Top Shopping Destinations in South Korea
In this article, we'll provide you with a comprehensive guide to shopping in Korea to help you plan the perfect shopping trip. From trendy shopping districts to traditional markets in Seoul, we'll introduce the most popular shopping spots in Korea and recommend must-buy specialties and products. Whether you're a cosmetics lover, a fashion trend follower, or a tourist looking for a unique souvenir, there's a shopping suggestion for you here. We'll also share the opening hours of each shopping district, transportation options, and how to avoid common shopping pitfalls. Let's explore the charm of shopping in Korea together!
Must-buy items for shopping in Korea
Cosmetics and skincare
Korean cosmetics are world-renowned for their reasonable prices and great results. You can find many well-known brands such as Innisfree, Laneige, Etude House, The Face Shop and Sulwhasoo in places like Myeongdong and Dongdaemun.
- Recommended products: facial masks, cleansers, skincare essences, makeup, BB creams, etc.
Fashion and clothing
Korean fashion brands and streetwear brands have a wide influence around the world, especially in Myeongdong, Hongdae and Sinsadong, where young designer brands and streetwear are popular.
- Recommended brands: Ader Error, Gentle Monster, Stylenanda, KYE, Kakao Friends, etc.
Traditional Handicrafts
Stores in Insadong and Dongdaemun sell traditional Korean handicrafts such as hanji (handmade paper), Korean ceramics, wood carvings, and traditional fans. These are unique souvenirs from Korea.
Food Specialties
- Kimchi: A traditional fermented food in Korea with a rich taste and a representative of healthy food.
- Korean sweets and snacks: such as rice crackers, seaweed, hot pepper paste, pralines, etc.
- Ginseng products: Korean ginseng is a high-quality supplement that comes in many forms, such as ginseng tea, capsules, essences, etc.
- Korean tea: such as green tea, chrysanthemum tea, schisandra tea, etc.
- Luxury goods
If you like luxury brands, Korea's duty-free shops (such as Incheon International Airport Duty Free Shop, Shilla Duty Free Shop, Lotte Duty Free Shop) are a shopping paradise. You can buy the world's top luxury brands at duty-free prices that are cheaper than in other countries.
1. Seoul-명동 (Myeongdong)
Address: Myeongdong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
Transportation: Directly accessible from Exit 5 of Myeongdong Station on Subway Line 4
Opening hours:
- Beauty stores: 10:00-22:00 (Olive Young, Innisfree, etc.)
- Department stores: 10:30-20:00 (Lotte Department Store, Shinsegae Department Store)
- Snack stalls: 17:00-24:00
Must-buy items:
- Beauty: Dr.Jart+ mask, 3CE eyeshadow palette
- Snacks: Honey butter almond, banana milk
- Clothing: MLB hat, FILA sneakers
2. Seoul - 신사동 가로수길 (Sinsa-dong Garosu-gil)
Address: Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Transportation: 10-minute walk from Exit 8 of Sinsa Station on Subway Line 3
Business hours:
- Designer stores: 11:00-20:00
- Cafés: 9:00-23:00 (such as Café Dior)
Must-buy items:
- Gentle Monster sunglasses
- SJYP denim series
- Tamburins fragrances
3. Seoul - 홍대 (Hongdae)
Address: Hongik-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Transportation: Hongdae Station, Subway Line 2, Exit 9
Opening hours:
- Fashionable shops: 12:00-22:00 (such as Nerdy, Ader Error)
- Night market: 18:00-24:00 (most lively on Fridays and Saturdays)
Must-buy items:
- Korean streetwear
- handmade accessories
- cultural and creative items
4. Seoul - 동대문 (Dongdaemun)
Address: Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
Transportation: Dongdaemun Station, Subway Line 1/4, Exit 8
Business hours:
Retail mall: 10:30-24:00 (Doota Mall)
Wholesale market: 20:00-5:00 (APM Place)
Must-buy items:
- Designer samples (minimum order of 3 pieces)
- Korean accessories
5. Busan - 남포동 (Nampo-dong)
Address: Gwangbok-ro, Jung-gu, Busan
Transportation: Exit 1, Nampo Station, Busan Subway Line 1
Opening hours:
- Mall: 10:30-20:00 (Lotte Department Store)
- Market: 8:00-20:00 (International Market)
Must-buy items:
- Busan fish cakes
- nut candy cakes
6. Incheon - 인천국제공항 면세점 (Incheon International Airport Duty Free)
Address: Incheon International Airport T1/T2 Terminal
Transportation: Airport Railway Direct Terminal
Opening hours: All day (according to flight time)
Must-buy items:
- Whoo Cheongidan Set
- Korea Limited Beauty
7. Seoul - 롯데월드몰 (Lotte World Mall)
Address: Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul
Transportation: Direct access to Jamsil Station on Subway Line 2/8
Business hours: 10:30-22:00
Must-buy items:
- Korean snack gift boxes
- Local brand clothing
8. Seoul - 인사동 (Insadong)
Address: Insadong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Transportation: Exit 3 of Jonggak Station on Subway Line 1
Business hours: 10:00-20:00 (some closed on Mondays)
Must-buy items:
- Hanji crafts
- Traditional tea sets
Useful tips for shopping in Korea
Duty-free shopping
Duty-free shopping in Korea is very popular, and tourists can enjoy tax-free shopping for luxury goods and cosmetics at duty-free shops. Remember to bring your passport, as duty-free shops usually require you to show your passport to confirm that you are a foreign tourist.
Tax refund policy
The tax refund policy for shopping in Korea applies to purchases of 30,000 won (about RMB 20) or more in the same store. You need to go to the tax refund window at the airport when you leave Korea. Refunds are usually refunded in the form of credit card or cash.
Payment methods
Most stores and shopping malls accept credit cards, but in some traditional markets or small shops, it is best to bring cash (Korean won) to pay. In some duty-free shops, international credit cards can be used for payment.
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