2023 Korea Independent Travel Shopping Guide: Personal Experience on How to Get the Best Deals at Korean Duty-Free Shops

The 2023 Korea independent travel shopping guide is freshly out. Many friends who are planning their Korea independent travel shopping guide often have this question: how to go to Korean duty-free shops? As a senior who has been in Seoul for 6 years, today I will focus on Subway Line 2, introducing the Hyundai Department Store Duty Free that can be reached directly via Line 2, and also take a look at the fun places to eat, drink, and play along Line 2!

First, let's see where people usually go shopping during independent travel to Korea? The first must-visit places are the four major duty-free shops in Korea, namely Hyundai Department Store Duty Free, Lotte Duty Free, Shilla Duty Free, and Shinsegae Duty Free. Friends who travel to Korea for shopping should have heard of these Korean duty-free shops. So how to go to Korean duty-free shops? In recent years, with the development of various commercial districts, the Trade Center branch and Dongdaemun branch of Hyundai Department Store Duty Free have become emerging shopping paradises in Seoul. Coincidentally, both the Trade Center branch and Dongdaemun branch are on Subway Line 2, making transportation very convenient! If you like to go shopping at night, the senior first recommends the Dongdaemun branch. Because its business hours are from 11 AM to 10 PM, allowing you to fully enjoy late-night shopping~! Next, let me take you to explore a must-visit route for traveling in Korea: Hyundai Department Store Duty Free Dongdaemun branch!

The subway line you need to take is the green Line 2. Line 2 is a loop line with many transfer stations, making it the core of the Seoul subway. It passes through countless popular commercial districts, covering must-visit attractions in Korea travel guide! From the youthful and vibrant university area represented by Hongdae, to Myeongdong centered around Euljiro Entrance, to the trendy fashion street Seongsu-dong, everywhere is filled with culture and youthfulness. Hyundai Department Store Duty Free Dongdaemun branch, located at Dongdaemun History and Culture Park, exudes a charm that blends retro and fashion.

Take Subway Line 2 and get off at Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station. Exit from Gate 14 and walk for 3 minutes to reach it. Nearby, there are popular tourist spots like Gwangjang Market, Dongdaemun DDP, and Euljiro, which can all be visited in one day. Floors 6 to 13 are the duty-free area, featuring not only local Korean brands but also international luxury brands. You can basically get everything you need to buy in Korea in one stop here, and there are various discounts and benefits throughout the year. The store is filled with healing green plants everywhere, creating a utopian atmosphere that feels very comfortable~

Floor 6 gathers famous European and American luxury brands, Floor 7 mainly features high-end cosmetics and perfume brands, Floor 8 focuses on watches, jewelry, accessories, etc., Floors 9 and 10 host many famous fashion brands including bags, slippers, sunglasses, etc., where you can find the most trendy fashion items. Floor 11 offers Korean specialty foods and small souvenirs, etc. Floor 12 mainly sells Korean cosmetics brands, and Floor 13 is the membership service counter where you can join membership and inquire about shopping-related issues. When signing up for membership, you can enjoy various shopping experiences through diverse events. There are many cosmetics events; everyone can check the Hyundai Department Store Duty Free official website for information~

Korean brands purchased at the duty-free shop can be taken directly, while other brands need to be picked up at designated locations at the airport. It is recommended to leave more time when leaving Korea for the airport, as there are many people picking up items during the peak travel season, so you may need to queue and avoid missing your flight.

In the hot summer, for those who want to come to Korea for an independent shopping spree, mark this guide, and you no longer have to worry about how to go to Korean duty-free shops.