Shopping in Korea - Cute socks, cheap beauty skincare, souvenirs
Well, time to burn some money from our wallet. As shopping in Korea is busy and crazy. With both locals and tourists getting their hands on the latest fashion, beauty and lifestyle trend, I really do not know how fast-paced and how will they get rid of older stuff. Somehow, they have more China people speaking Korean or Mandarin to serve you. Well, china people is really everywhere in the world.
Here are some of the reviews of each shopping street:
1. Myeongdong – famous of all kinds of cosmetic and beauty care brand. Almost every shop will giveaway facemask sample as if the Koreans will use the face mask on daily basis. The famous one is most probably also your favourite brand, which is: Nature Republic, Innisfree, Nature Republic, etc, almost 20 stores in a single street row. Price can be varied, but stores by street somehow cheaper than Star Avenue duty-free shopping centre. The street food here is so delicious. Also must go and watch Nanta show at Myeong Dong NANTA Theatre.
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| Lotte supermarket, Star Avenue |
3. Lotte Department Store– come here if you are aiming for the exclusive top-notch brand. big brands like Gucci, Missha, Sulwhasoo and Laneige. Basically, you can opt to claim your duty-free tax immediately or upon airport departure. So, don’t hop on and aim for Lotte immediately. super crowded and packed with tourist shoppers.
Also, notice that the Gucci stores have the long queue as they limit guests to go around its store. Try those beauty shops on the street, somehow the price is more attractive.
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| Dongdaemun |
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| Dongdaemun |
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| Dongdaemun |
4. Dongdaemun – Latest korea fashion clothes. A version of Malaysia’s Sungai Wang Plaza. Where most of them sell the numerous amount of Korea fashion clothes. Price is okay, just that I am not so keen on Korea fashion trend. If you are those who love earthy, white, light brown straight cut linen clothing, perhaps this is for you. Also a lot of funky wordings like hip hop style on clothes, and of course the most popular ‘SUPREME’ tees are available in those shops or by the street. Do come over for their street food, amazingly delicious.
5. Hongdae (Hongik University Street) – Basically a street full of university students because there are universities near the station. underground culture, youthful atmosphere, as well as student’s street performance. But, there isn’t really so many shopping sprees to catch up with.
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| insadong |
6. Insadong - 700-metre-long Insadong Street is ideal if you are looking for Traditional Korea Crafts and Souvenirs, Art & craft. Do bargain with the seller of a good price.
The lady boss of Aeol Ssi Gu Plaza - Kim, Jung-ju, is a very nice lady. You can google and see almost everyone will snap photo of her shop. She is so nice and willing to give good price and even give you a small gift item if she likes you!
Also able to drop by Osulloc Green Tea, the famous Korea green tea from Jeju Island.
Also drop by Ssamzigil @Insadong, featuring lots of Art & Craft masterpiece. However, art is expensive, if you know what I mean.
We also manage to check out some dance performance as we walk our way towards the end of the Insadong street (towards Tagpol Park direction). Try locate this noodles shop by the name of: Mijeong Guksu noodles 0410 at Insa-dong. Damn delicious handmade Mee Sua noodles with dumplings, not sure if they have branches or not, but must try!
7. Underground Shopping Centre – for cheaper choices of souvenirs and cute socks! The one we went to was at Myeongdong underground shopping centre, where we aim for some Korea ginseng tea, cute socks, shoes, bags, clothes, etc.
8. Lotte Mart/ E-Mart: If you are aiming for Korea snacks and food, most of us will choose their hypermarkets – Lotte Mart or E-Mart. *their food in the supermarket isn’t nice though, probably they were rushing to cook for me as they close at 8pm (so early).
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| W Mart - local korea snacks and food |
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We did visit this place by a big orange W mart where they sell even more locally produced food, snacks, chocolates, but somehow I couldn’t find the address in Google map. W Mart offers free box packaging for you, some of the supermarkets might have such services as well.
Some bonus as I manage to get this special Korea PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games coco-cola bottle as a collection!
Adding also some of the interesting visuals/ collective items in Korea:
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| Dollar notes from all around the world |
Whoever steal this door must be billionaire, haha!
Some of you who will go crazy over Starbucks collection:
Some toys shop:
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