It is no surprise I have embraced shopping in Korea. And yes, there are some jokes about my 12
step program to stop buying purses, however you don’t hear those jokes when I
am taking people out and getting them a great price on a knock off bag ; ) That being said, there are bargains to be had
and treasures to be discovered!
One weekend, my friend Cheryl and I had a full weekend of
Seoul shopping planned. It pretty much
would have gone down in the history books as the shopping trip to end all
shopping trips ; ) Unfortunately, germs
claimed Cheryl and she (and her ‘smoker’s’ voice) had to stay home. As bummed out as I was, I made the decision
to go it alone. Seoul-o, if you will!
I have to admit it was a little empowering to navigate Seoul
on my own, make bargains without speaking Korean, discovering all kinds of fun
stuff. Of course, I had my map, so I can
really go anywhere. I learned quite a
bit about a couple of market places that I wish I would have figured out a long
time ago.
There are several markets/areas in Seoul to be explored:
Dondaemun – a mecca of shopping. Besides department stores, there are all
kinds of ‘alleys’ that all sell a certain product. There is a toy alley that sells toys,
stationery, art supplies, and other little gifty things. Near toy alley is what I would call the aquarium
alley which segues into more of a pet market with all kinds of little critters,
supplies and cages. There are
markets/stalls that just sell shoes, or just clothing.
One of the greatest places in Dondaemun that is so different
from anything we are used to in the States is a 5 story building that is
sewer’s dream – the fabric market. I don’t even sew and even I love it
there! And fabric doesn’t even cover
it. Besides fabric, notions, yarn,
ribbons, and beads you can order it seems anything to be made. Things for the home, clothing, accessories;
the choices are pretty much endless. To
navigate the building is confusing.
Stalls are packed in and the narrow walkways are flooded with people and
men making fabric deliveries. One floor
seems to be dedicated to where designers could come in and make orders? I am not entirely sure on that, but I have
seen Koreans walking with sketch books and swatches and talking to vendors.
Myeon-Dong – is like the hip place for shopping. There is an H&M, a Forever 21, and
hundreds of little boutiques and larger stores like Nike, The North Face, etc. There are also lots of Korean boutiques and
dept. stores. And of course, there are
street vendors selling scarves, bags, dog clothes, food; you name it! Myeong Dong seems to have its own
heartbeat. A fun energy that just
catches you. Or maybe it was the music
playing in the street? I think perhaps
both.
Namdaemun – the wholesale market that sells everything. I have written about this market before. My first girls’ weekend in Seoul (New Woman
post) we ventured thru Namdaemun. I have
been several times now. It is a curious
maze of alleys and shops that sell everything.
Then there are multi story buildings and each floor has a ‘theme’.
Bangsan Market near Dondaemun – I call it baker’s alley,
some call it the box market. It is a
little bit of both. I call it baker’s
alley b/c it is a couple of alleys full of shops selling all kinds of things
for baking. There is one shop that I
like where I have purchased cake pans for less than $5 each. And they are good heavy pans too! When people call it the box market, it is
still the same area, but really what they sell are food containers, more
specifically for baked goods. You can
buy all types of boxes with Kor-English sayings on them, gift bags, disposable
plastic cupcake carriers, anything a gifting baker could ask for : )
Itaewon – this is a bit more touristy and expensive than
other places. But I would call it artsy
fartsy, but in a good way! Lots of tea
and coffee shops, lots of pottery shops, art galleries and typical Korean souvenir
type things. I have been there twice and enjoyed it more
the 2nd time.
Yangae Flower Market – from what I have heard and seen there
are a few flower markets in Seoul. The
one I’ve frequented b/c it is easy to drive and park there is Yangae. Flowers as far as the eye can see. Dried flowers, fake flowers, fresh flowers;
all wholesale prices! Not just flowers,
oh no… tissue paper, baskets, wrapping paper, ribbon, netting, decorative bins
and other little treasures. Outside the
flower market building are several greenhouse buildings selling indoor and
other potted plants. And in another
smaller building a few shops selling vases and pots.
Express Bus Terminal – is almost a little bit of each of the
above markets, all rolled into one. That
can be both good and bad. Good in that
there is a lot there to be seen, bad in that a day there can cost a lot of $$$
and time ; )
If you were to ask me what my favorite place to shop is???? I’d say
________________. Yep, that is definitely my favorite!!
