Galleria
Found at two locations in Seoul (Apgujeong and Seoul Station), Galleria offers high end shopping, catering to Seoul’s upper class. Prices are quite high, as the department store carries designer bags, clothes, shoes, make up and perfume among other things. Still, even if you can’t afford to shop here, it’s great fun to look around, window shop and have some lunch or coffee on its restaurant floor.
Website: http://www.galleria.co.kr/main.do?method=initMallMain
Shinsegae Department Store
Often considered the “be all and end all” of Korean department stores, Singsegae is Seoul’s oldest and, arguably, most reputable establishment. From designer furniture and sunglasses to designer jeans and perfumes, Shinsegae has it all. With three locations around Seoul (not to mention its satellite chain, Emart), Shinsegae is easily accessed. The main store is located in Jung-gu, while the other two are located in Seocho-gu and Yeongdeungpo-gu. Prices are quite high, but you get good value for the cost.
Website: http://www.shinsegae.com/
Lotte Department Store
With seven branches in Seoul alone, Lotte Department Stores are a staple of Korean shopping culture. As with the other high end department stores, you can find designer clothes, furniture and much, much more with prices being extremely high. Lotte Department Stores are usually architectural wonders, with countless floors offering much more than just shopping. Stores are found in the areas of Jung-gu, Gangnam-gu, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Cheongnyangni-gu, Gwanak-gu, Nowon-gu and Songpa-gu with the Songpa-gu location the most well known in the city. Aside from shopping, you can eat, ice skate, or even go to the amusement park at the Songpa location.
Website: http://www.lotte.co.kr/english/s2_business/sub2_02-4.html
Migliore
If you go to Galleria for that new Fendi bag, you will go to Migliore for the brand name bag that looks just like the Fendi but is hundreds of thousands of won less! Migliore is a large department store with two locations in Seoul – Dongdaemun and Myeongdong. They sell brand name clothes, home and fashion accessories, shoes, make up and much more, at a much lower price than their high-end competition. Because of the affordable, fashionable products available at MIgliore, younger people love to shop here. Prices vary from low to mid-range and the latest fashions are always available.
Website: http://www.migliore.co.kr/
Duty Free Shopping
You can do your duty free shopping here, and then pick it up when you arrive at the airport. The most popular duty free shopping locations in Seoul are :
Shilla Located in Jung-gu ( 02) 230-3662
Walker Hill Songdong gu (02) 458-5632
COEX Mall
As the largest shopping complex in Seoul, COEX has a huge selections of boutiques and brand name stores as well as a movie theatre, numerous restaurants and even an aquarium. Located in Gangnam-gu at the Samseong subway stop, COEX is a great place to spend the day – you can do a little shopping, have some delicious food, and catch a movie or take the kids to the aquarium. The complex is mostly underground and is located in a great area in Seoul. Prices range from low to high end, depending on where you choose to shop, and everything from clothes to toys to specialty groceries are available here.
New Core Outlet
Much like Migliore, at New Core Outlet (located in Seocho-gu), one can find great deals on brand name clothes, accessories and home items. With styles catering to all ages, New Core is popular among all Koreans. As a one stop shopping centre, you can go shopping at the outlet or department store area and then head to the basement and get your groceries at Kim’s Club. Also, you will find numerous restaurants and cafes in the building if your feet get sore from all that shopping. New Core is a popular choice with fairly low prices (low-mid range) and is found in a popular location for expats.
Website: http://www.newcore.co.kr/
Doosan Tower
Similar to New Core Outlet and Migliore, Doosan Tower Shopping Centre has a wide variety of desirable items for sale at lower prices than you’ll find in high end department stores. Located in Jung-gu, Doosan Tower is centrally located and gets a high amount of traffic. The merchandise ranges from clothing to accessories and footwear and the prices are very reasonable (usually from low to mid end). There is a food court and even a ballroom found in the building. This is a great place for people of all ages to shop.
Website: http://www.doota.com/en/index.do?_method=main
Aekyung Department Store
For high end merchandise and a luxurious shopping experience, you can go to Aekyung Department Store in Guro-gu. All the best designers are represented in this department store, from Prada to Chanel, and although the prices are sky high, the staff have excellent service standards (sometimes if you don’t look high end, the staff of a department store won’t treat you nicely, but not here) which makes for a comfortable shopping experience. Also, as he seasons change, it’s great fun to see how they change their displays with the latest fashions.
Website: http://www.akmembers.com/
Other Shopping Points of Interest
- Grand Department Store: Located in Gangseo-gu. Telephone: 553 0101
- Hamilton Shopping Centre: Located in Itaewon. Telephone: 794 0171
- Kyungbang Phil Department Store: Located in Yeongdeungpo-gu. Telephone: 2670 3114
- Metro Midopa Department Store: Located in Namdaemun. Telephone: 754 2222
- Printemps Department Store: Located in Jung-gu. Telephone: 774 5111
- Freya Town: Located in Dongdaemun. Telephone: 2260 8114
