18 Best Shopping Places in Seoul

Shopping in Seoul is a “repertory” not to be missed when traveling to Korea. Head to Seoul’s top shopping locations to pocket a variety of “delicious-healthy-cheap” products!

Are you traveling to Korea? If you can’t wait to see famous Korean fashion brands, skin care products and cosmetics, as well as Korean favorite foods, don’t forget to add shopping in Seoul to your list!

Each shopping district in Seoul has its own character. The famous Myeong-dong area is known for its wide range of cosmetic and beauty salons. Speaking of clothes, head to Garosu-gil for high-end brands, Dongdaemun for fabric, and Hongdae for a cheap shopping experience in Seoul. As for the mouthwatering Korean street food, of course, Gwangjang Market has some of the best snacks for you to sip on while you go sightseeing!

Frequently Asked Questions When Shopping in Seoul

Before you go shopping in Seoul, here are a few tips you should know to avoid any mistakes while looking at things on racks and shelves:

1. Clothing sizes in Korea are much smaller than those in the West.
2. Most stores will not allow visitors to try on clothes on the hanger. Try to find your size by looking at the clothes closely.
3. Wear very light makeup (or no makeup, if possible) because some stores won’t let you try on things when they see you wearing makeup.
4. Sandals can also be sized to fit all foot sizes. Check to see if the items you are about to buy fits you.
5. Most stores accept credit cards, but be sure to bring cash for quick payments for small items!

Revealing the Super Fine Shopping Places in Seoul

Ready to shop for free? We have listed 18 of the best places in Seoul for your shopping pleasure. Just save it in your travel notebook.

1. Incheon Airport Duty Free Stores

Start shopping at duty-free stores early, as soon as you land at Incheon Airport! These shops are also perfect for last-minute souvenirs. If you are wondering what to buy in Seoul, there are many items that you can buy: cosmetics, perfumes, alcohol, cigarettes, fashion, accessories, snacks and even groceries electronic! Some stores have up to 200 well-known brands, so you have plenty to choose from.

2. Myeong-dong

Of course, who doesn’t know about Myeong-dong? This is one of the most Instagrammed shopping districts in Seoul, thanks to the popularity of major cosmetic and skin care brands. Here you can find more than 1,000 Korean brands, such as Etude House, The Face Shop, Nature Republic and Missha. Look out for freebies as you walk around – some stores have trial and gift delivery staff on the street!

Aside from skin care products, Myeong-dong is also bustling with outdoor markets and fashion boutiques – perfect if you’re looking for cheap shopping in Seoul. Come to CHUU Physical Store if you want to refresh your wardrobe.

3. Garosu-gil

Do you prefer the chic bohemian style? Garosu-gil might be the best shopping place in Seoul for you. This neighborhood is famous for its ginkgo tree-lined street that gives a nostalgic feeling like walking in a park, just like a Korean drama! Visit in the fall, when the foliage is at its goldenest. Speaking of shopping, Garosu-gil is the place to splurge. There is a wide range of beauty and fashion products, most of which come from luxury brands. If you find yourself still browsing through dinnertime, Garosu-gil also has plenty of great restaurants and cozy cafes that you can stop by after shopping!

4. Hongdae

Tight budget? Experience cheap shopping in Seoul at Hongdae, a district near Hongik University. This street is full of bustle with a fashionable and youthful atmosphere because young people and students come here in large numbers. Here, you can see that Korean indie fashion trends are quite similar to Harajuku trends. The most visited attraction in Hongdae is the Hongdae Free Art Market which runs from 13:00 to 18:00. You can find local artisan crafts, paintings, accessories and second-hand goods and meet the artists and craftsmen themselves. As a college neighborhood, Hongdae also hosts cultural events, street performances, and live festivals.

5. Insadong

Step back in time with a visit to Insadong, once the residence of Korean aristocrats. You can stroll along the quaint hanok (old Korean houses) on cobblestone streets. On weekends, cars are banned from the main road. It is transformed into a cultural space thanks to classical concerts, art exhibitions and Korean street food spread throughout the area. Highlights to visit here are Ssamziegil, a multi-storey shopping mall where you can buy traditional crafts and souvenirs, and the Hakgojae Exhibition, where you can admire art folk art.

