Summer Heat Relief 'Little Gadgets' Recommended at Seoul's Gangnam Department Store, Must-Have for International Students

Every July is a bit tough for me, a student studying in Korea, because Seoul is either scorching hot or in the rainy season, making outdoor activities unsuitable. My bestie and I thought it over and decided to visit Seoul's Gangnam Department Store to experience the feeling of being a lady. Some friends might ask: there are so many fun and great department stores in Korea, why do I prefer Seoul Gangnam Department Store? Don't worry, after reading my travel notes below, you will understand.

Well, actually, it's because I want to have fun in a one-stop place. After all, COVID-19 has rebounded a bit in Korea, and I'm not very reassured about disinfection and prevention in small malls or restaurants. But at department stores like those in Gangnam, there's no need to worry about prevention; they disinfect regularly every day. Moreover, if you can eat, drink, and have fun all in one place, you can also save on transportation costs! As everyone knows, transportation costs in Korea are not to be underestimated, so we only go out when the weather is not too hot.

Speaking of department stores, you might think they are gathering places for big brands, full of high-end atmosphere. Well, that's not wrong; department stores have a wide range of big brands. But as a poor girl, I rarely go to big-brand counters; there are also many cute little shops here. I personally like Japanese-style shops like Muji. On the B1 floor FAMILLE STREET of New World Department Store Gangnam Branch, there is a shop I like called JAJU. Is it like Korean Muji? It's a comprehensive lifestyle store themed around naturalism, with simple and exquisite products that convey a simple yet not ordinary lifestyle. Once inside, I can't control myself and start a 'big sweep'.

I don't know when it started, but mini electric fans have become popular. It's the hottest time now, and we can't do without them whether at home or going out. JAJU has two that I really like. One is a desk fan with LED lighting that can be adjusted to any angle. The front is a fan and the back is an LED light, perfect for placing on the bedside table. The other is a more portable small fan. Don't be fooled by its small size; I tried it, and the wind power is strong. With these two, I'm not afraid of the heat at home or outside.

With the high temperature problem solved, the next thing is the ever-changing weather. The month-long rainy season begins, and you never know if it will be sunny or raining the next second. At this time, a portable small umbrella is very practical. Koreans like to carry large long-handled umbrellas because of their automatic folding function. But at JAJU, I found a three-fold umbrella that can also automatically open and fold. How convenient! My bestie and I each got one right away. It doesn't take up much space in a bag and can be a lifesaver when the weather suddenly changes.

Now that the heat and rain are taken care of, here comes the most critical point. After a summer, some people are still glowing white, while others look like they've been to Madagascar. Sun protection, ladies! I've said it a thousand times, and some people still say, 'Oh, I apply sunscreen.' Let me tell you a harsh reality: when it comes to sun protection, chemical sunscreen is just a drop in the bucket compared to physical sunscreen. Not to mention that sunscreen needs to be applied in advance and reapplied after prolonged exposure to be effective. Even if you follow this requirement, you'll still find that you've gotten tanned. Why? Because many people think that once they've applied sunscreen, they don't need to use an umbrella or hat. That's completely wrong. Physical sunscreen is the most effective way to protect from the sun. Using an umbrella not only requires constant attention not to lose it, but also often makes you mindful of others' reactions. That's why JAJU's bucket hat saved me. It has a very everyday design, is lightweight, and even has a bit of style—very practical.

After coming out of JAJU, my bestie and I couldn't move our legs again. The reason was the little cutie below. It turns out that New World Department Store has a bear that only appears in winter. This summer, they designed a summer version called puuvilla. Its honest look is loved by both adults and children. Does anyone think it looks a bit like ice cream? I won't say more; I'm going to eat ice cream now.

On the B1 floor, there's another place I really like: the supermarket of New World Department Store. This supermarket is very special, and I always visit it every time I come here! I'm mainly attracted by some 'bottles and jars'—not cosmetics, but many imported drinks and beers with beautiful bottles. Just looking at them makes me feel cool. My bestie and I have collected many of their various bottles. I'm responsible for drinks, and she's responsible for alcohol. Keep them in the fridge at home and grab one anytime—happiness.

An ordinary day ends with shopping and buying. I go home happily with the spoils from Seoul Gangnam Department Store. Through my experience as an international student in Korea, have you discovered new highlights of Seoul Gangnam Department Store? The little heat relief gadgets mentioned above are not only affordable but also very practical. If you have a chance to come here in the future, why not give them a try?