While South Korea has been well known for its music and food scenes, its booming shopping scene has captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike with streets and malls offering a spectrum of brands selling clothes to beauty, you name it!
With so many shops to choose from, every shopaholic’s dilemma would have to be where they should start off first. Well, look no further, because we’ve got you covered with these Top 5 Must Shop Brands in Seoul!
#1 – SPAO
If you like shopping at H&M, then you’ll definitely love SPAO! I visited the store down at Sinchon and next thing you know I had my arms filled with loads of clothes to try on. SPAO is endorsed by popular Korean idol groups AOA and EXO for this season’s collection. As for the prices, they’re around the same as clothes from H&M. However, they’re a little more pricier than the ones that you find in street shops around Korea. Still, you’ll be paying for apparel that is of really good quality, it’s definitely worth the buck!
Where? > SPAO, Sinchon / Hongdae / Myeongdong
#2 – 8 SECONDS (G-DRAGON COLLABORATION)
Calling all VIPs and fans of G-dragon. This is where you can get G-Dragon’s first collaboration with brand label, 8 Seconds. You might be thinking that the items would cost a bomb considering the fact that it’s a collaboration but worry not! The items sold here are pretty affordable and they’re really of good quality!
This outlet that we visited at Sinsa-dong Garosu-gil, is located in the Gangnam area, has got to be one of the biggest Eight Seconds store we’ve come across! Be greeted by lush greenery when you enter the store. There is a cafe located on the ground floor right beside the store as well. This outlet was nicely designed.
Apart from the 8 seconds apparel being sold in stores, there is also an exclusive G-Dragon exhibition located at the top floor of the building! A fangirl’s dream come true indeed. Showcasing his commercial film on a large projector, there is also a section of the room filled with items that goes behind the fabrication of the apparels.
The apparel created from this collection was also nicely displayed. It really does show how much thought and effort went into the planning and execution of the promotion of the collaboration.
Similar to that of a few shops in Korea, there is also a photobooth in the exhibition itself where you can take a polaroid of yourself which will be printed alongside G-Dragon’s design so that you can remember your shopping experience at 8 seconds. How memorable!
Where? > 8 Seconds, Sinsa-dong Garusogil, Gangnam
#3 – SHOOPEN
Shoopen also known as South Korea Fast Fashion Shoe Outlet, is one store you have to visit if you’re looking for shoes that are affordable yet stylish. Shoopen is popular with the locals because they’re always releasing new designs and stock every single week! Talk about Fashion Fast Forward! Keep yourself updated with the latest styles and trends without breaking the bank at Shoopen. Prices start from 10,000â‚© for a pair of sneakers. Great quality and an even better price! They also sell bags and accessories such as caps and many more to list.
Where? > Shoopen, Sinsa-dong, Garusogil, Gangnam
#4 – STYLENANDA
If you love Korean Fashion, then Stylenanda’s the place to be! This shop is an absolute heaven for anyone looking to ace that Korean Girl look that has been highly raved about. With its flagship store standing in Hongdae, shop till you drop at one of Korea’s most popular brands known worldwide with 3 floors of shopping goodness! Other brands include 3Concept Eyes, KKXX, Jeffrey Campbell and many more!
There’s also a photobooth in the shop itself where you can take loads of polaroids for FREE! Not to mention, the interior of the store looks as good as it does on the outside. So get your cameras ready for some lights, camera and action.
Where? > Stylenanda, 23, Wausan-ro 29da-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
#5 – ALAND
They always say “Save the Best for the Last”, and so, behold, ALAND. Heavily influenced by Seoul’s current and everchanging hip and street style, ALAND is the perfect place to be if you’re looking for something unique and true to your taste.
Consisting of an extensive line of clothes and accessories from various brands, you’ll probably be spending quite a sum of your time at this store.
With as many as 3 outlets in Myeong-dong, an outlet in Hongdae and Gangnam, and many other areas, it’s hard to miss out on this huge store at these prime shopping districts. From vintage, streetwear, casual and more to name, this store sure does put the A in Aland.
Where? > 53-6, Myeongdong 2-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
What’re you waiting for? Get going, it’s time for some shopping!
