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©Christian de Portzamparc
Mon, 12 February 2018
Where to Shop in Seoul
Jongno-gu
Ssamziegil Mall
Located in the Insa-dong neighbourhood, this maze of alleyways has more than 70 shops as well as restaurants and galleries selling everything from handmade crafts to antique Buddhist sculptures. The alley leads up to the Haneulmadang (sky garden) where you can rest and take in the view.
- +82 2 736 0088
Jung-gu
Dongdaemun Market
Made up of more than 20 shopping malls and traditional stores, this stretches our definition of the humble market. Selling an eclectic range of wares alongside food stalls at all times of the day and night, this is a must-see for any shopping aficionado. Make sure you organise a car or a taxi in advance, otherwise you could be left stranded in the chaos.
- +82 32 1344 4888
Gangnam-gu
Tom Greyhound Downstairs
Located in the basement of the Ann Demeulemeester building, this stunning store was designed by visual artist Yoon Lee, who was inspired by fairytales. The entrance is reminiscent of Alice’s descent down a rabbit hole and the curtains are tied with lengths of Rapunzel’s hair.
- +82 2 3442 3696
10 Corso Como
Former fashion editor and publisher Carla Sozzani opened the Seoul branch of 10 Corso Como in 2008. Coined as the first “concept shop,” the store presents a unique blend of art, music, design, cuisine and culture from around the world.
- +82 2547 3010
- Go to Website
Gentle Monster
Famous for its over-the-top showrooms, Korean eyewear brand Gentle Monster takes the concept of immersive, artful shopping to the extreme. Visit the brand’s Sinsa-dong branch for a surreal spin and some killer shades.
BOON The Shop
Seoul’s answer to London’s Dover Street Market, this retailer is leading the menswear and womenswear revolution in Korea. The flagship, multi-brand store designed by Peter Marino is architecturally futuristic with a sleek interior that houses established brands as well as emerging designers.
- +82 2 317 0397
- Go to Website
Beaker
An amalgamation of east and west, Beaker is the perfect example of how two cultures can work in commercial harmony. Stocking brands such as A.P.C., Helmut Lang and Rag & Bone − which are available nowhere else in the city − as well as local design talent, this kitsch industrial-chic shop is a must for fashion enthusiasts.
- +82 2 543 1278
- Go to Website
MIK 24/7
Korean stylist Raymond Chae’s MIK 24/7 sells collaborations between its owner and local design talent, with the majority of stock exclusively available in store. Perfect for anyone looking to head home with something unique.
- +82 2 3446 8556
- Go to Website
Rare Market
This multi-brand store, run by G-Dragon’s sister is famous for selling unique and rare items. It’s widely known as “the shop” that introduces the new cool brands to Korea. Rare Market holds a huge sale a couple of times a year, including G-Dragon’s previously owned fashion items. During this time, people line up up to two blocks from the store.
- +82 2-512-3433
Yongsan-gu
DMZ
The owner is an army clothing fanatic who has collected items dating back to the 1940s – an interesting character who is always dressed in uniform. Celebrities come to buy jackets here that can’t be found in regular shops.
Mapo-gu
Hongdae Free Market
Open on Saturdays from 1PM to 6PM – depending on the weather – you can browse clothing, accessories and artwork made by local artists while listening to indie bands play.
- +82 2 3143 7311
Mecenatpolis
An open-air retail, entertainment and dining complex featuring brands such as Uniqlo, Muji and 8 Seconds, Mecenatpolis is a good place for some easy shopping.
- +82 2 6357 0108
Ssamziegil Mall
Dongdaemun Market
Tom Greyhound Downstairs
10 Corso Como
Gentle Monster
BOON The Shop
BEAKER
Rare Market
DMZ
Hongdae Free Market
Mecenatpolis
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