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Korea's shops and department stores are many and
varied, and will satisfy even the most ardent shoppers,
whether they are looking for traditional art objects,
handicrafts or state-of-the-art electronic merchandise.
Seoul offers a wide variety of shopping opportunities
from department stores and duty-free shops to arcades,
specialized shopping districts and outdoor markets.
But the shopping is not limited to Seoul. All the
major cities also have department stores, souvenir
shops and arcades, and there are benefits to shopping
in the regional cities. Local specialities are sold
at lower prices and it is often possible to watch
them being produced.
Major department stores are open from 10:30 a.m.
to 7:30 p.m., whereas markets and smaller shops tend
to be open from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30p.m. Some shops
are open from early morning till late night every
day of the year. Most shop's prices are marked, but
when they are not, some bargaining may be possible.
Shoppers visiting Korea will be delighted by the large
variety of low-priced goods.
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What to Buy
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The craftsmanship and quality of Korean bambooware
rivals that of the best in the world. Travelers may
be surprised to find a great variety of bamboo products
such as combs, beds, chairs, pillows, blinds, and
the curious "bamboo wife," a practical means
of staying cool in the heat of summer. Tamyang in
Chollanam-do is the best-known area for bambooware.
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Visitors to Korea can buy high quality, custom-made
dresses and suits made from broad range of
materials and colors, including beautiful silks, at
surprisingly low prices. Clothing "Made in Korea"
is often high on visitors' shopping lists.
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Leather products in a multitude of colors and designs
are also available for visitors. Leather coats and
jackets can be bought at low prices, as well as other
leather goods such as belts, shoes and wallets. In
particular, delicate eel skin products are one of
Korea's unique buys.
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Furs are recognized all over the world as one of Korea's
newest shopping bargains. Many people come to Korea
solely to purchase these items. The prices of furs in
the duty-free stores are so low that the savings can
pay for the cost of the trip. Shoppers can also buy
furs at bargain prices in specialty markets or stores
during the "off season" semmer months.
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Electronics are becoming one of Korea's major exports
and consumers are offered a wide variety of quality
and prices. They are available at department stores,
specialty electronic stores or electronic markets. Stores
have fixed prices, however a 10-30% discount may be
obtained by shopping prudently in some of the electronics
markets.
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A well-known medical book of the Chinese Yang Dynasty
says that the best quality ginseng is found in Korea.
Ginseng, which is a world-renowned, high quality specialty
of Korea known for its elixir-like powers, is very difficult
to cultivate. Not only does it grow extremely slowly,
but it also requires that a field be left fallow for
15 years between harvesting and replanting. Nowdays,
processed herbal foodstuffs such as ginseng tea, the
popular ginseng powder or ginseng concentrate are a
must in the diet of health-conscious visitors. As many
as three thousand otehr herbs are also produced in the
mountainous area of Kangwon-do, Ch'ungch'ong-do, and
Cholla-dp Provinces.
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Some of the most sought-after antique reproductions
are of the wooden chests, old paintings, celadon and
metal craftwork of the Unified Shilla Kingdom and the
white porcelain of the Choson Dynasty. Visitors will
find the replicas both tasteful and practical for everyday
use. It might be of interest to watch them being produced,
since the production methods remain largely traditional
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Kimch'i is one of the most well-known traditional Korean
foods. There are at least 40 types of kimch'i, which
is typically a spiced and fermented mixture of radish
or cabbage with hot pepper powder, green onion, garlic
and salt. Its taste may be pungent to visitors, but
kimch'i is said to make up 30% of foreign tourists'
purchases. You can find it at markets or department
stores. In addition, the Kimch'i Museum is well worth
visiting.
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Sporting goods such as tennis rackets, baseball gloves,
ski equipment and jogging clothes are popular shopping
items among visitors to Korea. Many sports shops display
such well-known brands as Nike, Reebok, Asics, and Mizuno
in addition to Korean brands. Customers can choose from
high or low-priced items depending on their budget.
Korean-made jogging shoes are of good quality and are
a popular buy among many tourists.
