Seoul

๐Ÿ›๏ธ

Shopping

A high-level look at shopping in Seoul, from traditional markets to convenience stores and malls.

Sections

Comprehensive Guide to Shopping in Seoul, South Korea

Seoul is a shopperโ€™s paradise, offering a mix of traditional markets, modern malls, luxury boutiques, and quirky independent stores. Whether youโ€™re looking for high-end fashion, the latest K-beauty products, or unique souvenirs, Seoul has something for everyone. Below is a detailed guide to help you navigate the cityโ€™s shopping scene.


Myeongdong

  • What to Buy: K-beauty products (skincare, cosmetics), fashion, accessories, and street food.
  • Highlights: Myeongdong is a bustling shopping district known for its beauty stores like Innisfree, Etude House, and Olive Young. Youโ€™ll also find international brands like Uniqlo and Zara.
  • Price Range: Mid-range; cosmetics start at โ‚ฉ5,000โ€“โ‚ฉ20,000 for individual items.
  • Tips: Many stores offer free samples, and staff often speak English, Chinese, or Japanese.

Dongdaemun

  • What to Buy: Affordable fashion, fabrics, and wholesale goods.
  • Highlights: Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) and shopping malls like Doota, Migliore, and Good Morning City. These malls are open late into the night.
  • Price Range: Budget to mid-range; clothing items start at โ‚ฉ10,000โ€“โ‚ฉ30,000.
  • Tips: Bargaining is common in smaller shops and markets.

Hongdae

  • What to Buy: Trendy, youth-oriented fashion, handmade crafts, and quirky accessories.
  • Highlights: Known for its indie vibe, Hongdae is perfect for unique finds and street shopping.
  • Price Range: Budget to mid-range; clothing and accessories start at โ‚ฉ10,000.
  • Tips: Visit on weekends for the Hongdae Free Market, where local artists sell handmade goods.

Insadong

  • What to Buy: Traditional Korean crafts, antiques, tea, and souvenirs.
  • Highlights: Insadong is the go-to place for hanbok (traditional Korean clothing), pottery, calligraphy supplies, and traditional teas.
  • Price Range: Mid-range; souvenirs start at โ‚ฉ5,000, while antiques can cost โ‚ฉ50,000 and up.
  • Tips: Many shops offer tax refunds for tourists, so keep your receipts.

Gangnam

  • What to Buy: Luxury brands, high-end fashion, and K-beauty products.
  • Highlights: Apgujeong Rodeo Street and COEX Mall are hotspots for luxury shopping.
  • Price Range: High-end; luxury items start at โ‚ฉ100,000 and can go into the millions.
  • Tips: Gangnam is also home to flagship stores of major brands, offering exclusive items.

Namdaemun Market

  • What to Buy: Souvenirs, traditional goods, and everyday items.
  • Highlights: This traditional market is one of the oldest in Seoul and offers everything from kitchenware to clothing.
  • Price Range: Budget-friendly; items start at โ‚ฉ1,000.
  • Tips: Bargaining is expected, especially if youโ€™re buying in bulk.

Itaewon

  • What to Buy: International goods, tailored suits, and unique home decor.
  • Highlights: Known for its diverse offerings, Itaewon is great for custom tailoring and imported goods.
  • Price Range: Mid-range to high-end; tailored suits start at โ‚ฉ200,000.
  • Tips: Tailors in Itaewon are famous for their quality and speed, so consider getting a custom suit made.

2. Types of Goods Available

  • Fashion: From luxury brands in Gangnam to affordable streetwear in Dongdaemun.
  • Beauty Products: K-beauty is globally renowned, and Seoul offers everything from sheet masks to high-end skincare.
  • Electronics: Yongsan Electronics Market is the place for gadgets and tech.
  • Traditional Goods: Hanbok, pottery, and tea sets are popular in Insadong.
  • Souvenirs: Keychains, magnets, and traditional crafts are widely available in Namdaemun and Insadong.

3. Typical Costs

  • Clothing: โ‚ฉ10,000โ€“โ‚ฉ50,000 for casual wear; โ‚ฉ100,000+ for designer brands.
  • Beauty Products: โ‚ฉ1,000โ€“โ‚ฉ5,000 for sheet masks; โ‚ฉ20,000โ€“โ‚ฉ50,000 for skincare sets.
  • Electronics: โ‚ฉ50,000โ€“โ‚ฉ1,000,000 depending on the item.
  • Souvenirs: โ‚ฉ1,000โ€“โ‚ฉ20,000 for small items; โ‚ฉ50,000+ for traditional crafts.

4. Cultural Tips for Shopping in Seoul

  • Bargaining: Common in traditional markets like Namdaemun and Dongdaemun, but not in department stores or chain stores.
  • Tax Refunds: Look for stores with โ€œTax-Freeโ€ signs. You can claim a refund if you spend over โ‚ฉ30,000 in a single store. Keep your receipts and present them at the airport or designated refund counters.
  • Politeness: Greet shopkeepers with a smile and say โ€œAnnyeonghaseyoโ€ (hello). Itโ€™s considered polite to show interest in the items even if you donโ€™t buy.
  • Trying Items: Many beauty stores have testers available. For clothing, some stores may not allow trying on items, so ask first.
  • Payment: Credit cards are widely accepted, but itโ€™s good to carry cash for smaller shops and markets.

5. Tax Refund Procedures

  1. Eligibility: Non-residents who stay in Korea for less than six months are eligible for tax refunds.
  2. Minimum Purchase: Spend at least โ‚ฉ30,000 in a single store with a โ€œTax-Freeโ€ sign.
  3. How to Claim:
    • Request a tax refund receipt at the store.
    • At the airport, visit a tax refund kiosk or counter before checking in your luggage.
    • Present your receipts, passport, and purchased items for verification.
    • Receive your refund in cash or on your credit card.
  4. Tip: Some stores offer immediate tax refunds at the point of purchase.

6. Recommendations for Luxury and Budget-Friendly Shopping

Luxury Shopping

  • Apgujeong Rodeo Street: High-end boutiques and flagship stores.
  • Cheongdam-dong: Known as the โ€œBeverly Hills of Seoul,โ€ this area is home to luxury brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci.
  • Lotte World Tower Mall: Houses luxury brands and offers a premium shopping experience.

Budget-Friendly Shopping

  • Ewha Womans University Shopping Street: Affordable fashion and accessories targeted at students.
  • Gwangjang Market: Traditional market offering textiles, vintage clothing, and street food.
  • Underground Shopping Malls: Found in subway stations like Gangnam and Express Bus Terminal, these malls offer cheap clothing and accessories.

7. Final Tips for a Great Shopping Experience

  • Timing: Many stores open late (10 AM or later) and stay open until 10 PM or later. Dongdaemun markets operate until early morning.
  • Language: While many shopkeepers speak basic English, having a translation app or learning a few Korean phrases can be helpful.
  • Seasonal Sales: Look out for big sales in January, July, and during Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) and Lunar New Year.
  • Eco-Friendly Shopping: Bring your own shopping bag, as many stores charge for plastic bags.

Seoulโ€™s shopping scene is vibrant and diverse, catering to all tastes and budgets. With this guide, youโ€™ll be well-prepared to explore the cityโ€™s retail offerings and enjoy a seamless shopping experience. Happy shopping!