Where to Shop in Korea
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.
![](https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/img/vk/info/shopping/W_001_1.jpg)
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.
+ List of duty free shops
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)
- Website: lottedfs.com (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
- Inquiries: +82-2-1688-3000 (Korean), 3020 (English), 3070 (Japanese), 3555 (Chinese)
Shilla Duty Free Seoul Branch
- Address: 249, Dongho-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 중구 동호로 249)
- Operating hours: 09:30-18:30 (Open all year round)
- Website: www.shilladfs.com (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese)
- Inquiries: +82-2-2639-6000 (Korean, English, Japanese), +82-2-1688-1110 (Korean)
Shinsegae Duty Free Myeongdong Branch
- Address: 8-12F, 77, Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
(서울특별시 중구 퇴계로77 신관 8~12층) - Operating hours: 09:30-18:30 (Open all year round)
- Website: www.ssgdfs.com (Korean, Chinese)
- Inquiries: +82-2-1661-8778 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese), +82-2-6370-4416~7 (Korean, Chinese)
JDC Duty Free Jeju Branches
- Address
- Jeju Airport Branch: 2F, 2, Gonghang-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
(제주특별자치도 제주시 공항로 2)
* Inside the Departure Hall Waiting Room on the 2nd floor of Jeju International Airport Domestic Terminal
- Jeju Port Branch 1: International Passenger Terminal in Pier 2, 111, Imhang-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
(제주특별자치도 제주시 임항로 111 국제여객터미널 내 (2부두-연안여객터미널 내1층))
- Jeju Port Branch 2: International Passenger Terminal in Pier 7, 193, Imhang-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
(제주특별자치도 제주시 임항로 193 국제여객터미널 내 (7부두)) - Operating hours
- Jeju Airport Branch: 06:00-21:20
- Jeju Ports 1 and 2: 06:50-20:30 - Website: www.jdcdutyfree.com (Korean only)
- Inquiries: +82-64-740-9900 (Korean, English, Chinese)
- Jeju Port Branch 1: +82-64-740-9934 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
- Jeju Port Branch 2: +82-64-740-9935 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Hyundai Department Store - Trade Center Branch
- Address: 8-10F, 517, Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
(서울특별시 강남구 테헤란로 517) - Operating hours: 09:30-18:30 (Open all year round)
- Website: www.hddfs.com (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
- Inquiries: +82-2-1811-6688 (Korean, English, Chinese)
Dongwha Duty Free
- Address: 149, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
(서울특별시 종로구 세종대로 149) - Operating hours : 11:00-18:00 (Closed on Sundays)
- Website: ir.dwdfs.com (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
- Inquiries: +82-2-1688-6680 (Korean, Chinese), +82-2-399-3000 (Japanese, Chinese)
Department stores: Latest trends at a glance
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.
+List of department stores
Galleria Department Store Main Branch
- Address: 343, Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
(서울특별시 강남구 압구정로 343 갤러리아백화점 본점) - Website: dept.galleria.co.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
- Inquiries: +82-2-3449-4114 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
- Branches: Timeworld, Gwanggyo, Centercity, Jinju
Hyundai Department Store Main Branch
- Address: 165, Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
(서울특별시 강남구 압구정로 165 현대백화점 본점) - Website: www.ehyundai.com (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
- Inquiries: +82-2-547-2233 (Korean, English, Japanese) / +82-2-3449-5207 (Chinese)
- Branches: The Hyundai Seoul, Apgujeong, Trade Center, Cheonho, Sinchon, Mia, Mokdong, Jungdong, KINTEX, D-Cube City, Pangyo, Busan, Daegu, Ulsan, Ulsan Donggu, Chungcheong
Lotte Department Store Main Branch
- Address: 81, Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
(서울특별시 중구 남대문로 81 롯데백화점 본점) - Website: www.lotteshopping.com (Korean only)
- Inquiries: +82-2-2118-6500 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
- Branches: Jamsil, Gangnam, Konkuk University Star City, Gwanak, Gimpo Airport, Nowon, Mia, Yeongdeungpo, Cheongnyangni, Castle Plaza, Incheon, Dongtan, Guri, Bundang, Suwon, Ansan, Ilsan, Jungdong, Pyeongchon, Busan, Gwangbok, Gwangju, Daegu, Daejeon, Dongnae, Masan
Shinsegae Department Store Main Branch
- Address: 63, Sogong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
(서울특별시 중구 소공로 63 신세계백화점 본점) - Website: www.shinsegae.com (Korean, English, Chinese)
- Inquiries: +82-2-310-1047 (English, Chinese)
- 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.
