Traveling to South Korea? If you’re eager to explore popular K-fashion brands, skincare, and cosmetic products, as well as adored Korean food make sure to include shopping in Seoul on your travel list!
Every shopping area in Seoul is unique and has its own character. The renowned Myeong-dong is famous for its adobe shops and beauty services. For clothes, go to Garosu-gil for designer clothing brands. Dongdaemun in search of fabrics. You can also visit Hongdae to shop for cheap items in Seoul. Also, for amazing Korean street cuisine, Gwangjang Market has many of the finest snacks to eat while you wander around.
South Korean Shopping FAQs
If you’re planning to shop in Seoul Here are some tips that you must know to avoid any blunders when browsing through shelves and racks:
1. Sizes of clothing in South Korea run much smaller than Western sizes.
2. The majority of shops won’t let you put on clothes that aren’t suitable for you from the rack. Make an effort to figure out your size by simply looking at the clothing as closely as you can.
3. Use minimal makeup (or absolutely no If possible) as some shops might not allow you to try things on if they see you wearing makeup.
4. Slippers are also available in a standard size. Make sure that the item you’re purchasing will fit comfortably.
5. Many establishments accept credit cards. However, ensure you have cash on hand to pay quickly for items that aren’t expensive!
What are the best places to go shopping in Seoul?
Are you ready to shop until you are empty? We’ve put together 18 of the most popular places to shop for your shopping pleasure in Seoul:
1. Duty-free shops at Incheon Airport
Get up early to start your shopping spree at duty-free shops when you arrive at Incheon Airport! They are also great to shop for souvenirs at the last minute. If you’re unsure of what to purchase in Seoul There are many things you can buy such as perfumes, cosmetics, tobacco, liquor and accessories, fashion food items, and even electronic gadgets! There are shops that carry up to 200 brands that are famous, so you’ll have plenty to pick from.
Unsure of where to start? Check out to visit the Hyundai Duty-Free Store or Shilla Duty-Free Store in Seoul where you will be able to quickly locate things you’re looking for. You can also get the store vouchers on Klook absolutely free! Yes, you can receive a Silver membership, which allows you to take advantage of different discounts and other benefits.
2. Myeong-dong
Of course, who’s not acquainted with the Myeong-dong district? It’s among the most popular shopping districts in Seoul because of its popularity among big cosmetic and skincare brands. There are more than 1,000 Korean brands in this area including Etude House, The Face Shop, Nature Republic, and Missha. Keep an eye out for giveaways while you walk around there are some stores that are staffed with people who hand out testers and freebies in the street!
Apart from the skincare market, Myeong-dong is also bustling with fashion boutiques and flea markets which are perfect for those seeking a place to do inexpensive buying in Seoul. Go to CHUU Physical Store if you are looking to refresh your wardrobe. Find trendy clothing and save money when you purchase with this CHUU Physical Store Discount Coupon through Klook!
3. Garosu-gil
Are you more interested in boho chic? Garosu-gil could be the ideal spot to shop in Seoul. The neighborhood is known for its ginkgo tree-lined streets that create the feeling of a stroll-in-the-park from the past similar to the K-drama! In the autumn, the trees are at their best with beautiful golden leaves. If you’re looking for a bargain, Garosu-gil is the place to shop for the best items. It offers a wide range of fashion and beauty items that are mostly from top brands. If you’re looking around by dinnertime, Garosu Gil offers a range of delicious restaurants as well as cozy cafés that you can relax at after shopping!
4. Hongdae
Do you have a tight budget? Find low-cost retail shopping in Seoul at Hongdae, the district that is located close to Hongik University. It’s bustling with a youthful and fashionable ambiance, as it is a hot spot for young and college students. You can also discover indie K-fashion trends that are similar in style to Harajuku trends. The most popular attraction in Hongdae is Hongdae Art Free Market which is open from 13:00 to 18:00. It is a great place to find local artisans, artwork, art, accessories as well as secondhand products and meet the artisans and artists themselves. Hongdae also hosts street shows and festivals as a campus district.
5. 
Relive the past When you visit Insadong. It was the home of Korean nobles. Explore the ancient Hanok homes along cobblestone streets. On the weekends the main road is closed to traffic. It turns into a vibrant cultural space thanks to performances, art exhibits, and Korean street food which fill across the. The most popular places to visit when you’re there are Ssamziegil which is a multi-level retail mall that sells traditional souvenirs, handicrafts, and other items, and the Hakgojae Gallery which is where you can take in the beauty of traditional art.
6. Gwangjang market
Have you ever watched the Netflix series Street Food Asia? You may have heard of Gwangjang Market which is where mouthwatering foods are on the menu! Get a new shopping experience as you stroll through food stalls at one of the longest-running markets and the most traditional. When you visit, be sure you order an entrée of kalguksu (Korean noodles) or eat some gejang (marinated crab) and an omaek (mung beans pancake). In addition to snacks and food, Gwangjang market is also an ideal place for looking around Seoul for bargains as well as vintage clothes.
7. Dongdaemun
Another spot to eat out when going shopping in Seoul is Dongdaemun which is among South Korea’s biggest retail areas. Have you heard that it is home to more than 26 malls? That’s right, there are 30,000 stores that specialize in specialty items, more than 50,000 brands, as well as an array of products including electronics, textiles, and more! Visit Mukja Gulmok for the munchies as well as a K-food-themed food court featuring music and entertainment at night.
