Shop ‘Til You Drop: A Guide to Seoul’s Must-Visit Shopping Areas

Trip Planner2 years ago11828 min

Travel Plan for 5 Days of Shopping in Seoul

Direction and Purpose: Experience the best shopping districts in Seoul, including high-end luxury stores and traditional markets.

Day 1 – Gangnam District

Morning:

– Breakfast at Café Mamas

Afternoon:

– Visit COEX Mall and explore high-end stores like Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Dior
– Lunch at Allegra, a chic Italian restaurant with a reasonable price range

Evening:

– Check out the Gangnam Underground Shopping Center, a popular destination for affordable fashion
– Dinner at the famous Neulbom Korean BBQ

Transportation:
– Subway line 2 at Samseong Station to exit 6, 7-minute walk to COEX Mall
– Taxi from COEX Mall to Gangnam Underground Shopping Center, approximately ₩6,000 (USD 5.20)
– Subway from Gangnam Station to Seolleung Station for Neulbom Korean BBQ, approximately ₩1,250 (USD 1.10)

Hotel recommendation: InterContinental Seoul COEX

Day 2 – Myeongdong District

Morning:

– Breakfast at Issac Toast

Afternoon:

– Check out the Myeongdong Fashion Street, the perfect spot for shopping and street food
– Visit Lotte Department Store for popular cosmetic brands
– Lunch at Namsan Tower for a scenic view of Seoul

Evening:

– Stop by the street food vendors along Myeongdong street
– Dinner at Gaemi Jip, a small restaurant serving traditional Korean cuisine

Transportation:
– Subway line 4 at Myeongdong Station to exit 2, 1-minute walk to Myeongdong Fashion Street
– Walk to Lotte Department Store, located on the same street as Myeongdong Fashion Street
– Taxi from Lotte Department Store to Namsan Tower, approximately ₩5,000 (USD 4.30)
– Subway line 4 at Myeongdong Station to Dongdaemun Station for Gaemi Jip, approximately ₩1,250 (USD 1.10)

Hotel recommendation: Lotte Hotel Seoul

Day 3 – Dongdaemun District

Morning:

– Breakfast at Baekmidang Bakery

Afternoon:

– Visit Dongdaemun Design Plaza for trendy fashion items and unique souvenirs
– Snack on Korean street food at Dongdaemun Night Market
– Lunch at Bongchu Jjimdak for a hearty meal

Evening:

– Check out the fashion shops around Dongdaemun Market
– Dinner at Sogongdong Tofu House for a great tofu dish

Transportation:
– Subway line 2 at Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station to exit 1, 1-minute walk to Dongdaemun Design Plaza
– Walk to Dongdaemun Night Market
– Taxi from Dongdaemun Market to Bongchu Jjimdak, approximately ₩5,000 (USD 4.30)
– Subway line 2 at Dongdaemun Station to City Hall Station for Sogongdong Tofu House, approximately ₩1,250 (USD 1.10)

Hotel recommendation: Grand Mercure Ambassador Hotel and Residences Seoul Yongsan

Day 4 – Insadong District

Morning:

– Breakfast at Miss Lee Café

Afternoon:

– Explore the traditional art galleries and antique shops in Insadong
– Check out the tea houses for a traditional Korean experience
– Lunch at Gogung for the famous bibimbap

Evening:

– Stroll around the alleyways for local handicrafts and souvenirs
– Dinner at Mukja Golmok, a trendy street food alley

Transportation:
– Subway line 3 at Anguk Station to exit 6, 3-minute walk to Insadong
– Walk to Gogung
– Taxi from Insadong to Mukja Golmok, approximately ₩6,000 (USD 5.20)

Hotel recommendation: The Shilla Seoul

Day 5 – Apgujeong District

Morning:

– Breakfast at Paris Baguette

Afternoon:

– Visit the luxury fashion stores like Chanel and Alexander McQueen in Apgujeong Rodeo Street
– Have lunch at Bulgogi Brothers, a restaurant that serves Korean beef dishes

Evening:

– Check out the Apgujeong Midnight Sun, a place that features innovative concepts of fashion and art
– Have dinner at K-Pocha, a restaurant that serves traditional Korean bar food

Transportation:
– Subway line 3 at Apgujeong Station exit 5, 7-minute walk to Apgujeong Rodeo Street
– Taxi from Apgujeong Rodeo Street to the Apgujeong Midnight Sun, approximately ₩6,000 (USD 5.20)
– Subway line 3 at Apgujeong Station to Gangnam Station for K-Pocha, approximately ₩1,250 (USD 1.10)

Hotel recommendation: JW Marriott Hotel Seoul

FAQs:

Q: Is Seoul safe for tourists?
A: Seoul is considered a safe city for tourists. However, it is always advised to exercise caution, especially when visiting crowded areas.

Q: What is the average cost of food and activities in Seoul?
A: The average cost of food and activities in Seoul varies depending on the type of cuisine and activity. However, it is generally affordable, with options available for all budgets.

Q: What type of transportation is available in Seoul?
A: Seoul has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses, subways, and trains. Taxis are also widely available.

Q: Can I use my credit card in Seoul?
A: Yes, credit cards are widely accepted in Seoul. However, it is always advisable to carry some cash for situations where credit cards may not be accepted.

Q: What is the best time to visit Seoul?
A: The best time to visit Seoul is during the spring (April to June) or autumn (September to November) months, when the weather is mild and comfortable.

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