Seoul is, without a doubt, one of the most paradisiacal destinations for the shopaholics. You can find shopping streets almost everywhere you go. Some of these shopping districts sport expensive boutiques and others offer great bargains. Here is a guide to having a fruitful shopping spree without breaking the bank!
Ewha Womans University Shopping Street
A personal favorite of mine, Ewha Womans University Shopping Street, is a popular destination for fashion lovers. Located near the university, the area tends to attract the younger crowd and the items sold here are never out of style. Not only will you be able to get fashionable clothes for a very fair price, you will also be able to find many popular skincare and makeup brands in the area too!
Hongdae Shopping Area
Hongdae is a district that is bright with youth and underground culture. You can indulge in extensive shopping with many flagship stores and little hole-in-the-wall shops. It is nearly guaranteed that you will be able to find something truly unique to spice up your wardrobe. With its many maze-like street corners, every corner presents new surprises to discover. From themed secret cafes to major chain brands here including Nike, H&M and Adidas, you might find yourself lost in a spending frenzy.
Dongdaemun
Another popular shopping district is Dongdaemun, home to many shopping malls with many staying open until the wee hours of the morning. You can truly shop til you drop in this area! From top premium fashion brands to wholesale stores, you can mall-hop and find whatever you need in this district without the need to go anywhere else.
Myeongdong
Taking it back to the streets, Myeongdong is a beauty and skincare haven where samples are given out everywhere! It is close to impossible to walk down the street without passing a beauty or skincare store. As you push through the crowd and enjoy your time shopping, there are also many street-food stalls where you can catch a bite of some of the best local snacks that Seoul offers.
Namdaemun Market
Namdaemun is where you can practice your bargaining skills so don’t let the language barrier stop you! Barter for a better price in over 10,000 stalls and gape at the many items on sale. There are also retailers here who sell items at very low prices especially if you make a bulk purchase. So if that was what you were looking for, this is the place! It is close to impossible to leave without purchasing anything here with prices so low for such unique local products!
Insadong
Looking for souvenirs and want to have all the options laid out just for you? Insadong is your go-to! Step away from the boring keychains and opt for something more unique like traditional craft stationeries to bring home instead. From pottery to Korean art, this is where you can find homemade gifts that will be like bringing a piece of Korea home with you. This area is also filled with traditional tea-houses so you can totally immerse yourself in the traditional culture.
Gangnam Terminal Underground Shopping Centre
The Gangnam Terminal Underground Shopping Centre or Goto Mall is an underground alley offering a plethora of clothes, accessories and cosmetics. Ever popular amongst the locals, this area is convenient to reach from the public metro system.
With so many places and alleys to explore, shopping in Seoul is a journey everyone should undertake. From searching for unique goods in markets to getting the best bargains in a warehouse, this city is truly a paradise for all shopaholics.
