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Asia South Korea Seoul Shopping

Overview

Shopping The guide was updated: 2024-06-18

Seoul is absolutely the place for shopping enthusiasts. 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.

This metropolis is 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 it's only to watch the traders in action.

Namdaemun Market

Namdaemun Market

In the epicentre of Seoul, where the beating heart of the city pumps out endless merchandise eager to be copped, Namdaemun Market invites locals and tourists into an open-air shopping extravaganza. This spot has been a trading place for centuries. It's the largest market in the country and you can find just about anything your heart desires here, from a pig’s head to a Louis Vuitton replica handbag and everything in between.

Dongdaemun Market

Dongdaemun Market

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

Myeong-dong

Myeong-dong

Myeongdong is the place to go if you're on the lookout for styles trending in Korea. More often than not, unique clothing pieces and accessories may be found in the shops and stores dotting the district. Do keep in mind that most shops only sell sizes geared at a smaller build, which means some Western travellers may encounter difficulties finding clothing that fits.

Itaewon

Itaewon

Itaewon is a part of town enjoyed by Western tourists. Finding appropriately sized clothing presents less of a difficulty than elsewhere in town as the market is geared more towards an international clientele. Streets salesmen sometimes approach tourists with offers to flip through catalogues of knock-off goods, leading those interested into a basement store somewhere in the area, so do exercise precaution if you choose to follow.

Apgujeong

Apgujeong

For more of an upmarket shopping experience, try the Apgujeong district where the city's wealthiest habitants come to stock up on the latest and greatest items of fashion. Apgujeong is home to local and internationally known brand-name stores. Be sure to bring enough cash as prices can get a bit steep here.

Insadong

Insadong

For traditional Korean items such as pottery, teas and handmade paper, try the Insadong neighbourhood. This is one of the best spots in town to shop for local treasures and also somewhere to enjoy some of the best food and drink in town in one of the many teahouses that are interspersed throughout the streets.

COEX Mall

COEX Mall

The Incredibly large COEX Mall is a one-stop shop spot where high-end international brands are represented alongside mid-range and more 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 the latest electronics, both genuine and imitation (if you happen to be interested in the latter), try the Yongsan Market. This place is 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 other retail outlets.

Kyobo Book Centre Gwanghwamun

Kyobo Book Centre Gwanghwamun

For all your literary needs, the Kyobo Book Centre in Gwanghwamun is the place to be. With meticulously organised book shelves encasing a very impressive selection of books and periodicals in multiple different languages, this book shop is probably amongst the best in the country and even further afield. 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 is teeming with stores geared towards female shoppers. Shops here are known to be generally quite affordable, albeit rather limited in variety. The area is also the place to find some of the city's coolest cafés as well as some cheap and cheerful hair salons.

Hongdae Free Market

Hongdae Free Market

Held just 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 that line the street are also in operation throughout the week.

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 even pick some out to be cooked and served up on the spot. It is possible to sit down for a meal here but the area does get a bit hectic. Be prepared to see live octopi being consumed whole as you stroll down the street, a favourite snack for many of the locals.

Åland

Åland

This megastore chain really is a shoppers' paradise. With multiple floors each based on a different theme (street wear, feminine attire, etc.), Åland is definitely one of the essential go-to places for the hottest Korean fashion. Items that have spent a long time on the shelf can be found heavily discounted at the Noon Square outlet after hours.

Gotomall

Gotomall

Beneath the Express Bus Terminal Station lies Gotomall, one of the cheapest spots in Seoul to shop for the latest Korean fashion pieces. Prices start at as low as a few dollars and discounts can be snapped up all over the place. Affordable clothing and accessories fill the underground shopping mall which is teeming with shoppers all hungry for a bargain.

Tongin Market

Tongin Market

There is no better place for foodies on a budget than Tongin Market. At several cafes on-site (Box Lunch or Dosirak for example) visitors can purchase tokens which may then be then exchanged for foods and snacks to complement the staple of soup and/or rice. This so called 'brass coin token bento box' is a nice little novelty for those passing through.

Gwangjang Market

Gwangjang Market

Gwangjang is a prime destination for those looking to experience the sensation that is Korean street food. Although it is known primarily as a clothing market, 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 and maybe even try something very much out of the box like the dreaded live octopus.

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