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.

Heynature is a cosmetics brand that researches, develops, and produces organic cosmetic products using raw and all-natural ingredients that help return vitality and youth to your skin. No artificial scents or color are added, and all ingredients go through rigorous trials and research development before being produced, so you can use it on your skin with peace of mind. Their Myeong-dong and Ehwa Women’s University locations are not franchises, so they are managed directly from the headquarters. They can also now be found at Busan’s Shinsegae Duty-free store and also at Choroc.

Kakao Friends Gangnam Flagship Store features a wide variety of products related Kakao Friends, popular messenger emojis. Meet Ryan, Muji, Apeach, Frodo, Neo, Tube, Jay-G, Con, and other characters from Kakao through creative home and office supplies, jewelries, stationeries, kitchenware, toys, and much more. All products are designed with adorable characters that are ensured to brighten your day.

Targetting middle-aged customers and senior citizens, Isae only uses chemical-free fabrics. Natural fabrics and dyeing characterize clothing in Isae along with functional comfort. Both modern and hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) styles are available.

E-mart is a discount supermarket operated by Shinsaege, a department store franchise. Unlike other E-mart branches, E-mart Sindorim does not carry as many electronics and appliances, as it is located inside Techno Mart, which specializes in the sales of electronics. Instead, the branch features larger groceries and household items sections.

SM Duty Free opened in Insa-dong, in the center of Seoul, as a new landmark to lead duty free shopping culture. It houses 490 brands and about 60,000 items including premium luxury brands, best sellers of duty free shop, and K-Culture products to attract domestic and international travelers. It offers a wide range of brand selections from Coach, Bally, Etro, Franck Muller, Marc Jacobs, Estee Lauder groups, Sulwhasoo, Whoo, Cheong Kwan Jang and other brands. Also, Hallyu-related goods at Korea Drama Mall and drama filming set, K-Cosmetic Zone, K-Baby Item Zone and Hallyu experience hall are available on the 5th floor for foreign visitors.

Opened in 1987 in Itaewon, North Beach has been a successful leather goods brand, even launching branches in department stores. Appearing frequently in magazines and on TV programs, it is a leather shop that is extremely popular among international residents and tourists. It stands out even in Itaewon, an area known for excellent leather products. The store's main items include leather and fur goods for women.

Arirang Shopping is a traditional shop that carries ceramics, mother-of-pearl lacquerware, and many other Korean folk souvenirs. Located inside Namdaemun Market, Arirang Shopping has been featured on many websites overseas and is popular among international tourists. The best selling items at the store are Arirang seaweed, Chongga Foods Kimchi, and lacquerware inlaid with mother-of-pearl.In addition to its retail venture, Arirang Shopping offers pick-up services to guests staying at hotels in the Jung-gu, Gangnam-gu, Seocho-gu and Songpa-gu areas. Customers can even get free delivery on purchases of over 100,000 won.

Ssamziegil is a comprehensive shopping center located on the famous Insa-dong Street. It houses over 70 stores that sell various items, ranging from fashion and art to food and accessories, on four floors above the ground that are connected by spiral staircases. Moreover, diverse performances and exhibitions are regularly held on the first floor yard, while the open ceiling and the rooftop garden bring in natural elements for enhanced shopping experience.

Songhakgim is a brand of seaweed harvested from some of the cleanest waters of the Western Sea, where the fresh waters of the rivers and the salty waters of the ocean mix. Rich in minerals and other nutrients, it is said to be healthier than other brands because of the abundant sunlight it receives as it grows.On the 1st floor of the Songhakgim store, visitors can see the manufacturing process of Songhakgim. On the 2nd floor, guests can make their seaweed (gim) purchases. Also on the 2nd floor is the Traditional Culture Experience Hall where international tourists can try on hanbok (traditional Korean clothes) and make spicy rice cakes and rice balls.