As the nation began to recover from the aftermath of the Korean War, farmers from the northern Gyeonggi-do region and Ganwon-do gathered around the old Seongdong Station (renamed ‘Hansol Donguibogam’) to sell their produce and wares. The farmers’ impromptu gathering on the fallow farmland to make their transactions soon led to the birth of a new marketplace.Seoul Gyeongdong Market, a.k.a. ‘Gyeongdong Market’, is located around Jegi-dong, Yongdu-dong and Jeonnong-dong at Dongdaemun-gu and consists of the Gyeongdong Oriental Medicine Market, the Gyeongdong New Market, the Gyeongdong Old Market, the Gyeongdong Building, Hansol Donguibogam, and more.Currently, renovations are underway to reinvent the out-dated market environment into an updated shopping experience that still preserves the area’s innate charm. In 2004, Hansol Donguibogam was built and opened on the spot where the Midopa Department Store used to stand. Hanbang Cheonha, Donguibogam Tower-Tel and other areas are now undergoing renovations.

Lotte Department Store is one of Korea's major department stores, and Lotte Department Store Gwangbok Branch is especially popular for being the first seaside department store in the country. Located between downtown Busan and the beach, it is scheduled to become Lotte Town by 2017.The department store carries various domestic and international brands, as well as houses various entertainment facilities. Lotte also manages various fast-fashion retailers like Uniqlo, Zara, Mango, and Gap. Numerous high-tech gadgets like the latest smartphones, DSLR cameras, computers and more can all be found and browsed in one location.One of the major features of the Lotte Department Store at Gwangbok is The Editing Shop, which displays fashion trends and styles selected specially by famous designers.The world’s largest indoor musical water fountain, registered in the Guiness World Book of Records, can be found inside. Additionally, the rooftop park, which is the largest in Korea, offers a great view of the entire city of Busan.  The rooftop alone can be a popular tourist attraction.3-hours of free parking offered with purchases of 50,000 won or higher. 

The Hwanghakdong Flea Market is an extensive used-goods market with over 500 shops. The flea market is also popularly known as the ‘Doggaebi (Korean folk creature) Market’ and ‘All-Things Market’ due to its variety of goods ranging from antiques to interior furnishings. Hence, the Hwanghakdong Flea Market is a famous destination among many foreigners. In the past, the Hwanghak-dong Flea Market was the nation’s trade center for antique goods, and now, the market offers a wide variety of products ranging from cameras, refrigerators, washing machines and TVs to old money, antique paintings, cosmetics, clothes, Buddha statues and more. The flea market sells used goods as well as new ones. Not to worry though, as all used products have been renewed and repaired with a 50% markdown, while new products can be purchased at 20-30% off the retail price. The Hwanghakdong Flea Market is divided into five sections. First, a one-storey building holds a variety of shops selling old books, electronics, and videos. Second, the alleyway between Samil Apartments 15-dong and 16-dong near Cheonggyecheon 7-ga Street is known as the antique street. Electronic stores are gathered in the area behind Samil Apartment 13-dong and the Seongdong Technical High School all the way to Samil Apartment 17-dong, selling TVs, refrigerators, car stereos, air conditioners, video games, and more. Finally, the machinery stores are located on the second street of Jungang Market. The flea market is generally open from 9am to 7pm, with the exception of the electronics district which is open until 10pm.    

For those who are hesitant to buy winter outfits for a one-time only trip or worried about heavy luggages, Seinustar offers a solution. Located on the1st floor of Incheon International Airport, Seinustar offers various looks and wears for travelers.

The area around Ewha Womans University, Korea’s famous women’s university, is commonly called Ewha Womans University Fashion Street. This district features a number of stalls lining the streets selling fashion items, such as clothing, shoes and accessories, for young women. It offers a distinctive shopping experience, with all the fun of a “shop-crawl” from stall to stall and store to store along the narrow alleyways. This street is a popular fashion destination for young women. Walking down from Ewha Womans University subway station to the main entrance of Ewha Womans University, and turning into an alley on the left, there are a number of street stalls . Furthermore, the alley on the right side of the main entrance to the university contains many designer shops as well. Recently, a few major shopping malls have taken the place of large and small stores set in alleys, offering consumers still more choice.  Another specialty of the fashion street that cannot be missed is the alterations services, where tailors have taken alterations to a new level of design expertise.  The fashion street is also famous for its concentration of hair salons, meaning people can find a whole new look from head to foot.  

Mucha is a premium jewelry company owned and operated by Kim Jeong Ju, a renowned gemologist, jewelry designer and jewelry coordinator. The store carries fine jewelry under three brands - Mucha, Kiss by Mucha, and Mucha Arno, and offers custom-design services as well. Meanwhile, Mucha jewelry has been worn by many celebrities, and featured in many Korean dramas.

U:US is a fashion mall popular among retailers and international buyers. The spacious interior gives the feeling of shopping outdoors in an open marketplace.With remodeling construction having taken place in May 2010, the mall features the latest interiors and modern designs for a convenient shopping experience.

Kumkang is a representative shoe brand of Korea (sneakers, casual shoes, etc.) that is gradually expanding its product line to include accessories and clothing.The Kumkang branch located on Myeongdong Street is frequented by international visitors and offers larger sized shoes (at the plus-size section) and an after service center (4F). Some of the bestsellers at the branch are Regal products, a sub-brand of Kumkang.

The Gangbyeon branch is the first Lotte Mart supermarket. It is located inside Technomart, the electronics superstore, which also houses an 11- cinema CGV movie theater, a large bookstore, a food court, and other convenience facilities. Lotte Mart Gangbyeon branch sells groceries, daily essentials, and entertainment and home interior products. The store is located on the second floor basement of the Technomart building, and is open from 09:00 to 24:00.

I'Park Department Store is the flagship store of the I'Parkmall, Korea's largest shopping complex. The department store is divided into three different sections - Fashion Store, Culture Store, Living Store, each with a varying theme and numerous stores. Moreover, I'Park Department Store is connected to many other shopping, cultural and entertainment facilities inside the I'Parkmall.