2 Best Places to Shop in Seoul, South Korea

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 near Ewha Women’s University, Princess Diary is a bridal-themed cafe where visitors can drink coffee, try on bridal wear, and take photos. The cafe portion and dress-up sections of the cafe are strictly divided as the staff can be quite strict about keeping the dresses clean. You can choose to pay per dress or buy a package that allows you to try on as many dresses as you like for an hour. Once in the dressing room, the staff helps you pick from dozens of wedding dresses, groomsmen suits, and accessories like tiaras and hats, and aids you in putting them on. Both white gowns typical of Western culture and hanboks, traditional Korean outfits, are available in a range of sizes. The cafe is a favorite among couples celebrating an anniversary or groups of friends having a silly afternoon.