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Watches and accessories are among the most sought-after
goods by foreign tourists. Products ranging from high
quality items bearing well-known brand names to ones
suitable for children are found in Korea. Accessories
such as hair pins, earrings, and brooches are low priced
and have colors and designs whcih change seasonally.
Buyers from Brazil, Colombia, and Poland, as well as
Hong Kong, Singapore,and Thailand, pay regular visits
to Korea. Because of this, these items can be found
in almost any shopping area in Korea.
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Among Korea's most well-known natural resources are
the plentiful semi-precious stones such as amethyst
and smoky topaz. These stones are mined in Korea in
a variety of sizes and then fashioned in to delicate
jewelry. Visitors may choose from a vast range of elegantly
designed pins, necklaces, bracelets and rings offered
at low prices. Look for jewelry in hotel boutiques,
department stores, subway arcades and duty-free shops.
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Shoppers can buy travel bags, bookbags, briefcases,
rucksacks, beltsacks and handbags, and choose from a
broad raneg of quality and prices. Besides cowhide leather
and synthetic resin, one can choose from other materials
such as alligator skin or eel skin. As with clothes,
handbags follow fashion trends and are of fine quality.
Many visitors coming to Korea are said to come only
purchase handbags or suitcases. These items can be bought
in Namdaemun Market or the It'aewon shopping area in
Seoul.
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Well-known native products such as traditional liquors,
lacquer ware, dried laver (seaweed), dolls, fans, kites,
paper masks, embroidery and traditional macrame are
also very popular among visitors. All of these items
represent the unique culture and living artistry of
Korea. They can be bought at specialty markets or in
tourist districts.
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Situated at the southeastern tip of Korea, Pusan
is a center of maritime transportation. The city has
developed into an international trading port since
its opening in 1876. Shoppers will be pleased with
the abundance of folk art and other local products.
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Pusan's largest market is close to the downtown area
and was formed by merchants descended from refugees
of the Korean War. The alleyways are divided into
6 market districts dealing in a wide variety of goods
such as silk, linen, clothing, bags, glasses and curtains
at wholesale prices. The magnificent bargains attract
a steady stream of tourists. The Kkangt'ong (Empty
Can) Market, at the entrance of Pup'yong Market across
the road from the Kukje Market, specializes in imports
and should not be missed.
-Location: 2 km from Pusan Station and 17 km
from the harbor
-Transportation: Take the Pusan Subway to Chagalch'i
Station
-Business Hours: 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
Closed on Sundays
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Experience the "Pusan atmosphere" at the
harbor-side fish market which stretches from Namp'o-dong
to Ch'ungmu-dong 3-ga. It is the main collection area
for all the fish caught in the South Sea. A large
shellfish section, in the middle of the market, offers
visitors seafood and quick meals as well. The sea
air and fresh fish mingle with the resonant voices
of the market folk to create an unforgettable experience.
-Transportation: Take the Pusan Subway to Chagalch'i
Station
-Business Hours: Open 24 hours a day, including holidays
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Located at the eastern tip of Chagalch'i Market is
a collection area for dried fish brought from all
over the country. Dried squid, octopus, codfish, pollack
adn edible seaweeds including lavers, brown seaweeds,
and sea lettuces may be found here.
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- Kwangbok-dong, Namp'o-dong
More than 1,000 shops line the downtown area of Pusan
from City Hall Square to the Kukje Market. The stores
sell name brands or ready-made goods and are busy
day and night. Stalls selling accessories, bags, and
bonded goods line the side alleys and attract shoppers
looking for low prices.
-Location: 2.5 km from Pusan Station. 13 km from
the harbor
-Transportation: Take the Pusan Subway to Namp'o-dong
Station to Chungang-dong Station
-Business Hours: 9:00 a.m-9:00 p.m. every day, including
holidays
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- Underground Shopping
Center
You can get off Chungang-dong Station, Namp'o-dong
Station or Chagalch'i Station to visit the Kwangbok-dong
and Namp'o-dong areas. An underground shopping center
connects the three stations, Lotte 1 st St. and KOLON
Shopping Area. It features high quality fashion designs
which attract passers-by.
