyone who likes to avoid the crowd; many locals buy online. Including groceries! The websites aren't English friendly, so best to get help from someone that reads Korean. I'm sure they would love to help if you throw in a little treat! ;)
Here are some well-known sites:
Gmarket (English and Chinese-friendly) - http://www.gmarket.co.kr/
Coupang - https://www.coupang.com
Emart - http://emart.ssg.com/main.ssg
Lotte Mart - http://www.lottemart.com
Homeplus - http://www.homeplus.co.kr/
Also, if you search on Naver.com (Korean’s search engine), you will be able to find everything too! But as an English speaking expat, since I can’t read Hangul, it is hard to navigate, and I needed assistance from my Korean friends.
Happy Shopping!
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