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 World Tower Duty Free Shop sits on the 10th floor of the Lotte Department Store located in Jamsil, Seoul. This area stands as a large-scale tourist attraction that provides everything from an amusement park to a folk museum (Lotte World Amusement Park, Folk Museum, Seokchon Lake, Lotte Hotel, Lotte Department Store, etc.). The Lotte World Duty Free Shop attracts shoppers from all over the world as it has more than 400 famous brands (Louis Vuitton, Hermes, GUCCI, Cartier, Chanel and many more) to choose from as well as newly added "Star Avenue" experience zone featuring many of hallyu stars are drawing more attentions.More brands are found here en.lottedfs.com

MESA was the first shopping mall to be built in Namdaemun Market. MESA is a family shopping mall selling goods and providing facilities targeting mostly middle-aged women. The Children’s Wear section on the 3rd floor provides mothers with cradles and rocking chairs for feeding infants, and a diaper changing facility as well. There are also free stroller rentals in the lobby, and each floor offers uniquely designed restrooms. The eighth and ninth floors boast over 50 different restaurants, with food varying from traditional Korean meals to fusion dishes. A restaurant on the 16th floor offers a magnificent view of Namsan, especially at night.

The Lotte COEX Duty Free Shop is situated in the same location as a number of Seoul's popular tourist attractions, such as COEX Aquarium and COEX Mall, and it is merely 5 to 10 minutes away from Gangnam hotels, and so offers the utmost convenience for travelers. This duty free shop contains boutique brands such as Salvatore Ferragamo and Coach, luxury jewelry and watches including Rolex and Omega, along with a wide selection of high quality cosmetics, perfumes and colognes.

Namdaemun Ginseng Market is found along the central path of Namdaemun Market located on Namdamun-ro (St.). Here, over 20 shops stand close together in the market. There are 7 other ginseng shops in a ginseng distribution center located on the second floor of Namdaemun Theatre in Namdaemun Market. Here, you may purchase quality ginseng at a 20~30% discounted price.Visitors can also purchase fresh ginseng and other processed products such as ginseng tea and powder, as well as a variety of oriental health food including: red ginseng, honey, yeongji mushrooms, traditional teas, brown rice and adlay.As Korea’s representative traditional market, Namdaemun Market is one of the most popular tourist attractions among international tourists.

Ahyeon-dong Wedding Street has over 2000 wedding dress shops. This area can be easily accessed by subway line 2 and is located on Sinchonno Road between Ewha Women's University Station and Ahyeon Station. Shops filled with wedding dresses line the street, making it a bridal paradise. The shops have it all, from the newest wedding dress styles to unique, one-of-a-kind designs. Brides can have dresses made-to-order for affordable prices or simply borrow a dress for their special day. This area has become popular with many tourists looking to see the latest wedding attire.

As one of the largest markets in Asia, Dongdaemun Shopping Complex boasts huge hanbok shops. Most of the hanbok in Korea are distributed there. It offers a wide array of hanbok from traditional hanbok to modernized hanbok in addition to accessories and clothing materials. Dongdaemun Shopping Complex is a popular spot among international tourists who want to experience traditional Korean culture and purchase various souvenirs.

Unlike many other traditional markets, Kwangjang Market has preserved its rich history and maintained the feel of a traditional market, shying away from modernization. Operated by kind-hearted merchants that embody the warmth of the Korean people, the market is a great place to eat delicious food and purchase various items at inexpensive prices.Hanbok shops in Kwangjang Market focus on traditional hanbok rather than modernized hanbok, which are said to be more practical than their traditional counterpart. Beautiful hanbok are available at 30% off their average asking price.

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.

The Lotte Department Store Cheongnyangni Branch has been providing a shopping culture since it was first established in 1994 at the Seoul Subway Line 1 Cheongnyangni Station, and has been participating in the redevelopment of the Cheongnyangni area ever since.Store hours of operation are from 10:30am to 8:00pm. Stores are closed for one Monday of the month. The department store stays open longer on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.