Luxury Shopping Districts in Seoul: Where to Find High-End Brands and Unique Fashion
November 19, 2023Top 5 Luxury Shopping Districts in Seoul
Many Koreans in their 20s and 30s are embracing luxury goods. They can save up little by little and splurge on a luxury item to self-reward themselves.
Luxury brands are adjusting their prices to match those of other countries in order to attract customers. The resell market is also growing.
Myeong-dong
In the heart of Seoul, Myeong-dong is a retail paradise. From high-end brands like Louis Vuitton to more affordable ones such as Forever 21 or ZARA, you can find them all here. The streets are lined with street carts and major shopping malls with a variety of clothing, shoes and accessories.
If you’re a fan of facial masks, make sure to stop by the MEDIHEAL flagship store. It’s decorated with the green earth theme and is definitely worth a visit. Another great place to pick up some Korean basics is 8 Seconds. They have a similar look and feel to Zara or Uniqlo.
If you’re a K-pop fan, check out the Pop Shops in Myeongdong. These stores carry merchandise from popular artists like EXO, Super Junior, SNSD, TVXQ and Henry. You can find everything from photos to t-shirts and even posters. It’s a great place to pick up some souvenirs for friends and family.
Lotte World Mall
The 555-meter Lotte World Tower soars high above the city, and at its base is a shopping mall filled with everything from boutiques to a cinema. The 123-story complex also contains galleries, cafes, and a luxury hotel.
There’s also a duty-free store here where you can buy branded goods without paying the usual taxes. And the onsite Starfield Library has a collection of over 50,000 books arranged in 13-meter-high shelves.
If you want to do some luxury shopping korea but don’t feel like going outside, try the Jamsil Station Underground Shopping Center. This huge shopping area has a lot of stores that sell the latest fashion and accessories at cheaper prices than those at other malls. Plus, it’s convenient since it connects to the subway station. It’s especially a great place to visit on snowy or rainy days. There’s even a free WiFi connection in the building! And if you’re a student, you can get special discounts on some of the stores.
Cheongdamdong Luxury Fashion Street
Cheongdam-dong is a luxury shopping district in Seoul that epitomizes the wealthy lifestyle of the city’s trend-setting residents. It is packed with imported foreign name brand stores, designers’ shops, and galleries. Its residents are characterized by their experience of living abroad, financial affluence, fashion forwardness, and intelligence. The area is sometimes compared to Beverly Hills in the US.
Located on the main street Apgujeong-ro, the area is lined with luxurious brand flagship stores, including Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Prada, Burberry, and Ermenegildo Zegna. It also features outlets for 3.1 Phillip Lim, Tory Burch, and Martin Margiela. It is also home to the renowned designer boutique Miu Miu, founded by Italian designer Son Jung-wan.
Cartier Korea recently opened a flagship store called Cartier Maison in the area, the first of its kind in Asia. The company’s president said the current economic crisis has not affected sales at the store. The store’s design resembles a white palace, and it sells everything from small leather goods to watches worth millions of dollars.
Apgujeong Rodeo
Named after Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, Apgujeong Rodeo Street is Seoul’s luxury fashion mecca. The streets are filled with stylish stores and cafes that attract young fashionistas. Here, you’ll find everything from high-end fashion brands to reasonably priced hip hop fashion.
You’ll also find an array of restaurants, coffee shops, and bars. It’s a great place to hang out with friends, grab some coffee, or just people watch. It’s also one of the best places to shop for Korean snacks and desserts.
Nearby is the popular fashion boutique Wooyoungmi, which specializes in men’s high-end ready-to-wear clothing. Another must-see is the unique coffee shop and bakery Honey Bee, which offers a range of delicate pastries. Also worth checking out is the quirky concept store Works Out, which imports streetwear from around the world. Its steel exterior was designed by Andrea Caputo Office and is worth a look in itself. Located across the street from Galleria Department Store and adjacent to K-Star Road and Dosan Park, Apgujeong Rodeo Street provides plenty of shopping and dining options.