5-Day Seoul Travel Guide: Explore江北and Gangnam Duty-Free Shops, Shop Till You Drop at Hyundai Department Store Duty Free!

The eight-day Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday is finally here! I couldn't resist planning a spontaneous trip to South Korea, with shopping and sightseeing all arranged. This 5-day Seoul travel guide avoids taxis and buses, instead using Seoul Metro Line 2 as the main transport to explore South Korea, heading straight to well-known tourist attractions and duty-free shops. We'll check out which Gangnam duty-free store is worth visiting, experience the shopping atmosphere of Hyundai Department Store Duty Free, and enjoy thoughtful service and great prices.

Before setting off, let's get a quick overview of the Seoul subway. Among the crisscrossing subway lines, there is a green circular line – Metro Line 2. This line passes by many Korean universities like Hongik University and Konkuk University, as well as popular landmarks and large commercial areas such as Myeongdong, Dongdaemun, Seongsu, and Gangnam, offering a glimpse of Seoul's diverse scenery. Hyundai Department Store Duty Free's Dongdaemun branch and Trade Center branch are also on Line 2, making it super convenient to visit so many places along just one subway line.

On the first day of our 5-day Seoul travel guide, of course we're hitting the duty-free shops!

First stop: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station

On this 5-day Seoul travel guide, the first stop is Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station on Line 2. Dongdaemun is a must-visit fashion landmark for any shopping trip to Korea. Besides the DDP Design Plaza and the romantic LED rose garden, there's a shopper's favorite – Hyundai Department Store Duty Free Dongdaemun branch. It's just a few minutes' walk from Exit 14 of Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station. Opening hours are from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Korea time). Floors 6 to 13 house the duty-free shop, with elevators on the 1st floor going directly to the duty-free floors. The 13th floor has a membership service desk; first-time visitors can sign up for membership to enjoy member discounts and earn points. Moreover, until the end of this year, a Super Pass voucher is available for tourists visiting Dongdaemun – don't forget to pick it up! The voucher can be collected freely at Dongdaemun Hyundai Outlet, the DDP information desk, and the 1st/13th floor of Hyundai Department Store Duty Free Dongdaemun branch. It can be used at Doota, Hyundai Outlet, Hyundai Department Store Duty Free, and DDP. I've heard there are also free gifts.

Second stop: Samseong Station

For those visiting Korea who want to explore Gangnam, which Gangnam duty-free store is the best? Let's continue on Line 2 to Samseong Station. This station is home to Hyundai Department Store Duty Free Trade Center branch. From Exit 5 of Samseong Station, it's just a few minutes' walk. Opening hours are from 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM (Korea time). Floors 8 to 10 are the duty-free shop, with the customer service desk and VIP lounge on the 10th floor. The three-floor duty-free store features international luxury brands, global streetwear, and local Korean brands, covering cosmetics, perfumes, clothing, bags, watches, jewelry, and electronics. Additionally, the 10th floor of Hyundai Department Store Duty Free Trade Center branch has a cultural hall where you can appreciate world-class art works and experience the unique charm of artistic creation. Near Samseong Station, COEX Mall houses Starfield Library, COEX Aquarium, and a cinema, so if you still have energy after shopping at the duty-free store, you can explore further.

Opening hours are from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Korea time).

Hyundai Department Store Duty Free's Dongdaemun and Trade Center branches have many promotions during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day, such as the recent 现 优 金 event. Foreign independent traveler members can register to participate in the "现 优 金" event. Upon successful registration, the system automatically generates 16% 现 优 金 credits, which can be used at checkout. You can log in to the Hyundai Department Store Duty Free official website to see even more offers and collect coupons until your hands get tired.

Today I've introduced two stops on Metro Line 2: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station and Samseong Station. You can refer to this 5-day Seoul travel guide; with just one subway line, you can easily explore both江北 and Gangnam duty-free shops, enjoying the full duty-free benefits of Hyundai Department Store.