K-dramas have an irresistible allure that makes you want to visit Korea, perhaps explaining why Singaporeans are drawn to Seoul all year-round. During spring, you get to witness the cherry blossoms, and in summer, you can fight the heat with water activities. Most importantly, there are tons of shopping options available in Seoul.
To help you better plan your trip and expenses, below is a guide to shopping in Seoul, categorised based on the types of shops for an easier game plan.
If it is your first time visiting Seoul, you will want to include shopping districts like Hongdae, Myeongdong, and Gangnam, which are popular among foreigners and local Koreans. These places are the origin of fashion trends, and chances are, you’ll spot many well-dressed people who might inspire your next OOTD.
Depending on your budget and shopping style, shopping in Seoul is relatively affordable for most tourists. While there are shops that offer high-end products, you can also easily find gifts and souvenirs that are budget-friendly.
Hongdae is a cult favourite for its trendy fashion pieces and streetwear, so it is not surprising to see many youngsters visiting the area. Besides keeping a lookout for stylish accessories, bags, and shoes, you can also drop by thrift shops that offer one-of-a-kind vintage clothing. These shops tend to be located underground, so you might want to do your research beforehand.
Fans of BT21 and LINE Friends would also be pleased to know that there is a LINE Friends flagship store that offers a variety of merchandise. You can take IG-worthy shots at their photo spots and score exclusive shopping deals too.
Nearest subway station: Hongik University Station, Line 2
Myeongdong is a must-visit for beauty lovers as the street is brimming with skincare and makeup shops. You’ll find renowned brands like Laneige, Innisfree, and Etude, and the biggest Olive Young outlet, Korea’s most popular drugstore. Furthermore, these shops often have exclusive sales, so you might want to take advantage of their ongoing offers and stock up on your beauty needs.
Beyond the selection of beauty items you can find at Myeongdong, you can also drop by shops that sell K-pop albums and merchandise to support your favourite idols.
Nearest subway station: Myeongdong Station, Line 4
If you didn’t know already, there are a couple of universities located near Sinchon and Ewha Women’s University subway stations, which explains why the shops there offer apparel and accessories that appeal to a younger audience. Since they are only one station apart, be sure to check out the shopping area if you happen to be there.
Similar to the aforementioned shopping streets, you’ll find fashionable and affordable clothes that begin from as low as KRW10,000 (~S$9.88).
P.S.: There are shops near Ewha Women’s University that sell a pair of socks for KRW1,000 (~S$0.98).
Nearest subway station: Sinchon Station, Ewha Women’s University Station, Line 2
Include Seongsu in your itinerary if you’re a fan of cafe hopping and shopping for up-and-coming local brands like Stand Oil and OIOI. The trending neighbourhood is known for having various aesthetic photo spots and a hipster atmosphere.
While you’re there, be sure to visit LCDC Seoul, a former building with a shoe factory converted into a multi-purpose space. There, you’ll be able to explore pop-ups, chill at a rooftop bar, and admire the scenery that the neighbourhood has to offer.
Nearest subway station: Seongsu, Line 2
Artsy folks who love to enhance their style with fashion accessories and clothing should head down to Hannam. The area boasts trendy boutiques, art galleries, and themed cafes for a fulfilling shopping experience.
Notably, there is the flagship store of Suit Supply, where professionals can find tailored workwear and suits. They also offer in-store alterations that can be completed in 30 minutes. Additionally, you’ll be awed by the five-story flagship store of the Japanese fashion brand Comme des Garçons, which offers art pieces and lifestyle items.
Nearest subway station: Hangang Jin, Line 6
One reason why many people enjoy shopping at underground malls is because of the shelter they provide ‒ you can still shop to your heart’s content no matter the weather conditions.
The underground shopping mall at Gangnam Station offers a diverse range of apparel and accessories, some shops even cater to males. If you’re a working adult and looking to splurge on new clothes, this might just be the place to put together new outfits.
No worries if you feel thirsty halfway through your shopping, there are also cafes and snack bars to boost your energy for round two of shopping.
Nearest subway station: Gangnam Station, Line 2
Spanning across 880m, the Goto Mall at Express Bus Terminal Station is a dream come true for shopaholics. While there are plenty of shops that offer clothes, shoes, accessories, and bags, you might be surprised to find a section dedicated to selling lifestyle items like pillows, blankets, potted plants, and glassware. Moreover, many of these items begin from KRW5,000 (~S$4.90).
No worries if you’re lacking in cash ‒ there are several ATMs along the shopping stretch where you can withdraw money.
As a word of advice to those visiting the underground shopping mall for the first time, remember to take note of which exit you enter from to avoid getting lost.
