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Top Shopping Districts

With plenty of department stores, markets and small shops lining the streets, Seoul is truly a shopping paradise. Take a look at the major shopping destinations in the Gangbuk (강북, North of Hangang River) and Gangnam (강남, South of Hangang River) areas.

Namdaemun Market, which has been around for over 600 years, offers a wide range of products at bargain prices. Within walking distance of the market is Myeong-dong, the busiest shopping district in Seoul. Thanks to their location and diversity, Namdaemun Market and Myeongdong have together become an international center for shopping. Meanwhile, Dongdaemun Market is open from evening till dawn, offering a unique shopping experience not found anywhere else. Here, visitors will find both local markets and large shopping malls that sell anything from fabric and lace to ready-made clothes and accessories.

① Namdaemun Market –(5 minutes by subway) ② Myeong-dong –(10 minutes by subway) ③ Dongdaemun Market

Description : The largest market in Korea with 600 years of history

Transportation : Subway Line 4, Hoehyeon Station, Exit #5

Tel / links : +82-2-753-2805

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Description : A major shopping district selling the latest products in fashion and cosmetics

Transportation : Subway Line 4, Myeongdong Station, Exit #6

Tel / links : +82-2-757-0088

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Description : A wholesale and retail market open for night-time shopping

Transportation : Subway Line 1 or 4, Dongdaemun Station, Exit #9; or Subway Line 2, 4 or 5, Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station, Exit #1

Tel / links : +82-2-2262-0114

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The Gangnam area is usually associated with high-end shopping. The districts of Sinsa-dong, Apgujeong-dong and Cheongdam-dong are lined with designer brand fashion stores, as well as trendy cafés, restaurants, stores and galleries. Some of the most popular areas include Rodeo Fashion Street in Apgujeong-dong and Garosu-gil in Sinsa-dong. With luck, visitors may even spot Korean celebrities shopping or relaxing in the neighborhoods. Meanwhile, those who prefer large malls may want to check out COEX Mall, Asia’s largest underground mall, in Samseong-dong for shopping, dining and entertainment.

① Sinsadong Garosu-gil Road –(20 minutes on foot)
② Apgujeong Rodeo Street –(10 minutes by taxi) ③ COEX Mall

Description :A street lined with trendy stores, galleries, restaurants and cafés

Transportation : Subway Line 3, Sinsa Station, Exit #8, 100m from the station

Go to Sinsa-dong Garosu-gil Road

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Description :A center for the latest fashion trends, luxury designer brands, hair salons, etc.

Transportation : Subway Line 3, Apgujeong Station, Exit #2, 15-minute walk

Tel / links : +82-2-3443-6578

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Description :The largest underground shopping mall in Asia with a wide range of shopping, dining and entertainment facilities

Transportation : Subway Line 2, Samseong Station, Exit #5 or #6

Tel / links : +82-2-6002-5303

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Supersized Shopping Malls:
Large shopping complexes have transformed the way people enjoy leisure and shopping. By serving multiple purposes simultaneously, they enable more urban dwellers to pursue and sustain the ‘one-stop lifestyle.’ Seoul has many large department stores and malls that provide the thrill of shopping along with diverse cultural and social outlets.

Related Column: Seoul’s Mega Shopping Malls

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