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For many years Pusanjin Market has specialized in items
a young bride needs to set up housekeeping. There are
many shops specializing in both Western adn Korean clothes,
bedding, linens, and household goods. They also sell
a large variety of beautiful textiles for those interested
in making their own clothes. Silk shops dealing in beautiful
Korean clothes and domestic goods shops featuring decorative
accessories, parasols, beauty salon tools, shoes, and
clothes are also clustered in and around the market.
Be prepared for some entertaining negotiations when
bargaining with the shopkeepers in this district.
-Location: 10 km from Pusan Station
-Transportation: Take the Pusan Subway to Pomil-dong
Station
-Business Hours: 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
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Many foreign visitors frequent Texas Street, which
is close to the harbor and Pusan Station. Shops selling
sports shoes and those selling blankets woven with flower
designs are found side by side. There are also many
stores selling leather, bags, shoes, and clothes. Since
the opening of travel between Korea and Eastern Europe,
it has become very popular with Russian visitors.
-Location: Across from Pusan Station
-Transportation: Take the Pusan Subway to Pusan Station
-Business Hours: 9:00 a.m-9:00 p.m.
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Music and Dance Performances
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Traditional Music and Dance
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Koreans have always had a deep love for music and dance.
Traditional Korean dance and musical performances can
be a memorable part of visiting Korea. These performances
can be seen regularly each Saturday at the National
Center for Korean Traditional Performing Arts. Some
examples of things you might see are:
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- Court music: Traditional Korean music can be classified
as court or folk music. Court music is slow, solemn
and complex. It is performed regularly at the National
Theater.
- P'ansori: This narrative folk song tells
a long, dramatic story.
- Folk songs: Folk songs express the emotions of the
working class people.
- Samulnori: Four musical instruments are
used in Samulnori: the buk (drum),
Ching (gong), Chang-gu (hourgless
drum) and kkoenggwari (gong).
- Sandaenori (Mask dance): Korean mask dances
are silent folk dramas that satirized the high society
prevalent when they were developed, over 200 years
ago. They contain many Buddhist and Shamanist elements.
- Madangnori: These performances are similar
to the Western-style musical.
- Traditional dance: Traditional Korean dance is divided
into three main types: court, folk and religious.
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all Korean dances, the best known are the fan dance
and the drum dance. |
Modern Music and Dance
Modern music and dance are also performed
throughout the country. There are numerous symphony orchestrasm
chamber music groups, opera companies and talented soloists.
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Performing Artd
Theaters in Seoul
| Name |
Address |
Telephone |
| Hoam Art Hall |
7, Sunhwa-dong, Chung-gu |
(02)751-9614 |
| National Center for Korean
Traditional Performing Arts |
700, Soch'o-dong, Soch'o-gu |
(02)580-3055 |
| Sejong Cultural Center |
81-3, Sejongno, Chongno-gu |
(02)399-1615 |
| National Theater |
San 12-67, Changch'ung-dong
2-ga, Chung-gu |
(02)274-1173 |
| Seoul Arts Center |
700, Soch'o-dong, Soch'o-gu |
(02)580-1234 |
| Munye Theater |
1-130, Tongsung-dong, Chongno-gu |
(02)7604-800/1 |
| Seoul Nori Madang |
47, Chamshil-dong, Songp'a-gu |
(02)414-1985 |
| Little Angels Performing
Arts Center |
25, Nung-dong, Songdong-gu |
(02)444-8221 |
| KBS Hall |
46, Youido-dong, Yongdungp'o-gu |
(02)781-1000 |
| Chongdong Theater |
8-11, Chong-dong, Chung-hu |
(02)773-8960 |
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| Movie |
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The Korean movie industry is growing rapidly and some
of its films have achieved international acclaim. Foreign
films are shown in the original language with Korean
subtitles. Films usually run continuously from about
11:00 daily. Some details can be found in the Friday
entertainment sections of the English language newspapers.
Your hotel manager can also be a good guide. Many Seoul
movie theaters are concentrated in the area around Myong-dong
and Ch'ungmuro.
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Reservations and Ticket
Purchases
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Information about performances and films can be found
in The Korea Times and The Korea Herald
English-language daily newspapers, as well as the monthly
"Seoulscope." The brochure "Events this
Month," which is available at the Tourist Information
Center of the KNTO, provides information on concerts,
dance and plays. You can pre-purchase movie tickets
at the theaters. Advance tickets to other performances
are available at many major bookstores, record shops
and department stores.
