From bustling markets to high-end boutiques, South Korea is a shopper’s paradise with something on offer for everyone. Whether you’re hunting for the latest K-beauty products, traditional hanbok attire, or cutting-edge streetwear, this incredible country promises a shopping experience like no other!
But with so many places to visit and so many things to buy, narrowing down your options can feel like a pretty daunting task. That’s where we come in to help. At Crown Currency Exchange, we’ve put together this ultimate guide to shopping in South Korea, and here, you’ll find a list of unmissable items, incredible markets, and super-modern malls that no trip to South Korea is complete without visiting.
What to Buy When Shopping in South Korea
Prepare to be spoiled for choice when you’re shopping in South Korea! From some of the world’s most sought-after beauty products to traditional Korean snacks and treats, here are some items we highly recommend adding to your shopping list.
Korean Beauty Products
Renowned for their innovation and quality, Korean skincare products and cosmetics are a must-buy for any beauty lover. From sheet masks to serums and cushion compacts to lip tints, why not indulge in the latest beauty trends and pamper yourself with items from brands like Laneige, Innisfree, and Missha?
Naturally, prices on beauty products will vary between brands and what you’re buying, but some are quite affordable. For example, a moisturiser from Laneige can cost around ₩22,330 South Korean Won ($25 AUD) per bottle.
Hanbok
Immerse yourself in South Korean culture by purchasing hanbok, the elegant attire that is usually reserved for special occasions. You can find hanbok in a variety of colours and styles, ranging from intricate designs to modern interpretations, and even if you aren’t planning to wear it, you’ll be getting an awesome souvenir.
Depending on the materials your hanbok is made from and the shop you choose, you can expect to pay anywhere in the region of ₩200,000 - ₩700,000 KRW ($220 - $780 AUD). So, while they aren’t the cheapest souvenir, they are a beautiful keepsake that is worth the investment.
K-Pop Merchandise
Essential for any K-pop lover, show some love to your idols by snagging some official merchandise, including albums, posters, light sticks, and apparel. Visit specialty stores in Myeongdong, where you’ll find exclusive items from popular groups like BTS, BLACKPINK, and EXO.
As with all merchandise, the prices will vary depending on what you’re buying and signed items, in particular, will be much more expensive than a small piece of merch. One thing is for sure, though - whether you’re a huge K-pop fan yourself or you want to buy something special for the K-pop fan in your life, South Korea has some unique merchandise you won’t find anywhere else.
Korean Ginseng and Tea
Known for its health benefits, Korean ginseng is a popular souvenir choice for people travelling through South Korea, and you can find it in most markets in various forms, including roots, extracts, and supplements. At the same time, you can also sample and purchase some of Korea’s diverse tea blends, some of which are specially made by that particular stall holder.
Different forms of tea and ginseng will have different prices, but most are quite affordable. For instance, one pound of fresh ginseng will cost you around ₩29,000 KRW ($32 AUD), and the less you ask for, the lower the price will be.
Korean Snacks and Treats
An absolute must for any foodie, take your taste buds on a journey with an assortment of Korean snacks and treats. Some popular choices include crispy seaweed snacks, spicy rice cakes, savoury dried squid, and mouthwatering South Korean sweets like honey butter chips.
As you’d expect from snacks, prices will vary depending on what and how much you purchase, but they’re not overly expensive in general. A bag of delicious honey butter chips, for example, will only set you back around ₩1,200 KRW ($1.30 AUD).
Korean Stationery
South Korea is famous for producing cute and quirky stationery, which is ideal for students and stationery fans alike. From adorable character-themed notebooks and pens to functional organisers and planners, you’ll find plenty of irresistible and unique stationery treasures to brighten up your desk!
Stationery isn’t overly expensive in South Korea, but prices vary depending on what you’re buying and the brand associated with it. For example, stationary from one of South Korea’s most popular brands, “Ppomppom Studio”, will be more expensive than lesser-known brands.
Tech and Gadgets
Tech is a big business in South Korea, and it is really the land of plenty for gadget lovers. You’ll find the latest in electronics, smartphones, and accessories here, many of which are available long before they hit the market in other countries, giving any tech enthusiast a jealousy-inducing upper hand.
There’s no getting around the fact that technology and gadgets are just as expensive in South Korea as they are in other parts of the world. However, for the uniqueness and opportunity to get something before anyone else, it’s definitely worth picking up some items that your budget allows.
