Seoul Shopping Guide - Find where and what to shop and buy

Seoul is a real shopper's paradise as it features a large number of modern shopping malls as well as large street markets where a wide range of products can be purchased cheaply.

Many of the markets and shopping districts specialize in certain products, such as the Yongsan Electronics Market, which has a large collection of reasonably priced electronic items for sale. Namdaemum Market is one of the biggest markets in Seoul city and is famous for its wide range of goods and cheap prices.

Pottery is one of the most popular purchases in Seoul and comes in a wide range of colors and styles. Other top buys include traditional Korean products such as kimchi, and ginseng as well as craft items including wooden items, rice paper crafts and lacquered goods.

Namdaemun Market

Located in the center of the city, this is Korea's largest traditional market and is very popular with tourists. Most stalls in the Namdaemun Market are open from 07:00 until 17:00 and the market can be reached by taking the subway to Hoehyeon station, exit 5.

Yongsan Electronics Market

This is perhaps the best place to shop for electronics in Seoul as many items are available at around half the price of other places in the world and shoppers used to bargaining can receive large discounts. Most of the 5,000 stores here stay open until 22:00 and the electronics market is located near Yongsan subway station.

Central City Mall

Open until 22:00, the Central City Mall is home to a large number of prominent stores such as the Shinsegae department store and Youngpoong Bookshop. Hungry shoppers will also find a large food court here and multiplex cinema.

Hongdae Artists' Saturday Market

Art lovers will want to visit this vibrant weekend market, which is located in the park near Hongik University. This is a great place to purchase handmade jewelry and other handicrafts. There is also an entertainer corner where buskers and tarot card readers ply their trade.

Seoul shopping tips

The best time to grab a bargain is during the Korean Grand Sale, which is held from late September to the end of November. Discounts are available in most market places for those with a keen sense of bartering.