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Major
Movie Theaters
| Name |
Address |
Telephone |
| Seoul |
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| Lotte World |
40-1, CHamshil-dong, Songp'a-gu |
(02)417-0211/3 |
| Dan Sung Sa |
56. Myo-dong, Chongno-gu |
(02)634-3212 |
| Dongsung Cinema Tech |
1-15, Tongsung-dong, Chongno-gu |
(02)741-3391 |
| Myeoung Bo Art Hall |
198-42, Kwanhun-dong, Chongno-gu |
(02)732-2131 |
| Seoul Cinema |
59-7, Kwanch'ol-dong, Chongno-gu |
(02)277-3011 |
| Core Art |
13-13, Kwanch'ol-dong,
Chongno-gu |
(02)739-9933 |
| Piccadilly |
139, Tonui-dong, Chongno-gu
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(02)765-2245 |
| Hollywood |
284-6, Nakwon-dong, Chongno-gu |
(02)742-1481 |
| Kookdo |
310, Ulchiro 4-ga, Chung-gu |
(02)266-1444 |
| Daehan |
125, Ch'ungmuro 4-ga, Chung-gu |
(02)278-8171 |
| Myungbo Plaza |
18-5, Cho-dong, Chung-gu |
(02)274-2121 |
| Scala |
41, Cho-dong, Chung-gu |
(02)266-6303 |
| Chung-Ahng |
48, Cho-dong 1-ga, Chung-gu |
(02)776-7004 |
| Korea |
50-16, Myong-dong 2-ga,
Chung-gu |
(02)775-4273 |
| Pusan |
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| Pusan |
18, Namp'o-dong 5-ga, Chung-gu |
(051)241-1201 |
| Boo Young |
33, Namp'o-dong 5-ga, Chung-gu |
(051)256-7661 |
| Eun-A |
218, Pujon 2-dong, Pusanjin-gu |
(051)808-2311 |
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|
 Eating
out is one of the great pleasures of visiting Korea,
a country famous for its many native dishes. Korean
cuisine will provide unique tastes for the visitor.
These are also a wide variety of American, Continental,
Chinese and Japanese restaurants. Korean food is rich
in nutrition, well-balanced and low in calories. They
say that you can eat as much Korean food as you like
and never gain weight. Korean food is chiefly made
of a wide variety of vegetables. Seasonings include
garlic, red peppers, scallions, soy sauce, fermented
bean paste, ginger and sesame oil.
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Kimch'i
Kimch'i is the most famous Korean
food. A fermented vegetable dish highly seasoned with
red pepper and garlic, it is served at virtually all
meals, has become the best know of Korea's dishes
abroad.
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Pulgogi, Kalbi
Pulgogi, is the one of the most popular
dishes in Korea, and one which Westerners find very
pleasing. Pulgogi literally means "fire
beef", but it is generally translated as "Korean
barbecue." Thin, tender slices of beef are marinated
in a sauce made with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic,
and other hot charcoal grill at your table. Kalbi,
short ribs of beef or pork, is also popular. Kalbi
is also grilled at the table. Restaurants that specialize
in pulgogi also serve good kalbi.
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Shinsollo
Shinsollo is a delicious mixture of
meat, fish, vegetables and bean curd which is simmered
in beef broth over a charcoal brazier at the table.
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Hanjongshik
Hanjongshik literally means "full
course Korean meal," and it is just that. When
you order hanjongshik, you are usually served
pulgogi, steamed short ribs, grilled fish,
and a host of side dishes. These side dishes may vary
from restaurant to restaurant, but the servings are
always ample. |
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Pibimpap
Pibimpap is made from cooked rice mixed
with bits of meat, seasoned vegetables, and egg. If
desired, it can be eaten with Koch'ujang (a
hot red pepper sauce). |
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Kujolp'an
At an elegant Korean dinner, the first course might
be kujolp'an.