Lotte Outlet - Seoul Station Branch
- Address: 405, Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
(서울특별시 용산구 한강대로 405 롯데아울렛 서울역점) - Operating hours: 10:30-21:00
* Extended operating hours may vary depending on the month - Website: www.lotteshopping.com (Korean only)
- Inquiries: +82-2-6965-2562 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Hyundai City Outlet - Dongdaemun Branch
- Address: 20, Jangchungdan-ro 13-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
(서울특별시 중구 장충단로13길 20 현대시티아울렛 동대문점) - Operating hours: Monday-Thursday 10:30-21:00 / Friday & Weekends 10:30-21:30
- Website: www.ehyundai.com (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
- Inquiries : +82-2-2283-2233 (Korean, English, Japanese) / +82-2-2283-2005 (Chinese)
Shinsegae Simon Paju Premium Outlet
- Address: 200, Pilseung-ro, Tanhyeon-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do
(경기도 파주시 탄현면 필승로 200 신세계 사이먼 파주 프리미엄아울렛) - Operating hours: Shops & Food Court 10:30-21:00
- Website: www.premiumoutlets.co.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Hyundai Premium Outlet Gimpo Branch
- Address: 100, Arayuk-ro 152beon-gil, Gochon-eup, Gimpo-si, Gyeonggi-do
(경기도 김포시 고촌읍 아라육로 152번길 100 현대 프리미엄아울렛 김포점) - Operating hours: 10:30-21:00
- Website: www.ehyundai.com (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
- Inquiries: +82-31-812-2233 (Korean, English, Japanese) / +82-31-8048-2100 (Chinese)
Shinsegae Simon Yeoju Premium Outlet
- Address: 360, Myeongpum-ro, Yeoju-si, Gyeonggi-do
(경기도 여주시 명품로 360 신세계 사이먼 여주 프리미엄아울렛) - Operating hours: Shops & Food Court 10:30-21:00
- Website: www.premiumoutlets.co.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Lotte Premium Outlet Time Villas
- Address: 1, Barasan-ro, Uiwang-si, Gyeonggi-do
(경기도 의왕시 바라산로 1 롯데프리미엄아울렛 타임빌라스) - Operating hours: 10:30-21:00
* Closed on Seollal (Lunar New Year’s Day) & Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day) - Website: www.lotteshopping.com (Korean only)
Hyundai Premium Outlet Songdo Branch
- Address: 123, Songdogukje-daero, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon
(인천광역시 연수구 송도국제대로 123) - Operating hours: 10:30-21:00 / Restaurants (1st floor) 10:30-22:00
* Closed on Seollal (Lunar New Year’s Day) & Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day) - Website: www.ehyundai.com
- Inquiries: +82-32-727-2233
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.
+List of underground shopping centers
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)
- Websites
- Goto Mall: www.gotomall.kr (Korean)
- Central City: www.shinsegaecentralcity.com/terminal (Korean, English)
Bupyeong Modoo Mall
- Address: 7, Bupyeong-daero, Bupyeong-gu, Incheon
(인천광역시 부평구 부평대로 지하 7) - Transportation: Connected to Bupyeong Station (Seoul Subway Line 1, Incheon Subway Line 1)
- Operating hours: 10:00-22:00 (varies by store)
Seomyeon Underground Shopping Center
- Address: 717, Jungang-daero, Busanjin-gu, Busan
(부산광역시 부산진구 중앙대로 717) - 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.
+List of big-box supermarkets
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.
+List of traditional markets in Seoul
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)
- Inquiries: +82-2-722-0911
- Website: tonginmarket.co.kr (Google Translator available)
Namdaemun Market
- Address: 21, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
(서울특별시 중구 남대문시장4길 21) - Operating hours: 00:00-23:00 (Varies by store)
- Inquiries: +82-2-753-2805
- Website: namdaemunmarket.co.kr (English, Japanese, Chinese)
Gwangjang Market
- Address: 88, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- (서울특별시 종로구 창경궁로 88)
- Operating hours: 09:00-18:00
- Inquiries: +82-2-2267-0291, +82-2-2272-0967
- Website: www.kwangjangmarket.co.kr (English, Japanese, Chinese)
Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market
- Address: 674, Nodeul-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul
(서울특별시 동작구 노들로 674) - Operating hours: General fisheries 01:30-22:00 / Frozen seafood 03:30-22:00 / Clam market 01:00-22:00 / Dried seafood 23:00-19:00 / Salted seafood 03:00-19:00 (Open all year round)
- Inquiries: +82-2-2254-8000~1
- Website: www.susansijang.co.kr (English, Japanese, Chinese)
Garak Market
- Address: 932, Yangjae-daero, Songpa-gu, Seoul
(서울특별시 송파구 양재대로 932) - Operating hours: Agriculture and fisheries market 00:00-24:00 / Livestock market 04:00-22:00
- Inquiries: +82-2-3435-1000, 0400
- Website: www.garak.co.kr (English, Chinese)
✔Click
here for popular shopping spots by region.
This page was last updated in July 2024, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here.
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