Seoul is undoubtedly every shopper’s paradise. The best places to shop extend beyond their shopping malls and spill out across their districts within the city centre. More than simply places to shop, these districts are also home to cultural traditions that seamlessly blend amongst the neon signs and throngs of people. If you’re an avid shopper, here are 5 shopping districts of Seoul that you definitely don’t want to miss!
1. Myeongdong Market
As one of the primary shopping districts in Seoul, Myeongdong Market is on every shopper’s bucket list when they travel to Seoul. Unlike most shopping districts, Myeongdong carries several designer names and labels outside of local streetwear and brands. Moreover, several major department stores have established their branches there, including Lotte Department Store, Shinsegae Department Store and M Plaza, amongst many others.
Myeongdong Market also has a number of sightseeing spots – iconic landmarks such as Meyongdong Nanta Theatre and Myeongdong Catholic Cathedral. You can pop by these iconic sites during your shopping spree to make your shopping trip more worthwhile.
2. Dongdaemun Market
If you wish to meet all your shopping needs in one place, Dongdaemun Market is definitely the place to go. As the country’s largest retail shopping district, Dongdaemun Market boasts 26 shopping malls, 30000 speciality shops and 50000 manufacturers. Besides their extensive collection of items on sale, this market also attracts foodies with Mukja Golmok, an alley dedicated to Korean street food and snacks. Shopping is an exhausting activity, so make sure that you have the much-needed fuel to keep going!
3. Hongdae
Suppose you’re one who loves both shopping and sightseeing, you can check these two boxes off your checklist when you head down to Hongdae! What makes Hongdae different from other shopping districts is its youthful ambience, freedom of self-expression and underground cultures. Check out Hongdae’s “free market” from 1pm to 6pm to view handmade artefacts, handicrafts, trinkets and refurbished items. You can enjoy your shopping experience further by indulging in live street dance performances and festivals. If you wish to surround yourself with contemporary culture, Hongdae is a must-visit attraction!
4. Seoul Folk Flea Market
With over 900 booths set up in this market, visitors can expect to buy any and every item here, such as typewriters, pottery, toys, and decorative stones. If you’re someone who loves to get a good bargain, this Flea Market is the perfect fit for you.
5. Itaewon
Known as Seoul’s most diverse and foreigner-friendly district, Itaewon has over 100 shops that specialise in imported fashion brands, souvenirs and antiques. Since Korean clothing sizes and Western clothing sizes follow different sets of measurements, you will have a lot more options if you shop at Itaewon.
After a long day of shopping, you can kick back and relax in the restaurants, bars and clubs that occupy its streets. With a wide variety of international food cuisines available, you can truly enjoy all that Seoul – and the world – has to offer.
Each shopping district is catered and designed to meet the needs of different types of shoppers – you’re guaranteed to find one that suits your fancy! If you wish to make your shopping experience a tad batter, why not pick up the Korean language? Enrol yourself in a Korean language course in Singapore to ease your travels! Spoken like a true shopping enthusiast, haggling works best if both parties can communicate well. So brush up your Korean language prowess, bring an empty suitcase and you’re good to go!