The best fashion and gift stores South Korea

Phenomenal! The COEX Mall is arguably one of the largest shopping malls in Asia (and perhaps the world). Housed in the basement of the Korea World Trade Center, it features 260 clothing boutiques (Korean, international, designer and luxury brands), a plethora of restaurants and trendy cafés. There's even an aquarium, a cinema and a museum dedicated to kimchi. On a rainy day, it's simply a golden destination, and you can easily spend a whole day there! THE shopping complex in Seoul!

Myeongdong was the fashion district in the 1980s, before the emergence of Apgujeongdong, which is now competing with it in the field of haute couture. Although a little less trendy than in the past, the number of clothing boutiques has not diminished. Don't miss a visit to this half-pedestrianized district, where you'll find a wide range of brands and a lively shopping scene. From time to time, a festival adds to the liveliness.

It's the cheapest market in Seoul: everything you need is sold there. It's small enough to be able to wander around, but it can be so crowded, both with people and shops (there are no less than 10,000 of them!) that it's not easy to find what you're looking for quickly. The market is divided into eight parts, each marked by an entry/exit door. There's a map and a description of the shops in front of each entrance. Even if you don't plan to buy anything, just go for the atmosphere: you are here in the heart of Seoul.

Lovers of fripe, china and second hand goods, this sector of the traditional market of Gwangjang should put stars in your eyes. You will be able to spend hours in this maze of unique, sometimes offbeat and often very original pieces of clothing. To top it all off, the rates are really great. Smart tip: if you want to leave in your suitcases with a hanbok (traditional Korean clothing), this is definitely the place to come as they are much cheaper than in specialist shops.

Kyobo is Korea's largest chain of bookstores. There are several in Seoul, but the best is here, with a good section of foreign-language books, including a French section. Korean textbooks are also available. There's also a good stationery shop, a cafeteria and a ticket office. Near the cafeteria is the road map section. There's also another sales outlet on Gangnam.

This street is famous for being the district of antique dealers and the arts. While there are some fine stores, they are not flea markets, and the area is very touristy: prices are very high, sometimes justified by the quality and age of the items, but beware of the tourist traps (which are fairly few in number). Calligraphy and other traditional paintings are also on sale in Insadong. Although not very extensive, this is the place where Korean folk art is concentrated in all its splendor.

This is one of the most popular shopping malls in the whole country: nothing less! The giant Lotte is indeed the leader of shopping malls and shopping culture in Korea. Here, on fourteen floors (yes yes you read correctly, there are fourteen of them), you will find everything the world makes of designers, brands or objects (cosmetics, fashion items, household items, toys...) It is a place resolutely for fashionistas and shopping lovers who will be able to spend hours there. Gigantic!

This vibrant boulevard is a shopper's paradise! One clothing and cosmetics boutique follows another, all at very affordable prices. It's the fashion district for fashion, and not to be missed! There are also plenty of cafés, but especially in the afternoon and evening, you can sample the thousand and one flavors of the street food stalls. Tip number 1: don't eat before or after, as everything is so tempting. Tip number 2: come during the week, because it's really crowded at weekends.

The name of this street means "street inside the fortress", because 100 years ago, the Eupsong fortress ran through the town (parts of which can still be seen). It's the ideal place for a spot of shopping. Clothes stores galore! A key feature of this shopping heartland is that cars are not allowed. So you can stroll around in peace. This is where you'll find the famous Rodeo Street, the spot for fashionistas. Many small events and parties take place here throughout the year.

This is the main shopping street in Gwangju City. The place is a bit like Myeongdong's little sister in the capital. There are many shops, clothes, cosmetics, accessories... But also cafes and food outlets. There's always life and entertainment. It is better to prefer a shopping session during the week because the weekend is really busy. As everywhere in Korea, there is always life and animation on a background of K-pop music a little (too) loud sometimes.

This music store will make Kpop fans happy! Adolescents and young adults of all nationalities flock in large numbers. Of course, you can find the latest albums (as well as the oldest ones) but also a lot of merchandise from the different bands! This is the place for BTS fans to go! If you have a niece, a cousin... Kpop fan in your entourage, you now know what to take as a souvenir. Prices are of course lower here compared to an order on the Internet. So we're enjoying it!

Proudly located in the center of Insa-dong street (you can't miss it), this vast and very trendy complex is home to about 70 shops offering tourists both souvenirs and creations by Korean designers (we admit that prices are sometimes a little high). Of course, there are also cafes and some restaurants (we are in Korea yes or no). We like the nice view of the main street of Insa-dong from the top floor terrace. Rutilating and crawling with people all day long.

Very trendy, this covered avenue located in the heart of downtown Seongnamdong is one of the favorite spots for Ulsan residents for a shopping session to the rhythm of the latest Kpop music. On the program cosmetics stores, fashion clothing stores, gadget shops and souvenirs.... It's all here! There are also restaurants, cafés, bars, karaoke and leisure areas (cinema, escape game, archery...). Be careful because the weekend and at the end of the day, it's crowded! In the evening, from 7-8pm, there is a street food market.

This is a very charming little souvenir store, specializing in handmade objects by local artisans. Most of the items are related to the island's history and nature. You'll find a bit of everything in this veritable Ali Baba's cave: mugs, magnets, candles, various and sundry accessories, many featuring the island's mascot, the Snowman. Located in a traditional house, it's the perfect place to stop for some shopping pleasure.

This "Rue des livres" will delight lovers of paper objects and all kinds of hunters. Dozens of shops will offer you thousands of books, all very different from each other. You can find something new, such as old books, comic books or children's books, novels or historical books... Even if you don't read Korean, it can be a nice souvenir and a unique item in your library. You may be able to find books in English. This place has a crazy charm!

This huge complex, with its eerie Santorini island feel, offers a unique shopping experience. This four-storey labyrinth boasts hundreds of boutiques and dozens of food outlets. There's something for every taste and budget. And there's something for kids too, with a merry-go-round, a large activity room (on the top floor)... There's even a café especially for them. It's a great way to spend a day shopping in this temple of consumerism.

One of the districts, with Myeong-dong in the city centre, to get a brand new look. Numerous foreign shops and Korean designers, but also 2 or 3 trendy second-hand shops. Here you will find everything to dress everyone regardless of age, look or budget, even if the prices are slightly higher compared to other places in the capital. If you don't want to buy anything, you can drop by to discover some Korean fashion items. Unsurprisingly, there are many restaurants, cafés...

This three-storey store is dedicated to Line friends (characters from the Asian instant messaging service Line), who are real stars in the region. Everything here bears the effigy of these cute and funny stickers. Giant plush toys, key rings, gacha balls... There's plenty of fun to be had, and plenty of goodies to fill your suitcases that can't be found in Europe. You too will fall for their adorable little faces! If you're not in the area, there's also a version in Itaewon and Myeongdong.

The mastodon of electronics Samsung (삼성) provides 2.0 enthusiasts with a huge showroom where you can discover the full range of their products (connected gadgets of all kinds, virtual reality headsets ...) but also touch tomorrow's technologies with your fingertips. Two entire floors are dedicated to the digital experience and another floor is of course planned for possible small purchases. To do if you're in the area or if you love new technologies, you won't be disappointed.

East of Seoul opposite the Dongseoul bus station, the huge Techno Mart shopping centre offers electronics, a 10-storey, discount hypermarket, a whole floor of restaurants and snack bars, and finally a cinema complex with late-night screenings. But it's mainly for electronics that we come here, because it's the biggest complex dedicated to it! If you need to change your phone and the latest Samsung is giving you the eye, now is the time!