Strips of cooked meat and vegetables are arranged in
a large sectioned dish with a stack of Korean pancakes
in the center. The fillings are wrapped in the pancakes
and eaten. |
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Sollongt'ang
Sollongt'ang is rich beef noodles soup
seasoned with sesame seeds, salt, pepper, scallions,
and sesame oil. It is served with rice as the main meal
and is accompanied by side dishes and a special radish
kimch'i called kkaktugi. |
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Samgyet'ang (Ginseng Chicken
Soup)
People can restore their bodies and spirits on hot
summer days by eating hot ginseng chicken soup. The
chicken is stuffed with ginseng, jujubes, sticky rice,
and garlic, then stewed, and seasoned with salt and
black pepper when served.
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Naengmyon
Naengmyon literally means "cold
noodles" and this summer favourite is truly refreshing.
Very thin, chewy buckwheat noodles are served in a cold
beef broth with chopped scallions, shredded radishes
and cucumbers, sesame seeds, and slices of lean beef.
Appropriate condiments are hot mustard and vinegar.
There are many restuarants that specialize only
in naengmyon. Be sure to try the mild mul-naengmyon
before sampling the spicier pibim-naengmyon.
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Korean Table Manners
Traditionally, Korean food is not served in courses,
but instead is all placed on the table at the same time.
There is no set order in which to eat the food, just
according to personal preference. The main dish is almost
always accompanied by pap (rice), kuk (soup), kimch'i,
and side dishes with chopsticks. Do not leave chopsticks
inserted directly into the rice, as this is a ceremonial
act performed in memorial services for the dead. Koreans
always wait for the oldest person present to begin eating
before they begin and do not leave the table until the
oldest person has finished. |
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Western Fast Food
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Throughout Seoul's downtown and campus areas are
many Western fast food restaurants such as McDonald,
KFC, Wendy's, Hardee's, Burger King, Pizza Hut, and
Domino's Pizza. Recently, Western family restaurants
like TGI Fridays, Cocos, and Bennigans are also opening.
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Korean Liquors
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Korean beer and soju, a distilled liquor, are popular
drinks. You will particularly enjoy tasting traditional
Korean liquors such as ch'ongju (strained rice wine),
insamju (ginseng liquor) and makkolli (unstrained rice
wine). Each province has its own special liquors. Munbarju
in Seoul, Igangju in Chollabuk-dp Province, Andong Soju
in Andong, Kyongju Popchu in Kyongsansuk-do Province,
Changgunju in Choju, Chollabuk-do Province and Paegilju
in Kongju, Ch'ungch'ongnam-do Province are famous. You
should also learn Korean drinking etiquette. Never fill
your own glass and when somebody offers to fill your glass,
hold it up with your right hand and place your left hand
lightly under it. |
| Shopping
Districts & Markets in Seoul |
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The largest general wholesale market in Korea, Namdaemun
Market is just a few minutes' walk from Seoul's ancient
South Gate (Sungnyemun or Namdaemun). Its proximity
to the downtown area and to many deluxe hotels makes
it popular among foreign visitors. More than 1,250
shops and stalls line the alleyways in a 10 acre area,
selling vegetables, clothes, tableware, crafts, fresh-cut
flowers and ginseng, among other things. Since each
small shop does its own manufacturing, prices can
be 10-20% lower than in other shopping areas.
-Location: Southwest of Sungnyemun
Gate (National Treasure No.1)
-Address: Namdaemun-ro, Chung-gu, Seuol
-Information: Namdaemun Market Co.
-Tel: (02) 753-2805 (Non-English Speaker)
Consumer Protection Center (Located in the market)
(02) 752-5728
-Business Hours: Hours vary by shop.
In general:
-Wholesale Market: Midnight to 6:00a.m.
-Retail Market: 7:00 a.m. to anywhere from 3:00 to
9:00 p.m.
The formal market is closed on Sundays, but street
stalls still operate in front of closed shop entrances.
-Transportation: Take Subway Line 4 to Hoehyon Station
or Line 1 or 2 to City Hall Station
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One of the oldest and largest markets in Seoul, Tongdaemun
Market is a colorful, bustling spot for bargain shoppers.
