The Spots to Shop: A Visit to Seoul
Let’s be real, I went to Korea to shop. If you’re in Seoul, and you’re looking to spend a little mula, here are the places you need to go (plus a couple random extra things to do). 1. Myeongdong
Myeongdong is a super touristy shopping area, where you’d be hard-pressed to find actual Seoul locals (think of it as the Times Square equivalent). While Myeongdong has its fair share of department stores and luxury brands, the market is where you need to go. Myeongdong is absolutely filled to the brim with cosmetics stores, clothing and accessory boutiques, and the odd store specializing in furry keychains or funky socks. Korea is big on skincare and makeup, so you’ll be sure to see the same major brands on just about every block Tony Moly, Etude House, and Skinfood, to name a few.
Although Myeongdong is busy during the day, it’s absolutely packed at night, and while that might seem like a reason to avoid it at all costs, I say go for the experience. And even if you’re not into shopping, go for the street food. From what my dad likes to call “a heart attack on a stick,” a hotdog covered in french fries, deep fried on a stick to ppopgi, a sweet made out of sugar and baking soda, Korean street food is indulgent and delicious and definitely worth the trip out.
2. Dongdaemun
Dongdaemun is known for its department storeesque shopping. Depending on the building, it could either be more of an open-floor shopping mall or it could be narrow corridors of dozens and dozens of vendors in tiny booths. Either way, Dongdaemun is the place to go for cheap, trendy clothes. However, there are two caveats: 1) often times, you won’t be allowed to try on clothes before you buy them, and 2) most Korean clothes comes in a “one size fits all” sort of deal, so that’s kind of a bummer. However, as far as prices and sheer quantity of choices, Dongdaemun can’t be beat. Dongdaemun also has a bumping nightlife and truly comes alive after midnight. Even if you’re not willing to stay out past dark, Dongdaemun often has musical performances lining the streets during the day.
3. Namdaemun
Namdaemun Market is a historical market that’s the go to place to buy stuff. And by “stuff,” I mean less of clothing and skincare, and more physical souvenirs and objects. There are stores completely dedicated to umbrellas, woven hats, or even stickers. While they do still sell clothing, Namdaemun is significantly less trendy and catered towards an older crowd. Namdaemun is also home to plenty of hole-in-the-wall restaurants that won’t disappoint. Namdaemun was named after Korea’s #1 National Treasure, the South Great Gate, located in the Namdaemun area. The gate was built back in the 14th century to help keep Siberian tigers out of the city.
4. Itaewon
If you like food, and I certainly hope you do, then you need to hit up Itaewon. Right outside of the Yongsan Army Base, the area used to be the hangout spot for American GIs and kids who lived on the base (like me!), but recently, Itaewon has become much more upscale. In fact, nowadays, more Koreans tend to hang out there than Americans. However, Itaewon remains an area for the foodies. Itaewon is home to back roads filled with restaurants from authentic Korean food to Spanish tapas. My recommendation: Vatos Urban Tacos, a Mexican Korean fusion restaurant TRY THE KIMCHI FRIES.
5. Hongdae, Yondae, and Ewha
These are all lumped together, because they’re virtually all the same. All three are Korean universities, with the surrounding areas housing plenty of clothing boutiques and cosmetic stores. While the aesthetics or even the brands of the stores don’t seem to differ much from the ones you’ll see in Myeongdong, the areas boast a more laidback vibe that’s at the same time buzzing with the youthful energy of a college town. If Myeongdong wore you out, but you’re ready to do more shopping, any of these three will do the job.
6. EMart/I’Park Mall
Okay, so maybe this one’s listed here more for nostalgic reasoning than actual touristy shopping value. EMart is basically Korea’s equivalent of Walmart, but there probably isn’t a “People of EMart” website. Probably. Located in Yongsan in the underground floors of the I’Park Mall, which is a fairly standard department store, EMart has everything from groceries to gerbils and everything in between. Let me tell you, I’ve probably spent hours of my life staring at the goldfish while my parents shopped for groceries. And I may or may not still be bitter that I was promised one by my dad, who never made good on his word (but he got me a dog instead, so I guess I can’t really complain…).
7. Lotte World Mall
Lotte World Mall is located right next to Lotte World, aka the world’s largest indoor amusement park, so I honestly wouldn’t blame you if you decided to check that out instead. Lotte World Mall is very similar to a standard American mall it even has a TGI Friday’s but it’s huge. Absolutely massive. It’s got it’s fair share of high end stores as well the H&M type, more affordable stores, not to mention an excellent food court. Go check it out.
EXTRAS
Not quite shopping, but things worth checking out anyway.
Cheonggyecheon: Cheonggyecheon is an urban renewal project that involved the removal of a highway and the resurrection of a creek. When it first opened in 2005, Cheonggyecheon was little more than a trickle of water surrounded by concrete. Flash forward to 2016, and it’s now covered in lush greenery and almost, dare I say, overgrown. Regardless, it’s a refreshing blast of nature in the hustle and bustle of Seoul’s city life.
Nami Island: Not quite in Seoul, Nami Island is but an hour-long train ride from Yongsan Station. Nami Island declared its independence in 2006 and operates as a self-governing micro nation, Naminara Republic. Nami Island is a popular tourist location, due in part to its role as the filming location of Winter Sonata, a famous Korean drama from the early 2000s (one that my parents were absolutely obsessed with). All in all, Nami Island is another great escape into nature with playful wildlife and beautiful scenery.
Kyochon Chicken: This is actually a chain restaurant that’s well known for it’s fried chicken. I wish I could explain exactly what makes it so great, but I can’t. It’s just something you really, really, need to try.
Gyeongbokgung: Gyeongbokgung is the royal palace located in Seoul. Located in front of Gwanghawmun Square, which in itself is a fascinating place to be, as Koreans always seem to be protesting one thing or another, Gyeongbokgung offers a little portal back to the dynastic days of Korea, where it’s not a rare sight to see visitors walking around in the traditional Korean hanbok.
So there you have it. Now go forth and spend your money in confidence! You won’t regret it.