Korea

10 Shopping Hotspots In & Around Seoul

Seoul is famous for being a shopper’s paradise, with the Korean capital full of great options to go splash some cash. One of the great parts about shopping in Seoul is there are so many underground malls to protect shoppers from the harsh winters and hot, humid summers.

Our guide to the 10 shopping hotspots in Seoul will show you where you can shop till you drop, no matter the weather!

1. Dongdaemun

Doota Mall in DongdaemunDoota Mall in Dongdaemun

Dongdaemun is one of the better known shopping areas in Korea and has a whole zone specializing in wholesale clothing. It’s always bustling with activities and there are many items you can get here. This spot is always crowded with people, from both locals to tourists enjoying shopping until the small hours of the morning.

  • Transport: Subway Line 1.4 Dongdaemun Station
  • Opening Hours: 10am – 5am

2. Myeong-dong

Streets of Myeongdong
Streets of Myeongdong

Myeongdong is a reflection of the regional representation of the entire K-pop culture. Here you will be able to find all kinds of clothing, footwear, beauty items, high-end department stores and more! Needless to say, this is one of the most well known places to shop, especially for tourists. The area is divided into two areas – wholesales and retail stores. Even though the area is small, it is densely packed with plenty of stores.

  • Transport: Subway Line 4 Myeongdong Station
  • Opening Hours: 10:30am – 10:30pm

3. Hongdae

Streets of Hongdae near Hongik University
Streets of Hongdae near Hongik University

Don’t be surprised to find youthful vibes at Hongdae due to its proximity to Hongik University! Prices here are affordable as well since it’s known as a university town. Expect to see the usual fashion items and even furnitures. On Saturdays 2 – 6pm, students from Hongik University will run a flea markets selling all kinds of handmade items such as printed t-shirts.

  • Transport: Subway Line 2 Hongik University Staton, Exit 9 (10 min walk)
  • Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm

4. Ewha Womans University Shopping Street

Best shopping spot for ladies: Ewha Womans University Shopping Street
Best shopping spot for ladies: Ewha Womans University Shopping Street

Ladies, search no more. Ewha Womans University shopping street is one of the favorite shopping haunts for young women in Korea! This is where you can find the best bargain with the wide selection of items from clothes to shoes and more!  Most stores open at 11am, in line with the schedule of the students from the nearby university.

  • Transport: Subway Line 2 Ewha Womans University Station
  • Opening Hours: Varies. Some stores are closed on Sundays!

5. Jonggak Underground Mall​

Jonggak street (image via Pixabay)
If you want to avoid the crowd and high prices at Dongdaemun, head to Jonggak Underground Street, which is just a stone’s thrown away. It’s worth the visit despite the tiny area. Moreover, you’ll get to cross out one of these underground street shopping on your list!

 

  • Transport: Subway Line 1 Station No. 11 Jonggak
  • Opening Hours: 10:30am – 10pm

6. Yeongdeungpo Underground Mall

Boutique in Yeongdeungpo
Boutique in Yeongdeungpo

Yeongdeungpo has always been a hub of Seoul. You will pass by this area from Incheon International Airport if you are going to Seoul. This huge area is divided into three sections, catering to everyone from teenagers to the seniors.

  • Transport: Subway Line 1 Yeongdeungpo Station, Exit 5
  • Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm

7. Express Bus Terminal Underground Street (Goto Mall)

Goto Mall
Goto Mall

Recently renovated in 2012, Express Bus Terminal aka Goto Mall, houses 600 stores, making it the largest underground shopping mall in Seoul. This is the go-to place for trendy items that won’t cost you a hole in your pockets compared to other places like Dongdaemun.

  • Transport: Subway Line 3, 7, 9 Express Bus Terminal Station, Exit 8-1
  • Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm

8. Jamsil Underground Shopping Center​

Jamsil, Lotte World (image via Shutterstock)

Another underground street in the heart of Seoul that you have to visit! Because it’s connected to Lotte World and Lotte Department Stores, you could squeeze in some retail therapy while you are visiting those places – killing two birds with one stone!

  • Transport: Subway Line 2, 8 Jamsil Station
  • Opening Hours: 10am – 10:30pm, closed first and third Monday of each month

9. Bupyeong Underground Mall

Bupyeong Underground Mall
Bupyeong Underground Mall

Budget hunters will be happy to know that the average cost of items sold here is much cheaper than most places! Divided into seven sections, namely A to G, there are over 1,400 stores. From Korean cosmetics to clothes and accessories, this underground shopping mall indeed has it all!

  • Transportation: Subway Line 1 Bupyeong Station
  • Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm

10. Gangnam Station Underground Shopping Center

Jiangnan Underground Mall
Gangnam Underground Shopping Center

Although this area is more “advanced” than the other shopping spots listed above, prices here remain affordable! Just two stops away from the Express Bus Terminal Station Underground Mall, you can easily hop from one shopping plaza to another.

  • Transport: Subway Line 2, Shinbundang Line Gangnam Station
  • Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm
To choose from so many spots to shop in and around Seoul could be overwhelming. Nonetheless, whether you are budget hunters, girls or boys, stylish shoppers or hipsters looking for something unusual, Seoul caters to all. Be sure to choose the right spot for your next treasure hunt! Last advice: Do note that most places only accept cash so do set aside some cash if you intend to go crazy.

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