Many stores are not much bigger than clothes, but
the combination of goods covering a wide spectrum
brightens the sprawling 10-block shopping area. At
this and adjoining markets you can find the largest
selection of silk in Korea as well as other fabrics,
shoes, sports equipment, bags, vegetables and fish,
and clothes of all kinds. Clothes, above all, are
a favorite buy. This market is no stranger to foreigners,
who come here from all over the world to find bargains.
 -Location:
Near Hung-injimun Gate
-Address: Ch'onggyech'on 7-ga, or Chongno 5~7-ga,
Chongno-gu, Seoul
-Information: Tongdaemun General Market Co. (02) 265-2434
-Business Hours: In general
-Wholesale Market: 1:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
-Retail Market: 1:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Closed on Sundays
-Transportation: Take Subway Line 4 to Tongdaemun
Station, Line 1 to Chongno 5-ga Station or Line 2
to Tongdaemun Station
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Myong-dong is the fashion center of Korea as the
Ginza is to Japan. Most major department stores in
Seoul are located there and the many large and small
shops offer all the latest fashions including Korean
and foreign made clothes, shoes, accessories and cosmetics
from world famous designers. One million people a
day flock into 330,000 sq. meter area that is Myong-dong.
The district is always bustling, and so crowded with
cafes, restaurants and discotheques that it is as
much an entertainment center as it is a shopping area.
It is within easy walking distance of most major downtown
hotels. The Myong-dong Festival is held here.
-Location: Opposite the Lotte Department Store
and within walking distance from the Westin Chosun,
President, Plaza, and Koreana Hotels.
-Address: Myong-dong, Chung-gu, Seoul (02) 776-6177/8
-Business Hours: 10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. (Open year-round)
-Transportation: Take Subway Line 2 to Ulchiro 1-ga
Station or Subway Line 4 to Myong-dong Station.
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Called "Mary's Alley" by foreigners, Korea's
art and antique district reminds many visitors of
a street museum. One hundred-odd antique shops, old
bookstores and art galleries are concentrated in this
area. Here you can find old paintings, ceramics, wooden
chests and metal art work, as well as earthen ware
from the Unified Shilla Kingdom and white porcelain
from the Choson Dynasty. Prices can range from US$125
to YS$125,000. Insa-dong is good for many hours of
browsing and window-shopping.
-Location: Between Anguk-dong Rotary and T'apkol
(pagoda) Park on Chongno Street
-Information: Korean Antique Association (02) 732-2240
-Transportation: Take Subway Line 3 to An-guk Station
-Business Hours: 10:00 a.m. -7:00 p.m.
Closed on Sundays
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Perhaps one of the largest antique markets in the Orient,
Changanp'yong is composed of about 150 stores in which
you will find an enormous variety of antiques, ranging
from earthenware of the Shilla KIngdom to celadon porcelain
of the Koryo or Choson Dynasty. Compared with Insa-dong,
Chanfanp'yong Market features more everyday antique
furniture and household goods. Irons, oil lamps, containers,
candles, personal accessories, paintings, calligraphy,
lacquer ware, and old chests are popular items.
 -Location:
Changan-dong, eastern Seoul. past Majang-dong intersection
and towards the Ch'onho Bridge
-Transportation: Take Subway Line 2 to Shindap Station
-Business HOurs: 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Closed on Sundays
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The It'aewon district developed around the U.S. Eighth
Army Base and has been well-known among tourists since
the 1970's. European and North American visitors to
international conferences, and particularly to the '86
As ian Games spread It'aewon's reputation as a shopper's
paradise.
The more than 1,500 small shops in the district offer
custom-made suits, silk dresses, jogging suits, sportswear,
sweaters, fur jackets, leather apparel and ski wear
at a fraction of their overseas prices. Shoes are a
popular buy. It'aewon carries a huge range of sports
shoes, jogging shoes, and the lastest in leather dress
shoes made with both imported and local leathers. But
there is more to It'aewon than clothing and shoes. This
is a great area to shop for sports equipment, Korean
souvenirs, handicrafts, and small gifts. It'aewon also
has the best collection of eel skin products in Seoul,
and smoky topaz, amethyst and jade jewelry. Fur shops
sell their furs duty-free to foreigners. Great savings
can be made and English and Japanese are spoken at almost
all shops. Won, dollars and yen are all happily accepted.
