Shopping In Seoul – 11 Hotspot For Shopping On a Budget!

Looking for the hotspot for shopping in Seoul? From a designer product, traditional handcraft to a cheap korean souvenir, Seoul have everything you need to shopping on a budget without breaking your bank account.

Seoul is filled with local markets, department stores, independent boutiques, and beauty stores so there are plenty of options available when it comes to shopping in the South Korean capital.

Shopping In Seoul On a Budget

Before you visit Seoul, research the best places to shop based on your budget. If you’re looking for luxury items, hit up Apgujeong-dong and Cheongdam for designer stores like Gucci and Louis Vuitton.

For mid-range retailers, Dongdaemun is your best bet for trendy clothing and accessories. If you want cheap but fashionable items, then head to Namdaemun Market or Hongdae. You can get fantastic deals on quality products in all of these areas.

1. Gwangjang Flea Market

Credit to : Seoulfulfamily

Gwangjang vintage flea market is one of the oldest market in Seoul that serves a delicious traditional Korean food along with many other shops. This market is great for shopping on a budget as you can bargain with the seller and find a unique stuff you can’t find elsewhere.

However, do note that most of the clothes here aren’t originally from South Korea. The clothes are imported from all over the world such as UK, America and Australia, which is good if you need a western size clothes.

Address: 88 Changgyonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
How to Go:
Take subway line 1 to Jongno 5-ga station. From there, it is a short walk to the market.

2. Bling Night Flea Market

This vibrant market is hosted by club culture magazine The Bling. However, this market pops up in various different areas all over Seoul, so you need to check Bling’s maganize page to get the latest update which areas they will host it.

Here are some tips to shopping in this flea market:

Go early or late to maximise your selection, or score some last minute discounts.
Since cash is king here – make sure you have enough on hand before you start browsing.
Bring a shopping bag – this helps to both protect the environment and makes it easier to take all your purchases home with you!
Don’t forget to bargain if you can –just be careful not to offend anyone.
Lastly, there’s always an element of uncertainty when it comes to outdoor markets so don’t be too disappointed if things don’t work out as planned.

3. Namdaemun Market

Boasting for thousands shop all around here, Namdaemun is one of the largest traditional market in South Korea. This is the place where you can find a casual attire, stationery, arts and accessories at a bargain price.

Namdaemun Market history dates back to the 15th century, the market was almost destroyed during the Korean War but was later rebuilt and transformed into what it is today.

You can find numerous stalls along the street filled with all kinds of merchandize, from clothes to korean delicious street food. The prices here are very competitive due to the lack of middleman mark-ups commonly seen elsewhere, yet quality is not sacrificed!

Shopping at Namdaemun Market is a great affordable choice for all types of shoppers – from tourists looking for souvenirs to those hunting for bargains!

Keep in mind that individual vendors have their own hours; some are closed on Sundays, though the market itself remains open. To miss the worst of the crowds, begin shopping before noon—55% of shoppers visit between 1-2 PM.

Address: Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
How to Go:
Alight at Hoehyeon Station (Seoul Subway Line 4) and take Exit 5.

4. Dongdaemun Shopping Street

Dongdaemun district is one of the largest shopping district in Seoul where you can find over 30 thousand stores and 30 shopping malls selling all kinds of stuff, from crafted handbags to wonderful dresses.

You can go to Dongdaemun fashion malls that has 8-11 floors of amazing shop offering products with prices that range from budget-friendly to high-end. However, if you prefer a marketplace where you can find all kinds of item, go to Dongdaemun Market to get the best deals!

Address: 272 Jong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
How to Go:
Dongdaemun Station (line 1/4, exit 8). 5 mins walk.

5.Ewha Women's University Shopping Street

This shopping hotspot in seoul filled with skin care and boutique stores mainly targeting Ewha women university students, so you can expect a trendy cute youthful shorts, dress as well as accessories and shoes.

The good news is that because they’re targeting Ewha college student, so the price are relatively cheap. Another best place to shop in Seoul on a budget.

Address: 52 Ewayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea
How to Go:
Take the Seoul Subway Line 2 to Ewha Womans University Station. Then, head to either Exit 2 or Exit 3. From there, you’ll see the Ewha shopping street just located in front of the exits.

6. Myeongdong

Myeongdong is one of the most famous place to shopping in seoul especially for those looking to buy any Korean cosmetics and skin care products. Lots of Korean beauty stores in myeongdong offers free sample on the streets in front of their shop. You can just take it and try before you decide which one to choose.

