Seoul Shopping Tips by AKtravelers Top 5 Page for this destination

Namdaemun (Great South Gate): Buy Cheap Clothes at Namdeamun Market Namdaemun (Great South Gate) Review

One of the most vibrant markets in Seoul is the outdoor Namdaemun market. A maze of narrow alleys lined with stores, Namdeamun always seems crowded. The northernmost section is reserved for food vendors selling Korean staples like kimchi, soup and other unrecognizable dishes (I'm sure you can get soju or beer to wash down your quick meal). Most of the other stores sell clothes, handbags and everyday items. If you're looking for gifts to bring back home, you may find some here but you'll have to do some hunting. You'd have better luck shopping at Insadong or Itaewon.

Theme: Women's Clothes

Insadong: Shop for arts, crafts and souvenirs in Insadong Insadong Review

Street Vendors and small shops line the pedestrian street in Seoul's Insadong neighborhood. Situated near the palaces in the heart of downtown, Insadong is the historic art district of the capital, and the bestthings to buy here are still art supplies or art products. But if you want small souvenirs to bring to your family and friends back home, Insadong will serve you well.
As one of the few streets closed to traffic in Seoul, Insadong draws throngs of people, many of whom never venture into the shops. On weekend days, the human traffic flow can be very heavy. This makes Insadong a great place to people watch, as it is a popular destination for Seoulites as well as tourists.

What to buy: Celedon pottery, artistic supplies

Theme: Art

Myeongdong: Myeongong: The Great Shopping Area Myeongdong Review

If you want to go to Seoul's primary non-tourist shopping center to buy clothes, music, books or anything else (ice cream!), the best place to go is the Myeongdong neighborhood of downtown Seoul. It is Seoul's answer to the Ginza, 5th Avenue or any other big city shopping district. Sorry, I'm not really up on my shopping, but it's also a fine place for people-watching or just getting a flavor for 21st-century Seoul if all you've done is visit palaces and shrines.

Theme: Other

Itaewon: Bargains are Getting Sparse in Itaewon Itaewon Review

There are a variety of small shops in Itaewon that sell clothes, pottery, leather goods, luggarge and other items. These used to be the source of great bargains, but over the last few years the prices have started to appreciate. No longer is Itaewon a bargain hunter's paradise. Still, there are some unique products that are worth buying even if thay are no longer cheap. I highly recommend the traditional Korean celedon pottery, of which I now own quite a bit. A great gift for new couples are wedding ducks, but make sure you get the one with the ribbon around the female's beak (according to tradition, if the woman keeps her beak shut, the marriage will be peaceful). Finally, I recommend amehyst and smoky topaz jewelry, since the stones come from Korea.

Theme: Gifts