In addition to daytime shopping, It'aewon offers nighttime
entertainment with a large variety of clubs and restaurants.
-Location: Southwest of Mt. Namsan, between It'aewon
Crossroads and the Hotel Holiday It'aewon
-Address: It'aewon-ro, It'aewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
(02) 797-7319, 5545
-Business Hours: 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
-Transportation: City Bus No. 81, 23, 78-2 or 79-1;
Chwasok Bus No. 773
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The largest marine products market in Seoul, the Noryangjin
Fish Market is run by the Department of Agriculture,
Forestry and Fisheries. Wholesalers from 15 fishing
ports on the eastern, western, and southern coasts bring
their products to this 66,000 sq. meter facility. The
market is in a building with two floors above ground
and one underground, containing an auction area, 700
shops on the first floor, dried fish stores, and specialty
sushi restaurants.
More than twenty thousand buyers flock there every
day, half of them retailers coming to
purchase large quantities at a discount. In the adjacent
agricultural and marine products retail area can be
found mushrooms, watermelon, ginseng, and apples at
low prices, as well as fish.
-Address: Noryangjin Fisheries Co., 13-8, Noryangjin-dong,
Tongjak-gu, Seoul (02) 2211/2
-Business Hours: 3:00 a.m.~9:00 p.m.
-Wholesale Market: Closed on Sundays
-Retail Market: Open every day, including holidays
-Transportation: Take Subway Line 1 to Noryangjin Station
and cross the overpass to the market
|
- Korean Folk Handicraft
Center
This building, near the New Core Department Store in
Soch'o-gu, is a center for folk handicraft manufacturers,
Saemaul (new village) factories, and a number of artists
steeped in the traditions of old Korea. The first floor
features lacquer ware, traditional furniture, stone
handicrafts, and food, while rush and bamboo ware, wooden
containers, textile, folk dolls and many other interesting
items can be found on the second floor.
-Location: 1316-17, Soch'o-dong, Soch'o-gu, Seoul
(02)555-9265
-Transportation: Take Subway Line 2 to Kangnam Station
-Business Hours: 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Closed on 1st and 3rd Sundays
|
- Yongsan Electronics Market
The largest specialty market if electronics goods and
computers in Korea, the Yongsan Electronics Market is
composed of 21 buildings with more than 5,000 shops,
making it larger even than the world famous Akihabara
electronics market in Japan. The first floor of the
Electronics Land Building offers Koreans and foreign-made
household appliances, audio equipment, telephones and
office equipment. The second floor has retail stores
of all major Korean electronics companies. Prices of
domestically-made goods are 10-20% lower than in regular
stores, while imported products can be 40-50% less.
Bargain sales are held every three months, as well.
Besides trading, the Event Hall of Electronics Land
holds many shows and events related to the electronics
industry. Najin Market, an adjoining, smaller electronics
shopping area, offers below factory prices. Though it
is crowded, Najin Marke is extremely popular because
of its bargains.
 -Loacation:
Near Yongsan Railroad Station
-Transportation: Take Subway Line 1 to Yongsan Station
or Line 2 to Shin-Yongsan Station
-Business Hours: Electro-Land 10:00a.m.-8:00p.m.
Najin Market 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Closed on the first and third Sundays of the month
|
|
Korea's most famous Oriental medicine market has over
1,000 shops selling Oriental medicines, vegetables,
and Korean spices. Shoppers' senses will be besieged
by piquant smells and exotic sights. Stalls lining the
alleys sell a variety of rare medicinal herbs like ginseng,
and yongji mushrooms. There are also more than 3,000
types of medicinal herbs that are grown by the sellers
themselves. Ginseng, which can be bought at over 300
of the shops and stalls, is brought directly from the
areas of production and can be purchased cheaper than
in department stores. Fresh ginseng, ginseng extract
and ginseng tea are some of the best selling goods.
-Location: From Chegi-dong Intersection, Tongdaemun-gu
to the Midopa Department Store
-Address: CHegi-dong, Tongdaemun-gu, Seoul (02) 962-2950~1
-Business Hours: 8:00 a.m.~6:30 p.m.
