Seoul Shopping One-Day Model Course Complete Guide
Hello! This time, we’re focusing on one of the most popular themes for traveling in Korea: shopping in Korea. We’ll introduce a recommended one-day Seoul shopping model course that you can enjoy in a single day.
From cosmetics, fashion, and accessories to trendy cafes featured on social media, this route lets you experience the current trends in Korea in a short amount of time.
It’s a rich itinerary recommended not only for first-time visitors to Korea but also for repeat travelers looking for a fresh shopping experience!
Start in Myeongdong: Boost Your Mood from the Morning in Cosmetic Heaven!
Start Your Trip in Myeongdong: A Must-Visit Cosmetic Paradise
The perfect starting point for any Seoul itinerary is Myeongdong, not only a classic tourist spot but also an essential destination for shopping in Korea.
The first stop to consider is the Olive Young Myeongdong Flagship Store, where you can pick up and try out trending Korean skincare and cosmetic products. Popular items include toner pads, tints, and sheet masks, often available at lower prices than in Japan, making them ideal for travelers to buy in bulk.
Myeongdong is also lined with Korean cosmetic brand stores, making it fun to hunt for new releases or limited-edition colors. With plenty of testers available, you can take your time experiencing the products before deciding.
Another unmissable spot is Style Nanda Pink Hotel. Beyond the stylish products, the store’s interior and design are so photogenic that every corner is perfect for capturing your “Instagram-worthy” shots. The rooftop café is especially popular for photos, letting you enjoy shopping while snapping plenty of SNS-worthy pictures♪
Lunchtime in Myeongdong: Savoring Delicious Local Eats
Myeongdong isn’t just about shopping—tasting delicious food is one of its biggest attractions.
For classic Korean dishes, kalguksu (knife-cut noodles) or mandu (dumplings) are go-to options. Their light broth and chewy noodles make for a satisfying yet not too heavy meal, perfect for refueling during sightseeing.
Additionally, the streets of Myeongdong are lined with a variety of street food stalls, offering treats like cheese balls, tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), and hotteok (Korean sweet pancakes). Even if you’re not very hungry, the tempting aromas and sights make it hard to resist sampling these casual, tasty bites while strolling around.
Moving to the Hongdae (Hongik University) area: Korean fashion & street culture
After a hearty meal, take the subway to the Hongdae (Hongik University) area.
Hongdae is known as the center of youth culture, with unique select shops and accessory stores everywhere.
A must-visit is the offline store of the popular Korean brand MUSINSA. Known online as well, the brand features simple yet versatile designs. It’s fun to check out Korean sizing and the latest trends while picking out your favorite piece.
ArtBox and Daiso also offer a variety of goods, where you can buy Korean-designed stationery, accessories, and gifts at reasonable prices.
Moreover, the streets of Hongdae are full of art, with murals and graffiti catching your eye. Nearby Yeonnam-dong has a café street where you can enjoy strolling, taking photos, or window shopping.
Take a Break with Café Time: Experience Korean Café Culture
Hongdae and Yeonnam-dong are full of cafés with unique personalities.
In Korea, café hopping itself has become a popular tourist activity. Cute desserts and distinctive drinks are available everywhere, making it easy to capture the perfect SNS-worthy atmosphere.
For example, fluffy soufflé pancakes or seasonal fruit drinks are especially popular. Many cafés also pay special attention to interior design, offering styles from retro to minimalist, so you can choose according to your taste.
It’s a great time to rest your tired feet, organize your photos, or check your souvenir list.
Finish Shopping & Dinner in Seongsu (聖水)
The final destination is the trendy Seongsu (聖水) area.
Originally an industrial district, it has rapidly transformed into a fashionable town and become a popular spot for trend-conscious young Koreans.
This area is full of Korean brand select shops and design stores, allowing you to enjoy a relaxed shopping experience. Many shops are tucked away in quiet alleys rather than on main streets, making it fun to explore like a treasure hunt.
Seongsu is also famous for its stylish cafés. From spacious cafés renovated from old warehouses to nature-inspired cafés surrounded by plants, the area is full of Instagram-worthy spots.
In the evening, you can enjoy a slightly spicy Korean dinner in Seongsu, such as Korean barbecue, stir-fried small octopus, or malatang, fully savoring a day in Korea.
Recommended Shopping Items in Korea – Summary
| Category | Recommended Items Examples |
|---|---|
| Cosmetics | Toner pads, tints, sheet masks (Olive Young) |
| Fashion | Korean brand T-shirts, cardigans (MUSINSA, etc.) |
| Food | Instant ramen, seaweed chips, tteokbokki sauce |
| Miscellaneous Goods | Stationery, small accessories, smartphone accessories (Daiso, variety stores) |
Seoul is a city where you can enjoy a fulfilling experience even during a short stay.
“Test out cosmetics, hunt for trendy fashion, and relax in cute cafés” – with the route introduced here, you can experience a full and fun day in Seoul♪
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