Shopping malls 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!

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!

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.

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 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.

This vast complex of boutiques is primarily intended for a female, rather young and trendy clientele who will find all the products of the world there. It is mainly about clothes and small accessories. While you're here, don't miss the Kakao Friends boutique (Kakao Talk is the Korean instant messaging service). It has lots of cute characters (A-Peach, Ryan, Muzi...) that can be found everywhere in Korea. Younger (and older kids) will love it! One of the most famous shops in the whole city of Seoul.

This vast shopping mall is located in the heart of Itaewon and offers on four floors everything you could hope to find in terms of cheap clothes, souvenirs and other small gadgets. For a long time it was the meeting place for foreign tourists in the capital, but it must be said that nowadays the shopping centre is quite old and you can find the same things as in other shops. It has lost some of its greatness, competing with newer, trendier signs. This is not the best place to shop in Korea.

Without a doubt, our favorite store in Seoul, and certainly the most beautiful and original we could find. 6 floors of clothes, shoes, make-up... decorated with style (pink, but not only). Every inch is Instagrammable. Our favorite decoration? An old-fashioned bathtub filled with fresh flowers. Even if we go there more to visit the place as a museum than to actually shop, it's a must-see when you're in Seoul. It's one of the city's must-sees!

This giant shopping complex is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest in the world, so there's something for everyone! With boutiques galore and restaurants galore, it's a delight to shop and window-shop all day long. There's even a spa and a cinema! A real small town. An information desk is dedicated to foreigners for directions, tax refunds... In short, it's the perfect place to (sensibly) splash the cash.

Everything is available in this vast shopping mall, 10 storeys high. Clothing shops, mainly for young people and students, foreign and Korean brands, cheap clothes made in small workshops (attention to quality), there is something for everyone and for all tastes. The (national) brand can also be found in the cities of Busan, Ulsan and Daegu with the same standing and the same choices. A temple of consumption with Korean sauce, to be discovered at least once.

Among the Korean department stores, due to its underground construction, this one has the merit of being original. This gigantic underground shopping mall (four football fields!) has 1400 shops where you can find clothes for all tastes (but not all sizes), make-up, accessories, catering points... Very often crowded on weekends and in the early evening, it is better to go there during the week, in the morning or in the afternoon.

Welcome to the glitz and glamour of Gangnam. This is the most recognizable of the district's shopping malls, with its immense glass facade reflecting the daylight and lighting up at night. Everything the world has to offer in terms of luxury boutiques is gathered here, much to the delight of the locals. Be careful with your credit card, though, as spending can be very expensive here. It's always possible to admire the beauty of the place while window-shopping. The food court is also well worth a visit.

Underground shopping mall stretching from Jagalchi station to Nampodong station (its accessibility is its main advantage). Once again, a wide variety of products to buy (women's, men's, children's, accessories, shoes.... in short, everything). If you do your homework, you'll come across some very interesting discounts. Cash is preferable to credit cards, as unfortunately not all international cards can be read.

This lively district has a Seoul-like feel. Restaurants, bars, cafés, cosmetics and clothing stores make this a very popular area of the city, especially with the younger crowd. The underground gallery, located at subway level, is Busan's most famous. It can be divided into two parts: one for young fashionistas and the other for older shoppers with less trendy boutiques. Its big advantage? It closes late!