Seoul might as well be known as the city of shopping, with its seemingly endless stretches of streets lined with stores of all kinds. Clothes, shoes, bags, beauty products—you name it, Seoul probably has it. It is basically impossible to visit the South Korean capital without doing some serious shopping.

There is a vast number of markets, malls and shopping districts in Seoul that could get you lost and confused, especially if it is your first time visiting the land of kimchi. But whether you are looking to splurge a little more, or going tighter on the budget, Seoul’s vibrant shopping streets cater to all.

Here are The 5 Must-Visit Shopping Districts In Seoul.

#1 MYEONG-DONG SHOPPING DISTRICT

A visit to Myeong-dong is a no-brainer. It is dubbed as the center of shopping in South Korea, with big names such as H&M, Zara, UNIQLO, Nike, and more calling the district home.

A quick walk down the street will also prove how much Koreans love their beauty products—there is an abundance of skincare and beauty stores all around Myeong-dong. This is where you find all the cult Korean brands and the popular names that you always see Korean models and YouTubers endorse.

The best part is that a number of the stores in Myeong-dong offer shopping discounts for tourists, so be sure to check with the sale staff before you shop! While you are doing so, do not forget to indulge in Myeong-dong’s best street food.

Myeong-dong
Jung-gu, Seoul
Nearest Station: Myeong-dong Station

#2 EWHA WOMANS UNIVERSITY

Put a shopping street near a university and you will immediately get pocket-friendly prices, and an array of trendier apparel selection. Because students are always scrimping and looking out for the best deals, the stores surrounding the school serve as a cheaper shopping option for those on a budget.

Pop by the shopping district right outside Ewha Womans University as that is where you can also find affordable fashion apparels and a selection of cheaper restaurants and cafes. When you are tired of shopping, pay a visit to the university for a look and feel of the schools in South Korea.

Ewha Womans University
52, Ewhayeodae-gil, Seoul
Nearest Station: Ewha Women University

#3 DONGDAEMUN MARKET

If a full day of shopping and eating isn’t enough (and why would it be?), go down to Dongdaemun market. The shops here only start at about 9pm and doesn’t close till 5am in the morning.

Consider Dongdaemun as South Korea’s very own Platinum Mall. The district is split into two main sections—the retail stores and wholesale markets. The stores mainly sell their goods at regular retail prices, while the latter offer dirt-cheap, wholesale prices instead.

In fact, it is said that apparels from street shops you see in train stations or shopping districts get their stocks from Dongdaemun!

Dongdaemun Market
Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Nearest Station: Dongdaemun

#4 HONGDAE SHOPPING DISTRICT

Hongdae is, quite simply, a must-visit destination while you are in Seoul. Located near Hongik University, the stuff you’ll find there is also reasonably cheap. But shopping isn’t all that you can do at Hongdae.

Because Hongik University is known for its arts programmes, you will be able to experience a bit more of the Korean youth culture while you are there.

There are free concerts from time to time, and you can even pop by the Hongdae Free Market from March to November to see shoes, shirts, ceramic accessories and more handmade by Hongik University students.

Hongdae Shopping District
Eoulmadang-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Nearest Staion: Hongik University

Photo Credit: The Seoul Guide

#5 APGUJEONG RODEO STREET

Can’t get enough of your Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Prada bags? Apgujeong is probably where you will be happiest. Located in Gangnam, this street is lined with high-end fashion labels that will bring out your inner shopaholic. There is also the Galleria Department Store which houses many other big fashion brands.

Those who are unwilling to splurge has other options at Apgujeong as well. Keep a lookout for independent stores featuring street fashion apparels at affordable price tags.

Apgujeong Rodeo Street
Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Nearest Station: Apgujeong

For more recommendations, read our Seoul’s food and travel guides featuring the best places to visit in the city.

The world is not done with the Korean craze just yet.

This Korean city is fascinating to say the least. There are so many things to see, so much to do, lots to eat, and many to fall in love with. Think of the palace visits, day trips to surrounding islands, street snacks and authentic Korean samgyetang, crazy cosmetics shopping and bargain-scouting at the universities, Lotte World, and K-pop.

We can only say that if you haven’t been to Seoul, you are missing out, and you need to understand what tickles the world. Fans of the city, do you also agree with these 24 Reasons to Love Seoul?

