Things to do in Seoul: Shopping
South
Korea is today known as one of the four Asian tiger nations, having modernized
at an incredible pace in the past few decades. With the economic growth, the
country itself has grown along with the economy, and is one of the most
tech-savvy and wired nations in the world today. One aspect of Korean culture
that has grown exponentially is the shopping culture, and today, Seoul is a
shopping paradise.
One
of the best places to go shopping in Seoul is, of course, Myungdong. Crowded
with both tourists and locals alike any day of the week, the streets of
Myungdong are any shopper’s dream. In addition to large, brand name stores such
as H&M, Forever 21, and Nike, there are numerous smaller stores that are
definitely worth taking a look at. Many of the clothes offered at these smaller
boutiques are cheap, and often have unique designs. Not only is it perfect for
shopping, but the streets are also lined with food stalls that boast various
street foods, such as Nutella-banana-crepes, fresh-squeezed pomegranate juice,
and corndogs pebbled with potato wedges, just to name a few.
Another
street that is rising in fame in terms of shopping is Garusut-gil, which can be
found between Apgujeong Dong and Shinsa Dong. As one of the newest hotpots in
Seoul, though it does not have the numerous array of stores that Myungdong
does, but it has its own charm. In addition to the cafes and restaurants found
along the street, which serve a wide variety of cuisines- from Thai to Mexican to
Japanese, many designers’ independent stores can be found here. Though it is
also home to larger, better known stores such as Hollister or Zara, many Korean
designers have rented out small stores and sell their products- which make them
truly one of a kind and impossible to find elsewhere.
Of
course, when discussing shopping in Korea, one cannot leave out the traditional
markets. Although they may not seem as interesting at first glance to
teenagers, who are more interested in malls or shopping plazas, markets in
Seoul truly have a beauty of their own. Gwangjang Market, Korea’s first-ever
market, is a place that all shoppers should visit at least once. Selling silk,
satin, and linen goods as well as agricultural and marine products, the market
is a great place to sightsee and learn more about Korea.
There
are many more places that could be the destination for shoppers, and Myungdong,
Garusut-gil, and Gwangjang market are just the starting points. However, no
matter where one decides to shop, one thing is certain- there is bound to be no
disappointment.
by Yoonjie Park
Photo courtesy of http://mikeinkorea.wordpress.com/
