Living in Korea

Seoul – Best Shopping City in Asia

The Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Tourism Organization have been staging a global marketing campaign to showcase Seoul as the best shopping city in AsiaSeoul, the capital of South Korea for more than 620 years, is one of the world’s best travel destinations. It was selected as the Best Shopping Destination of the Best of The Decades (2010-2019), held by Smart Travel Asia, a popular online travel magazine. It describes Seoul as…

“Seoul astounds all comers and sets pulses racing with its eye-popping array of cosmetics, fashion, and designer bric-a-brac.”

Seoul is famous as a dynamic city that never sleeps, featuring a vibrant lifestyle. The city’s well-harmonized vibes of modernity and tradition can be enjoyed by visitors and citizens alike.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government, and Penta Press, a Seoul-based photo news agency, select the best three shopping areas in Seoul for your best consideration for the next travel destination.

Why Seoul is the Best Shopping City in Asia

Insadong

Source: Penta Press

Insa-dong is a neighborhood that epitomizes traditional Korean culture and heritage. Its name originates from the fact that during the Joseon Dynasty, it was located at the center of the two important government offices, Insa-dong and Jongno. Insa-dong means “inside the city,” which refers to the city of Seoul.

Insadong is known for its traditional Korean handicrafts, including pottery, textiles, and ceramics. These crafts are typically made by local artisans and are often displayed in shops that have been in the same family for generations. Art galleries and antique shops Insadong is home to many art galleries and antique shops that sell Korean art and artifacts, including traditional paintings, sculptures, and calligraphy.

Korean fashion boutiques Insadong is also a great place to shop for Korean fashion, with many boutiques selling the latest Korean styles, including hanboks, and traditional Korean clothing. It is one of the most visited places by international tourists who are looking for an authentic experience in Korea.

Source: Penta Press

Explore the hidden wonders of traditional culture in places all around Insa-dong. For example, there are art galleries, traditional craft shops, antique art shops, and traditional tea houses and restaurants. In addition, you will come across eye-catching goods, such as traditional fans, calligraphic works, and Korean paintings.

SOUNDS Hannam

Source: Penta Press

SOUNDS Hannam, located in Hannam-dong, is becoming trendy among young visitors. Hannam-dong is situated between the Hangang River and Namsan Mountain. It is a disparate neighborhood that has changed through time while retaining its locally “diverse” characteristics.

Source: Penta Press

SOUNDS Hannam is a cultural space and complex. It is conceptually called an “urban resort” and comprises multi-layered residency, office, and retail facets.

Mangwon-dong

Source: Penta Press

Mangwon-dong has remained a popular place in Seoul for a long time, and the delicious food, cute novelty shops, and quirky stores of Mangwon Market’s neighborhood continue to be loved by many. Mangwon-dong, located in Mapo-gu, Seoul, is in Hapjeong, Sangsu. It is the commercial area of Hongik University and the Hangang River, making it a place frequented by visitors as part of their must-see tour around Seoul. Moreover, Mangwon Market is nestled in the small yet unique neighborhood of Mangwon-dong. The area is surrounded by low-floored, multi-family residences and is frequented by locals due to the merchants’ low prices.

Source: Penta Press

Unique cafes and restaurants also began to pop up near the market, creating a commercial area called “Mangnidan-gil Street.”

John

John is the Co-Founder of Seoulz. He has covered the Korean startup & tech scene for over eight years and has written over 700 articles regarding the Korean startup ecosystem. He has brought global attention to Korea's tech scene using Google SEO. Email him at john@seoulz.com

Recent Posts

Korea‘s Deep Tech Moment: Investors and Startups Ride the Wave – An Interview with BlissVine Ventures’ CEO

Deep Tech is quickly becoming a key focus in the global investment landscape, and it…

3 months ago

Top Fabless Semiconductor Startups in Korea

As machine learning and AI technology continue to advance, businesses all around the world require…

4 months ago

AR in Korea – The Potential to offer Better Customer Experiences

By now, many of us have already been exposed to the world of augmented reality.…

6 months ago

Mycovation harnesses Mycelium to produce Better food

As the world struggles with food security and nutrition challenges, there is growing acknowledgment that…

6 months ago

How Strong is AI Development in South Korea?

The future is AI Technology. Top entrepreneurs like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg have been…

7 months ago

HerbiaEra – Substrates that Simplify and Optimize Indoor Growing

Undoubtedly, agriculture is one of the most fundamental industries on our planet. It provides food,…

7 months ago