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Myeong-dong is all about shopping. From the towering super stores of Migliore, Lotte Department Store, Avatar and High Harriet to the cozy, lesser-known individual shops lining the neon lit side streets; the area has something for everyone. Whether the search is for accessories, athletic wear, shoes, boots or a number of other mid to high priced items, you will find it all here. With the main streets boasting larger, well-known stores, many of the better bargains are to be found at some of the discount stores that require a little walking to get to. All this selection of styles and sizes, coupled with the freedom of strolling in the open-air make Myeong-dong a shopping destination not to be missed and an adventure sure to be remembered.
Located in the center of the city with streets sprouting up new stores at an alarming rate, shopping is very convenient. Everything is within walking distance of each other, and there is an endless list of restaurants and cafes for hungry shoppers to escape to for a quick pit stop from lugging around their bags all day.
Indeed, Seoul has many other shopping districts for visitors, namely, Insa-dong, Namdaemun and Dongdaemun. But whereas Namdaemun and Dongdaemun offer a large selection of discount outlets selling products at low prices, one will be hard pressed to find the kind of variety that exists in Myeong-dong. Insa-dong is more of a traditional area, full of historic significance, galleries and higher end antique shops catering to visitors wishing to really explore the culture of Korea and come away with wooden carvings, traditional tea sets or beautiful art work from local artists.
Best to check out Myeong-dong’s impressive diversity including everything from internationally recognized, global brand shops, lesser known, exotic shops and the fleet of super stores boasting huge lines of luxury items and a host of duty free shops. Below are a few selections that help some of the newcomers to the area. |
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| International Brands |
There are numerous globally recognized clothing brands to be found in the area. Everything from athletic wear to casual and formal apparel for both the office and workplace. Prices here are mid-level, a little higher than some of the lesser-known shops.
Those in the market for trendy athletic wear should head straight to Puma. The Myeong-dong location is impressive, boasting a large layout and wide selection of the company’s product line. Everything from gym bags and track suits to footwear and jackets.
Tel: +82-2-777-3350
Store Hours: 11am ~ 9:30pm
Address: 66-19 Chungmuro-2ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
Website: www.puma.com |
Another store that has remained rather popular in Korea is American Apparel. Their clothing line focuses principally on comfort and practicality, and may prove attractive for those with slightly more conservative tastes. Either way, the quality is very good and some of the selections may benefit anyone who enjoys working out, jogging or yoga.
Tel: +82-2-779-2660
Store Hours: 11am ~ 10pm
Address: 52-8 Myeongdong 2-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
Website: www.americanapparel.net |
Although GAP doesn’t really need any introduction given its already far-reaching global appeal, this location is special because it was the first store to be introduced to Korea. Although prices here are a little more expensive than, say, Giordano, the quality is exceptionally good and the clothing line is very diverse stemming from casual to formal wear for anyone seeking ‘comfortable’ clothing to wear to the workplace. GAP also carries larger sizes more suitable for foreign shoppers.
Tel: +82-2-778-3600
Store Hours: 11am ~ 10pm
Address: 24-4 Chungmuro-1ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
Website: www.gap.com |
Similar to the GAP, Roots offers a wide selection of both formal and casual wear that is both stylish and comfortable. Founded in 1973, the brand was conceived by two Americans, Michael Budman and Don Green, and is based on their experiences at a summer camp, Camp Tamakwa, in Ontario’s Algonquin Park during their childhood.
Tel: +82-2-773-8288
Store Hours: 11am~10pm
Address: 51-3 Myeongdong, Jung-gu, Seoul
Website: www.rootskorea.kr |
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| Department Stores & Discount Outlets |
Towering high above the streets below are several large department stores that sell everything from discounted items (Migliore and Hi Harriet) to tax-free and luxury brand products (Lotte’s flagship Department Store and Avenuel).
| Lotte Department Store & Avenuel |
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Lotte’s flagship Department Store is situated snugly in Myeong-dong. Boasting all the global luxury brand names, one can also find several duty free shops here as well. Avenuel is similar in nature and carries a fine selection of
upper-end, higher priced items.
Tel: +82-2-771-2500
Store Hours: 11am~10pm
Address: Directly outside of Euljiro-1ga Subway Station (Line 2)
Website: www.lotteshopping.com |
Migliore is hugely discount outlets where shoppers can find numerous styles of clothing at much lower prices. Everything from accessories to boots and shoes is
all here.
Tel: +82-2-2124-0001
Store Hours: 11am~11:30pm / Closed on every Monday
Address: Directly outside Myeongdong Station (Line 4), Exit No.5
Website: www.migliore.co.kr
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| Street Vendors |
Dotting the dozens of side streets are countless individual vendors selling virtually everything. Some bargaining may be done here making prices along these walkways the lowest in the area. Anyone wishing to grab the best deals or simply experience the traditional market scene should definitely check it out. Purses, cell phone accessories, mufflers, hats and shoes are just some of the things you will find strolling through. Be sure to keep in mind that blowout or discount sales are often non-returnable and non-refundable.
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| Smaller Shops |
| Part of the fun of shopping in Myeong-dong is venturing out to look at all the micro shops that are scattered throughout the many side streets. One should definitely walk to the quaint side streets to find the deals. |
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One eye-catching shop that really stood out was SPAI. Quaint and stylish, this cozy shop has quite a wide variety of footwear fit for all seasons. Prices are pretty affordable, and the service is very friendly.
Another tasteful little shop with friendly service is Verona. Found on the fringe of Myeong-dong’s busy streets, across from Lotte Department Store, shoppers can find all sorts of comfortable styles here at affordable prices. The shop has been around since 1985 and specializes in lady’s wear, bags and shoes.
Tel: +82-2-776-7786
Store Hours: 11am~10pm
Address: 85-5 Myeongdong-2ga, Jung-gu, Seoul |
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| Written and photographed by Gregory Curley |
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