The Top Shopping Districts You Must Visit in Korea

BARGAIN SHOPPING IN GANGBUK AREA

Namdaemun Market, which has been around for over 600 years, is a place for people to purchase various types of products at bargain prices. Within walking distance of the market is Myeong-dong, the busiest shopping district in Seoul. Because of its convenient location and popularity among international travelers, the Namdaemun Market and Myeongdong district have together become an international center for shopping. The Dongdaemun Market offers a totally different scene from Namdaemun: open from evening till dawn, the market offers a unique shopping experience unfound anywhere else. Here, visitors will find both local markets and large shopping malls where they can buy anything from fabric and lace to ready-made clothing and accessories.

Namdaemun Market

The largest market in Korea, with 600 years of history

Opened in 1964, the Namdaemun Market is the largest traditional market in Korea with various goods in store. All products are sold at affordable prices and the stores in this area also function as a wholesale market.

Most of the goods are made directly by the storeowners. Namdaemun Market opens from 11:00pm to 3:00am, and is crowded with retailers from all over the country. When day breaks, the site of busy Koreans bustling around th market, creates a unique scene that attracts tourists worldwide. The Namdaemun Market sells a variety of clothes, glasses, kitchenware, toys, mountain gear, fishing equipment, stationary, fine arts, accessories, hats, carpets, flowers, ginseng and imported goods.

Myeong-dong

Myeong-dong is a massive shopping district. Myeong-dong Street is around 1km long and extends from Myeong-dong Subway Station (Seoul Subway Line No. 4) to Lotte Department Store at Euljiro. All kinds of brand name shops and department stores are clustered along the streets and alleyways. You can purchase various products such as clothes, shoes, and accessories. Compared to Namdaemun or Dongdaemun, many good-quality brands are sold in Myeong-dong. Such stores include Lotte Department Store, Shinsegae Department Store, Myeong-dong Migliore, Noon Square and M Plaza. You can purchase good-quality products at the department stores or other fashionable products at reasonable prices at Migliore or Myeong-dong Clothes.. Moreover, all kinds of brand shops are densely located along the main street and lanes.

Myeong-dong also has family restaurants, fast food, and Korean, Western and Japanese food. Many restaurants in Myeong-dong specialize in pork cutlet and kalguksu (noodles). Other than restaurants, there are many convenient facilities such as hair salons, banks and theaters. Myeong-dong Catholic Church is also a famous tourist attraction. It is the first and main church ofCatholicism in Korea and was built in the Gothic style. Behind the church is a space where you can relax from long hours of touring.

Dongdaemun Market

The Dongdaemun Shopping Complex is one of Koreas most representative markets and was founded on December 23, 1970 as the largest of its kind in Asia. In December in 1985, the Dongdaemun Shopping Town was established, and now the area encompasses five buildings in total (A, B, C, D and the Shopping Town). There are over 5,000 shops located in this district, selling various fabrics, materials, accessories, wedding products, and more. The fabric and clothing here are of the latest fashion trends in the world. Inventory is imported and exported in real time, making Dongdaemun a must-visit fashion market for everyone.

HIGH-END SHOPPING IN GANGNAM AREA

The Gangnam area is usually associated with high-end shopping. The districts of Sinsa-dong, Apgujeong-dong, and Cheongdam-dong are lined with designer brand fashion stores catering to the rich and famous. Garosugil in Sinsa-dong has a distinct, trendy ambience and is lined with charming caf