Updated Must-Buy Shopping List for Korea Travel: Korea Tourism Organization Brings New Event Guide for Korea Travel Shopping
As the year-end approaches, many friends around me are planning to take advantage of the various pop-up events and discounts in Korea during this time to travel and shop. So what are the must-buy items for Korea travel shopping? Where are the must-visit attractions? Today, based on my personal travel experience, I will share a must-buy shopping list for Korea travel, as well as landmark places worth visiting, and also enjoy the benefits from the Korea Tourism Organization during the trip. Next, let's take a look at the must-buy items for Korea travel shopping and experience the beautiful Seoul in winter together with the Korea Tourism Organization.
The weather in Seoul is getting colder, so let's start by browsing the warm indoor department stores. Christmas is coming, and many department stores in Seoul are filled with a strong Christmas atmosphere. The Hyundai Department Store Seoul, located on Yeouido Island, is one of them.
Hyundai Department Store Seoul is conveniently located; you can get there by taking subway line 5 and getting off at Yeouido Station. The Sound Forest on the 5th floor of Hyundai Department Store Seoul has now been decorated into a circus theater from a European fairy tale world. Not only are there gorgeous and dreamy circus tents and large hot air balloons as decorations, but also cute Christmas merchandise such as mugs, keychains, and teddy bear plush toys. These adorable little items are must-buy Christmas limited edition products for Korea travel shopping. Also, I should remind everyone that this year's Christmas pop-up event at Hyundai Department Store Seoul requires reservations. You can make an early reservation through Naver, so hurry up!
Speaking of department stores, the COEX Mall located at the World Trade Center in Gangnam District is also a great place worth visiting. You can take Seoul subway line 2 to Samseong Station or line 7 to Bongeunsa Station.
COEX Mall is a complex space with a magnificent Starfield Library, which boasts a rich collection of books and an overall atmosphere that combines cultural sentiment with romantic splendor. The scenery differs between day and night; it is recommended to go after nightfall. When the lights are all lit up, it feels like wandering in a sea of books under the shining stars. COEX Mall also has a cinema, an aquarium, and fashion brand stores, allowing you to enjoy the pleasures of shopping, dining, and culture all at once.
Near COEX Mall, there is the Hyundai Department Store Duty Free Shop at the Trade Center. I believe everyone's must-buy list for Korea travel shopping includes skincare products. At this duty-free shop, you can buy Korean domestic brands such as The Whoo, Sulwhasoo, and HERA. On the 9th floor, there is a space dedicated to high-end brand perfumes, featuring popular brands like the British perfume brand JoLoves, the Italian perfume brand Acqua di Parma, and the Korean perfume brand BORNTOSTANDOUT.
After finishing the indoor department stores, let's go outside for some fresh air. Since we are already in Gangnam, why not take a stroll in Cheongdam-dong, which represents the wealthy district. Take subway line 7 to Cheongdam Station. The streets of Cheongdam-dong are lined with many luxury brand stores and exquisite boutiques, where you can buy international luxury brands and independent designer brands. The alleys also have many well-known cafes and restaurants.
In recent years, Seongsu-dong has also become a must-visit spot for Korean trendsetters. After taking Seoul subway line 2 to Seongsu Station, you will see various trendy streetwear stores, coffee shops, and restaurants, and you can also browse various brand pop-up stores and boutiques. A frequently visited boutique is Empty, which is particularly large and has distinctive displays on each floor. Seongsu-dong also has gallery cafes converted from old factory buildings, allowing you to inadvertently experience the unique cultural charm of Seongsu-dong.
Now it's the end of the year, coinciding with Christmas and Black Friday. Shopping just in time for the promotions from various brands and stores. I also want to remind everyone not to forget about tax refunds!
Before traveling to Korea, if you want to find information about tourist attractions in various parts of Korea, including addresses, opening hours, as well as food, shopping, and accommodation, you can search on the official website of the Korea Tourism Organization, VISITKOREA. It clearly arranges where to go, what to play, and what to buy, making it your go-to for travel planning.
Moreover, joining VISITKOREA offers many exclusive member events. For example, when shopping, using mobile payments like Alipay can allow you to enjoy instant promotions. Becoming a member allows you to receive coupons and prizes, etc. Everyone can log in to the website at any time before and during the trip to keep up with the events.
That's all for today's introduction to the must-buy shopping list and must-visit places for Korea travel. Have you made your own list of must-buy and must-visit items for Korea travel? Remember to make good use of the official website of the Korea Tourism Organization and enjoy a wonderful shopping trip in Korea!