#1 GAROSU-GIL, A BEAUTIFUL TREE-LINED STREET WITH MANY NICHE BOUTIQUES, CHIC CAFES, AND FANCY RESTAURANTS

Located between Sinsa-dong and Apgujeong, Garosu-gil – which means “tree-lined street” in Korean – is fast becoming the hippest area in Seoul. It is a paradise where you can find niche boutiques, chic cafes, fancy restaurants and trendy hair salons; and every shopfront is a photo spot.

Be charmed by the whole charisma of this area where every soul is well-dressed; entice your senses with the unique offerings of arts, fashion and food; spend a day here and you will want to go back to Seoul again and again.

Read: 19 beautiful cafes in Garosu-gil that you must visit.

#2 GYEONGBOK-GUNG – THE MAIN ROYAL PALACE OF THE JOSEON DYNASTY

Gyeongbok-gung was the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. Take a walk through the ancient fortress, and learn about how the Korean royalty lived and breathed their culture.

#3 SAMGYETANG – THE WORLD’S FAMOUS KOREAN GINSENG CHICKEN SOUP

No one leaves Seoul without a piping hot bowl of ginseng chicken soup, or better known as samgyetang. The most famous Korean Ginseng Chicken restaurant in Seoul is Tosokchon – certainly a must-visit when you are in the city. We would suggest coming here for lunch before visiting Gyeongbokgung palace, which is just located 5 minutes away.

5, Jahamun-ro 5-gil
Jongno-gu, Seoul
Tel: +82 2 737 7444
Nearest Station: Gyeongbokgung Station (Exit 2)

#4 VISIT TO NORYANGJIN FISHERIES WHOLESALE MARKET

Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market – often compared to Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market – is certainly one of the must-visit places when you are in Seoul. There are many stalls in the market where you can buy fresh sashimi, lobsters, crabs, prawns, live octopus, and a whole lot of other seafood which you probably have not seen before. After purchasing the seafood (make sure to bargain), go to the back of the market to find a restaurant to cook them for you in your preferred style(s).

#5 BUKCHON HANOK VILLAGE – A CHARMING TRADITIONAL VILLAGE

A traditional village located just a stone’s throw away from Gyeongbok-gung, Bukchon Hanok Village is a charming enclave of old and new. ‘Hanok’ refers to the traditional houses that date back to the Joseon Dynasty. Today, the village is filled with teahouses, guesthouses and cultural centres.

#6 HAVE DESSERTS AT PASSION 5

If you ask for only one dessert spot in Seoul, it will be Passion 5. They have five different categories of dining all under one roof – gelato corner, bakery take-out station, patisserie and café, chocolatier and a full-fledged restaurant. Everything on display is so pretty that you are so going to have a hard time deciding on just one.

Passion 5 is also listed as one of our 10 favourite cafes in Seoul.

272, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Tel: +82 2 2071 9507
Nearest Station: Hangangjin

#7 MYEONGDONG – COMSESTIC HEAVEN IN SEOUL

Situated in the central of the capital city, Myeong-dong is a concentrated area that bustles with life all the way till 11pm. Besides the regular street snacks, coffee joints, random apparel boutiques and lifestyle services parlours, Myeong-dong houses all the local beauty brands – Think Etude House, The Face Shop, Tony Moly, Innisfree, Holika Holika, Aritaum (for Laneige) etc - and is the to-go pad for cosmetic shopping in Seoul.

There are restaurants and local eateries along every street in Seoul, each specialising in their respective dishes. Here’s a guide on the 17 restaurants, eateries and cafes to dine at in Seoul.

#8 LOTTE WORLD – INDOOR THEME PARK, OUTDOOR AMUSEMENT PARK, HOTEL, SHOPPING MALLS UNDER ONE ROOF

A major recreation centre in Seoul, Lotte World is one fascinating place to be at. With an indoor theme park that’s the world’s largest, and outdoor amusement park, a luxury hotel, many belts of shopping malls, sport facilities, movie theatres, and a Korean folk museum. It is massive, and you can easily spend a day here. Lotte World opens all year round, even through winter.

#9 N-SEOUL TOWER AT NANSAM PARK FOR THE BEST VIEW OF SEOUL

N Seoul Tower at Nansam Park offers a bird’s eye view of Seoul. If you are planning to head there, we suggest to make a reservation for lunch at N-Grill steak restaurant – a revolving restaurant located at the top of N Seoul Tower which offers a terrific and value-for-money set lunch.

