Seoul Fashion Map #1

Although Seoul is the focus of Korean fashion, it is a large city with many districts each home to a very different shopping experience and fashion style. Let's begin with Seoul's famous markets~

  

Bargain Shopping: District of Gangbuk 강북구

  Namdaemun Market 남대문시장

  

Opening in 1964, Namdaemun Market is the largest and oldest traditional market in Korea with history dating back to 1414. Various goods are sold here all at bargain prices: a variety of clothes, glasses, stationary, hats, bags and accessories that are often hand made by the stall owners. It is common to find store owners buying stock at Namdaemun market to then sell on in their own shops.

Location:  Hoehyeon Station, Line 4, Exit 5

Opening Hours: 11:00pm to 3:00am (Close on Sundays) 


Myeong-dong 명동     

Myeong-dong is a massive shopping district which is covered by 2 subway stations so is easily accessible. Unlike Namdaemun or Dongdaemun, Myeong-dong is home to famous name stores such as Lotte Department Store, Shinsegae Department Store, Myeong-dong Migliore, Noon Square and M Plaza. There are also plenty of well known stores such as Spao, The Face Shop, Etude House and much more.

There are a lot of Hair and Beauty Salons in Myeong-dong where you can get a manicure, hair cut, perm etc. And there is also a large market that fills the streets in between the stores as well as a large underground shopping area in the subway station. Myeong-dong also is home to many restaurants varying from Japanese, Chinese and Asian cuisine to Western cuisine from Italy to France. There are also many other attractions such as theaters and Myeong-Dong Catholic Church.

Location:  Subway Myeong-dong Station, Line 4. Euljiro 1-ga Station, Line 2

Useful Information: Most, if not all, of the shop staff and market stall owners can speak English, Chinese and Japanese. Shop Staff are more than happy to help you out if you have any questions, especially in the Skin Care and Beauty shops; feel free to ask them for advice on skin care! Remember to check out the shops in the Subway too!

Dongdaemun Market 동대문시장
  

The Dongdaemun market opened in July 1905 in Yeji-dong 예지동 with the market being called Gwangjang Market 광장시장. The market continued like this until it was destroyed in the Korean War. The market was then slowly rebuilt until a building was constructed in 1959 and the market was revived. 1998 saw large shopping malls such as Geopyeong Freya, Migliore and Doosan Tower being built in the district and the market was renovated with a modern atmosphere among the traditional market.

In December in 1985, the Dongdaemun Shopping Town was established: the area is devided into 5 shopping districts (A, B, C, D and the Shopping Town). There are over 5,000 shops located in this district, selling various fabrics, materials, accessories, wedding products, and more. The fabric and clothing here are of the latest fashion trends in the world. Inventory is imported and exported in real time, making Dongdaemun a must-visit fashion market for everyone.

Location:  Subway Dongdaemun Stadium Station, Line 2. Dongdaemun Station Line 1 and 4 
Opening Hours: 10:30am to 5:00am. Most stores close on Mondays and Holidays

Useful Information: The open hours vary in each district! Some shops/stalls are open 24hours where as others are only open during the night (from 8pm to 8am). To get the best out of Dongdaemun, multiple visits at different times of the day are advised, especially as it is too big to get through all at once!

Part 2 Gangnam Style →