The best part about shopping in myeongdong is that most of the shops in myeongdong are tax-free, so you can just fill the form handed to you by the staff regarding your purchase in their shop and get your tax return at the airport.

Address: 66, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
Opening hours vary according to stores. Generally from 11:00 to 22:00.
How to Go:
Myeongdong Station (line 4, exit 5/6/7/8 onto Myeongdong).

7. Hongdae

Hongdae, one of the must visit hype areas in Seoul and probably one of the most highly recommended tourist spot in Seoul. This title came with a reasons, you can find all kinds of stylish cafes, coffeeshop, clubs and fashion store here.

The stores in Hongdae are mainly targeting Hongik university students, so you can expect the price is student-friendly, aka cheap. More than that, you can find all kinds of handicrafts, artwork and trendy clothes in this areas.

Address: 365-8, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
How to Go:
Subway Line 2 to Hongik University Station. Right after, go out of Exit 9 and then turn left. Walk for about 1 minute

8. Itaewon Shopping Street

Credit to : Shutterstock/DIOGOMARIOTTINI

Itaewon is the most commonly known as ‘foreigner district in Seoul. If you miss to talk to someone in English, this is the place to go where you find many international food stores, including your country.

While it’s not one of the best place to find authentic Korean product, this place is definitely one of the best place to go in terms of shopping in Seoul. There are more than hundreds various shop selling clothes, arts, electronics, crafts good and any other things.

Address: Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
How to Go:
Subway: Noksapyeong Station (Subway Line 6), Itaewon Station (Subway Line 6)

9. Insadong

Insadong is the where-to-go when it comes to shopping traditional products in Seoul. If you are someone who love vintage handicraft souvenir to bring back home, this one is the place to go. One great place to go in Insadong is Ssamziegil Shopping Complex.

The Ssamziegil shopping complex is located along Insadong main street offers many unique items and decorative walls. Whether you’re searching for trendy clothes, customized accessories, souvenirs or decorative pieces, you’ll find them all here.

After shopping, take a break from exploring and try one of the cafes or snack stores available at this complex. You also have the option to head over to the art galleries and workshops if you have extra time!

Address: 62, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
The best time to visit: Saturday (2:00 PM – 10:00 PM) and Sunday (10:00 AM – 10:00 PM).
How to Go:
Seoul Subway Line 3 to Anguk Station. Exit 6 and head straight. After a minute of walking, you will see Insadong street on your left.

10. Kondae

If you’re a shopping enthusiast looking for the latest trends, Kondae near Konkuk University Station in Seoul is the place to go! Known as a hotspot among young Koreans, Kondae offers an array of shops filled with fashionable clothing and beauty products as well as various dining and entertainment options.

To best enjoy the exciting atmosphere here, visit during night time! There are Kondae Taste Street and Kondae Rodeo street where you can find all kinds of delicious restaurant and fashion store all arounds.

Address: Achasan-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
How to Go:
Konkuk Univ. Station (line 2/7).

11. Common Ground

Common Ground, comprised of 200 large shipping containers, features up-and-coming designers and young fashion trends. On top of great shopping opportunities, this trendy place holds regular events, exhibitions and performances for visitors looking for more than just deals.

Whether you’re in search for a special find or just wanting to explore the city’s best offerings, Common Ground is the place you don’t want to miss when it comes to shopping in Seoul. The best part is that this street has a unique selection of seasonal decorations, making it the perfect place to browse and get insta-ready photos!

Address: 200, Achasan-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
Shops: 11:00-22:00
Free Admission
How to Go:
Konkuk University Station (line 2/7, exit 6). 4 mins walk.
Website

Shopping In Seoul

One of the best-kept secrets of shopping in Seoul on a budget is bargaining. In markets and in many independent shops, you’ll be able to save even more money if you’re willing to haggle over prices.

Don’t get bogged down by language barriers or cultural confusion—just look into the merchant’s eyes and start talking numbers! Be sure to smile, stay calm and keep your negotiations short, friendly and firm; before long you should have worked out a great discount for yourself.

Hope this guide to shopping in Seoul on a budget is helpful for you and i wish you can visit Seoul as soon as possible. Let me know which one of this shopping areas you love the most? Have you ever visit one of them? Put it in the comment sections below!

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