Shopping
Seoul is undoubtedly a shopper’s paradise. The best places to shop in Seoul are not limited to shopping malls, but spill out across districts within the city centre. You’ll be spending hours browsing through racks of clothes, electronics, accessories, jewellery, leather goods, beauty products, arts and crafts, and antiques.
Seoul’s popular shopping districts have family-friendly attractions such as aquariums, museums, theatres, art galleries, and theme parks. You can also enjoy fashion shows, art exhibitions, cultural festivities, and music concerts. From shopping malls and department stores, to charming boutiques and street markets, check out this list of Seoul’s best shopping experiences.
1Myeong-dong
Myeong-dong is the place to go if you’re planning to hit the shops during your stay in the capital. One of South Korea’s prime shopping districts, it has dozens of department stores, shopping malls, and street-side shops.
Popular items include inexpensive clothes, shoes, accessories, jewellery, and handbags from local and international brands. There are over 1,000 outlets selling Korean cosmetics and skincare. Myeongdong Market also has sightseeing spots – iconic landmarks include the Myeongdong Catholic Cathedral and Myeongdong Nanta Theatre.
2Dongdaemun
Dongdaemun is one of South Korea’s largest wholesale and retail shopping districts. It has around 26 shopping malls, 30,000 speciality shops, and 50,000 manufacturers. Items range from textiles, clothes, shoes, and jewellery, to leather goods, toys, electronics, and office supplies.
Dongdaemun attracts foodies with Mukja Golmok, an alley dedicated to Korean street food and snacks. The shopping district stays busy well into the night, with festivities, fashion shows, music and dance performances taking place after the sun sets in Seoul.
3Starfield COEX Mall
Starfield COEX Mall has over 300 brands, ranging from fashion and beauty, to electronics and entertainment. A must-visit at the shopping mall is the Starfield Library, which has over 50,000 reading materials arranged in 13-metre-high bookshelves.
Children may enjoy playing with colourful LEGO bricks at Bricklive – admission costs around 10,000 won per child (1 year old and above) and 5,000 won per adult. Located on the basement level, COEX Aquarium houses over 650 species of marine wildlife.
4Hongdae
Hongdae is known for its youthful ambience, underground cultures, and freedom of self-expression. Local youths and students of the neighbouring Hongik University often visit the district’s many cafes, art galleries, fashion outlets, live music bars and clubs. There are plenty of shops selling goods ranging from handmade clothes to luxury goods.
Hongdae's main draw is its weekend ‘free market, which takes place from 1pm to 6pm. Local artists and craftsmen showcase their handmade crafts, accessories, paintings, and second-hand goods. You can also catch live dance performances, literary exhibits, cultural events, street performances, and festivals.