10 Biggest and Best Shopping Malls For Foreigner in South Korea

shopping-malls-in-south-korea

Trendy fashions, bookstores, technology, home items and more, happy customers can spend hours roaming the paths hunting for the perfect gift or jackpot deal in shopping malls in South Korea. Some malls offer thrift shopping, while others bask in their luxurious products.

Many places host entertainment within their walls like aquariums, cinemas, art galleries, museums, theme parks and more – so that there is a little something for everyone, and to add more to your day. Most shopping complexes are located near railway stations, which makes for easy access, and certain malls offer specific conveniences that are hard to simply walk past.

Many malls in South Korea even offer tax refunds, clothes alteration, and delivery services to the airport. To help you get started on your shopping expedition in the capital city of South Korea, we’ve compiled a list of the most popular Seoul shopping centres.

List of 10 biggest and best shopping malls for foreigner in South Korea?

1. Times Square Mall

2. Jungang Underground Shopping Center

3. Lotte Premium Outlets Dong Busan

4. Insadong Ssamziegil

5. Starfield COEX Mall

6. Starfield Hanam

7. Homeplus Incheon Yeonsu

8. Mecenatpolis Mall

9. Dongdaemun Shopping Complex

10. Lotte Department Store Myeongdong

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What are the biggest and best shopping malls for foreigner in South Korea?

1. Times Square Mall

Photo: Cambodia Expats Online

Although one might think that this mall lends its name from the famed commercial intersection of Manhattan, Times Square Mall has a unique and historic story of its own. Originally the site of Kyungsung Textile Company’s Yeongdeungpo factory (much of it destroyed by Japanese colonization and the Korean War), this ultra modern mall was named Times Square to coexist in harmony with its previous owners.

Opening its doors on September 16th, 2009, it is currently one of the largest malls in Seoul. The main Atrium on the first floor is even claimed to be the largest in Asia, with 2 bridges and a large central event space in the middle. Every month, the atrium offers new cultural events with previous events including musical performances by top K-pop stars, magic shows, experience zones, special markets and the annual New Year’s Times Square Countdown. With Shinsegae Department Store, Kyobo Book Store, CGV, E-Mart, Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, the largest Kolon Sporex in Seoul, literally topped with rooftop gardens, Times Square Mall is a great place spend a whole day.

2. Jungang Underground Shopping Center

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Located in Jungang-ro of downtown Jeju, Jungang Underground Shopping Center is a modern underground shopping arcade that recently re-opened after a major renovation. Stretching over Jungang-ro, Seomun-ro and Dongmun-ro, the center has over 280 stores selling clothing, shoes, accessories, glasses, watches, jewelry, bags, hats, flowers, etc. There are also many amenities such as restaurants, fast food chains, as well as rest lounges scattered across the shopping center. It is the only underground shopping arcade in Jeju Island, and offers a pleasant shopping experience.

3. Lotte Premium Outlets Dong Busan

Photo: Simon Property Group

Whether you’re looking for a perfect shopping spot ideal for a couple or family bonding, Lote Premium Outlets Dong Busan is a great place to start. Promising you not only a delightful buying experience of the best brands but also of exceptional service, it certainly is something you shouldn’t miss. Bringing little kids with you won’t be much of a problem since it has a lot of theme parks with activities for kids of all age groups. On the other hand, it is also a charming venue for couples. There are arcade games, hidden photo zone, museum and movie theatre where couples can enjoy.

4. Insadong Ssamziegil

Photo: Tumblr

Featuring an open-style shopping experience, Ssamziegil is a diverse shopping complex filled with shops, cafes and galleries. Upon entering the complex, you’ll surely be awestruck by its beauty. Imagine being in the center of an expansive open courtyard surrounded by four floors of shops, wouldn’t you get excited to start exploring and buying? Prepare yourself to be caught off guard with all the astonishing things you’ll get to buy from the first floor to the third level. One tip, don’t forget to check out the fourth floor because it’s where most of the magic begins.

5. Starfield COEX Mall

Photo: Pinterest

Inside COEX Mall, the digital (touch screen) information kiosks can be found at different parts and corners. And they can get pretty helpful when you’re trying to navigate your way through the mall or find a specific store (getting lost inside COEX Mall’s dynamic roadways might be a bit of an urban adventure).

Having re-opened in November 2014 after a large-scale remodeling, it has transformed from a “big mall with good brands” into something a bit more special. While there are unique and colorful shops have set up stalls here, an event arena/stage for the occasional special events (including busking, photo exhibitions, among a variety of cultural events) has come into action. Connected to Grand Intercontinental Hotel’s basement Parnas Mall and Hyundai Department Store’s basement food sector, COEX showcases a diverse array of contents for its guests in its fresh look.

6. Starfield Hanam

Photo: Inside Retail Asia

Standing as the second-largest shopping mall in South Korea, Starfield Hanam is an astounding shopping theme park promising visitors the best experience of shopping, leisure, and bonding. Featuring a plethora of iconic shoe and clothing brands, diversified beauty centers with 50 domestic and international beauty brands, it is truly a shopper’s paradise. Apart from that, Starfield Hanam house some of the best attraction spots in the country, including The Gallery and Aquafield, where guests can enjoy a steam spa and scenic water park. Dining is also never the problem while in Starfield Hanam, for you’ll have a wide selection of restaurants.

7. Homeplus Incheon Yeonsu

Photo: The Korea Times

Your trip to South Korea will not be complete without checking out its famous Homeplus Incheon Yeonsu in Dongchun-dong. If you’re looking for the right place to buy authentic Korean products, look no further than the Homeplus Incheon Yeonsu. Whether you’re looking for tasty treats, fresh food, cosmetics recommended by some of your favorite Korean artists, or the perfect trinkets to take back home, you’ll find everything here. Also, everything on offer is reasonably priced. Although it does not include fashion brands, it is still a reliable shopping mall to drop by for a quick bite and great finds.

8. Mecenatpolis Mall

Photo: Architizer

Mecenatpolis Mall is an open-air shopping mall that is near the Hapjeong train station. It is here where you can find many Fast food chains, cafes, upscale and modest restaurants offering up tasty local and international cuisines. Plus, in the outdoor garden, you can expect to find quite a few events, art exhibitions, cultural festivals and music performances going on.

This mall has since become a popular place for photography mainly because of its vibrant communal spaces, terraced balconies, glass bridges, unique water features, and rooftop gardens.

9. Dongdaemun Shopping Complex

Photo: Creatrip

This market is a must visit for all the shopaholics. Its existence dates back to the beginning of the 20th century. Nowadays, it consists of 20 shopping malls and countless individual shops. There is nothing you could not buy there - e.g. clothes, shoes, accessories, jewellery, toys, all sorts of gadgets and electronics, specialised sportswear and equipment, etc.

Apart from those, you can also get delicious food there. You can visit some of the many restaurants serving traditional Korean food but there are also western restaurant chains (e.g. KFC or McDonald's) located there or restaurants specialising on specific cuisines (e.g. Italian).

Due to its popularity, the place gets quite busy so be prepared for crowds of people around you.

10. Lotte Department Store Myeongdong

Photo: TripAdvisor

Lotte Department Store Myeongdong is one of Seoul’s largest shopping malls. It has an impressive collection of apparel, accessories, jewellery, beauty products, furniture, electronics, and sports equipment. Inside, you’ll also find a duty-free store, an art gallery, and a food court offering local and international cuisines.

You can even arrange for your purchases to be delivered to the airport for pick-up. Lotte Department Store is directly connected to Lotte Hotel Seoul, making it convenient for guests to enjoy a day of shopping.

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