#10 EXPLORE SAMCHEONG-DONG, A QUAINT AND CHARMING AREA WITH LOTS OF ART GALLERIES, CAFES AND BOUTIQUES

Just a stone’s throw away from Gyeongbokgung is the quaint area of Samcheong-dong, where you can find several art galleries, cafes, eateries and boutiques. The National Folk Museum of Korea is also located within this neighbourhood.

#11 KOREAN BBQ PARTY ALL DAY EVERY DAY

No trip to Seoul is complete without a round of meat feast. Or many rounds, for that matter. Because it is ultra satisfying and a very quintessential Korean thing to do, and we really would not mind BBQ-ed pork belly every day if it wasn’t so fattening!

#12 MIDNIGHT SHOPPING AT DONGDAEMUN

Going to Dongdaemun – the fashion centre of Seoul – was quite an experience for me. For some reason, I have always pictured the wholesale fashion centre to be messy and disorganised – like Bangkok’s Platinum Mall, or Taipei’s Wufenpu. Instead, Dongdaenum turned out to be an area with endless trendy shopping malls with nicely decorated shops displaying arrays and arrays of the latest fashion pieces.

#13 HONGDAE – A HIPSTER NEIGHBOURHOOD IN SEOUL

We’d love to think of Hongdae as the most happening area of Seoul. In the day, you can shop your fill with all the indie boutiques and cosmetic shops; when night falls, the whole area transform to a party of street basking, bars and random dancing. If you are lucky to be there during the right period, there are occasional flea markets too.

#14 EWHA WOMEN UNIVERSITY SHOPPING

This is a shoppers’ heaven. Ladies, listen up – a massive range of fashion awaits. You can find all sorts of styles and price points here, alongside bars, restaurants, stationery shops and cosmetic boutiques. This is also the place where you scout for the best bargains; even the Korean students get dressed up here!

#15 CRAZY COSMETICS SHOPPING – YOU NAME IT, SEOUL HAS IT

Seoul is synonymous with everything beauty-related – cosmetics, skincare, eyelash extension, facial reconstruction, plastic surgery… you name it, and I am pretty sure they have it. While not everyone is game to go under the knife, we are still vain deep within us, and wherever possible, we want to look our best. Without cosmetic procedures, we can still have fun at Seoul with the endless streets and alleys of beauty offerings. Think your favourite brands like Etude House, Innisfree, Laneige, Tony Moly and The Face Shop. Well, and many more, of course.

#16 EAT YOUR WAY THROUGH SEOUL’S BEST STREET SNACKS

Well, well. What can we say? Eat your way through Seoul, of course! There will surely be something that entice – French fries dog, tornado chips, BBQ squid, meat skewers, spicy rice cakes… and the list goes on. Just remember to not wear skinny jeans.

Strolling along the streets of Seoul means feasting on Korean Street Snacks non-stop. Here are 15 Korean Street Snacks That You Must Try When in Korea.

#17 VISIT SEOUL DURING THE CHERRY BLOSSOMS PERIOD

But of course, if you are lucky enough to be at Seoul during the cherry blossoms period, you’d learn of the sheer beauty that those pretty pink flowers have to show you. Every bit stunning, and they are memories that will forever be etched in your heart.

#18 DINE AT A POJANGMACHA (ROADSIDE TENT)

Or otherwise known as roadside tents. We love to eat at a pojangmacha – small tented restaurants on wheels, or roadside street stalls – where locals go for snacks and drinks after work. You can easily find one to have Samgyeopsal, Ddeokbokki and wash it down with soju. If you are going to Namdaemun Market, there is a stretch of pojangmachas at the entrance of the market.

#19 DAY TRIP TO NAMI ISLAND

Plan an escapade to Nami Island and embrace the Korean culture and nature. Nami Island is home to several art galleries, as well as the Song Museum. There are also indoor and outdoor stages for performances, and the most iconic of all is the Metasequoia Path – one of the main filming locations for Korean Broadcasting System.

Plenty of tourists traverse the dazzling urban cityscapes that Seoul has to offer. However, a great deal of adventure lies beyond the nation’s capital, and within the rustic and beautiful countrysides of South Korea. Here are 3 adventures that you must experience in Korea.

