Shopping Travelogue in Seoul, South Korea: For a 'One-Stop' Multi-Shopping Experience, You Must Go Here

Due to the pandemic this year, I spent most of the past six months alone in Seoul. With studying, working, and worrying about the virus, I've been completely exhausted. My birthday is approaching, and the holiday has arrived. Having not gone shopping in Seoul for a long time, I decided to go out and pick a birthday gift for myself that I would truly like, as a way to reward myself for the hard work over the past six months. For a student like me with considerable experience shopping in Seoul, South Korea, the Shinsegae Department Store (Myeongdong Main Store) is the ideal destination.

It has been raining on and off lately, but luck was on my side—the sky cleared up as soon as I stepped out. Arriving in Myeongdong, the streets weren't too crowded. I walked briskly toward Shinsegae Department Store, thinking about how I would pick a suitable pair of sunglasses for myself as a gift. Summer inevitably involves going out for fun, and sunglasses are a practical yet stylish accessory. With a good pair of sunglasses, one's whole vibe can change dramatically. Before coming, I had been tempted online by many styles of sunglasses, especially several from GENTLE MONSTER that caught my eye. So as soon as I entered Shinsegae, I headed straight for the GENTLE MONSTER counter. The staff were all warm and friendly. They asked about my needs and preferred style, and showed me a variety of sunglasses.

First, I checked out the new MY MA series from this year. After doing some research earlier, I had already fallen for the sleek yet sharp frame lines of this series. The sides of the lenses are adorned with bullet-shaped decorative studs, adding a touch of coolness. The GENTLE MONSTER logo is engraved on the temples, and the lenses offer effective UV protection. Overall, it combines good looks with practicality, making it perfect for summer wear. This series also comes in a variety of colors, balancing softness and toughness. I think it would also be a great choice for a couple or best friends' gift. If a close friend has a birthday coming up, why not gift them a pair of MY MA to shield against the harsh summer sun and be the coolest together?

I also noticed the JENNIE - KUKU, which sold out immediately upon release. The highly popular GM brand in the sunglasses world teamed up with the trending idol group BLACKPINK's Jennie. The design is simple and elegant, both beautiful and practical—no wonder it was snapped up. I really like Jennie's chic and charismatic style, and these sunglasses are indeed gorgeous. Unfortunately, they were out of stock, so I had to give up. Still, I took a few photos to feast my eyes and hope to snag such a hot collaboration in the future.

Another pair with a cute name was recommended by the male sales assistant: CHAPSSAL. The pronunciation sounds a lot like the Korean word for glutinous rice, making it unforgettable. Compared to the previous two, this pair has a cat-eye shape with a vintage vibe. The black acetate frame widens from the bridge, and the upward-tilting frame exudes a unique feminine charm. The GENTLE MONSTER logo is also on the temples, and the black Zeiss lenses provide efficient UV protection. I think it suits those with a more distinctive style or a retro-oriented fashion sense—it would definitely enhance your look.

Although each pair appealed to me deeply, the best one is the one that suits you. After weighing the price and my own style, I chose the pink MY MA that I had fallen for at first sight. Wearing these sunglasses in summer makes me feel much more gentle and generous. As a birthday gift to myself, it lifted my spirits a lot.

After buying the gift, I wandered around other counters in Shinsegae. I saw many well-known cosmetics, accessories, and luxury brands. The discount promotions were also quite tempting. No wonder Shinsegae Department Store is so popular among international students and tourists alike. After finishing my shopping, I went to TRINITY GARDEN on the 6th floor of the main building of the Shinsegae Myeongdong Main Store. I especially love this rooftop garden, but it seems many friends haven't been here before, so let me share it with you today! After shopping, taking a break here, escaping the hustle and bustle, and gazing at Namsan Tower in the distance can really brighten your mood.

As a complex cultural space, TRINITY GARDEN not only offers a place to rest but also displays various artworks. Here, you can admire the works of British sculptor Antony Gormley (Think), Spanish artist Joan Miró (Personnage), American artist Alexander Calder (Le Cepe), and more. While enjoying the scenery and art, call your friends over to take some nice photos—it's worth the trip.

On my way home, I felt that all the pent-up stress had vanished. Shopping is indeed a great way to unwind. A large department store like Shinsegae offers attentive service, cleanliness, and the opportunity to enjoy the view while shopping. Experiencing such a relaxed and leisurely shopping experience in the midst of the bustling city—it feels really happy. Whether you are a student or worker living in South Korea, or a tourist planning to visit Korea, if time permits, why not come to Shinsegae and experience the joy of shopping in Seoul, South Korea?