Insa-dong Art Street
 
Seoul(Jongno-gu)
Insa-dong has been situated at the heart of the nation’s capital for over 600 years and was at the center of culture during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). The Insa-dong area usually refers to the areas extending from the Anguk-dong Rotary to Tapgol Park in Jongro 2(i)-ga, past the Insa-dong Intersection. The notable features of Insa-dong are the countless alleys that branch out from the main street. Insa-dong has also become known as ‘Merry’s Area,’ one of the favorite shopping spots among foreigners. Over forty percent of the nation’s antique stores are clustered in the Insa-dong area, and they sell more valuable antiques compared to any other places in Korea. The price of the valuables and souvenirs in this area can range from 10,000 won to some hundred million won. Among the antiques sold there are old pictures, pottery, wooden containers and jewelry. There is a variety of artwork varying from earthenware of the Unified Silla Era to white pottery of the Joseon Era. Foreigners from all over the world including Japan, China, France, and America frequent Insa-dong to witness a truly traditional Korean atmosphere. Prices range greatly depending on the customers and the items. Old books are usually popular among the Japanese and Chinese tourists who can identify Hanja (Chinese characters). Antique books are purchased by many visitors, from history professors to antique collectors, at prices varying from 10,000 won to 30,000 won. Highly valued items are not sold and even if they are displayed in the store, as some shopkeepers do not intend to sell them. Archaeology and history books are the most popular selections. Some items are priceless so shopkeepers often name their own price, but keep in mind that some stores do have price tags to indicate products for sale. Tongmungwan is a representative store selling old books and has been run by a family for three generations. When you enter this small bookstore, you can see old books packed in rows. This bookstore was originally opened by the grandfather of the current shopkeeper, and is living proof of Insa-dong’s long-standing history. This is definitely a place worth visiting even if you do not intend to make a purchase. Traditional Korean ceramic ware is the main artwork Insa-dong has to offer. It is also the most popular item among tourists. Ceramic ware can be used in everyday life and many also consider it an essential decorative item. Ever since Queen Elizabeth I of England visited Insa-dong in April 1999 and praised the beauty of the ceramic art forms, many tourists from all over the world, including Europe, America, and Japan have become interested in them. Prices may start at 10,000 won, but can cost you up to some 10 million won. The most popular ceramic ware are pottery in the shape of a gourd bottle, costing anywhere from 100,000 won to 200,000 won. Keep in mind that the finer ceramic ware boast a clear color and have a clear resonant sound when tapped with the tip of your fingernail. Famous shops include ‘Park Young Suk Yo’ where Queen Elizabeth paid a visit and ‘Haedong Godoja.’ The main artwork offered are the common porcelain ware that have been recrafted, and pots of the Joseon Era. ‘Haedong Godoja’ is known for selling the best quality ceramic ware. ‘Goseohwa’ (old paintings and calligraphic arts) is another main form of artwork offered in Insa-dong. There are shops selling old artwork along with oriental paintings, as well as modern paintings. Shops such as Dongmundang and Gonghwarang display and sell old paintings along with calligraphic works. Antique furniture and other items are available at Naraksil and Gayajae. Naraksil offers great quality antique furniture such as bookshelves and bookstands, while Gayajae sells old pieces of furniture, stone Buddhas, and tiles. Other popular antiques can be found at ‘Toto’s Antiques’ where there are contemporary articles from the period before and after the liberation of Korea from Japanese forces. Even though there isn't any traditional artwork at this store, Korean antiques are displayed picturesquely. Toto’s Antiques seems to arouse nostalgia among its visitors, as it is decorated with old schoolbooks, toys, and ornaments from the 50’s and 60’s. Sunday is designated a pedestrian-friendly day as cars are not permitted in the area for on that day of the week. Instead, a flea market opens on this day to sell various antiques, accessories, artwork, and books. Traditional antiques from different parts of Korea as well as international antiques brought by foreign tourists are displayed throughout Insa-dong, allowing visitors to view many items in one glance. It is highly recommended that you visit Insa-dong on Sundays since you can also view the beautiful street art. When shopping in Insa-dong, make sure you check where the product is made. Recently, cheap Chinese goods such as teacups, wall tapestries, and small accessories have been brought into the Insa-dong markets and there have been cases where merchandise thought to be made in Korea turned out to be marked as ‘Made in China.’ So if you are looking to purchase only authentic Korean products, be sure to check the label. 

