The Shopping Streets in Seoul, Korea

Trends move along the streets

Not only fashion but also top shopping streets change over time. Unlike some iconic commercial districts, new spots rise and fall in every few years here in Korea. These changes involve a process called 'gentrification' which has been controversial in commercial real estate and many other sectors of economy. While gentrification means improving a neighborhood through the influx of more affluent residents and businesses, here in Korea, it more likely brings up an image of empty shops and streets after the original residents and businesses left due to the soaring rent. Some shopping districts, as shown below, have survived this process drawing in new customers and businesses but some were not that lucky.

Where to go shopping in Seoul

1. Oldies But Goodies

Myeongdong

: Myeongdong has always been the most crowded commercial area of the South Korean capital for decades. Especially, it is a paradise shopping district for the K-beauty customers. You can find all the local cosmetics brands and the local/international clothing brands as well.

Dongdaemun

: Close to Myeongdong, Dongdaemun is more like a shopping district with a number of shopping malls rather than a street. If you are going for store brand clothing with the authentic touch of K-fashion, Dongdaemun is where to go.

Gangnamdaero

: Thanks to the song ‘Gangnam Style’ by Psy, the word ‘Gangnam’ has gained quite a reputation worldwide. Not all of the song listeners might have known that the word ‘Gangnam’ refers to an exclusive area in Korea though. As a shopping destination, Gangnamdaero usually means the street between Gangnam subway station and Shinnonhyeon station with the skyscrapers standing next to each other. Since the street boasts the most floating population in Korea, the rent is incomparable to any other areas’. That is why you can find many flagship stores of global brands like Adidas, Nike, Forever 21 etc. who want to maximize their brand recognition on this street.

2. Why not be conspicuous

Garosugil

: Garosugil has its own unique vibe with the wide range of the brand labels you can find on the street. The street offers a variety of store brands, global SPA brands like H&M, Zara etc. and luxury multi-brand shops.

Cheongdam High-end Shopping Street

: If you are more into high-end fashion, you can find the extraordinary luxury along the street of approximately 700m that starts from the exit of Apgujeong Rodeo subway station to Cheongdam Intersection. Here, you can find the iconic designers’ brands such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, Gucci, Ferragamo and Prada etc.

3. The stars have risen

: In Seoul, there are many college areas you can enjoy budget shopping in the air of youth. Hongdae, Kondae, Yeonnamdong areas respectively located around Hongik Univ, Konkuk Univ, and Yonsei Univ. All those areas do not only offer places for shopping but also great restaurants, pubs and clubs for your exciting nightlife at a reasonable price.