Seoul stands as a vibrant metropolis where the thrill of discovery meets incredible value, making it a haven for shoppers. Beyond the integration of traditional markets, sprawling malls, and the convenience of e-commerce, Seoul’s distinct shopping districts each offer a unique flavor.
For example, Dongdaemun Market is not just a market. Designated as a “Special Tourism Zone” since 2002, it’s a dynamic commercial district with a rich history dating back to 1905. This colossal hub encompasses around 26 shopping malls, 30,000 specialty shops, and an impressive 50,000 manufacturers, making it one of South Korea’s largest wholesale and retail centers. Here, you can find everything from the latest textiles and high-fashion apparel to shoes, jewelry, leather goods, electronics, and even office supplies. Notably, Dongdaemun was traditionally a night market, and while many shops now operate from 10:30 AM to 5:00 AM, the area still buzzes with a unique energy after dark, sometimes featuring festivities, fashion shows, and music performances. For book lovers, the Secondhand Book Street offers a treasure trove of rare publications and affordable reads, while the Mukja Golmok food alley tempts with Korean street food delights like gimbap and sundae.
In contrast, the Myeongdong Night Market erupts as the sun goes down, transforming the already bustling Myeongdong shopping district into a vibrant culinary and retail paradise. Renowned for its classic Korean snacks and trendy shops, this night market features rows of stalls filling the air with tantalizing aromas. Here, you can savor everything from spicy tteokbokki and crispy hotteok to grilled lobster and unique fusion street foods. Beyond the gastronomic delights, Myeongdong is a prime destination for beauty and fashion, boasting countless Korean cosmetics brands and stylish clothing and accessories. The lively atmosphere is often enhanced by street performers, making it a sensory feast and a perfect spot for an evening stroll and souvenir hunting.
For a different kind of shopping experience, Lotte World presents a unique blend of entertainment and retail. While famous for its indoor and outdoor theme parks, artificial island, and luxury hotel, Lotte World also houses an extensive shopping mall. Here, visitors can find a wide array of products, from fashion and beauty items to electronics and more, including a Lotte Department Store and Lotte Mart. This integration of leisure and shopping allows travelers to seamlessly combine thrill-seeking with retail therapy, all within one of Seoul’s iconic landmarks that attracts millions of visitors annually.
These three hotspots are only just the tip of the shopping ice berg in South Korea’s capital city. You can explore more about where to go for the best experiences in this fun town. Let’s have a look!
Seoul Shopping | Popular Destinations
Plan on getting a dose of retail therapy during your trip to Seoul? Shop like a local and take advantage of amazing deals at some of the top places to shop in Seoul.
Dongdaemun Market
Situated near Dongdaemun Gate is where you will find the iconic Dongdaemun Market. It is considered to be a retail super-hub for Seoul shopping: it is home to 36 shopping malls, and more than 30,000 retail stores! Dongdaemun Market is located at 04564 253 Jangchungdan-ro, Jung-gu, and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your shopping pleasure.
At Dongdaemun Market, you will find Mukja Golmok, which is a food alley that is known for its extraordinary assortment of traditional and trendy foods, gift stores, clothing shops, office supply stores, accessories stands, and a fully-loaded night market that sells everything from gaudy gifts to fresh farm-grown produce. Dongdaemun Market is a one-stop shopping experience that is even home to a concert venue where you can take in a K-pop performance.
Check In to E7 Place Dongdaemun, Step Out to Dongdaemun Market
Doota Mall
Mixed in among other shopping centers at Dongdaemun Market is where you will find the gigantic Doota Mall shopping complex. This Seoul shopping mall is like heaven to the shopaholic soul, offering over 540 stores in an eight-story building. If you need a dose of retail therapy, this is the place to go to get your fix.
Doota Mall is located at 275 Jangchungdan-ro, Gwanghui-dong, Jung-gu, and is open from 10:30am to 12am Sunday-Thursday and 10:30am-5am on Friday and Saturday. At Doota Mall, you will find luxury brands at prices you can afford. Look for some of these fine retailers:
- Dearstalker
- HappyWoman
- Jude Lux
- Midnight Move
- Namu
- Liquid Sky
- Swordfish
- Stay People
- The Vinyl
- Unique
- Alma
- Danny Road
- Dudao
- Look Optical
- TOG
- Siso
- Mong Jewelry
Myeongdong Night Market
An authentic Korean night market that appeals to tourists as well as locals, Myeongdong Night Market offers an assortment of Korean comfort foods, homemade crafts, and quirky gift items. The market is located at 04536 27 Myeong-dong 8-gil, Jung-gu, and is a place where you can find the items you want at prices you can afford.
At Myeongdong Night Market, you will find an assortment of restaurants that serve up everything from traditional Korean cuisine to new-age Japanese menu items, with even a few American dishes sprinkled in. While strolling through the market, you can check out stores and vendor stalls that sell clothes, accessories, gift items, electronics, and sporting goods. Most stores at Myeongdong Night Market stay open from 11am-12am daily.
Lotte World
Home to the largest indoor amusement park in the world, Lotte World is what theme park dreams are made of. Lotte World has its own man-made island, affectionately known as “Magic Island” as well as shopping centers, a Korean folk museum, a water park, an aquarium, carnival rides, and an ice skating rink you can enjoy all year long.
Lotte World is located at 240 Olympic-ro, Jamsil-dong, Songpa-gu, and is open all year long. It is especially popular among tourists who are looking for something exciting to do in the city. Lotte World appeals to visitors of all ages and has activities that suite all tastes. To save money, and time, purchase the MagicPass, which will give you VIP access to the popular thrill rides and cut down on the time spent waiting in line. It is also recommended that you arrive to the park after 4pm to avoid all of the crowds.
