Do you find yourself going to South Korea, but having no idea where the most trending and popular shopping districts are? Well, that's what we are here for, to direct you to the ultimate shopping paradise of Seoul. A little Seoul searching is after all good for you! These places showcase the Korean Fashion and the prices are very cheap and affordable. And the shopping streets are conveniently next to each other which makes you gain the shopping experience as a whole. The following places are some of the well-known and most visited places in Seoul. Let's hope these places will make your shopping trip more productive and exciting.
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This is one of Seoul's main shopping district and tourist area. The two main streets meet in the centre of the block with one beginning from Myeong-dong Subway Station (Seoul Subway Line No:4) and the other from Euljiro Station (Subway Line No:2), an option for your travel plans to arrive. Their opening hours are mainly from 10 am to 11.30 pm. This place is mainly famous for its skincare and beauty brands and they lure you in with discounted prices and a lot of free samples! It also has many department stores. Prepare to empty your pockets while you're in this particular heaven ladies! Beauty stores such as:
They can be found in abundance so every shop is literally a stone's throw away from each other:
This is every shopaholic's dream come true. There will be a plethora of products with a range of prices, depending on how you shop. There also many food shops, so if you find yourself famished after all the shopping, grab a quick bite to eat. Although, the food might be a wee bit expensive than other places. So check the place out before you dine in.
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Dongdaemun is South Korea's largest wholesale and retail shopping district selling silks and fabric, clothes, shoes, jewellery, books, accessories, leather goods, sports equipment, toys, electronics and stationaries and its open all year long. Its popularity is due to the fact that everything you need is just an arm's length away from each other. You can walk from shop to shop and always find what you're looking for and in bulk at a reasonable price and at any time of the day! There are shops with opening times from 10 am to 5 am! The most popular shopping centres in Dongdaemun Market include:
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Ewha Woman’s University is one of the popular shopping areas in Seoul and it is also known as Ewha Woman’s University Fashion Street. Before hitting the shops, take around 15 minutes of your time to check out the university grounds just for its magnificence. It is the largest underground campus structure, resembling a glass and steep valley.
Back to the fashion street, it is one of the must-visit shopping destination for all women. Its opening hours are mostly from 12 pm to 9 pm, differs from shop to shop. Since its mostly targeted for the university students, the products are rated as trendy and affordable.
The ongoing sales are what really catches everyone's attention to this place and there are a plethora of products in just one shop. This fashion street casts a wide variety of shopping items that lure you and your wallet in. There's an array of Clothing both designer and non-designer items, cosmetics, hair products, shoes, jewellery, bags and even plenty stalls of food! Another speciality of the fashion street that cannot be missed is the alterations services, where tailors have taken alterations to a new level of design expertise. The fashion street is also famous for its concentration of hair salons, meaning people can find a whole new look from head to foot. If you want to glam up, Ewha Women's University Fashion Street is the place to go. Get ready for the best budget shopping of your time in South Korea.
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If you favour indie fashion, then Hongdae Shopping Area is for you. Like most places, the Subway is the fastest way to reach this area. Take the Seoul Subway Line No:2 and alight at Hongik University Station. The main target of this shopping area is the students from the neighbouring Hongik Art University. It is home to a plethora of fashion outlets ranging from handmade to luxury items that stay open from 9 am to midnight.
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The Insadong Shopping District caters to antique collectors, painters, craftsmen, and art lovers who are in need of retail therapy. Its opening hours are from 1 am to 11 pm. It is also known as "Mary's Alley". You can find over a 100 antique stores, bookstores, jewellery stores, wooden teahouses, boutique galleries and street vendors that offers delicious snacks. It represents the best place in Seoul to purchase souvenirs and authentic goods. If you ever find yourself in Insadong, the must-visit places are:
On Sundays, the Shopping District becomes a vibrant and lively place with classical music concerts and street performers.
We hope that these places will give you the satisfaction that retail therapy usually brings but at a cheaper and more decadent rate. Always remember to scope out the place before you let your impulses drive you! Take your time and shop till you drop, but most importantly remember to have fun!