E-mart - Mokdong Branch
 
Seoul(Yangcheon-gu)
E-mart is a discount supermarket operated by Shinsaege, a department store franchise. Located in a residential area of Mokdong, E-mart Mokdong offers a wide variety of high quality products at affordable prices, and also features special sections including imported kitchen utensils, ceramics, the 'Digital Zone,' and many more.

JDX
 
Seoul(Songpa-gu) ,
JDX targets customers in their thirties and forties, boasting both fashionable and functional golf wear. Aside from excellent functioality, it is a rising brand thanks to its sponsorship on behalf of golf tournaments, professional golfers and to frequent TV commercials. JDX at Munjeong-dong is directly run by the company and has more latest and markdown items than its other branch stores.

It's Skin - Myeongdong UNESCO Branch (잇츠스킨-명동유네스코점)
 
Seoul(Jung-gu)
It’s Skin is a clinical skin solution brand whose products are all dermatologist approved. Snail slime creams and lotions and aloe products are very popular among shoppers from overseas. To better serve its international clientele, It’s Skin offers free international shipping for purchases over a certain amount.

Namdaemun Shopping Center
 
Seoul(Jung-gu)
Thanks to its rich history, Namdaemun Shopping Center boasts not only an impressive array of items, but items not available elsewhere. For instance, visitors can find all kinds of hard-to-get camera parts and accessories. Local products from across the country are also readily available in Namdaemun Shopping Center.

CAOLION Cosmetics
 
Seoul(Gangnam-gu)
Established in 1995, CAOLION Cosmetics has been making hypoallergenic cosmetics for sensitive skin for 18 years. The company launched natural cosmetics for the first time with a 3-free principle: pigment-free, fragrance-free, and alcohol free. At the present, the company has developed products that are exclude up to 17 adverse ingredients such as preservatives and mineral fibers. CAOLION was the first Korean brand to enter into LVMH (Louis Vuitton Monët Hennessy) Group's global cosmetics retail chain SEPHORA after being recognized as a quality natural cosmetic product for senstive skin after over two years of quality control. It is the only brand in Korea that's able to maintain an 18-year tradition and about one million loyal customers.  

Daegu Herb Wholesale Market
 
Daegu(Jung-gu) ,
The Daegu Yangnyeongsi (medicine market) is a major herbal medicine market specializing in the practices of Oriental medicine that dates all the way back to the Joseon Dynasty. During the era of the Joseon Dynasty, the Daegu Yangnyeongsi was at the center of the herbal medicine world, providing Oriental medicine to travelers from all around the world including Japan, China, Russia, Manchuria and many other countries. To this day, the Daegu Yangnyeongsi still flows with herb farmers, collectors, sellers, and buyers operating over 50 herbal medicine stores and 25 herbal clinics with 85 herbal medicine doctors, and 20 ginseng stores. The market is also known to be the first wholesale medicine market in Korea. The exhibition hall located on the 2nd floor of the wholesale market offers baskets used to collect herbs, ‘yakjanggi’ to store herbs, scales to measure the weight of the herbs, and old books on herbal medicine. The Medicine Festival is held every year in May and boasts a wide variety of fun-filled events like traditional folk music programs, an herb exhibition, and herb-cutting competitions.  

Maeumui Munui
 
Seoul(Jongno-gu)
The Maeumui Munui is one of the few stores in Korea specializing in handmade neckties. Neckties use 100% silk; scarfs are made by textile artists using natural dyes. Popular among young adults, artists and entertainers are the main patrons of the store. Every two months, artists in the Maeumui Munui change the patterns or styles of the store's neckties and scarfs. Products are only made in small quantities. 

Kakao Friends Busan Flagship Store
 
Busan(Jung-gu) ,
Kakao Friends Busan 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.