Find out where and when to go shopping in Seoul !
South Korea has turned into a world-leading producer of electronics, clothes, cosmetics, and the list goes endlessly. The capital city Seoul is the hub of all commercial activity. The city is swiftly turning into a fashion capital of the world. The demands of the fast-paced fashion world can only be met in the markets in Seoul. The major markets of Seoul are Myeongdong, Insadong, Dongdaemun, COEX Shopping Mall, Cheongdamdong, and Namdaemun Market.
Myeongdong is the place where all the fashion brands such as Zara, H&M, Nike, etc., give their first appearance in Korea. As a majority of stores offers discounts to the travelers; bring your passport/e-ticket while shopping. Two prime stores in this shopping district are Shinsegae and Lotte. Dongdaemun is the place to buy Korea-made products. The shops sell an assorted range of products ranging from fashion to plumping items. Itaewon is a place for people with average sizes. People with plus size can get customized clothes in Itaewon. The swankiest COEX Shopping Mall offers shopping and complete entertainment with its various facilities including the Cineplex, Aquarium, etc. For cheap products Sinchon Ladies’ Street (Cheap young ladies’ goods) is the best place. Sinchon is a market for youngsters who seek to buy inexpensive fashionable products. You would find traditional Korean products in Insadong.
Korea benefits people by offering them tax-free shopping. According to Korean law, all the merchants are required to accept credit cards. The convenience stores provide card recharge facility for an amount of about 2,000 won. Korea provides tax refund on purchases made using a credit card. So, maximum purchases are done by credit cards. There are some merchants who do not prefer cards as they want to escape paying the credit card fee. They offer 5-10% discount on cash sales. Certain shops sell products with “Global Blue TAX FREE” or “GLOBAL TAXFREE” logo. On purchases of such items worth 30,000 won you become eligible for a tax refund. Remember to take the refund slip and show the purchases at the Customs at the airport.
In Korea, if the very first customer who walks in the shop doesn’t purchase anything, the owners regard it a bad sales day. They will do all they can to make you buy from them. In the early hours (between 3:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.), the shopkeepers in Dongdaemun even sell at lower prices. Shopping is so much fun at night as in most of the countries, it is not allowed.
You may also like : 7 Must Have Apps for those Traveling to Seoul
Image credit : Coolcaesar
