Love shopping? Then Seoul is your ultimate shopper’s paradise! From trendy boutiques to bargain finds, Seoul offers a shopping experience like no other. Latest K-fashion, viral skincare, or unique souvenirs, yes – this city has it all! Get ready to shop ‘til you drop and uncover the best shopping places in Seoul!
Of course, this is different from traveling across the best cities in Asia and I’m sure culture shock is inevitable in discovering the South Korean lifestyle. But I promise you, your itinerary will not be complete without this experience. It cures visitors who tour Asia seeking the shopping district and retail therapy!
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South Korea is known for its rich culture and unique traditions. And with the influence of K-pop or Kdrama, a lot of youngsters (or even adults) get hooked by the Korean influence. Fashion, skincare, cosmetics, food, and a lot more, you’d never go home without having some products not related to any of these.
That’s why we made this article just for you! If you’re here and you’re reading this, good luck! You’re about to get robbed (not literally, lol) as you will enter any of these markets and go home with an empty wallet but with luggage full of awesome souvenirs. Definitely all worth it!
Before setting off on your Seoul adventure, be sure to secure travel insurance. This essential coverage protects you against unexpected mishaps – from medical emergencies to lost belongings – ensuring you can shop, explore, and enjoy every moment in Seoul with peace of mind.
While planning your journey, remember to pack a garment folder to keep your outfits neat and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated on the go.
1. Myeongdong
Let’s start the list with the epitome of shopping spots in Seoul, none other than Myeongdong. You can find almost everything here. It has tons of department stores, shopping malls, and street-side shops. You’ll find a lot of items here such as cheap clothes, shoes, accessories, jewelry, and handbags from both local and international brands. In addition to fashion, Myeongdong offers a range of household items.
Address: 83-9 Myeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Operating Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM (hours may vary by store)​
Nearest Stations: Myeongdong Station, Exits 5, 6, 7, or 8 or Euljiro 1 (ij-ga) Station, Exits 5 or 6
2. Hongdae
In case you’re looking for a place that will bring out the youth in you, whether you want to go shopping or not, Hongdae is the place to be. There are various shops selling products ranging from handmade clothes to high-end items. The fashion shops will make you go crazy as you’ll see tons of designs by local designers.
And when you’re here, don’t forget to check out street performances, festivals, and live music that most youth and students of Hongik University often go to. Also, visit the unique cafes that add an artistic flair to the neighborhood, along with lively street performances and festivals.
Address: Hongdae, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Operating Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to midnight (hours may vary by store)​
Nearest Stations: Hongik University Station, Exit 8 or 9
3. Lotte Department Store Myeongdong
Ladies, Hang on tight to your wallets! The Lotte world has tons of skincare and cosmetic products! Not only that, but you can also find accessories, jewelry, furniture, electronics, and sports equipment here. A duty-free outlet can also be found here.
And what’s great about the Lotte Department Store in Myeongdong? You can opt for your purchases to be delivered to the airport for pick-up so you don’t need to carry a lot of shopping bags with you as you go around the area.
Address: 81, Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Operating Hours: Monday–Friday: 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM;
Saturday–Sunday: 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM​
Nearest Stations: Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station
4. Itaewon
Looking for imported fashionable goods? Head your way to Itaewon. It has over 100 shops where you can find souvenirs, antiques, handbags, shoes, leather items, and a lot more!
One of the best parts of Itaewon is it has tons of bars, clubs, and restaurants for all the foodies out there. This must-visit destination offers cuisines from all around the world such as Chinese, Australian, French, Thai, Indian, Greek, Mexican, Italian, and many more!
Address: Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea​
Operating Hours: Varies by store​
Nearest Station: Itaewon Station (Line 6), Exits 1, 2, 3, or 4
5. Dongdaemun
The wholesale and retail goods at Dongdaemun are pure heaven for shop-goers. With 26 malls, 30,000 shops, plus 50,000 manufacturers, you’ll find shoes, clothes, leather goods, textiles, electronics, toys, office supplies, jewelry, and much more here!
There are also tons of street stalls serving delicious Korean street food. And don’t forget – a quick visit to DDP (Dongdaemun Design Plaza) is highly recommended to witness modern design amidst the classic market buzz.
Address: Euljiro 6(yuk)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Operating Hours: Tuesday–Saturday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 AM;
Sunday: 10:30 AM to 11:00 PM​
Nearest Stations: Dongdaemun Stadium Station, exit 8 or 9, or Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station, Exit 2 or 14
6. Goto Mall
Goto Mall, an underground shopping mall often referred to as the basement of Seoul’s retail scene, is an 800-meter-long alley connecting Express Bus Terminal Station and Banpo Station. Here, you’ll find cosmetics, clothes, bags, books, and accessories at prices that are hard to beat – a favorite among locals for its affordability.
Address: Jiha 200, Sinbanpo-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Operating Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM​
Nearest Stations: Express Bus Terminal Station (Lines 3, 7, 9), Exits 8-1 or 8-2​
7. COEX Mall
COEX Mall features numerous brands ranging from beauty and fashion to entertainment and electronics that both tourists and locals love. When you get here, don’t miss the Starfield Library with its 50,000 books or the COEX Aquarium housing over 650 species of marine wildlife. It’s a sprawling shopping area easily accessible via the subway line at Samseong (World Trade Center) Station on Line 2.
