2 Best Places to Shop in Itaewon and Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Open since 1973, the Itaewon Foreign Book Store is a small used books store near Noksapyeong Station. While the prices are not as low as what you might find elsewhere, the owner can chat to you about the books in store as well as the changes in the neighborhood. Don't be afraid to ask for a recommendation or for help searching—the store looks disorganized, but there is method in the madness.

Located in an area of Hannam-dong less traveled by tourists, this complex has several retail shops, restaurants, and office spaces. Noteworthy shops here include an Aesops store, a bookstore called Still Books, and a flower shop called Brunia Flower. If you get hungry while browsing, check out cafe and bakery Quartet or sit down for a meal at Ilho Chic, a popular restaurant that serves elevated Korean food.