Shopping Guide 🛍️
한국 쇼핑 가이드
📋 Table of Contents
🛒Shopping in Korea Overview (쇼핑 개요)
Korea is a shopping paradise! From traditional markets to luxury department stores, K-beauty cosmetics to high-tech electronics, and trendy fashion to unique souvenirs. Seoul is ranked as one of the world's top shopping destinations.
🎯 What to Buy
- ✨ K-Beauty: Cosmetics & skincare
- 👗 Fashion: Korean clothing brands
- 📱 Electronics: Samsung, LG products
- 🎁 Souvenirs: Hanbok, traditional crafts
- 🍵 Snacks: Korean food & tea
💳 Payment Methods
- 💳 Credit/Debit cards (most accepted)
- 💵 Cash (for traditional markets)
- 📱 Kakao Pay, Naver Pay, Samsung Pay
- 🌍 Tax refund available for tourists
💰 Tax Refund (세금 환급)
Tourists can get 10% VAT refund on purchases over 30,000 won at stores with "Tax Free" signs. Get refund at airport before departure. Keep receipts!
🏪Types of Stores (매장 종류)
Department Stores (백화점)
High-end shopping malls with luxury brands, cosmetics, fashion, and food courts.
Popular chains:
- • Lotte: Multiple locations, largest chain
- • Shinsegae: Premium shopping experience
- • Hyundai: Fashion-focused department store
- • Galleria: Luxury brands in Gangnam
Underground Shopping (지하상가)
Underground malls connected to subway stations. Great for affordable fashion and accessories.
Famous underground malls:
- • Gangnam Station: 300+ shops, fashion & accessories
- • Goto Mall (Gangnam): Beauty products & cosmetics
- • Express Bus Terminal: Largest underground mall
Traditional Markets (전통시장)
Experience authentic Korean culture with local food, fresh produce, and traditional items.
Must-visit markets:
- • Namdaemun: Oldest market, everything from clothes to food
- • Dongdaemun: 24-hour fashion wholesale market
- • Gwangjang: Famous for food and vintage hanbok
Supermarkets & Convenience Stores
For everyday shopping and Korean snacks.
Common chains:
- • E-Mart, Homeplus, Lotte Mart: Large supermarkets
- • CU, GS25, 7-Eleven: 24-hour convenience stores
- • Olive Young: Health & beauty drugstore
📍Best Shopping Areas (쇼핑 지역)
💄Myeongdong (명동)
THE K-beauty mecca! Every major Korean cosmetic brand has a flagship store here. Always crowded with tourists and locals alike.
Best for:
Cosmetics, skincare, fashion, street food
Subway:
Line 4 Myeongdong Station (명동역)
✨Gangnam (강남)
Luxury shopping district. High-end boutiques, COEX Mall, and Apgujeong Rodeo Street. Famous for K-pop and celebrity culture.
Best for:
Luxury brands, K-pop merchandise, trendy cafes
Subway:
Line 2 Gangnam Station (강남역)
🌙Dongdaemun (동대문)
24-hour fashion wholesale market. Great for cheap clothing and accessories. Shopping malls stay open until dawn!
Best for:
Affordable fashion, wholesale, late-night shopping
Subway:
Line 1/4 Dongdaemun Station (동대문역)
🎨Hongdae (홍대)
Youth culture and indie fashion. Unique boutiques, vintage shops, and street performances.
Best for:
Indie fashion, vintage, art supplies, nightlife
Subway:
Line 2 Hongik University Station (홍대입구역)
🏛️Insadong (인사동)
Traditional Korean crafts, art galleries, and antique shops. Perfect for unique souvenirs.
Best for:
Traditional crafts, art, tea houses, souvenirs
Subway:
Line 3 Anguk Station (안국역)
📱Online Shopping (온라인 쇼핑)
Korea has excellent online shopping platforms with fast delivery (often same-day or next-day!).
🛒 Popular Platforms
- Coupang (쿠팡)
Rocket delivery - next-day shipping for most items
- Gmarket
Wide selection, English interface available
- 11번가 (11st)
Korean marketplace, great deals
- Naver Shopping
Compare prices across multiple stores
💄 Beauty & Fashion
- Olive Young
K-beauty cosmetics and skincare
- Musinsa (무신사)
Korean fashion for men and women
- StyleNanda (3CE)
Trendy makeup and fashion
- Innisfree, Etude
Korean cosmetic brands with online shops
💡 Online Shopping Tips
- Most sites offer English interface or use Chrome translation
- Credit/debit cards accepted (foreign cards usually work)
- Address in Korean needed (use Kakao Map or Naver Map)
- Fast delivery (same-day, next-day common in Seoul)
✈️Duty-Free Shopping (면세점)
Duty-free shops offer tax-free luxury goods, cosmetics, and Korean products. Great savings!
🏬 Major Duty-Free Stores
Lotte Duty Free
• Myeongdong Main Store (9 floors!)
• COEX Mall, World Tower locations
• Online shopping available
Shilla Duty Free
• Seoul Station location
• Luxury brands and Korean cosmetics
• Pre-order online, pick up at airport
Incheon Airport Duty Free
• Largest selection at airport
• Pick up before departure
📋 How It Works
- Shop in-store: Show passport and flight ticket
- Pay duty-free price: Usually 20-30% cheaper
- Pick up at airport: Collect items at departure gate area
- Online option: Order online, pick up at airport
💡Shopping Tips (쇼핑 팁)
✅ DO
- ✓ Bargain at traditional markets (not department stores)
- ✓ Get tax refund receipts (show passport)
- ✓ Try samples before buying cosmetics
- ✓ Check sizes (Korean sizes run smaller)
- ✓ Shop during sales (January, July)
- ✓ Use store apps for coupons
- ✓ Keep receipts for returns
❌ DON'T
- ✗ Buy cosmetics at airport (more expensive)
- ✗ Forget to get tax refund stamp
- ✗ Buy without checking return policy
- ✗ Shop during lunch hour (11:30-14:00)
- ✗ Carry large bags in crowded areas
- ✗ Rush - take time to compare prices
- ✗ Forget to check authenticity
📱 Useful Korean Phrases
얼마예요? (eolmayeyo?) = How much is this?
깎아주세요 (kkakkajuseyo) = Please give me a discount
이거 있어요? (igeo isseoyo?) = Do you have this?
카드 돼요? (kadeu dwaeyo?) = Can I pay by card?
영수증 주세요 (yeongsujeung juseyo) = Receipt please
세금 환급 돼요? (segeum hwanggeup dwaeyo?) = Can I get tax refund?
📚 Related Guides
Happy Shopping in Korea! 🎁
Enjoy exploring Korea's amazing shopping scene!
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