Central City Mall
Located at 137-040 176, Sinbanpo-ro, Seocho-gu, Central City Mall is a major Seoul shopping complex that is located in the heart of the city and is accessible via subway express lines 3, 7, 9. It is home to Korea’s biggest bookstore, movie theaters, designer label clothes and accessories, an arcade with 3D games, and a food court packed full of Korean and international comfort foods.
Central City Mall also has a large convention hall, complete with a banquet room that is perfect for weddings, business conferences, and other large-scale events. There are even on-site hotels, where guests can stay in comfort while attending special events.
COEX Mall
Complete with stunning architecture that brings the outdoors inside, COEX Mall features natural lighting, live plants, and a footprint that promotes a relaxing shopping experience. This mall is considered to be one of the premier shopping centers of the region.
With over 200 stores to explore, several restaurants at which to indulge and a movie theater to take in the newest shows, COEX Mall is a super hub for entertainment. The mall is located at 513, Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, and is open from 10:30am to 10pm daily. At COEX Mall you will find the hottest Korean fashion brands offered at the best possible prices.
Cheongdam Fashion Street
Known for its luxury experience and designer label brands, Cheongdam Fashion Street is the place to go for the finer things in life. You will find Cheongdam Fashion Street between Cheongdam Subway Station and the Galleria Department Store.
At Cheongdam Fashion Street you will find high-end labels like:
- Cartier
- Namu by Namuhana
- Giorgio Armani
- Gucci
- Louis Vuitton
- Michael Kors
- Burberry
Cheongdam Fashion Street is like the Rodeo Drive of South Korea. Keep your eyes peeled and you are likely to have at least one celebrity sighting while you are out and about.
Along the street, you will also find an assortment of fine dining restaurants that serve up gourmet menu items from Italy, France, the United States, Korea, Japan, and more. You can also change up your look at one of the many beauty salons and day spas.
Check In to The Ace Hotel, Step Out to Cheongdam Fashion Street
Shilla Duty Free
Offering an exceptional shopping experience for over 30 years, Shilla Duty Free gives foreign visitors the best merchandise at the best prices. You can shop at this store without having to worry about taxes and export fees.
You will find a Shilla Duty Free store in Terminal 1 of Seoul Incheon International Airport as well as a stand alone store at 249, Dongho-ro, Jung-gu in the downtown core. Shop with confidence and experience the good feeling of saving up to 50% off your purchases. At
Shilla Duty Free, you will find designer health and beauty products, accessories, clothing items, electronics, tobacco, alcohol, and more.
Hongik University Street
Known for its artsy Bohemian style and trendy indie pop culture, Hongik University Street is where the young go to learn and express themselves and the young at heart go to play and take it all in.
While exploring Hongik University Street, you are likely to see quirky boutique style stores that sell everything from off-the-wall gag gifts to cheeky t-shirts. Head into one of the many art galleries that line the city streets and support local artists by taking a brilliant piece home with you. As you stroll down the street, you are also likely to see young musicians serenading the community with their own creative works of musical art.
Hongik University Street is where you can go to get cheap homemade food that is made with passion and a love of tradition. There are several hole-in-the-wall cafes located throughout the neighborhood, as well as an assortment of food trucks; each dolling out heaping portions of their own secret recipes.
The fun to be had while visiting Hongik University Street does not stop at shopping and eating, but at the other unusual experiences you can have if you know where to look. If your feet get tired, you can hop aboard a pedi-cab and be carted around the district by an expert tour guide. Animal lovers can get their dose of cuddly fun at the Rabbit Cafe, which boasts an Alice in Wonderland theme, and allows visitors to play with the bunny rabbits and feed them.
The Trickeye Museum is another amazing experience that allows you to step into the scenes of your favorite TV shows, cartoons, and movies, and take realistic photos that make it appear as though you are really in the motion picture. If you need to cool off on a warm summer day, step inside the Ice Gallery and explore all that ice can do and be. You can take rides down a colored ice slide or photograph yourself sitting on an ice toilet, a life sized panda bear, or in an igloo. The Ice Gallery is a silly place that is filled with fun ice sculptures that will melt your heart.
Seoul Shopping | Saving Money When Shopping in Seoul
Seoul is a city where you can shop like the rich and famous do, even on a relatively tight budget. To get the most out of your shopping experience and save the most money, follow some of these helpful tips:
- Eat Where the College Students Hang Out: When it comes to dining in Seoul, college students know how to stretch their money. Eat on or near the college campuses and enjoy filling meals for as little as 3,000 won. You will find an assortment of international cuisine that soothes the soul and fills the belly.
- Support a Small Business: Shop the local vendor stalls instead of shopping at the grocery store; you will save money and get vegetables and fruits that come straight from local farms. When purchasing food items from local vendors, you will help to support a small business and get fresh food without paying middle-man prices.
- Be Sure to Barter: When dealing with locally-owned stores and pop-up shops, practice your haggling skills and barter for better pricing. You can save a lot of money by simply asking for a discount and charming the shop owner in the process. The more you purchase from the particular vendor, the more luck you will have in getting the vendor to agree to a discount and the better discount you will receive.
- Visit the Night Markets: Night markets are a great way to embrace the local culture and save some money in the process. Head out to the large tourist-oriented night markets where there are hundreds of vendors competing for your business. Go to the markets late at night before closing time to get the best prices when shop keepers are trying to get rid of fresh produce and prepared foods.
