Seoul’s increasing popularity as a vacation destination can be attributed to many things, one of which is the ample variety of retail therapy it offers. Whether you’re looking to pick up the latest trends in Korean fashion or looking to indulge yourself to premium luxury goods, here’s a roundup of where to go for visiting shoppers.

Those looking for Korean goods need not look further than Myeongdong and Dongdaemun which are both two of the most popular shopping destinations in Seoul. Everything that’s in in Korean fashion, cosmetics, accessories and more will be found here and, as popular tourist attractions, many of the workers are fluent in other languages. Dongdaemun is also well known of course for its shopping through the night, making it truly a must-visit site for hardcore shoppers. Other traditional markets like Namdaemun Market and Gwangjang Market are great for picking up food items, cloth, blankets, houseware goods, and more.

Seoul also has its share of neighborhoods associated with shopping. Insadong is popular to shop for souvenirs and Korean crafts and goods. For women’s fashion, beauty, accessories, and even services like hair and nail care, the area around Ewha Women’s University station is a favorite for its friendly prices. For treasure hunters, check out either the Dongmyo Flea Market or the Seoul Folk Flea Market for bargains and finds. Itaewon has an area for antiques and furniture shopping while the Euljiro areas around Euljiro 3-ga and Euljiro 4-ga will have specialty stores in everything from lighting fixtures to furniture and baking supplies. For all things music related- including instruments, sheet music, and more- check out the Nagwon Music Arcade in Jongno.
If you’re into electronic goods, the Yongsan Electronics Market will have all the latest mobile phones, computers, laptops, game systems, appliances, and more which you can test and see for yourself. A similar market exists at the Techno Mart in Gangbyeon. Also for those into electronics, be sure to visit the Samsung d’light store in Gangnam which carries not only the latest Samsung goods but previews some of its new and developing technology, hardware, and more.

Seoul’s department stores are known for both the quality and variety of offerings and top department stores including Shinsegae’s main department store in Myeongdong, the Galleria in Apgujeong, Lotte in Myeongdong, Hyundai Department Store in Apgujeong, and other branches. If plus-sized clothing is what you’re looking for, Itaewon is your best bet. Itaewon is also a great place to get tailored suits done as the tailors in the area have been in business for decades.

For traditional shopping malls featuring global and local brands, Seoul’s representative malls include Coex Mall- which also happens to be Asia’s largest underground shopping mall-, Time Square Mall in Yeongdeungpo, Lotte World Mall in Jamsil and the IFC Mall in Yeouido.

For upscale shoppers, you can begin at Sinsa Garosugil which has a mixture of local boutique shops and global brands. In this same area, handbag lovers will want to check out the Simone Handbag Museum to not only see some priceless handbags up close but also pick up a handbag or two if they choose to. Further east from the Sinsa region, the neighborhood of Apgujeong, which is also home to the Galleria and Hyundai Department stores, has many shops around the neighborhood especially in and around Apgujeong Rodeo street. Nearby Cheongdamdong serves as the flagship store of many global luxury brands making it one of the best spots for luxury shoppers.

Last but not least, do note that the Seoul Summer Sale goes on annually in the summer. This year, the month-long shopping extravaganza will be from July 1 through the 31 and will feature some of the best shopping, restaurant, hotel, and other deals. Check the Visit Seoul homepage at www.visitseoul.net for more information.