If Seoul isn’t already on your shopping bucket list, here’s why it should be.
Seoul, the metropolitan capital of South Korea is undoubtedly a shoppers’ paradise. It’s the city where modern skyscrapers, high-tech subways and K-pop meet ancient temples and royal palaces.
Shopping in Seoul is made easy by the plethora of shopping malls and markets which spill out across districts within the city centre.
Gangnam-Gu
Best for: Designer apparel
Made famous by PSY’s sensation “Gangnam Style”, Gangnam-Gu (Gu means district) is Seoul’s most upmarket neighbourhood.
Designer shops and classy boutiques line the pristine streets. Gangnam’s trendy bars and restaurants are visited by some of Seoul’s most classy (and wealthy).
Ubiquitous in Gangnam is the plastic-surgery clinics, which are some of the best in the world.
Myeongdong Market
Best for: Skin care and cafes
Here you can find over 1000 outlets selling Korean cosmetics and skincare.
Learn how to follow a ten-step Korean skincare routine and buy luxury skincare brands like Sulwhasoo and The History of Whoo without the shipping.
South Korean’s compete with Australian’s for their love of cafes and all things coffee-related.
With over 18,000 coffee shops in Seoul alone, ranging from the small and cute to high-end and posh, Seoul is a caffeine addict’s dream.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza
Best for: Art and design
The Dongdaemun Design Plaza is the newest and most iconic landmark of the Korean design and architecture industry.
Curated by Zaha Hadid and Samoo, this building displays the work of Korean designers and artists also providing an exhibition space for special events.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza is walking distance from Dongdaemun Market, a shopping district where you can find everything from silk fabrics to fortune-tellers.
Hongdae
Best for: Gifts, trinkets and street food
Often populated by students of the nearby Hongik University, Hongdae’s main attraction is its artisan weekend market, which takes place from 1 to 6 pm.
Art galleries, live music bars and clubs also populate the streets of Hongdae entertaining travellers and students alike.
The street food in Hongdae is out of this world, with Korean fried chicken, spicy noodle dishes and kimchi attacking the senses from all directions.
Lotte Department Store
Best for: Clothing
Located in Myeongdong, Lotte Department store displays an impressive collection of (duty free) apparel, accessories and beauty products.
Lotte Department Store also hosts a range of luxury brands including Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Hermes, Cartier, Tiffany and Gucci and is a great one-stop shopping space.
It is also conveniently connected to Lotte Hotel Seoul, making it easy for guests to enjoy a day of sightseeing (and shopping) in Myeongdong.