8. Starfield COEX Mall
The mall is located in Gangnam, Starfield COEX Mall is the biggest underground shopping mall in Asia. It has over 300 brands, ranging from fashion, entertainment, and tech. However, Starfield COEX Mall is not just a shopping center, it also offers many other things for visitors to enjoy, like the Starfield Library with thirteen-meter tall bookshelves that hold more than fifty thousand books. If you’re bringing kids you can take the day with your family at Bricklive where you can enjoy playing with bright LEGO bricks. Or, you can go to the COEX Aquarium to view more than 700 species of marine life including sea turtles and sharks.
9. Lotte Mart
Bring home your favorite Korean meals and treats after you purchase the items at Lotte Mart! It’s one of the most renowned discount stores, where you can buy top-quality goods from groceries to household products. There are a lot of deals in the store, such as discounts on BOGO schemes, discounts on percentages, and discounts when buying wholesale. If you’re in need of advice about what you can buy at this Seoul store, we suggest that you purchase the famed Honey Butter chips, Pepero Sticks, and the delicious banana-flavored Binggrae Milk!
10. Apgujeong
For designer brands as well as fine dining restaurants, Apgujeong is your pal. The Apgujeong shopping district is Seoul’s playground for socialites and chaebols. The trendy district is lined with luxury boutiques and upscale department stores. It is also known for its beauty centers should you need to undergo an aesthetic procedure or cosmetic procedure. Apgujeong also has fancy cafes that have picture-perfect interiors that are perfect for snaps worthy of Instagram. Are you a fan of sweets? Visit Dessertree for a decadent dessert!
11. Itaewon
Are you making your first trip to Seoul? Let go of your homesickness as you explore the hip Itaewon. In this well-known district for foreigners, it is possible to meet other tourists who are similar to you. If you’ve ever watched Itaewon Class (if not, then you must! ) It’s possible that you’re familiar with Itaewon being a well-known food-related district. Seoul’s Special Tourism District, it provides a variety of food due to international restaurants and clubs that are located on the streets.
12. Samcheong-dong
Are you looking for beautiful home accessories? Samcheong-dong can take care of the search for you. The vast maze of traditional houses is home to a number of small stores that offer distinctive interior products and charming accessories. If you’re looking to take home a part of Seoul and its culture, we suggest purchasing the most adorable mirror or frame in Samcheong-dong.
13. Gangnam-daero (between Sinnonhyeon and Gangnam Stations)
Shop in Seoul to the beat of Psy’s Gangnam Style when you stroll through Gangnam-daero in Seoul, where you’ll see a variety of flagship stores lined across the street, including SPAO, Muji, KAKAO FRIENDS as well as LINE FRIENDS. Since it is one of the most exclusive South Korean neighborhoods, this shopping avenue has drawn the attention of a lot of tourists, which means there is a large crowd. If you decide to venture out of the area and explore the other areas of Gangnam there, you will discover stores from famous fashion designers like Kimmy J, the creme of the creme in Korean fashion.
14. Ewha Women’s University
Have you ever watched a K-drama, and enjoyed the lead actress’s attire? Girls out there ought to spend a couple of hours at the Ewha Women’s U.S.A.’s market, which is where shoppers will get cute clothes and cosmetics at a discount! It’s possible to take your look to the next degree when you opt for a Korean hair treatment at one of the salons that are located in the vicinity. The shopping avenue is well-lit and is a preferred hangout for students at college. So don’t be surprised when you spot a few students studying in cafes.
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15. Namdaemun
Be sure not to get lost in Seoul’s largest and longest-running marketplace: Namdaemun Market. It’s an intricate maze of narrow alleyways that are filled with second-hand stores and medical stores. You’ll find everything you’re searching for: kid’s clothing as well as adult clothing and household goods, as well as accessories, and electronics. If you’re exhausted from wandering around, relax in some of the restaurant stalls, and delight your taste buds with sannakji (live Octopus) and mandu (dumplings), and the eomuk (fish cake)!
16. Common Ground Shopping Mall
Another popular hangout spot for younger Seoulites is one of the popular hangout spots in Seoul is Common Ground Shopping Mall in Gwangjin. Did you know that it’s the largest container mall in the world? The mall comprises four zones which include the Street Market and The Market Hall, the Terrace Market as well as the Market Ground. You’ll find boutiques, as well as trendy apparel shops and a myriad of food and beverage, stand when you’re in the market.
17. SookMyung Women’s University
Another shopping district for students located in Seoul is situated close to SookMyung Women’s University. What differentiates this from Ewha is that SookMyung is not as crowded and more geared toward people who are seeking the next great treat. There is also the option of joining Korean food tours and discovering more about traditional foods like kimchi!
18. Goto Mall
Want to know Gangnam’s most secretive place? Go to Goto Mall or the Gangnam Terminal Underground Shopping Center on the day you ride the Seoul Subway. Goto Mall is a haven for those on a tight budget, due to the low-cost options for Korean clothes and footwear in the west end. If you’re hungry, you can walk into the back of the Shinsegae department store to test some of the restaurants that offer gourmet cuisine.
