Seoul Shopping + Food
The Lottes & Hyundais (Clothing, Acc. & Food)
Lottes
The Lottes remind me of a Nordstrom or Bloomingdale’s of Korea. They’re with Korean and international brands and are throughout Seoul neighborhoods. The most popular and easy-to-access ones are in Myeongdong, though there’s the gigantic Lotte World as well. For typical Korean fashion, this area is the most concentrated classic shopper’s experience that won’t disappoint.
Hyundais
The Hyundais are also throughout Seoul, a handful, and offer similar goods as the Lottes. A strong aspect is the food emporiums where they serve a selection of Korean, and international foods, and specialty treats. These food areas are great for specialty food stuff in one large space and especially for gathering some goodies as gifts.
Coex & Seongsu (Brands)
Coex
Coex is amazing for Starfield (which is a must-visit) and it’s also a shopping maze. It has international brands, and Korean finds. Repeat what’s written of the Lotte and Hyundai’s. The cafe and bakery game is also wonderful.
Seongsu
Seongsu hosts flagship stores, and designer brands both international and Korean. Amore for skincare is worth venturing to. For an aesthetic of new and classic stores, the neighborhood is a lovely place to shop around. It’s probably the most diverse from boutiques to larger stores of the shopping areas.
Nature Republic & Olive Youngs (Skincare)
Nature Republic is a behemoth of the skincare world of Seoul. You can access promises for supple skin anywhere but the stores in Seoul boast most products. Olive Young is the most generic skincare store, they’re all over Seoul and have incredible products for affordable price points. I suggest the recommended products at any of these spots and their makeup is also a high rec for genuine Korean products.
Carin & Gentle Monster (Eyewear)
Carin eyeglasses and sunglasses are a spot to find noticeable and classy wares. And Gentle Monster has the greatest combo of locally made sunglasses and glasses. The seasonal messages of the brand are always worth noting.
Itaewon & Hongdae (Boutique & Vintage)
Itaewon
Both Hongdae and Itaewon are still first for boutiques and vintage. Love Vintage, or Love something vintage there is very legit, Untage designer brand blew you away. For basics, Korea’s Musinsa is it, and ALAND as well; these brands are versatile.
Hongdae/Hapjeong
Wow Vintage has an array of classic unique and old-school finds. Guerilla Radio Vintage is always a favorite. Overall, lovely boutique walk-ins and other vintages are further into the smaller streets of both areas, mostly off of the Hongdae mains, and particularly in Hapjeong adjacent.
Insadong (Art, Acc. & Household Goods)
Insadong
Home to a range of unique traditional Korean items, Insadong is perhaps the best shopping locale for foreigners wanting to take some of traditional Korean culture home. Ssamzigil is a high-rec, four-story open mall off of the promenade that also houses a local market in the courtyard. Anyoung Insadong nearby is even larger and has a robust breadth of Korean brands, crafts, and beautiful tokens. Both shopping centers of the neighborhood are quite crowded on weekends.
Namdaemun Market & Sindorim Techno Mart (Household & Food)
Sindorim Techno Mart
While the market itself is great for shopping all of the things, the best part of Sindorim is the food plaza. Besides some of the bigger markets, it’s one of the places that serves such a selection of traditional food in one place. The mart also hosts manicures and pedicures in an open mall format space.
Namdaemun Market
The oldest and largest market of the city, Namdaemun Market is a partially outdoor, partially indoor market. Namdaemun is with stalls, stores, kiosks, cafes, and restaurants. There’s a basement market that focuses on household goods and clothing. Altogether the market is bustling and fun to explore. For Korean goods, it’s one of the most comprehensive place to traverse. Likewise, the array of Korean eateries around the market is excellent.
