Going to South Korea and want to shop? The sheer scale of shopping options available will blow your mind. Bargains are on every street corner. So where is the best Seoul shopping? Where is the cheap shopping in Seoul? How do you bargain shop in Seoul?
Here are the 5 best shopping places in Seoul; Myeongdong, Underground shopping malls, Lotte Town, COEX Mall, and Insadong Market.
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Myeongdong
Myeongdong is one of the most popular shopping places in Seoul. You could spend hours, if not days, exploring this shopping strip and still not see everything.
If you are a lover of skincare, especially face masks and cosmetics, you’ll be happy. There are multiple stores and a lot offer skincare freebies such as skin face masks to encourage you to go into their stores. Once inside, you will be grabbing a shopping basket and filling it up quick smart.
One recommended store in Myeongdong is Olive Young. It’s Korea’s number one health and beauty store with skincare, beauty, makeup, health supplements and more.
One store told me that the Japanese come to South Korea to buy their stock of skincare products because of the cheap prices. Prices are definitely cheaper than back home, so get ready to splurge!
The Myeongdong area also has a real chill vibe about it. With a relaxed atmosphere, enthusiastic shoppers and K-Pop music playing on repeat, you’ll be in the mood for some serious shopping.
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Underground Shopping Malls
Need to take a subway in Seoul? Be prepared to be distracted in a good way. Most Seoul subway stations are the entry point into an underground shopping mall. I went to many subway stations and each had their own thriving shopping malls.
It’s the perfect destination if the weather forecast predicts rain or freezing cold temperatures. You can stay warm and dry and be entertained for hours.
There are too many underground shopping malls to mention here, but all offer fantastic bargains.
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Lotte Town
Lotte Town in Myeongdong is a luxury department store. A bit like Harrods in London, it offers a variety of stores, famous overseas brands and many restaurants. You can get to it by walking in the subway network browsing in the shopping malls on your way.
COEX Mall
COEX Mall is Asia’s largest underground shopping mall. It’s in Gangnam and has over 300 brands from fashion, technology and so much more.
As well as being a shopping hub, it has the amazing Starfield library which has 13 meter bookshelves with over 50,000 books. Avid readers will be thrilled.
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Insadong Market
Insadong is the place if you are after authentic Korean souvenirs and handmade goods. With shops and street markets, you’ll have your pick of the bargains.
SSamzigil
SSamzigil is another spot in Insadong which is a creative, cultural hub with a blend of old meets new. It’s a unique place to indulge your senses. Four floors of Korean crafts, handmade ceramics, textile, metal and woodwork are showcased here. There are designer shops selling homeware, fashion and one of a kind handmade collectables.
What to buy
Popular items snapped up by shoppers in Seoul are skincare, cosmetics, socks, bags, clothing and so much more. There are also a lot of Japanese goods available as South Korea and Japan are neighbours. If you’re a lover of Japanese gadgets you’ll find a huge amount of them here.
Make sure you come with an empty suitcase and some comfortable shoes. I hope you enjoy your epic South Korean shopping trip!
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Linda is a best selling author, travel blogger and travel coach. Her website The Smart Travelista offers travel resources and tips via her blog, books, videos and more.
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