South KoreaShopping

Accessory shopping in South Korea

  1. A

    Beautiful Store

    One of a pioneering and expanding chain of secondhand shops that raise money for charities in Korea and abroad. Beautiful Store has introduced the joys of op-­shopping to Seoul with CDs, shoes and clothes that all sell for W3000. Find it halfway up the stairs of subway Exit 4. Another branch is near Bongeunsa.

    reviewed

  2. B

    Papaya

    Papaya, run by an artist and fashion designer, has survived in the fickle fashion industry for over 12 years, with a classical and sophisticated but still up-to-date sense of style. The shop crams an entire museum of artefacts into a tiny space.

    reviewed

  3. C

    Golden Eelskin

    A good place to purchase eel-skin handbags, belts, wallets and purses. Eel-skin goods are an Itaewon speciality that make popular gifts. Owner Mr Kim is quietly ­persuasive but never hassles anyone.

    reviewed

  4. D

    Supreme Optical

    Eye tests are free, and good-quality spectacles (lenses and frames) cost around W65,000, depending on the frames. The lenses are made on the spot and the spectacles are ready in just 15 minutes.

    reviewed

  5. E

    Star Market

    The sassy style and low prices lure customers inside this new youth-oriented fashion store and café that employs Russian staff who look like they moonlight in hostess bars.

    reviewed

  6. F

    Leather Industrial Arts

    Handcrafted leather goods are made at this small shop with an impressive selection of bags, belts and wallets. It's around the corner from the Busan Modern History Museum.

    reviewed

  7. G

    ABC Mart

    The biggest and best store in Myeong-dong for casual shoes, this two-storey emporium has thousands of the latest brand-name shoes for men and women.

    reviewed