Best Markets in South Korea
So, those are some of the things we highly recommend buying when you’re visiting South Korea. But where can you find these wondrous items? Here’s our guide to some of the best places to go shopping in South Korea, starting with markets.
Namdaemun Market
One of the oldest and largest markets in South Korea, Namdaemun Market is located in Seoul and is home to a huge range of interesting items, including clothing, accessories, souvenirs, and traditional crafts. This is also a great place to sample some traditional South Korean street food, but use your best judgment when looking at hygiene standards.
Dongdaemun Market
Open 24/7, Dongdaemun Market is a paradise for fashion lovers and bargain hunters alike. Here, you’ll find countless shops and outlets selling clothing, fabrics, accessories, and more. It also has a super vibrant, buzzing atmosphere and is popular with both locals and tourists.
Gwangjang Market
Known for its rich history and diverse offerings, Gwangjang Market is a must-visit market for food lovers. You’ll be offered the opportunity to explore bustling stalls selling a wide variety of traditional Korean dishes, fresh seafood, and ingredients that you can take home with you. But that’s not all you’ll find here. Gwangjang Market also boasts stalls selling textiles, clothing, and handmade souvenirs.
Insadong Market
A great place for arts lovers to visit in South Korea, Insadong Market is well-known for its traditional crafts, artwork, antiques, and tea houses. This is a really picturesque market, too, and you’ll spend the day strolling along quaint streets lined with shops selling hanbok, ceramics, calligraphy supplies, and other unique treasures.
Hwanghak-dong Flea Market
For vintage lovers and bargain hunters, Hwanghak-dong Flea Market offers an eclectic mix of stalls selling secondhand clothing, accessories, vinyl records, collectibles, and antiques at affordable prices. Ideal if you’re looking for something truly unique without breaking the bank.
Best Modern Malls in South Korea
Along with some beautiful and unique markets, South Korea is home to a plethora of modern malls that offer a diverse range of shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences. Here are some modern malls we highly recommend visiting.
COEX Mall
Located in the upscale Gangnam district, COEX Mall is one of the largest underground shopping malls in Asia, and it features a vast selection of shops, ranging from high-end fashion boutiques to popular international brands. Visitors to COEX Mall can also enjoy a variety of dining options, a multiplex cinema, an aquarium, and the COEX Convention & Exhibition Center.
Lotte World Mall
Situated close to the iconic Lotte World Tower, Lotte World Mall is a premier shopping destination that houses luxury boutiques, department stores, and specialty shops. There’s also an indoor theme park here, as well as an aquarium, movie theatre, and ice rink, making it a great destination for a full day of family fun.
D-Cube City
A super-modern shopping and entertainment complex located in the Sindorim district, D-Cube City houses an array of upscale shops, gourmet restaurants, and cultural attractions, including a performance hall and an outdoor plaza where various events and concerts take place throughout the year.
Central City
Best Places for Clothes Shopping in South Korea
South Korea is known for being one of the most fashion-forward destinations on Earth, and you’ll find a diverse range of shopping districts and boutiques here that cater to every style and budget.
Gangnam District
Gangnam is synonymous with luxury high-end fashion, housing flagship stores or international luxury brands, designer boutiques, and upscale department stores, giving you all the opportunity you need to truly keep things “Gangnam style”! One of the most popular areas here is the iconic Garosu-gil street, and the underground shopping arcades are another experience that can’t be missed.
Hongdae
A trendy neighbourhood that is known for its youthful energy and artistic vibe, Hongdae offers shoppers an eclectic mix of indie boutiques, vintage shops, and street markets selling hip and affordable fashion items, along with accessories and handmade crafts.
Apjujeong Rodeo Street
On Apjujeong Rodeo Street, you’ll find an upscale shopping scene that is a paradise for fashion brand lovers. Luxury boutiques and department stores selling designer labels are waiting for you here, and you can browse the latest collections from international fashion houses and Korean designers while basking in the glitz and glamour of South Korea’s premier fashion district.
Myeongdong
If you’re looking for a bustling, vibrant shopping atmosphere, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Myeongdong. Here, you’ll find everything from global brands to local designers, as well as cosmetics shops and street vendors selling trendy apparel and accessories - a must-visit for anyone looking for something stylish and unique.
Top Tip: Whether you want to buy local handicrafts or high-end items, the best way to pay for goods in South Korea is by cash. This will also save you from having to pay expensive International Transaction Fees charged by your bank when using your cards. You can get the best rates on AUD to KRW here.
