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Gyeongbok Palace, Seoul

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Shopping in Seoul

Seoul is a shopper's paradise, featuring everything from night markets to designer stores and bargains from sunglasses to electronic goods.

Key areas: 

Myeong-dong is the main shopping district in Seoul, with large malls, the original Lotte department store, side streets stuffed with stalls and Namdaemun Market. Scruffier Itaewon is the place to get a tailored suit. Apgujeong's Rodeo Street in Gangnam-gu is the leading fashion mecca, stuffed with international designer boutiques, beauty clinics and poodle parlours, whereas the characterful Insa-dong has traditional arts and crafts, clothing and antiques. Amateur designers and artists ply their wares on Saturdays around Hongik University.

Markets: 

Namdaemun Market is Korea's oldest, selling everything from silkworm snacks to jewellery and leather goods. For trendy and traditional clothing, Dongdaemun Market is the largest with 20 shopping malls (fashion segmented by floors), 30,000 stores, and around 50,000 wholesalers. For photogenic browsing, check out the herbal medicine stalls of Gyeondong.

Shopping centres: 

Popular COEX mall sits under the World Trade Centre and incorporates entertainment and attractions, including an aquarium. Large electronics retailer Techno Sky City is among stores at Sky City, while there are over 100 clothing and accessory outlets at World Cup Mall. One of Asia’s biggest shopping malls, I’Park, is in the electronics district of Yongsan.

Opening hours: 

Seoul is a shop-around-the-clock city. Most shops open until 2200, most night markets until midnight and some are open 24 hours.

Tax information: 

Visitors can claim back most VAT and SET (Special Excise Tax) on purchases over a certain amount made at participating retailers. Look out for VAT Refund Check or Korea Refund Check signs.

Recommended Sites:

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