Shopping in Seoul

1. 1

   Yongsan Electronics Market

   Yongsan Station is in IMall which is another huge shopping mall with two storeys full of electronics. Without negotiating you can have cheaper prices than amazon.com. Yongsan is one option in Seoul if you are looking for electronics goods. Made up of over 20 buildings housing 5,000 stores, you can find appliances, stereos, computers and peripherals, office equipment, telephones, lighting equipment, electronic games and software, and videos and CDs. A lot of the products are bought in Japan and resold in Korea by dealers. (Decades ago, before Korea had its own electronic manufacturing, the market began selling used goods the vendors would acquire from foreign servicemen.) The market has a reputation for fleecing foreigners, particularly due to its proximity to the Yongsan U.S. Army Base. Be wary as Koreans try to avoid Yongsan for their electronics needs and rely instead on Internet shopping as sellers in Yongsan are not averse to ripping you off if you don't seem to know a lot about electronics. If you go, it's best to bring a Korean guide so you can ensure you're getting a good deal. The problem is no or very poor English. Only Korean warranty. Cash preferred. Before you buy anything, pretend to have decided not to buy it and start to leave: the best prices only come out then. At IMall they add 5% as tax when you pay by Visa. At Yongsan Electroland it depends on the seller. Up to 10% is possible.

   125, Cheongpa-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
2. 2

   Dongdaemun

   An enormous fashion shopping district comprised of not one, not two, not ten, but no less than twenty four large department store-like buildings such as Doota, Migliore, and APM, each with anywhere from two to seventeen stories of trendy shops and stalls grouped together so customers can shop efficiently and save time. This market is of equal historical significance to Namdaemun market, with the obvious difference being Dongdaemun's modernity. Historically, Dongdaemun was a nightmarket, open from 1 am to 1 pm the following day; now it opens midday, but still remains active well into the early morning, with many shops finally closing around 08:00. Some stores are actually open for 24 hours. Come on Friday or Saturday night to see Dongdaemun at its most hectic, with huge crowds of thousands flooding the streets hunting for their next bargain. The energy is almost palpable.

   Website
3. 3

   Myeongdong

   Probably the best-known shopping area. It is definitely the most tourist-friendly fashion area. In spring and summer, fashion models/sidewalk promoters can be seen strolling the streets of Myeongdong promoting various cosmetics, stores or other fashion-related products. Many regular people also tend to catwalk their newest outfit on these streets. Rows of stores are available to look for that perfect accessory, and most of Korea's major brands can be found here: mVIO, Caspi Conus, WhoAU California, AHM, So.Basic, Noxon, Basic House, UGIZ, 1492, nipper, hang ten, A6, Bean Pole, Jambangee, Giordano as well as a few international brands such as Lacoste, Land Rover, Adidas, Gap, Zara, Koolhaas, Uniqlo, Anna Sui, and Forever 21. Nearby are the '''Lotte''' and '''Shinsegae''' department stores.
4. 4

   Techno Mart (Sindorim)

   The Techno Marts at Sindorim station.There are two Techno Marts in Seoul: the original at Gangbyeon station, and the new store at Sindorim station. Both complexes house over 2,000 stores across eight floors that sell a variety of high-tech products. From electrical appliances to computers, you will find everything you need. The first floor has cosmetics, accessories, and stationeries. The second and third floors comprise Korean-made electrical goods, while the fourth and fifth floors sell foreign-made electrical appliances. The sixth floor sells cell phones and their accessories. Computers are sold on the seventh, and on the eighth music and DVDs. Aside from all the high-tech gadgetry, there are over a dozen restaurants on the 9th floor, and a cineplex and arcade on the 10th.

   97 Saemal-ro, Guro-gu, Seoul
5. 5

   Techno Mart (Gangbyeon)

   There are two Techno Marts in Seoul: the original at Gangbyeon station, and the new store at Sindorim station. Both complexes house over 2,000 stores across eight floors that sell a variety of high-tech products. From electrical appliances to computers, you will find everything you need. The first floor has cosmetics, accessories, and stationeries. The second and third floors comprise Korean-made electrical goods, while the fourth and fifth floors sell foreign-made electrical appliances. The sixth floor sells cell phones and their accessories. Computers are sold on the seventh, and on the eighth music and DVDs. Aside from all the high-tech gadgetry, there are over a dozen restaurants on the 9th floor, and a cineplex and arcade on the 10th.

   546-4 Guui 3(sam)-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
6. 6

   Migliore

   One of the biggest fashion buildings in Seoul. It has 17 floors above ground and 7 basement floors. Information boards in Migliore are written in Korean as well as English, Japanese and Chinese for foreign tourists. US credit cards are often accepted, but ask before haggling if you aren't sure. The outside stage features a "talent show" of local dance groups (mostly high school or college student groups) most nights until about 9 PM; typically they are wearing many of the local fashions, and some of the dancers can be located in the various department stores working as employees.

   263 Jangchungdan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul Website
7. 7

   Ssamziegil

   Ssamziegil is a shopping complex located at the beginning of Insadong-gil that opened in 2004. It has the form of a rectangular spiral on three floors, and includes about a hundred craft shops (clothing, jewelry, leather, etc..), Restaurants, cafes (one of them, the Sky Garden is the terrace on the third floor). Very good place to shop green, costume jewelry, or just a drink. For certain activities (Candle making, pottery decoration, etc..), You have the option of making your own objects in the basement.