#20 K-POP FEVER

Because what is a trip to Seoul without dancing to Girls’ Generation and G-dragon’s tracks on the streets, right? Everywhere you go, regardless of time, someone somewhere will blast K-pop songs and that is when you heck the world, tap your feet and start shaking your bombom!

#21 GANGNAM IS MORE THAN JUST OPPA GANGNAM STYLE

Psy’s Oppa Gangnam Style took the world by storm, and we are pretty certain everyone knows about Gangnam by now. Gangnam-gu – which literally means “South of the River” – is one of the twenty five gu which makes up the city of Seoul. Make a stop at Gangnam Station – the busiest station in the whole of Seoul. There, you can find hip restaurants, bars and eateries.

#22 MUKSHIDONNA TTEOKBOKKI

There are many one-pot goodness in the world – different varieties and all that – but there is nothing that has wow-ed us as much as Mukshidonna Tteokbokki Restaurant did.

We are going to have you read on, and you have to, because if you go to Seoul and you miss this, you are really missing out in life. Mukshidonna Tteokbokki Restaurant is completely our idea of comfort, and it is so affordably priced that you can eat it often.

#23 KYUNGRIDAN-GIL – A LOVELY NEIGHBOURHOOD FILLED WITH COSY CAFES AND CUTE SHOPS

Quite possibly our new favourite area in Seoul (besides Garosu-gil), Kyungridan is a up-and-coming neighbourhood filled with quaint and cosy cafes and lifestyle shops. You have to spend a day to explore this neighbourhood.

#24 GWANGJANG MARKET

Gwangjang Market is one of the largest and oldest traditional markets in South Korea. You can find many stalls selling vegetables, meat, fish, clothing, textile and kitchenware. But the highlight here is definitely the food stalls selling all kinds of Korean food. Gwangjang Market is famous for the Bindaetteok (or Mung Bean pancakes), make sure you try it when you are there.

Fans of Running Man might find Gwangjang Market very familiar (watch episode 186).

For more recommendations, read our curated food and travel guides on the best things to do, eat and see in Seoul.

Seoul is synonymous with everything beauty-related – cosmetics, skincare, eyelash extension, facial reconstruction, plastic surgery… you name it, and I am pretty sure they have it.

While not everyone is game to go under the knife, we are still vain deep within us, and wherever possible, we want to look our best. Without cosmetic procedures, we can still have fun at Seoul with the endless streets and alleys of beauty offerings in the happening area of Myeong-dong. Trust me when I say that even the typical men with zero interest in masks and moisturisers will give in and reach out for that bottle of very affordable face lotion. And needless to say, Myeong-dong is a heaven for females. Here is our guide to shopping in Myeong-dong, Seoul.

Situated in the central of the capital city, Myeong-dong is a concentrated area that bustles with life all the way till 11pm. Besides the regular street snacks, coffee joints, random apparel boutiques and lifestyle services parlors, Myeong-dong houses all the local beauty brands – Think Etude House, The Face Shop, Tony Moly, Innisfree, Holika Holika, Aritaum (for Laneige) etc - and is the to-go pad for cosmetic shopping in Seoul.

And if this is not mind-blowing enough, you would squeal upon knowing that there are multiple outlets per brand. Just Etude House alone, we counted 5 outlets, all a stone’s throw away from each other. And that is just what I like, because if you cannot find a particular product in the first outlet you step into, there is always a few more in another outlet – without having to walk much.

I have never seen such a beauty archipelago before, and it is no rocket science to understand why avid beauty lovers spend so many hours there. Apart from the diverse offerings and options and extremely pocket-friendly prices (Etude House is at least 50% cheaper than that of Singapore’s prices, and brands like Innisfree are only available in Korea), you would love to know that in Korea, they practice giving out freebies with purchases. They call that ‘service’, and this service include travel-sized beauty products, masks sheets and cosmetic samples. The amount of freebies is dependent on how much you spend.

After a night of shopping, what better way to retreat into the night than to sit down at one of their many coffee joints and bakeries for a drink and a slice of cake? Household names like Paris Baguette Cafe operates till 0000hrs, and they have take-out options as well.

Are you already excited about what awaits you at Myeong-dong? Well, even if you are not a fan of beauty products, it is still worth a trip to the happening pad. Pig out on street snacks or sip coffee as you people-watch!

And a little reminder for all you crazy shoppers – tax refund forms will only be given upon asking.

Words by Melody Yap, photographs by ladyironchef