Tips for Shopping in South Korea
No matter what you’re shopping for in South Korea, it’s important to follow some basic rules and guidelines to keep yourself safe, remain culturally sensitive, and ensure you have a shopping experience you remember for all the right reasons. Check out our top tips for shopping in South Korea below.
Shopping Etiquette and Cultural Sensitivity
It’s incredibly important that you are mindful of local customs and etiquette when shopping in South Korea, as stepping outside of some guidelines can be considered rude to shopkeepers. Firstly, it’s customary to greet a shopkeeper with a polite greeting such as “Annyeonghaseyo”, which means “Hello”, or a shorter “Anyeong”, which means “Hi”, when you enter a store. Doing this sets a friendly tone for interactions and, more importantly, shows your respect.
Another important thing to note when shopping in South Korea is that you need to use both hands when offering money and when receiving your change or a receipt. This can take some getting used to, but it is the custom here and demonstrates your appreciation for the service you’ve received.
In some clothing stores, particularly those selling traditional Korean clothing like hanbok, it isn’t unusual for the shopkeeper to ask you to remove your shoes before entering the fitting rooms. Similarly, even if you are not asked to do this, there may be signs directing you to do so, so make sure you follow suit so as to not cause any offence.
You should also note that it is considered impolite to touch or handle merchandise excessively unless you’re invited to do so by the shopkeeper. This is particularly important for delicate items or items displayed in traditional markets, where shopkeepers may prefer to assist you directly.
Don’t be tempted to haggle in South Korea, either! It simply isn’t a part of the culture, and you run the risk of causing great offence if you try and offer a lower price than the shopkeeper is asking for.
Practical Advice for Shopping in South Korea
You also need to be vigilant and prepared for your shopping trip to South Korea, and following some practical advice will help you make the most of your experience. To begin with, make sure you have cash on you for shopping. While some places accept card payments, not everywhere does, and by not carrying enough cash, you’ll be limiting your shopping options.
There’s also a hidden money-saving tip that is good to know about when shopping in South Korea, and if you are a non-resident of the country, you may be eligible for a tax refund for purchases at participating stores. Simply look for shops displaying the “Tax Free Shopping” sign and ask for a tax refund receipt so you can claim your refund at the airport before you depart.
It’s also important to keep in mind that clothing sizes in South Korea may differ from those in your home country, so it’s worth trying things on before purchasing. This is especially true if you’re purchasing from local brands or markets where sizing can vary quite significantly.
Another thing to remember is that while shopping in South Korea can be an exhilarating experience, it can also be physically demanding, and you’ll be spending a lot of time on your feet. As such, make sure you wear comfortable shoes, carry a bottle of water with you, and take breaks whenever you need to.
Budget Your Money for Shopping in South Korea
It’s very easy to get swept up in the excitement of shopping in South Korea, which means it’s also easy to accidentally overspend! So, to keep your finances in check, it’s a good idea to plan a travel budget and allocate a portion of this to shopping before your trip.
Make a list of the items you know you want to buy, whether it’s traditional clothing or K-pop merchandise, and prioritise these items by order of importance. Focusing on your essential items first, such as souvenirs, means that you’re able to pick up the things you want with your spending money budget without running the risk of overspending.
Remember, also, to factor in additional expenses associated with a shopping trip. This includes public transport to and from your chosen shopping destination, drinks and meals to keep you going through the day and any potential taxes you may have to pay when shopping in stores that don’t offer tax-free shopping.
Get the Best Rates on South Korean Won at Crown Currency
As you can see, South Korea has something for every taste and budget. Whether you want to spend your days shopping in traditional markets or have a higher budget and want to explore fashion boutiques, you’re guaranteed to find something you love.
However, the biggest piece of advice we can offer when shopping in South Korea is to make sure you have plenty of cash on you. Doing this means you don’t have to worry about your bank or credit card company charging you extortionate International Transaction Fees. It’s also worth remembering that most ATMs in South Korea will charge for cash withdrawals, so it’s best to exchange your money before your trip.
At Crown Currency Exchange, you’ll find the best rates on AUD to KRW with no hidden costs and no commission fees. Visit one of our many locations today and speak with one of our friendly, expert team, who will take all of the stress out of exchanging money and leave you ready to enjoy your South Korean shopping trip!