   10:00 to 20:30 Website
8. 8

   Kyobo Book Store

   Kyobo is the largest chain of bookstores in South Korea, and this store is located in the center of Seoul. It is completely invisible from the outside, because it is underground. It is accessed directly from the Gwanghwamun subway station, or at the intersection of Sejongno / Jongno. There is a huge selection of books / CD / DVD, as well as stationery items / cardmaking and a bunch of other accessories (there are even handbags). Also has books in foreign languages.

   Jongno1-ga, Jongno-gu 09:30 to 22:00 Website
9. 9

   Lotte Young Plaza

   Just across the street from Avatar department store, this department store is oriented towards a younger, upscale clientele, and in addition to the usual Korean brands and international brands, the top floor of the space features an assortment of quality eating establishments to replenish your shopping energy. The wine bar is recommended. Sometimes art installations can be found on the top floor. Credit cards accepted.

   81, Namdaemun-ro Website
10. 10

    Insadong

    Insadong is an area known for its art galleries and shops, and is possibly the most touristy place in South Korea. It is a great place to buy cultural souvenirs. There are also a few stores that offer interesting vintage toys and various kitsch. Insadong also contains many traditional tea and coffee shops. It is one of the few places where vegetarian restaurants can be found.
11. 11

    Namdaemun market

    The largest traditional street market in Korea. This market is in the center of Seoul and is a famous shopping place for tourists. Clothing for children and accessories are the most-commonly sold goods in this market, but there's lots of food as well and many outdoor eating options, especially in the evening. There is also a huge digital camera market in this area.

    Website
12. 12

    Noryangjin

    Plenty of stalls selling fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, squid, clams, and other seafood straight from the farm/trawler. Not exactly tourist friendly, this market is definitely targeted towards a local audience, but if you're interested in seeing an off-the-beaten-track destination and really exploring the nitty-gritty of Korean daily life, definitely worth a look.
13. 13

    Garden5

    This is a large, very new mall and shopping complex that is part of the district government's efforts to make Songpa more of a center of culture and commerce. This complex is somewhat of a hybrid, selling both consumer goods and acting as a distribution center for manufacturers and wholesalers.

    Website
14. 14

    Olympic-ro

    The stretch of road from the sports complex to Lotte World has a fair number of stores and cafes here, and they're open quite late because of the nearby '''Sincheon''' nightlife area (see below). Nothing special, you'll find the typical clothing and gadget stores you find everywhere else.
15. 15

    Ewha Women's University Market

    At the front gate of Ewha Women's University, visitors can find a dense market geared towards young women. You can find stores that sell clothes, shoes, hats, handbags, and so on. There are also clothes for men. Recently franchise stores have started to move into the area.
16. 16

    The store from Tong-In

    Occupying four floors, this store offers high quality items, including pottery, inlaid, lacquered objects, as well as jewelry, postcards, etc.. Not necessarily cheap, but the quality is good. It is located a little further than Ssamziegil on the same side of Insadong-gil.

    Website
17. 17

    Lotte Department Store

    Part of the above-mentioned complex that includes Lotte World, the Lotte Department Store here is your standard Korean Department Store - except, of course, all the other attractions attached to it.

    Website
18. 18

    Shinsegae

    The oldest department store on the Korean peninsula. The original building was refurbished in 2008 and became a high-street boutique. Accepts major credit cards, including Amex and JCB.

    2-5 Chungmuro 1-Ga, Jung-gu, Seoul 10:30-20:00 Website
19. 19

    What the Book?

    Probably the best place for English-language books, new or used, in Korea. Also has a good selection of magazines. Will order books for you.

    176-2 Itaewon 1-dong, Yongsan-gu Website
20. 20

    Dongdaemun Market

    Though not as impressive architecturally as Namdaemun, the Dongdaemun market is infinitely more interesting than the its counterpart.

    266, Jongno-6 ga, Jongno-gu, 특별시 종로구 종로 266 (종로6가) Website
21. 21

    Galleria

    A very popular upscale department store. Just several blocks away from Hyundai Department Store. Also has a branch in Seoul Station.

    515 Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu Website
22. 22

    Metavox(메타복스)

    Mostly second hand. CDs are main. Vinyl records covers also exist.

    Donggyo dong 158-24 Website
23. 23

    Purple records (메타복스)

    New issued vinyls are main. also have CDs. Pop and Indies.

    Donggyo dong 158-24 Website
24. 24

    Hyundai Department Store

    Main store of well-known department store chain.

    429 Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu Mo-Su 10:30AM-8PM Website
25. 25

    Gimbab records (김밥레코드)

    Mostly indie vinyls. Small but beautiful shop.

    Donggyodong 155-36 Website
26. 26

    Garak Market

    This is an enormous farmer's and fish market.

    298 Garak-dong, Songpa-gu
27. 27

    HYANG music (향뮤직)

    Mostly CDs. All genres.

    Changcheon dong 33-16 Website

Travel tips by Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA 3.0). Verify opening hours before visiting.