Shopping in Seoul: Where to Go for Fashion, Beauty, and Souvenirs
Planning your trip to Seoul? If you’re a fan of K-beauty, K-fashion, or just want to find the perfect Korean souvenir, Seoul is a shopping paradise. From trendy districts like Myeongdong to traditional markets and lifestyle stores, here’s your ultimate guide to shopping in Seoul!
🛍️ 1. Myeongdong – The K-Beauty & Skincare Capital
Myeongdong is a must-visit for any beauty lover. You’ll find dozens of cosmetic stores like Olive Young, Innisfree, Etude House, and TONYMOLY, often with tax-free deals and free samples.
- 📍 Location: Central Seoul, near Myeongdong Station (Line 4)
- 💡 Tip: Visit in the evening for street food and vibrant night shopping!
👗 2. Dongdaemun – Korea’s Fashion District
If you're looking for affordable fashion or even want to shop wholesale, Dongdaemun is the place. There are over 20 shopping malls, including DOOTA, Good Morning City, and ApM Place.
- 🕒 Open Hours: Many stores are open till 5 AM!
- 📸 Don't miss the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) nearby for photo ops.
🎁 3. Insadong – For Traditional Korean Gifts
Insadong is perfect for finding traditional souvenirs like hanji (Korean paper), celadon pottery, calligraphy brushes, and even hanbok accessories.
- 🎨 Ssamziegil Mall is a must-visit for unique, handmade gifts.
- 🚇 Near Anguk Station (Line 3)
💄 4. Olive Young Flagship – Beauty One-Stop Shop
If you're short on time, head to the Olive Young flagship store in Gangnam or Myeongdong. It offers a huge variety of Korean skincare, makeup, supplements, and personal care items in one place.
- 🔍 Look out for global brands like Mediheal, COSRX, and Sulwhasoo
- 💳 Most stores support tax refund for foreigners
👜 5. Hongdae – Trendy & Youthful Finds
Looking for something more edgy and unique? Hongdae is full of indie fashion shops, handmade goods, and lifestyle brands. A favorite area for young locals and tourists alike.
- 🕶️ Great spot to find thrift stores and quirky Korean designer pieces
- 🎶 Live street performances add to the fun
💸 Tax Refund & Payment Tips for Tourists
Most major stores in Seoul offer instant tax refund for purchases over 30,000 KRW. Use global-friendly payment options like Visa, MasterCard, Alipay, and UnionPay.
💡 Tip: Ask staff for “tax-free” signs or refund slips when paying.
📌 Final Tips for Smart Shopping in Seoul
- 🧳 Leave space in your suitcase – shopping in Seoul is addictive!
- 📱 Use apps like Naver Map or KakaoMap for navigation
- 📦 Some stores offer international shipping for bulk purchases
📷 Share Your Seoul Shopping Experience!
Have you been to Seoul? What were your favorite finds? Share your comments and shopping tips below!