🛍️ Seoul Shopping Guide

1. Myeongdong (명동)

Seoul's most famous shopping district. Perfect for K-beauty, cosmetics, and street food.

• Best for: K-beauty products, cosmetics, skincare
• Stores: Olive Young, Innisfree, Etude House, Nature Republic
• Subway: Myeongdong Station (Line 4), Exit 6
• Hours: 10 AM - 10 PM (most stores)
• Tip: Tax-free shopping available (ask for tax refund)
• Budget: Mid-range to high-end

2. Hongdae (홍대)

Trendy, youthful area. Great for fashion, accessories, and unique finds.

• Best for: Fashion, accessories, streetwear, vintage
• Stores: Mix of international brands and local boutiques
• Subway: Hongik University Station (Line 2), Exit 9
• Hours: 11 AM - 11 PM (some until 2 AM)
• Budget: Budget to mid-range
• Special: Street performances, nightlife

3. Gangnam (강남)

Upscale shopping district. Luxury brands and high-end department stores.

• Best for: Luxury brands, designer items, department stores
• Stores: COEX Mall, Gangnam Underground Shopping Center, Apgujeong Rodeo Street
• Subway: Gangnam Station (Line 2), Exit 10-12
• Hours: 10 AM - 10 PM
• Budget: High-end

4. Dongdaemun (동대문)

Wholesale and retail market. Open late (some 24 hours). Great for bulk buying.

• Best for: Wholesale, fabrics, accessories, late-night shopping
• Stores: Doota, Migliore, Hello APM
• Subway: Dongdaemun Station (Line 1/4)
• Hours: 10 AM - 5 AM (some 24 hours)
• Budget: Budget to mid-range
• Special: Best for late-night shopping

5. Insadong (인사동)

Traditional cultural street. Perfect for Korean souvenirs and crafts.

• Best for: Traditional crafts, souvenirs, calligraphy, tea
• Stores: Ssamziegil, traditional craft shops
• Subway: Anguk Station (Line 3), Exit 6
• Hours: 10 AM - 8 PM
• Budget: Mid-range

Korea is the beauty capital of the world. Here's what to buy and where:

Must-Buy K-Beauty Products

• Sheet Masks: ₩1,000-3,000 each (buy 10-packs for ₩10,000)
• BB Cream: ₩15,000-30,000
• Essence: ₩20,000-50,000
• Serum: ₩25,000-60,000
• Lip Tint: ₩5,000-15,000
• Cushion Foundation: ₩20,000-40,000

Best K-Beauty Brands

Where to Buy K-Beauty

• Olive Young: Korea's largest beauty chain - best selection
• Brand Stores: Innisfree, Etude House, etc. - often have promotions
• Duty-Free: Incheon Airport - tax-free prices
• Online: Gmarket, Coupang - often cheaper but need Korean address

Korean Fashion Styles

• K-Style: Cute, feminine, pastel colors
• Streetwear: Urban, trendy, popular in Hongdae
• Minimalist: Clean, simple, neutral colors
• Vintage: Growing trend, especially in Hongdae

Best Places for Fashion

• Hongdae: Young, trendy, affordable
• Gangnam: High-end, designer brands
• Myeongdong: Mix of international and local brands
• Dongdaemun: Wholesale, bulk buying
• Apgujeong: Luxury fashion, designer boutiques

• K-Beauty Products: Sheet masks, lip tints, skincare sets
• Traditional Crafts: Hanji (Korean paper), ceramics, fans
• Food: Korean snacks, instant ramen, kimchi (vacuum-packed)
• K-Pop Merchandise: Albums, posters, lightsticks
• Korean Tea: Traditional teas from Insadong
• Stationery: Cute Korean stationery, stickers
• Hanbok: Traditional Korean dress (can be expensive)

Where to Buy Souvenirs

• Insadong: Traditional crafts, cultural items
• Myeongdong: K-beauty, general souvenirs
• Namdaemun Market: Wide variety, good prices
• Gwangjang Market: Traditional items, food
• Airport Duty-Free: Last-minute shopping, tax-free

Tax Refund (Tax-Free Shopping)

• Look for "Tax-Free" signs at stores
• Spend over ₩30,000 ($24) to qualify
• Show passport at purchase
• Get refund at airport before departure
• Save receipts - you'll need them!

Bargaining

• Department stores: Fixed prices, no bargaining
• Markets: Can negotiate, especially for multiple items
• Dongdaemun: Wholesale prices, can negotiate
• Tourist areas: Usually fixed prices

Payment Methods

• Credit cards widely accepted
• Cash preferred at markets and small shops
• T-money card can be used at some stores
• Mobile payment (Kakao Pay, Naver Pay) - requires Korean account

Useful Phrases

• "얼마예요?" (eolmayeyo?) - How much?
• "할인 있어요?" (halin isseoyo?) - Do you have a discount?
• "샘플 주세요" (saempeul juseyo) - Please give me a sample
• "택스 프리" (taekseu peuri) - Tax-free