Shopping in Seoul!

In this post, I will tell you the top 5 Shopping sites in Seoul. I would also teach you how to get a discount in the Korean language!

Top 5 Shopping Sites in Seoul

1. Myeongdong

If you’re looking for cosmetics, this is the place to go. Etude House, Nature Republic, Skinfood, Missha, It’s Skin, Tony Moly, and Innisfree are scattered all over Myeongdong. Most of the time, you can find another branch in the other street. You have to be wise and check which store offers a 50% discount. By the way, if you buy stuff more than 30,000 won, you will be eligible for a tax refund.

Besides cosmetics, you could also buy some street foods! If you’re on a tight budget, just skip those fancy restaurants and head to Myeongdong. You’ll find lots of unique street foods that will satisfy your cravings.

How to go there: Take the Seoul Subway Line 4 and get off at Myeongdong Station (Exit 5, 6, 7)

2. Insadong

If you’re looking for traditional stuff, go to Insadong. You can find many traditional shops and art galleries around. There are also unique cafes here like the POOP CAFE! 🙂

There’s a shopping mall there named Ssamziegil. They sell some designer stuff there. For me, it’s a bit pricey but it’s okay for window shopping.

How to go there: Take the Seoul Subway Line 3 and get off at Anguk Station (Exit 6).

3. Namdaemun

If you’re looking for souvenirs, visit Namdaemun Market. It is the largest traditional market in Korea. It’s a wholesale market. If you want to buy some “I love Korea” shirts, you can buy 3 pieces for 10,000 won I think it’s the most crowded of all the shopping areas in Seoul.

How to go there: Take the Seoul Subway Line 4 and get off at Seoul Station. Walk towards the Sungnyemun Gate, and you’ll see the market.

4. Ewha Shopping Street

If you’re looking for fashionable clothes, spend time at Ewha! As of now, this is my favorite shopping place. The prices here are cheaper than other shopping areas around Seoul.

Because it’s located near the universities, they sell the clothes that are commonly used by the students. They sell what’s “in”. They sell the clothes worn by your favorite Korean actresses. Some stores even put a picture of a scene in a Korean drama with an actress wearing the clothes they sell. I really had a great time shopping here.

What I don’t like here is that they sell clothes that are “free size”. They don’t allow fitting. By the way, I only saw 2 shops for men so don’t bring your boyfriend here. LOL.

How to go here: Take the Seoul Subway Line 2 and get off at Ewha Station (Exit 2 or 3).

5. Dongdaemun

Dongdaemun has a place for retail and wholesale shopping. It also has big shopping malls like Migliore, Lotte Fitin, Hello apM, Good Morning City, and Doota.

• LOTTE FITTIN: You can process your Global Tax Refund on the 8th floor of Lotte Fitin.
• GOOD MORNING CITY: You can visit Sparex Sauna and have a body scrub.
• DOOTA: You can go to Duty Free and explore the photo exhibits of your favorite Korean drama.

For me, the prices here are “tourist prices” which means they are more expensive than other shopping areas. While exploring the malls, you’ll see some street stalls selling cheaper stuff. 🙂

Tip: You can bargain. Ask them to give you a discount.

How to go there: Take the Seoul Subway Line 2, 4, or 5 and get off at Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station.

How to shop in Korean

1. Do you have ___. “____ iss-seo-yo?”
2. I am looking for _____. “Jeoneun _____ eul chachgo isseoyo?“
3. How much is it?  – “Ol-ma-ye-yo?”
4. It’s cheap. – “ssa-yo.”
5. It’s expensive. – “bi-ssa-yo.”
6. Give me a discount. “Kka-kka-ju-se-yo.”
7. I want to try it on. “Jonun igeoseul ibeo-bogo shipeoyo.”
8. I’ll take it. “Igeollo halgeyo.”
9. I’m just looking. “Geunyang bogo isseoyo.”
10. Thank you. “Kamsahamnida!”