4 Best Places to Shop in Seoul, South Korea

What started as Asia’s largest single market in 1970 has steadily grown into the vast indoor shopping destination it is today. This 10-story retail behemoth accessible via underground passage from the subway station is filled with a mish-mash of stalls selling everything from clothing, socks, and accessories, to buttons, fabrics, and home goods. There are also more than two dozen cafes and fast-food eateries on site. Most shops are closed on Sunday, except the home goods area open on the first, third, and fifth Sundays of the month.

Opened in 2021 as part of the Parc 1 mixed-use complex, the Hyundai Seoul is the largest department store in the country with an area covering approximately 13 football fields. Not only is it a haven for shopping enthusiasts with its five floors of on-trend fashion and luxury labels, but the sleek, design-forward space also features 90 restaurants, a hanging garden, and a gallery with more than 200 works.

Kim Jaehyun's high-end brand has garnered international acclaim and is one of Korea's fashion success stories. Her designs don't come cheap, but for anyone wanting to bring back a piece of Seoul fashion this is the place to go.

One of the best-known brands in young women’s fashion and make-up is Stylenanda, and its five-story flagship store in Myeongdong makes shopping a photo-worthy experience. Clad in pink and gold, the hotel-themed interior is reminiscent of Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel, a film that was incredibly popular in South Korea. Popular products for purchase include their signature 3CE makeup and clothing such as simple T-shirts, jeans, and brightly colored dresses. There is a cafe on the fifth floor that recreates the experience of being in a pool. The rooftop also has a lounge that's open during the summer.