Address: 513, Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Operating Hours: Daily from 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM (hours may vary by store)​
Nearest Stations: Samseong Station (Line 2), Exit 5 or 6; Bongeunsa Station (Line 9), Exit 7​
8. Insadong
If you want to buy some traditional Korean crafts, Insadong is the place you should go to. It has plenty of traditional teahouses, antique shops, and bookstores. You can rent or even buy a hanbok if you want to, or buy some traditional paper (hanji), vintage toys, artwork, pottery, etc.
Address: 62, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Operating Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM (hours may vary by store)​
Nearest Stations: Anguk Station (Line 3), Exit 6; Jonggak Station (Line 1), Exit 3
9. Namdaemun Market
Namdaemun Market is a traditional market and is one of the busiest markets in South Korea. If you’re looking for quality leather products, clothing, crafts, imported goods, electronics, and even traditional oriental medicines at affordable prices, this is the place to be. Most clothes here are sold at around 10,000 to 20,000 KRW! You’ll surely take home a lot of goods from this market.
Address: 21, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Operating Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 AM (hours may vary by store)​
Nearest Station: Hoehyeon Station (Line 4), Exit 5​
10. Gwangjang Market
In Gwangjang Market, you can buy textiles, linen bed sheets, handicrafts, satin, silk, and traditional clothes such as hanbok dresses. You’ll find more than 500 shops here that sell cheap but high-quality products, even though they’re not branded.
Address: 88, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Operating Hours: Daily from 8:30 AM to 11:00 PM (hours may vary by store)
Nearest Stations: Jongno 5(o)-ga Station (Line 1), Exit 8; Euljiro 4(sa)-ga Station (Lines 2 and 5), Exit 4
11. E-Mart Yongsan
E-Mart is the largest chain and discount store in South Korea. Expect that items here are cheaper and the store itself is less crowded than Lotte Mart. You can buy a lot of Korean snacks here like Rice Krispies or Smoky Bacon Cheaps. When you visit this place, remember to bring your own bag (or eco bag) as they don’t provide plastic bags.
Address: 55, Hangang-daero 23-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Operating Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to midnight
Nearest Station: Yongsan Station (Line 1), Exit 4
12. Chungbu Market
If you’re craving some dried seafood, you should head your way to Chungbu market. The strong smell of dried seafood will welcome you even before entering the market. Various dried seafood such as dried anchovies can be found here.
Address: Ojang-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Operating Hours: Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Nearest Station: Euljiro 4(sa)-ga Station (Lines 2 and 5), Exit 4
13. Yongsan Electronics Market
Yongsan Electronics Market boasts around 3,000 electronic stores. So if you want a gadget as a souvenir, this is the ideal place for that. Here, a wide array of gadgets, even office equipment, digital cameras, computers, video games, and DVDs can be found. You can even bargain for some stores. Let your bargaining skills be unleashed.
Address: 15-2 Hangangno 2(i)-ga, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Operating Hours: Monday–Friday: 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM;
Saturday–Sunday: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM (hours may vary by store)
Nearest Stations: Yongsan Station (Line 1), Exit 3; Sinyongsan Station (Line 4), Exit 5
14. Tong-In Store
A shopping mall where you can find various traditional crafts, clothing, and books. Tong-In Store is situated on Insadong Street. The finest crafts and awesome antique shops can also be found here. If you want to buy folk paintings, it is also possible but you have to purchase them through auctions.
Address: 32, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Operating Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Nearest Station: Anguk Station (Line 3), Exit 6
15. Seoul Folk Flea Market
If you love collecting antiques, Seoul Folk Flea Market would be heaven for you. Here, you’ll find more than 900 booths along Hwanghakgyo Bridge and Sinseol-dong Station that sell toys, manual typewriters, stones, and even authentic pottery. So if you don’t mind buying second-hand goods, you should go and buy some souvenirs here.
Address: 21, Cheonho-daero 4-gil, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Operating Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (closed every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month)
Nearest Station: Sinseol-dong Station (Lines 1 and 2), Exit 9
Please note that operating hours may vary by store, and checking the latest info is best before planning your visit.
And…. that’s it! That is our list of the best shopping spots in Seoul, South Korea that could rob your wallet (in a good way, lol). So to all the shop-goers out there, Seoul is definitely a paradise for you!
FAQ
Korea is considered a shopping paradise as it offers a wide selection of shopping items from fashion and beauty to food and K-pop merch.
The most expensive area in Seoul, South Korea as of December 2024 was Gangnam-gu with an average apartment selling price of around 2.4 billion South Korean won. The Gangnam area, which includes Gangnam-gu, Seocho-gu, Yongsan-gu, and Songpa-gu, is one of the richest neighborhoods in South Korea.
For travelers on a tight budget, Seoul is even more appealing thanks to its affordability. While some things like going out to trendy bars and eating at Western restaurants can come with a high price tag, many other things in Seoul are cheap, or even free.
About the Writer
Hi there! I’m Fatima. My first major travel was in 2016 in the beautiful city of Cebu. After that, I got interested in traveling. Now I enjoy learning languages and other country’s cultures. My goal is to visit at least one country each year and to share my experiences with other people through writing or blogging. Witness my journey by following me on Instagram.