Closed on the first and third Sundays of the month
-Transportation: Take Subway Line 1 to Chegi Station
|
|
This well-known shopping area is located nearby Ewha
Womans, Yonsei, Sogang, and Hong-ik Universities and
the streets are filled with youths wearing the latest
fashions. Radical and conservative styles coexist side-by-side.
Street cafes lend a chic atmosphere, and the tastes
of young people are catered to by the many clothes shops,
shoe salons, accessory shops, restaurants and discotheques.
-Location: From Ahyon intersection to the entrance
to Yonsei University
-Transportation: Take Subway Line 2 to Ewha Womans Univ.
Station or Shinch'on Station
|
- Hwanghak-dong Flea Market
The Hwanghak-dong area is famous as a second-hand market.
There are more than 500 shops, each filled with second-hand
articles like grindstones, stoves, televisions, video
recorders, compact discs, clothing, shoes, etc. The
latest household appliances are discounted by 20-30%
and clothes can be bought at half price. Silk clothing,
popular with tourists, starts at about W40,000 and Italian
T-shirts at about W8,000.
-Location: On Ch'onggyech'on 8-ga behind Sam-il
Apt.
-Business Hours: 8:00 a.m.- 6-30 p.m.
(Some appliance stores are open until 10:00 p.m.)
|
- English is commonly spoken throughout the It'aewon
shopping district and in some of the major department
stores.
- It's best to purchase at department stores or
name brand stores during their sales, which are
held four times a year.
- Although many shops now have fixed prices, you
still may be able to bargain at some of the markets.
- Try on all custom-tailored clothing before making
the final payment, since alternations are easy to
negotiate on the spot. Alterations or refunds are
difficult to arrange through the mail.
- Be sure to visit many stores to compare brands
and quality before making a purchase.
- Culturally important antiques cannot be exported
without government permission. Shop owners cam
provide information on the necessary procedures,
or you can phone the Art & Antique Assessment
Office at (02) 662-0106. Exporting antique
reproductions is not a problem.
- Generally, jewelers will issue certificates of
authenticity, if requested.
- Always check the power requirements of electrical
appliances before purchasing and save the warranties.
Korea has two standard voltages: 110 AVC and 220
AVC at 60 Hz.
- It is best to hand-carry merchandise, because
many shops will not deliver your purchases. Shipping
can often be arranged by the hotel staff.
- Save your receipts.
- KNTO manages a Tourist Complaint Center which
investigates shoppers' complaints. (02) 735-0101
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Night life for the foreign visitor ranges from simple,
inexpensive restaurants to exotic floor shows. You
can drink with the local residents at a Korean tavern
or sulchip, or, if you prefer not to go out,
there is usually in-house entertainment at the major
hotels.
|
| Korean-style
Bars |
| Known
as "minsokchujom," these are the
working persons' drinking places after a day's work.
You can enjoy native Korean drinks such as "makkolli"
and "soju." Bars are often crowded
and noisy but they are a fun place to enjoy the local
atmosphere. |
| Coffee
Shops |
|
Called "tabang" in Korea, the
coffee shop plays a very important role in a Korean's
social life. Prices presently stand at about W1,000-3,000
for a cup of coffee, however customers are allowed
to sit and talk over their drinks for as long as they
wish.
|
| Hotel
Lounges & Cocktail Bars |
|
There are many hotel lobby lounges and cocktail bars
offering a secluded atmosphere. Since they are affiliated
with a hotel, English is usually spoken there.
|
|
Beer Halls |
|
These have sprung up quickly in the past few years and
are often decorated in a European style. Customers are
expected to buy a dish of snacks or food with their beer.
Prices are lower than in night clubs. |
|
Nightclubs & Discotheques
|
| Nightclubs
are located in hotels and are somewhat expensive, but
there are many less expensive discotheques, particularly
in the Yongdong, and It'aewon areas. Those in the It'aewon
area cater to a largely foreign clientele. A special feature
of these Korean nightclubs is that visitors can both dance
and watch colorful floor shows and cabaret acts. Night
clubs offer beer and soft drinks. Discotheques use live
or recorded music. |
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