9 Best Places to Go Shopping in Seoul
Where to Shop in Seoul and What to Buy?
The best places to shop in Seoul are not just limited to shopping malls but are littered across districts within the city center. You’ll be spending hours browsing through racks of clothes, electronics, accessories, jewelry, leather goods, beauty products, arts and crafts, and antiques.
Seoul’s popular shopping districts have family-friendly attractions such as museums, theaters, 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.
1. Myeong-dong
Seoul’s premier shopping district
Good for: Food, Shoppers
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, jewelry, and handbags from local and international brands should you want to update your wardrobe. There are over 1,000 outlets selling Korean cosmetics and skincare to keep your beauty routine slick. Myeongdong Market also has incredible sightseeing spots worthy of an Instagram photo or 2. Iconic landmarks include the Myeongdong Catholic Cathedral and Myeongdong Nanta Theater. Read more
Myeong-dong
2. Dongdaemun
For hours of retail therapy
Good for: Food, Nightlife, Shoppers
Dongdaemun is one of South Korea’s largest wholesale and retail shopping districts so you’ll need plenty of time to explore it all. Thanks to around 26 shopping malls, 30,000 specialty shops, and 50,000 manufacturers, you can be sure to find everything you need. Items for sale range from textiles, clothes, shoes, and jewelry, to leather goods, toys, electronics, and office supplies.
Dongdaemun attracts foodies with the amazing 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.
Dongdaemun
3. Starfield COEX Mall
Asia’s largest underground shopping mall
Good for: Families, Shoppers
Starfield COEX Mall has over 300 brands, ranging from fashion and beauty to electronics and entertainment. Whether you’re looking for international brands or an authentic South Korean souvenir, you’ll find it here. A must-visit at this shopping mall is the Starfield Library, which has over 50,000 reading materials arranged in 13-meter-high bookshelves.
The mall effortlessly combines shopping and entertainment with a state-of-the-art movie theater. Children will love the state-of-the-art movie theater, ensuring that family shopping trip is never a dull affair. Additionally, K-Pop fans can find a ton of merch for their favorite idols, and can take a selfie with the iconic Gangnam Style statue outside the east side of the mall.
Location: 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Open: Daily from 10.30 am to 10 pm
Phone: +82 (0)26-002-5300
Starfield COEX Mall
4. Hongdae
Trendy arts and shopping district
Good for: Food, Nightlife, Shoppers
Hongdae is known for its youthful ambience, underground cultures, and freedom of self-expression. Local youths and students of the neighboring Hongik University often visit the district’s many cafes, art galleries, fashion outlets, live music bars, and clubs. There are plenty of shops selling wares ranging from handmade clothes to luxury goods.
A thriving artistic community, Hongdae plays host to busking street performers, murals, and quaint markets. You’re just as likely to find stalls selling handmade souvenirs as you are to find luxury boutiques and trendy South Korean brands. Read more
Hongdae
5. Lotte Department Store Myeongdong
Well-connected department store
Good for: Shoppers, Food
Myeongdong’s Lotte Department Store has an impressive collection of apparel, accessories, jewelry, beauty products, furniture, electronics, and sports equipment. You can also find a duty-free outlet, art gallery, and a food court that offers a wide range of local and international delicacies to enjoy once you’ve finished shopping.
You can even request for your purchases to be delivered to the airport for pick-up. It’s directly connected to Lotte Hotel Seoul, making it convenient for guests to enjoy a day of sightseeing in Myeongdong.
Location: 81 Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Open: Daily from 10.30 am to 8 pm
Phone: +82 (0)2-2200-0111
Lotte Department Store Myeongdong
6. Apgujeong
One of South Korea’s wealthiest neighborhoods
Good for: Shoppers, Luxury
Apgujeong is a shopping district where Seoul’s rich and famous shop for designer brands. Also known as Apgujeongp-ro, the streets of this upmarket district are lined with beauty clinics, department stores, luxury boutiques, and shopping malls.
Among the many international brands available here include Goyard, Valentino, and Saint Laurent, all of which are located in the Galleria Shopping Mall. Apgujeong Rodeo Street is the prime place for cosmetic and beauty care, as well as dining at fancy cafes and fine-dining restaurants. K-drama fans will have an amazing time spotting glamorous filming locations from their favorite shows.
Apgujeong
7. Galleria
South Korea’s first luxury brand department store
Good for: Shoppers, Luxury
Aiming to bring you the latest and most luxurious K-styles, Galleria Department Store is a great place for shoppers who are looking for high-quality branded items during their trip to the country’s capital. It’s located at Apgujeong Rodeo Street, one of Seoul’s most upmarket shopping streets.
You can find just about anything at Galleria, from shoes, bags, and accessories, to sports gear and trendy clothes by big-name designers. Prices are towards the higher end, and you might even spot Seoul’s rich and famous shopping at the department store. The building is stunning too, as it boasts a pearl-like façade that lights up beautifully after dark.
Location: 343 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Open: Monday–Thursday from 10.30 am to 8 pm, Friday–Sunday from 10.30 am to 8.30 pm
Phone: +82 (0)23-544-6600
Galleria
8. Itaewon
Where you can combine shopping with international cuisine
Good for: Shoppers, Food
Itaewon has more than 100 shops specializing in imported fashion brands, leather goods, handbags, shoes, souvenirs, and antiques. You can also find a diverse range of clothing sizes, with local tailors offering deluxe custom-made apparels.
A unique part of Itaewon is its extensive food offerings. International restaurants, bars, and clubs occupy the streets behind Hamilton Hotel Seoul. Itaewon is also known as Seoul’s Special Tourism District so you can expect cuisines from all over the world, including Greece, Pakistan, Italy, India, Thailand, China, Australia, France, and Mexico.
Itaewon
9. Insa-dong
Dynamic arts and culture district
Good for: Food, Photo, Shoppers
Insa-dong is a vibrant district with dozens of antique shops, traditional teahouses, and bookstores along its alleys. There are around 100 art galleries, attracting those specializing in traditional Korean fine art. Popular spots include Hakgojae Gallery, which displays folk art, and Gana Art Center, where you get to see works by up-and-coming artists from across the country.
Shop for authentic goods and souvenirs such as folk clothing named hanbok, traditional paper named hanji, artwork, vintage toys, pottery, and folk crafts. Every weekend, Insa-dong’s main street becomes a pedestrian-friendly space. Enjoy classical concerts, art exhibits, and Korean street food during your visit to Insa-dong.
Insa-dong
10. Samcheong-dong
A charming town with a wealth of homeware stores
Good for: Couples, History, Shoppers
Samcheong-dong is a quiet town with a retro vibe in Seoul, featuring many small shops selling unique and cute home interior goods, daily necessities, and stationery that match the local atmosphere. Homeware often seen in swanky Samcheong-dong cafés are particularly popular with trendy shoppers.
If you’re looking for accessories that don’t appear out-of-place in a small house or on a tiny desk, make sure you check out the shops in Samcheong-dong. This quaint neighborhood is also perfect if you’re looking for unique and handmade clothing and jewelry.
Samcheong-dong
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