Seoul Shopping

  1. Dongdaemun Market

    This huge market is famous for the thousands of small shops packed into four neighbouring high-rise shopping malls. Fashion and textiles rule the area, but there are also massages and a 10-screen multiplex cinema. While many shops close on Sunday, the four big malls stay open. Inside the old soccer stadium is the undercover Pungmul flea market.

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  2. Gajukgongyebang

    Hand-crafted leather goods are made on the spot by an elderly artisan in this tiny shop.

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  3. Gypsy

    The handcrafted goods in this tiny shop (stuck in a '60s Woodstock time warp) are all individually made by the owner.

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  4. Hongdae Artists' Saturday Market

    With its hair-braiding stalls, tarot-card readers, handmade jewellery, hand-painted hats and T-shirts, appliqué bags, fans with a political message and soap made from rice and honey, this small Saturday market in the park outside Hongik University has a '60s Woodstock feel. Singers and pasty-faced magicians put on shows in the entertainment corner.

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  5. Janganpyeong Antiques & Collectables Market

    Over a hundred small shops are packed into four arcades, and they're so full of old furniture, paintings, embroidery, pottery and stone statues that customers can hardly squeeze inside. They're pretty quiet compared to other markets but if you love browsing - from yangban (aristocrat) pipes and hats to fish-shaped locks and Buddhas it's worth it.

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  6. Kukjae Embroidery

    This shop sells every type of wonderful Korean-style embroidery and all of it is handmade. The staff speak English and are embroidery experts who can answer your questions.

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  7. Sogong

    Shops in this upmarket underground arcade sell ginseng, stationery, antiques, handicrafts, clothing and accessories, and it joins up with Myeong-dong underground arcade.

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  8. Ssamziegil

    This stylish new three-floor complex is packed with small arty-crafty shops, has a mini vineyard on the roof and a cool restaurant in the basement

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