TOP 7 PLACES LOCAL KOREANS ACTUALLY GO SHOPPING

Don’t you think there are too many shopping areas but not much to buy? If you think so, you would probably have been to wrong places. To make it very simple for those willing to visit Korea, we have rounded up places where Korean local people actually go shopping.

1. Dongdaemun Market Area

flickr/nestorlacle

This is a huge modern style shopping district for fashion goods, such as clothing and cosmetics. This giant fashion shopping Mecca, used to be famous for its inexpensive price and good quality, is rapidly changing into the cluster of young designers' boutiques. Dongdaemun does not sleep at night and you could pretty much enjoy shopping all night long. If you are looking for something really cheap, forget about main shopping centers like Doota or Migliore, and head straight to Pyeonghwa market.

2. Namdaemun Market Area

flickr/koreanet

Although Namdaemun market does not have fancy designer clothes, it offers every sort of good you could possibly imagine from hair clippers to sex toys way cheaper than other places. If you are a determined shopper, you could get a bargain there, and even if you are not, the market has got variety of street foods you could indulge in. This historical market is at the heart of Seoul, located within walking distance from major tourist attractions and famous department stores. 

3. Insadong Street

flickr/koreanet

Insadong Street is always packed with people, especially foreigners. Despite the popularity and reputation, there isn't much to shop around. Most places sell cheap souvenirs which you could get them at Namdaemun market at lower prices. But street has got numerous art galleries and shops selling traditional things some people might wanna buy.

4. Ewha Women’s University Street

Thanks to the women’s university, street has developed to meet needs of the female students. The street is filled with petit clothes and shoes shops and famous hair salons. Even if you are a dude not into shopping women’s clothes, this street offers unusually pleasant experience of getting surrounded by millions of university girls, and it's a great feeling.

5. Cheongdamdong Street of Luxury Goods

If you are rich doesn't mind spending tens of thousands dollar for shopping, why don’t you try Cheongdamdong? This wealthy village is packed with all sorts of designer brands, such as Colombo, Prada and Gucci. This is the best place to shop and enjoy high-end life style of Korea. You do not need to be super lucky to run into Korean celebrities, because most of them live here. 

6. Coex

flickr/usaghumphreys

Coex is not just a shopping center; it is a giant multiplex. There you could see all sorts of products and restaurants chains leading current trend in Korea. This giant indoor shopping mall has got products at all price levels, and it allows visitors to shop and eat comfortably, regardless of the weather condition. If you want to know what's trending in Korea, Coex is the best option.

7. Garosugil street

flickr/sellyourseoul



People go to Garosugil to drink coffee and absorb luxury Gangnam environment. Although Garosugil is no match for Dongdaemun or other major market places in terms of size, it has got the insight as to what will be the next big hit and trend in Korea from restaurants and clothing shops to living wear. Even if you are not a shopper, it is always fun to observe plastic surgery super model looking Gangnam people at a fashionable coffee house. 



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Written by Joonmo Koo

He grew up in Thailand, Singapore, Korea and England. The outgoing traveler writer with a great vision and insight in nightlife has been to pretty much all the clubs in Japan, Korea, Singapore, Hongkong, Thailand and Taiwan. He is eyeing to pioneer vast land of Chinese nightlife.