🛍️ Shopping in Korea: Where to Go & What to Buy (2026 Guide)

From the skincare mecca of Myeongdong to the "Brooklyn of Seoul" in Seongsu, Teacher Hoon explains how to navigate the best shopping spots like a local pro.

📊 What Tourists are Buying (2024-2025 KTO Data)

Shopping remains the #1 favorite activity for 70% of visitors. The top 5 categories are:

🧴 K-Beauty & Skincare: Sheet masks and serums (Olive Young is the king).
👗 K-Fashion: Trendy brands from Seongsu and Hongdae.
💿 K-Pop Merch: Albums and lightsticks.
🌿 Health Supplements: Red ginseng and premium probiotics.
🧦 Stationery: Character goods and those famous cute socks!

🏙️ Top Shopping Districts in Seoul

1. Myeongdong: The Cosmetics Paradise

The iconic heart of K-Beauty. Myeongdong offers endless global brands and massive Olive Young flagship stores. Staff usually speak English, Chinese, and Japanese.

Useful Phrase: "할인 있어요?" (Harin isseoyo?) — Is there a discount?

2. Seongsu: The "Brooklyn of Seoul"

Currently the trendiest spot in the city. Seongsu features pop-up galleries, eco-conscious streetwear, and Instagrammable flagship stores like Tamburins and Nike. Go here for a "Hip" vibe.

3. Dongdaemun: Fashion Wholesale

Open until 4 a.m.! Visit malls like Doota or Migliore for bulk finds and local designer clothes. Tip: Bargaining is expected in the wholesale markets!

💡 Teacher Hoon's expert "Tax Free" Tip

In Korea, you can get an Immediate Tax Refund at major stores like Olive Young or department stores if your purchase is over 30,000 KRW. Just bring your physical Passport! Don't forget, or you'll miss out on a 7-10% saving.

💄 The "Olive Young" Phenomenon

Olive Young is more than a store; it's a cultural landmark. In 2023, they surpassed $2.4 billion in sales! It’s the best place to find TikTok-famous skincare at great prices. Many branches now have foreign-tourist kiosks for tax refunds.

Phrases for Olive Young:
✨ "이거 추천해 주세요." (Igeo chucheon-hae juseyo) — Please recommend this.
🎁 "샘플 있어요?" (Saempeul isseoyo?) — Do you have any samples?

Want to Practice Shopping Dialogue?

Don't just point—speak! Book a 1:1 "Survival Shopping Korean" session with Hoon on italki. We'll practice bargaining, asking for sizes, and understanding ingredients so you can shop with 100% confidence.

🚀 Master Shopping Korean with Hoon

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