Out of Korea and Japan, I really enjoyed the shopping in Korea because it was a lot more affordable and the styles suited me more. I’ll post some photos so ya’ll can see what I mean.
In terms of food, I didn’t specifically search up places to eat there, we just stopped to eat when we were hungry and I was quite happy with everything I managed to fit in my belly (a lot). I’m a sucker for night markets and there were a ton of those in Korea. They were all open quite late and the street food was delicious. Not only did I eat and shop an excessive amount, I managed to burn some calories walking like 10 000 000 miles a day so you could say I was living quite the balanced lifestyle.
- Running Man Thematic Experience Center-
For those familiar with the Korean variety show, this is sort of an arcade that features games that were played on the show Running Man. I’ve never watched the show before but I went with some friends to check it out and it was actually pretty fun! You get an hour time limit to win as many points as you can from playing the games. There were a lot of students there when we went..maybe for a field trip but I would recommend looking at less busy times so you don’t have to crowd with other people.
Subway station: Jonggak Exit 3
Opening hours: 10am to 8pm, Daily
- Myeong Dong -
This was my heaven. It reminded me of the night market in Vancouver except 10x better. The food was delicious and cheap, I swept the streets for my dinner and I got to try a large variety of stuff. It ended up being around $12 CAD; not a bad price for desserts and dinner. There were lots to see and buy there; all the makeup, earrings, clothes were well priced which makes me want to stop shopping in Vancouver because comparatively, everything just seems overpriced here.
Subway station: Myeongdong
Opening hours: 10am to 10pm, Daily
EARRINGS $1/pair
I lose earrings all the time..so I had to splurge on more expendable ones.
CLOTHES ~$10 CAD/item
Off the shoulder top and skirt
MAKEUP – around the same price but didn’t want to pay online shipping fees for 3CE products
I love this concealer, it's so light and brightens up your under eyes.
My favourite pair of falsies at the moment...for only $1.
- Dongdaemun -
A place filled with tons of shopping centres that open until late late late and you can literally shop till you drop…or until you’re out of money, whichever happens first. There are a couple different towers that are filled with floors and floors of cheap clothes. Keep in mind that the bargaining culture is strong in this area so make sure you’re not getting ripped off.
Subway station: Dongdaemun
Opening hours: 10am to 5am, Daily
There’s also the Dongdaemun Design Plaza designed by Zaha Hadid which is a cool place to be, it encases the subway station so you can’t miss it. There were events happening under the dome when we went, and there are a lot of cool boutique stores where you can buy cute artsy stuff.
Subway station: Dongdaemun
Opening hours: Closed on Mondays, Sunday-Thursday 10am-7pm, Friday & Saturday 10am-9pm
- Meerkat and Raccoon Café -
I went to a Meerkat and Raccoon Café in Myeongdong and it was the cutest thing ever. The animals were adorable and you get food to feed them along with your entrance fee. Those meerkats can get aggressive though so watch out! Employees understand that you want pictures with they animals so they help lure the animals to you.
Subway station: Myeongdong
Opening hours: 12pm to 10pm, Daily
- Gyeongbokgung Palace -
We went on the worse day possible cause it was raining and we had to keep lifting up our hanboks (traditional Korean dress) because they were dragging on the ground in the mud. We rented the hanboks from a place nearby called
“서화한복 Seohwa Hanbok”
The staff were really helpful but be sure to make an appointment online and get there on time so you don’t have to wait in line and squish with everyone; it’s a really popular touristy area. You get to choose gowns and the staff help put it on you, it was really fun! They have mirrors where you can do your hair and makeup. They have a large supply of bobby pins, hair ties, hair straighteners and hair curlers that you can use as well.
Subway station: Gyeongbokgung
Opening hours: 9am to 7pm, Daily
- Ewha Women’s University -
Gorgeous place to visit, the campus is beautiful!
- Hong dae shopping street -
This was where I did the most damage…there were lots of clothes for amazing deals (I’m talking $10 a shirt), self-control was definitely lacking but then again I wasn’t really trying to hold myself back. I saw a lot of things that reminded me of designs I would see at Zara/Aritzia and let me tell you, I am always down to pay less so I can buy more :) Obviously, I had to be a bit picky because some of the clothing material weren’t that great; but I didn’t have trouble bringing bags and bags of clothes home so those designers definitely know the way to my heart…and wallet!
App I used to Navigate: Korea Subway
Helpful Tips to keep in mind:
Ask for tax refunds where possible, you can get money back at the airport.
Wi-fi makes all the difference
Storage lockers are available at most train stations
Don’t worry if you didn’t exchange enough, it wasn’t too difficult to find a place to exchange money (especially in touristy spots)
Have fun!