Shopping in Seoul is the next big thing for destination shopping in Asia. Seoul has many areas dedicated to shopping and markets that cater to every need of the locals and travelers alike. Its markets range from the traditional to trendy and fashionable and from luxury showrooms to specialty stores.

1. Dongdaemun Market

The largest market of Korea is the Dongdaemun Market that is known for supplying thousands of stocks to the retail fashion stores. The market has several smaller complexes around the main premises that sell fashion goods like formal attire to casual overalls and all kinds of accessories especially a huge range of belts and bags.

2. Namdaemun Market

Another very famous market is the Namdaemun market which is known to sell anything under the sun. For travelers looking for a one-stop destination to shop till they drop, Namdaemun might just be the place.

3. Insa-dong

For antique lovers, Insa-dong, a market housed on a narrow street, is the place to be. The market is also known for its art galleries and traditional teahouses.

4. Myeong-Dong

If you are looking for something more trendy and fashionable, head straight to Myeong-dong, the only main shopping hub in downtown Seoul. It is home to some of the major fashion boutiques and city’s other top stores.

5. Itaewon

Itaewon is, however, a place that targets and caters specifically to the foreign travelers to Seoul. If you find yourself confused about where to shop in Seoul, don’t think twice and head to Itaewon. The market has some interesting stores dedicated to leather and shoes, brassware, jewelry and other antiques, skilled tailors, and stores that deal exclusively with Korean calligraphy and art.

6. Yongsan Electronics Market

Seoul is the home to the largest electronics market in the whole of Asia. Yongsan Electronics Market has about five thousand stores in twenty-two buildings and specializes in selling electronic goods and computer parts. Even if you are not a big fan of electronics, the place is worth to check out.

Other popular shopping areas of Seoul are Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam, and Apgujeong. Unlike Myeong-dong that sees a younger crowd, Gangnam is often known to receive well-to-do shoppers i.e. the populace of wealthy Koreans who prefer to shop at many of its luxuriously trendy boutiques and department stores. It also offers an amazing dining experience at some of its modish cafes and restaurants. The Cheongdam Fashion Street or the Cheongdamdong street of luxury goods is about an eight-hundred-meter long stretch on the main street of Cheongdam-dong. The city is lined up with fashion labels like Cartier Maison, the first flagship store of Cartier in South Korea, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Prada, Salvatore Ferragamo, and 10 Corso Como.

Like every major city, Seoul has many shopping malls, the important and most popular ones being, COEX Mall, I’Park Mall, and Times Square. The COEX Mall is particularly interesting for it houses one of the largest aquariums of Asia. Think about wrapping up a perfect shopping spree with a sight like this!