Korea Seoul - shopping and eating

Gangnam Underground Shopping area - Visit this place first before other shopping - Cheap and Goods where the locals shop
Yeoksam 1-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

“This is where the locals shop !”

Reviewed July 10, 2013 Believe me, this is a shopping paradise for clothes esp for the young-at-heart. This shopping area is just steps away from the exit of the gangnam subway station. Just take the subway.It is super easy. just avoid coming around 5pm coz the trains will be packed like sardines.

If you are coming from the middle of town, say myeongdong, you will see Gangnam station is quite a distance, about 14 stops or so, but your trip will be worthwhile. The exact same blouse I got here, at Gangnam was KW 18000 but cost 35000 in Myeongdong. Don't shop at Myeongdong -shop here! Only the tourists shop at Myeongdong. Forget about being a cheapskate - why pay more when you can stretch your dollar?

I bought so many blouses at prices I couldn't imagine, I sang in my heart. The best thing is, the clothes sold here are usually made in Korea - check the tab. If u r not in the know, korean-made material like cotton is usually very durable. Here u can get T shirts for what ? KW5000! Just close one eye n buy. You can't go wrong when u see locals shopping here.

Tip 1 : go to the shops that are crowded. Their prices r usually reasonable.
Tip 2 : if u buy 3 or more shirts, ask for more discounts. If they can give u, they will. Don't be shy.
Tip 3 : recharge your batteries at the waffle cum yoghurt stall - yum ! Then hit the shops again.

“Heaven for female!”
Reviewed May 3, 2013 I'm not sure if this's the same underground shopping that I went or not. I went to one at Gangnam area and it's named Express Bus Terminal underground shopping. If you're looking for bargain clothes, this is the place for you! Prices ranged from 5000w and above but normally from 5000w to 20000w. Crazily cheap! The underground shoppping is really long. Prepare about 2-3 hours to shop if you are really into buying clothes. I spent more than 4 hours there while my friend even went back again the next day. So much cheaper than Dongdaemun. While Shinsegae Department store is just next door. Hmmm not next door, they're both connected. Go to Shinsegae food court---it's another HEAVEN! If you're more into branded goods, then you should go to Shinsegae Dept store. If you're after both branded & cheap goods, spare a whole day here. Trust me, it takes a whole day to shop here.

How to Get There:  Below bus terminal
Take subway line 3, 7 or 9 to the Express Bus Terminal, exit 8.




Myeong-dong - Seoul Korea most popular shopping street

Myeong-dong is Seoul's busiest area teeming with tens of thousands of people at any given time. There are hundreds of shops here and you can find Korean made goods and etc.

Every Korean cosmetic brand has a branch in Myeong-dong. The market is home to roughly a thousand cosmetic shops and hundreds of skin-care stores, hence competition is really fierce. The sales assistant will often entice walk in customers with free samples. You can still take it even without making any purchases. And if you really do buy something, they will stuff you with even more free samples! We often end up with plenty of free samples after spending an hour or two at Myeongdong.

How to Get There

Exit #6 or 7, Myeong-dong Station (Subway Line 4)



Midnight Shopping @ Dongdaemun

opening hours: from 5am to next morning 5am best to go after 10pm

Dongdaemun gets even busier after midnight. Retailers from across the country gather in the Wholesale Clothing Town to do business alongside the droves of older international travelers that have come to sightsee. Across from the shopping malls, the Wholesale Clothing Town is like a huge warehouse that sells virtually every type of clothing made in Korea. Retailers waiting in front of wholesale shops such as Nuzzon, Yours, and Designer Club with large bags are a common scene at night in Dongdaemun.

The Yellow Tents of the Open Market

Early in the evening, while the area’s giant shopping malls are crowded with customers, the Open Market near Exit #4 of Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station (Subway Line 2, 4 & 5) waits quietly until 10:00 pm before finally revealing its glory in a glitter of sparkling lights. The Open Market boasts endless rows of yellow tents selling clothes, leather goods, glasses, shoes, bags, and other accessories at majorly discounted prices. Although it lost some of its commercial luster after the nearby shopping malls popped up, it still draws people looking for that extra something special in Dongdaemun

Getting there:  shops opened till early morning
exit Dongdaemun Station (Subway Line 1 & 4) or Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station (Subway Line 2, 4 & 5), they’ll find themselves a party to one of Seoul’s busiest street scenes. The area around Dongdaemun is more than just a great shopping venue; it’s the perfect place to experience some of the fun that the city has to offer!

Coex Mall (please check with hotel it is still under renovation)
Coex Mall
159 Samsung-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 135-731, South Korea

The COEX is an underground shopping mall that boasts many brand-name stores, boutiques and gourmet eateries. The Mall is conveniently connected to two Intercontinental hotels, and the famous Hyundai Department Store. it has a multi-cinema complex and an aquarium.

Getting There
The COEX is located south of the Hangang River. The easiest way to get there is by taking subway Line 2 all the way to Samseong Station.

Insa-dong - traditional korea art and antiques

Insa-dong is the place to go to see and feel traditional Korea. The streets are filled with various art works, Korean antiques, traditional teahouses and restaurants where you can experience the unique culture of Korea. There are also many souvenir shops that have traditional gifts.

Getting there:
* Jonggak Station (Seoul Subway Line 1), Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Jongno 3 (sam)-ga Station (Seoul Subway Line 1 , 3 or 5)

Korea Ice Cream Bar

when in korea DO NOT forget to try their ice-cream.

Korean Ice cream bars are beyond unique. They come in all sorts of flavors and taste. most are NOT AVAILABLE outside the countries.  my favourite the fish-shaped biscuit with red bean inside.