6. Gwangjang Market

Have you ever watched the Netflix Asian Street Food show? You’re probably familiar with Gwangjang Market, where mouth-watering dishes await! Enjoy a different shopping experience as you browse the food stalls at one of Korea’s oldest and most traditional markets. When you visit, be sure to order a bowl of kalguksu (Korean noodles), sip gejang (soybean crab), and eat bindaetteok (soybean crab). In addition to food and snacks, Gwangjang Market is also an ideal shopping place in Seoul with vintage fashion and cheap prices.

7. Dongdaemun

Another place to eat and shop in Seoul is Dongdaemun, one of Korea’s largest retail shopping districts. Did you know there are about 26 shopping centers here? Yes, it includes 30,000 specialty stores, 50,000 brands and lots of items from textiles to electronics! Stop by Mukja Gulmok for marshmallows, a Korean-style food alley with festivals and musical performances in the evening.

8. Starfield COEX Mall

Located in Gangnam, Starfield COEX Mall is the largest underground shopping mall in Asia. There are more than 300 brands from fashion to entertainment and technology here. However, the Starfield COEX Mall is more than just a shopping mall, it also has other attractions for visitors, such as the Starfield Library, which houses 13-meter shelves of books. and more than 50,000 books. However, the Starfield COEX Mall is more than just a shopping mall, it also has other attractions for visitors, such as the Starfield Library, which houses 13-meter shelves of books and more than 50,000 books.

9. Lotte Mart

Bring your favorite Korean foods and snacks home after buying them at Lotte Mart! This is one of the top discount stores where you can buy high quality products from groceries to home appliances. There are many offers inside the store, such as BOGO program, percentage discount and discount when you buy in bulk. If you need help figuring out what to buy in this Seoul store, we recommend you buy the famous Butter Fries, Pepero Chocolate Sticks, and the delicious Binggrae Banana Milk!

10. Apgujeong

To find designer brands and high – end restaurants, Apgujeong will be your companion. This shopping district is the playground of chaebols (tycoons) and the rich in Seoul. This upmarket district has many luxury fashion boutiques and high-end department stores. It is also famous for its cosmetic clinics if you want to do beauty or plastic surgery. Apgujeong also has chic cafes with picture-perfect interiors – perfect for snapping Instagram – worthy photos. Are you a lover of sweets? Visit Dessertree for delicious desserts!

11. Itaewon

Coming to Seoul for the first time? Say goodbye to homesickness with a visit to stylish Itaewon. In this famous foreign district, you can meet fellow travelers like you. In this famous foreign district, you can meet fellow travelers like you. As Seoul’s Special Tourist Area, it offers a wide variety of cuisines with a variety of international restaurants and bars lining the streets.

12. Samcheong – dong

Looking for cute accessories for your home? Samcheong-dong will take care of that for you. This neighborhood is a vast maze of traditional houses with many small shops selling unique furniture and lovely accessories. If you want to bring a bit of Seoul home, we recommend buying a pretty picture frame or mirror in Samcheong – dong.

13. Gangnam – daero (Between Sinnonhyeon Station & Gangnam Station)

Go shopping in Seoul to PSY’s Gangnam Style as you stroll along Gangnam-daero, where you can find many brand representative stores lining the street, such as SPAO, Muji, KAKAO FRIENDS and LINE FRIENDS. Located in Korea’s most posh area, this shopping street attracts a lot of visitors, so be sure it’s crowded here. If you decide to get out of this area and explore other places in Gangnam, you can also see the shops of famous designers such as Kimmy J, the most prominent designer of the Korean fashion scene.

14. Ewha Womans University

Have you ever watched a Korean drama and really liked the female lead’s outfit? Girls should spend an hour or two in the shopping street of Ewha Womans University, where you can see cute clothes and cosmetics on sale! You can elevate your transformation with a Korean haircut at one of the hair salons in the area. This shopping street is very pedestrian and a favorite hangout spot for college students, so don’t be surprised if you see a few people studying inside the cafes.

15. Namdaemun

Another fun spot for Seoul’s youth is the Common Ground Mall in Gwangjin. Did you know this is the biggest container trade center? The mall has four areas: Street Market, Market Hall, Terrace Market and Market Ground. Coming here, you will find yourself lost among fashion stores, trendy clothing stores and many eateries.

17. SookMyung Womans University

 

18. Goto Mall

Want to know Gangnam’s biggest secret? Head to Goto Mall or Gangnam Subway Station Shopping Mall when you ride the Seoul Subway. Goto Mall is a paradise for fashionistas on a tight budget, with a wide selection of cheap Korean clothes and shoes in the western area. When you’re hungry, just walk down to the basement of the nearby Shinsegae department store to sample food from the deli counters.