Nearest subway station: Express Bus Terminal Station, Line 3/7/9
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Art junkies who’d love to get their hands on creative trinkets and whimsical souvenirs for their loved ones can head down to Insadong. The traditional street has rows of shops that feature artisans and their intricate pieces like canvas paintings, pottery pieces, and calligraphy works.
To support local artists, you can also visit Ssamzigil, which is located at the heart of Insadong. There, you’ll find handicrafts and an assortment of home decor that add a touch of sophistication to your living space.
Nearest subway station: Anguk Station, Line 3
Ikseondong is a tranquil spot that offers you a chance to shop in restructured traditional Hanok houses. Besides handcrafted goods and traditional souvenirs, you can also rent Hanboks for a fun photoshoot session.
Furthermore, it only takes you about 10 minutes from Insadong to reach the place so you might want to add Ikseondong to your itinerary to fully immerse in the Korean traditional culture.
Nearest subway station: Anguk Station, Line 3
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Compared to the shopping experience you’ll get at luxury brands in Singapore, the ones located at Apgujeong Rodeo are on another level. The reason? Many of these brands have their own building, providing customers with a memorable retail experience.
A walk down the street, and you’ll be greeted by unique architecture that belong to brands like Dior, Gucci, Burberry, and Prada. Since most of them are located next to each other, you can easily hop from one store to another, making your shopping experience even more convenient.
Nearest subway station: Apgujeong Rodeo Station, Line Sooin Bundang
Make shopping at Garosugil the highlight of your trip when you discover local designer goods that you won’t be able to find elsewhere. Explore up-and-rising fashion brands like Selva and Vivicho, and drop by cosmetic shops like Banila Co. to stock up on your beauty favourites.
If you get a lil’ snacky while shopping, there are plenty of aesthetically-pleasing cafes for you to take a break.
Fun fact: Garosugil is named after the rows of ginkgo trees planted on the sides of the street.
Nearest subway station: Sinsa Station, Line 3
Heads up to those who love to get their hands on adorable miniatures, stickers, and K-pop goods ‒ AK Plaza at Hongdae is the place to visit. Starting from the first level, you’ll spot Artbox, a well-known stationery shop among locals. On the second floor, there is Butter, which is widely loved for its cute lifestyle items.
Of course, there are even more for you to discover as you head further up, such as official K-pop lightsticks and albums. Anime fans would also be pleasantly surprised by the amount of merchandise and pop-ups available at the mall.
Nearest subway station: Hongik University Station, Line 2
Trend chasers will be delighted to step into one of Seoul’s newest department stores, The Hyundai Seoul. Inside, there is an assortment of shops, spanning from luxury boutiques to electronics stores. The spacious layout might even leave you wondering just how massive the mall truly is.
The department store also hosts immersive pop-up events from time to time, and offers plenty of photo opportunities to capture photos for the ‘gram.
Nearest subway station: Yeoinaru Station, Line 5
Visitors who have been to Seoul before would probably have heard of the Lotte Department Store that is located near Myeongdong. It has a dedicated duty-free shopping section spread across three floors, and a two-story food court that lets you try out Korean delicacies.
Besides the usual boutique stores and an array of food selections, they have another building that is dedicated to the youth, Lotte Young Plaza. Treat your young ones to adorable stationery at the Kakao Friends store, and get hands-on at the Lego store.
Since both department stores are connected, you can easily make your way over to each building via a sky bridge.
Nearest subway station: Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station, Line 2
Shilla IPark Duty Free is another department store where you can purchase a plethora of duty-free items. Built to provide locals and tourists with a premium shopping destination, the department store also offers various facilities like an IMAX cinema and a futsal stadium.
Conveniently situated in the heart of Seoul, Yongsan, it boasts proximity to both subway and train stations.
Nearest subway station: Yongsan, Line 1
Similar to Singapore, most places in Seoul accept both cash and card payments. However, you might still want to carry cash on you because there are some stores which charge an extra 10% if you plan to pay by card.
Every country has its own culture, and to ensure a smooth and pleasant shopping trip in Seoul, it’s important to take note of the following tips.
Yes, if you’re shopping at stores that come with a tax-free label, you’ll be able to get tax refunds for purchases above KRW30,000 (~S$29.60). In this case, you can head to a tax refund kiosk at Incheon International Airport before you leave the country.
Alternatively, if you’re already shopping at duty-free department stores, rest assured that you won’t have to go through the hassle of getting tax refunds.
More information on how to do a tax refund can be found here.
Many shops in Seoul tend to open till late at night, but to avoid disappointment, you should always take note of their opening hours before heading down. Besides shopping, there are plenty of things you can do in Seoul like sightseeing and going on a mountain hike.
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