Seoul, South Korea Hotels and City Guide

Seoul - Shopping

Shopping in Seoul

Shopping in Seoul could be the entire focus of a visit there, with its countless shopping centers and incredible markets. The largest market is the Dongdaemun, which supplies goods to thousands of retail fashion shops across Korea. Near Dongdaemun market are numerous shopping complexes that focus on fashion, from formal to casual wear, and accessories of every type.

From state of the art electronics to ancient antiques and everything in between, there is something for everyone on your shopping list here in Seoul.

Seoul's Shopping Areas

Apgujeong is the hottest district for fashion trendsetters. Shortly after Rodeo Street began filling with unique fashion shops this entire area became an extravagant shopping district. For more practical shoppers who still have highbrow tastes, there are many shops specializing in secondhand luxury items. Multi-shops, which provide various high-end brands all in one store, also seem to be gaining popularity. Multi-shops vary widely in size from the four-story Boon The Shop that sells everything from Burberry fashion to magazines, down to much more modest ones scattered throughout the district.

The neighboring district of Cheongdam-dong offers a variety of more luxurious venues for those with even higher credit limits. The streets are lined with premium brand stores and a sophisticated series of multi-shops. While Apgujeong remains more of a magnet for the younger scene, Cheongdam-dong appeals to those in their 30s and above. One of the highlights prevalent in both Apgujeong and Cheongdam-dong is the availability of unique clothing designs and accessories by designers that are difficult to find anywhere else.

Anyone shopping for fashion in Seoul will eventually wind up in Myeong-dong, since this area is well known for offering great selection and amazing prices, especially down the many side alleys that are lined with unique shops selling clothes, shoes and accessories. If you want to purchase traditional Korean souvenirs, head to Insa-dong. The streets and alleys are rich with galleries, antique shops, traditional craftwork and many small unique shops.

Shops by Type

Electronics

Yongsan Electronics Market
Yongsan Electronics Market is the largest electronics market in Asia with approximately 5,000 stores housed in 22 buildings. In one building there is an entire floor devoted to cellular phones, many of which are still to be released overseas. These shops sell virtually every kind of electrical product at 30% below the other markets, and well below retail. Most shops are open from 10:30AM-8PM and many are closed on Mondays.

Art and Antiques

Chang-anpong Antique Market
This is perhaps one of the biggest antique markets in all of Asia. It is located in Eastern Seoul past Tongdaemon gate towards the Chonho Bridge and has many kinds of antiques ranging from the ancient earthenware and porcelain to furniture, paintings, calligraphy and wonderful old sea chests.

Hwanghakdong Flea Market
This is a large and amazing flea market which is actually over 500 shops and stalls, divided into product-type sections. You can find almost any type of antique or oriental collectable possible at this flea market.

Janghanpyeong Antique Market
The antique street in Janganpyeong is home to many small stores that sell antiques, art and collectable items, such as old Korean teapots, guitars, ancient swords and other fighting implements, statues, old rice containers, bowls, china, vases, jewelry, small charms that were attached to fans, and many more treasures.

Insadong Antique and Art Market
The antique shops in Insadong are clustered mostly in the alley stretching from Sudo Pharmacy to Unhyeongung, which is filled with galleries and antique shops. Godosa displays antique furniture, household goods, ceramics, folk paintings, and the like and provides guided tours as well. Dongyeheon holds complimentary antique exhibitions on a regular basis, offering visitors an opportunity to better understand Korean antiques.

This is also the cultural art market of Seoul, where traditional and modern Korean artworks, such as paintings, sculptures and calligraphy are sold. Every Sunday the street is blocked off to traffic and opened up to street antique stalls, food stalls, street performers, and other kinds of street entertainment.

Itaewon Street
The antique furniture street in Itaewon is well known to both locals and visitors. It features unique accessories and furniture from Europe, Japan, China and Southeast Asia, as well as antique Korean furniture in various price ranges.

Markets

Itaewon Market
If you have a limited budget but long for the finer designer labels, then you will be delighted with the bargains at this market, sometimes known as the “Underground Market.” Here you will find over-run and sometimes irregular high-end fashion at terrific prices. Some items may be copies, so do check carefully.

Namdaemun Market
One of Korea’s largest markets, here you will discover over 10,000 sellers offering their wares to you at reasonable prices. The vast array of products includes everything imaginable from clothing, kitchenware, electronics, cameras and eyeglasses to souvenirs and imported items from all over the world. Food vendors abound, so you will not have to worry about leaving your shopping to go eat!

Dongdaemun Market
This market is called “The Mecca of Fashion” since so much of what it sells are items related to clothing. Dongdaemun Market is filled with trendy fashions, jewellery, shoes, sports wear and the like. The prices are affordable as well in this colossal market, which has over 30,000 individual shops competing for your business. Dongdaemun Market is located near its namesake of Dongdaemun, The Great East Gate. Korea's largest wholesale and retail shopping district has 26 shopping malls and 50,000 manufacturers within a ten block area.

Malls

COEX Mall
The COEX Mall is a massive underground shopping complex located beneath Samsung-dong Trade Center in Gangnam-gu. The mall offers a variety of shopping with over 100 stores.

Hello Apm Mall
10:30AM-5AM, Closed Every Tuesday
This mall has 15 floors offering 700 shops from which to choose every possible style of women or men’ suits and casual wear, hip hop style clothing, sports wear, luxury brands, shoes, hand bags, accessories and children's clothing. It is located in the Dongdaemun district.

Freya Town
Dongdaemun
This mega shopping center is located in Dongdaemun, the heart of the capital's shopping district. It boasts over 3,000 shops among its ten levels including women's wear, accessories and shoes.

Tax Refunds

Tourists can receive nearly 10 percent VAT refunds for purchases at Duty Free shopping outlets. Goods must be taken out of Korea within three months of purchase to be eligible for the refund. Only foreign visitors to Seoul can apply for this tax refund. Visitors can receive a refund on a receipt for a minimum purchase of KRW 50,000. To receive this refund, present your refund receipts with the purchased goods at the customs desk at the Incheon International Airport when departing. These receipts can be turned in at the Cash Refund Office in front of the Airport Duty Free Shop.

Hotels in Seoul, South Korea