Korea has a wide variety of shopping attractions, from traditional markets, electronic stores and underground shopping centers to luxury department stores, designer shops, select shops and trend-leading large shopping malls. Major cities, including Seoul and the neighboring regions, feature many mega shopping malls, which allow a quick and convenient shopping experience. Even if you have no interest in shopping, it’s worth a visit as these shopping attractions provide much to see, eat and enjoy.
Notable places to shop
Duty free: Shop the world in one place Duty free shops in Korea offer a wide range of products and brands as well as immediate availability of the latest products. Other strengths include accurate and kind customer service and the fact that customers can purchase products they want at affordable prices in a quick, convenient fashion. They’re also easily accessible by tourists due to their locations inside major international airports and ferry terminals as well as major regions of Seoul. When you are shopping at duty free shops downtown, you can present your passport and a copy of your boarding pass at checkout to receive an exchange voucher for claiming your purchased goods at the airport on the date of departure so that you may enjoy your trip without having to carry around your goods. Take note that this service is available only within 60 days of the departure date from Korea.
Lotte Duty Free's Main Branch
Address: 9-12F, LOTTE DPT, 30, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 중구 을지로 30 롯데백화점 본점 9~12층)
Operating hours: 09:30-20:00 (Open all year round)
The advantage of Korean department stores is that they reflect the nature and preferences of the Korean people who are sensitive to trends and love fashion, thus offering the opportunity to meet the latest trends from interior design to aesthetics as soon as you step into a department store. Just by checking out the foods at restaurants and popular brands on each floor, one can easily identify latest products and design trends that are popular among Koreans. Every department store also keeps up-to-date with seasonal decorations, such as fancy Christmas trees and ornaments during the Christmas season, along with a variety of artworks on display so visitors can enjoy taking impressive photos while they shop.
Galleria Department Store Main Branch
Address: 343, Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 강남구 압구정로 343 갤러리아백화점 본점)
Branches: Gangnam, Gyeonggi, Gwangju Shinsegae, Gimhae, Daegu, Daejeon, Masan, Centum City, Starfield Hanam, Uijeongbu, Cheonan-Asan, Times Square
Outlet malls: Popular shopping playgrounds
Outlet malls in Korea have become a popular dating spot for couples in their 20s and 30s as the malls not only offer both luxury goods and diverse familiar brands at affordable prices, but also feature famous international chain restaurants. Most of the outlet malls are located outside the central metropolitan areas, but their affordable goods make the visit worthwhile. These outlet malls often provide shuttle bus service from major subway stations so visitors are recommended to check the shuttle bus information on the websites before visiting.
Underground shopping centers: Convenient transportation and low prices
These unique shopping centers installed in underground passages are often connected directly to subway stations and sometimes to department stores and large shopping malls. They have many advantages such as convenient transportation, great accessibility and the perks of worry-free shopping away from the hassle of bad weather. Most stores in underground shopping centers sell products at a lower price than regular stores, offering a chance to stumble across a good deal.
Gangnam Station Underground Shopping Center
Address: 396, Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (서울시특별시 강남구 강남대로 396)
Transportation: Connected to Gangnam Station (Seoul Subway Line 2, Sinbundang Line)
Operating hours: 09:00-23:00 (Open all year round; operating hours vary by store)
Express Bus Terminal Underground Shopping Center
Address: 200, Sinbanpo-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 서초구 신반포로 200)
Transportation: Connected to Express Bus Terminal Station on Seoul Subway Lines 3, 7 and 9
Operating hours: 10:00-22:00 (Open all year round; operating hours vary by store)
Transportation: Connected to Seomyeon Station (Busan Subway Lines 1 and 2)
Operating hours: 10:00-22:00
Big-box supermarkets: The center of K-food
Big-box supermarkets are a must-visit shopping destination for those who wish to experience a variety of K-foods. Retailers such as Emart, Homeplus and Lotte Mart can be easily found in every city, and even throughout major neighborhoods in the metropolitan area. You will find almost everything you need from K-food essentials such as dried laver, ramen and chips as well as traditional Korean liquor like makgeolli and soju to quality everyday items and basic supplies you may need during your trip. Food sections also provide free tasting of various food products. They are also a great place to stop by for souvenirs as discounts and promotions are offered on a daily basis.
Traditional markets: Traditional culture experience and shopping at once
Traditional markets have a unique charm of their own that offers a glimpse of Korea’s authentic shopping culture – lively energy, overflowing love and a feast of delicious local foods. Not only do they offer a special and memorable experience that sets them apart from department stores and supermarkets, but also affordable quality products that can only be purchased in Korea.
Tongin Market
Address: 18, Jahamun-ro 15-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 자하문로15길 18)
Operating hours: Daily 07:00-21:00 (varies by store)
This page was last updated in July 2024, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here. 1330 Korea Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, Thai, Malay)
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