Traveloka PH
24 Sep 2018 - 5 min read
Dubbed the “Center of shopping”, Myeong-dong is home to big names like UNIQLO, Nike, Adidas, Zara, H&M, and more. The best part about shopping here though is that they have shopping discounts and great package deals for tourists. When you’re done scouring the stores for the best finds, Myeong- dong street food will give you energy again. The food is varied and delicious, you won’t get bored trying them all.
The Namdaemun Market, opened in 1964, is the largest traditional market in South Korea. Most of the goods sold here are handmade or produced by the store owners. Even with all the work put into the products, many stores sell at affordable and even wholesale prices. The bustling market attracts a lot of tourists, especially since it stays open overnight from 11 PM to 4 AM the next day. There is a wide variety of items to buy here - from clothing, fishing gear, mountain hiking gear, toys, fine arts, stationery, and even ginseng.
Hidden underground and near the exits of the Seoul subway lines 3,7, and 9 are over 600 stores lined up on both sides of two long parallel corridors. You’ll find a lot of trendy items, make-up, shoes, and accessories at incredibly low prices. Not only that, there are other random items like flowers, dinnerware, homeware, and even furniture.
This is where fashionistas come to get their fix of chic art galleries, luxurious ateliers, and stylish designer shops. Small local boutiques hold their own thanks to contemporary designs and clothing that are art pieces in itself - perfect for trendsetters who want to experiment.
700-meter long Insadong street is the perfect place to buy traditional Korean crafts. From small items like folk crafts, traditional pottery, and traditional papers, to a colorful hanbok - visitors will be spoiled for choice when shopping. There are also stores from where you can rent traditional Korean regalia, or if you want to simply sit back and relax, you can visit one of the many quaint tea houses scattered around the area.
Gwangjang Market was first opened way back in 1905 as the first permanent market in Korea. Currently, it is home to over 5000 stores that sell a variety of items from satin and silk to wedding food, delicacies, and hanbok dresses.
Lotte is a huge brand in Korea as they produce a lot of products that locals use everyday. It is Korea’s top discount store where they sell clothes, essentials, and food. In fact, their snacks are very popular amongst tourists in Seoul. The best part is that they provide tax refunds and are open until midnight. Make sure to stock up on snacks like Market O’s Real Brownies, Honey Butter Chips, Dried Seaweed, and Crown Butter Waffles.
Similar to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, luxurious brands like Bally, Ferragamo, Gucci, Prada, and the like have made Agpujeong Rodeo Street home. If you don't have the money to burn though, don't sweat it because during sales, customers can even get up 30% off their purchases.
If you’re the type of person who is on the lookout for the best deals, this area is perfect for you. It is a shopping district right outside Ewha Women’s University and is nestled amongst cafes and restaurants. Plus, you can take a quick walk around the university if you want to see what schools are like in Seoul.
Dongdaemun Market opens from 9 PM to 5 AM the next morning - making it the perfect place to go to for last-minute shopping. The district is split into the retail markets and the wholesale markets. Selling everything from clothes to toys - guests are in for a treat as most of the items are sold at the lowest price possible. Ready to go shopping in South Korea? Discovercheap hotel dealsandcheap flights to South Korea fromTraveloka! ]]>