10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Seoul

Myeong-dong is the place to go if you’re planning to hit the shops during your stay in the capital. One of South Korea’s prime shopping districts, it has dozens of department stores, shopping malls, and street-side shops.

Popular items include inexpensive clothes, shoes, accessories, jewellery, and handbags from local and international brands. There are over 1,000 outlets selling Korean cosmetics and skincare. Myeongdong Market also has sightseeing spots – iconic landmarks include the Myeongdong Catholic Cathedral and Myeongdong Nanta Theatre. 

Dongdaemun is one of South Korea’s largest wholesale and retail shopping districts. It has around 26 shopping malls, 30,000 speciality shops, and 50,000 manufacturers. Items range from textiles, clothes, shoes, and jewellery, to leather goods, toys, electronics, and office supplies. 

Dongdaemun attracts foodies with Mukja Golmok, an alley dedicated to Korean street food and snacks. The shopping district stays busy well into the night, with festivities, fashion shows, music and dance performances taking place after the sun sets in Seoul. 

Starfield COEX Mall has over 300 brands, ranging from fashion and beauty, to electronics and entertainment. A must-visit at the shopping mall is the Starfield Library, which has over 50,000 reading materials arranged in 13-metre-high bookshelves.

Children may enjoy playing with colourful LEGO bricks at Bricklive – admission costs around 10,000 won per child (1 year old and above) and 5,000 won per adult. Located on the basement level, COEX Aquarium houses over 650 species of marine wildlife. 

Hongdae is known for its youthful ambience, underground cultures, and freedom of self-expression. Local youths and students of the neighbouring Hongik University often visit the district’s many cafes, art galleries, fashion outlets, live music bars and clubs. There are plenty of shops selling goods ranging from handmade clothes to luxury goods. 

Hongdae's main draw is its weekend ‘free market, which takes place from 1pm to 6pm. Local artists and craftsmen showcase their handmade crafts, accessories, paintings, and second-hand goods. You can also catch live dance performances, literary exhibits, cultural events, street performances, and festivals. 

Myeongdong’s Lotte Department Store has an impressive collection of apparel, accessories, jewellery, beauty products, furniture, electronics, and sports equipment. You can find a duty-free outlet, art gallery, and food court that offers a wide range of local and international delicacies. 

You can even request for your purchases to be delivered to the airport for pick-up. It’s also directly connected to Lotte Hotel Seoul, making it convenient for guests to enjoy a day of sightseeing in Myeongdong. 

Apgujeong is a shopping district where Seoul’s rich and famous shop for designer brands. Also known as Apgujeongp-ro, the streets of this upmarket district are lined with beauty clinics, department stores, luxury boutiques, and shopping malls.

Among the many international brands available here include Goyard, Valentino and Saint Laurent, all of which are located in Galleria Shopping Mall. Apgujeong Rodeo Street is the place for cosmetic surgery and beauty care, as well as dining at fancy cafes and fine-dining restaurants. 

Galleria Department Store is a great place for shoppers who are looking for high-quality and branded items. It’s located at Apgujeong Rodeo Street, one of Seoul’s most upmarket shopping streets. 

You can find just about anything at Galleria, from shoes, bags, accessories, to sports gear and clothes by big-name designers. Prices are towards the higher end, so you might be able to spot Seoul’s rich and famous shopping at the department store.

Itaewon has more than 100 shops specialising in imported fashion brands, leather goods, handbags, shoes, souvenirs, and antiques. You can also find a diverse range of clothes sizes, with local tailors offering custom-made apparels. 

A unique part of Itaewon is its extensive food offerings - international restaurants, bars and clubs occupy the streets behind Hamilton Hotel Seoul. Itaewon is also known as Seoul’s Special Tourism District – expect cuisines from all over the world, including Greece, Pakistan, Italy, India, Thailand, China, Australia, France, and Mexico. 

Insa-dong is a vibrant district with dozens of antique shops, traditional teahouses, and bookstores along its alleys. There are around 100 art galleries, attracting those interested in traditional Korean fine art. Popular spots include Hakgojae Gallery, which displays folk art, and Gana Art Gallery, where you get to see works by up-and-coming artists from across the country. 

Shop for authentic goods and souvenirs such as hanbok (folk clothing), hanji (traditional paper), artwork, vintage toys, pottery, and folk crafts. Every weekend, Insa-dong’s main street becomes a pedestrian-friendly space. Enjoy classical concerts, art exhibits, and Korean street food during your visit in Insa-dong.

Samcheong-dong is a quiet town with a retro vibe in Seoul, featuring many small shops selling unique and cute home interior goods, daily necessities, and stationery that match the local atmosphere. Home interior accessories often seen in swanky Samcheong-dong cafés are particularly popular. 

The number of single-person households is on the rise. If you’re looking for cute accessories that don’t appear out-of-place in a small house or on a tiny desk, make sure you check out the shops in Samcheong-dong.