I’m a picky shopper. I’m not sure if my husband will agree with me, but I really need to be convinced that the product is made for me before I buy it — regardless of the brand and price. My all-time favorite city to go all-out shopping is New York.
But after a trip to Korea, Seoul has become my new favorite shopping destination. Thanks to the Web, I found out that shopping in Seoul can be expensive. After visiting several retail shops along the streets of Myeong-dong, I realized that it’s true, the prices are slightly higher. I noticed, though, that the stores had a wider mix of merchandise than some of the international retail stores in Manila. Shopping in Myeong-dong is fun with store mascots dancing on the street, a lot of food stalls, and vendors with interesting goods.
Doota and Migliore are two shopping malls in the Dongdaemun Market area. The malls are shopping meccas filled with works of young local designers. Here you will find a mix of well-made trendy and classic items at affordable prices.
On the 3rd level of Doota there are some stalls that sell fake luxury brands; while some carry authentic, second-hand items. It reminds me of Shoppesville and 168. Doota is open ’til 5 a.m. The Gangnam area is my favorite. It is similar to New York’s Soho — with small shops and cozy cafes that retain the quirky and eclectic charm of Seoul. There are small buildings with beautiful and unique architecture like the Jill Stuart and Ann Demeulemeester stores.
Close by is Apgujeong. If Beverly Hills has its Rodeo Drive, Apgujeong has a Rodeo Street. All luxury brands can be found in this row. For Korean crafts and souvenirs, Insa-dong is the place to visit.
The biggest surprise for me was at Incheon International Airport. If you don’t have time to shop around Seoul, don’t fret. Incheon Airport has it all. It carries two well-stocked stores for each brand in one terminal. Yes, two Chanel stores, two Hermes stores, two Gucci stores, and more. The prices in the Incheon airport are slightly cheaper than prices of luxury stores found in other airports around Asia. They also have several souvenir shops selling Korean traditional costumes, beauty products, ginseng teas, and a variety of kimchi.