Seoul searching: Why shopping tourists still find their fix in Seoul

When I heard we were traveling to Seoul at the precipice of North Korea’s state of war, my reaction was of shock and fear. See, I was being exported to cover a story on one of K-pop’s biggest bands and was being flown to hallyu central to meet them. Ecstatic as I was to revisit beautiful Seoul (it was my second time there), I was obviously worried about being able to return to Manila in one piece. But like the gung-ho woman that I am, I packed my bags anyway. I mean, I fell in love with Seoul the first time around, and all love stories have their hurdles, right?  

As soon as I touched base, the air was thick with agitation from us tourists. But once you settle into this beautiful city, the warmth and strength of its people erase all worry in you. The thing about the South Korean people is that it takes more than a North Korean threat to break their spirit.   

Seoul is a city buzzing with energy. The city’s vista is a snapshot of why K-pop has become a phenomenon: bubbly people in colorful outfits, culture-filled attractions and fast-paced technology. Seoul remains to be fiercely cosmopolitan and a playground for shopping addicts (like me).   

In my brief visit, I fell in love with Seoul again. I even found seven new reasons to love it more.

 

1. Myeongdong

 

Myeongdong is a quaint city filled to the brim with shops. Every corner of this shopping labyrinth screams K-pop. This bustling location has street after street of retail. Stores such as Eight Minutes, H&M, American Apparel, Nature Republic and Tony Moly line the sidewalks. For gritty bargain shoppers, kiosks and stalls are also found on the street. 

 

Prepare to take a couple of days just going around Myeongdong if you want to exhaust what this place has to offer. Wear comfortable shoes because going pedestrian is the only way to tour and getting lost is the best way to navigate.

2. A Land

 

When in Myeongdong, look out for A Land. This hipster shop is the best place to find unique items. The first floor is full of one-of-a-kind apparel that resemble Alexander Wang and Balenciaga ready-to-wears. 

 

Climb a flight of stairs to the second floor and you’ll find vintage designer items (I personally got an Yves Saint Laurent oversized blazer that cost P3,000) as well as a smorgasbord of accessories—you’ll go crazy over their selection of scarves and headbands.

 

Prepare to pocket a good amount of money when you head here. It’s hard not to find everything you want in this place.  

3. Tulip Coffee  

When you arrive at a place as cold as Seoul, hot java becomes your best friend, plus it’s a great way to rest your tired feet after a full day of crazy shopping.   

Tulip Coffee is a simple joint with a view of the bustling street. It’s a quiet place to hang out with friends while getting your caffeine on. The coffee is made fresh and blended smoothly—a great reward for conquering Myeongdong.

4. Hong Dae  

Make your way to Hong Dae if you’re in the mood for a hipster trip. Hong Dae is one of Seoul’s university areas making the vibe here very young and cool. The streets are decked with boutiques full of young fashion as well as tea hubs that students can easily park their laptops in.   

Explore this area a little more and you’ll find resto after resto of authentic Korean food (a meal can cost P400 to P600). Take your fill of samgyupsal (with barbecue so tender it melts in your mouth) and kimchi.

5. Stylenanda  

Make your way to Stylenanda while still in Hong Dae. This three-floored fashion emporium offers great jeans (cheapest is P2,500 a pop), punchy colorful makeup and high-fashion clothes (think McQueen). All items for sale are edgy and forward, perfect for the avid fashionista.  

 

6. Garosu-gil

 

If you’re looking to treat yourself with expensive finds, journey over to Garosu-gil. This avenue presents itself with some high-end shops that offer clothes and leather goods made with great craftsmanship. Try to stay until the wee hours of the night for the backs alleys are lined with great eats and pubs. There's 7 Sette if you want a subtle nightcap—it's a quiet speakeasy reminiscent of Andy Warhol’s Silver Factory.

 

7. Gangnam

 

As expected, many tourists flock over to Gangnam for the novelty of it, me included. Many say Gangnam is Seoul’s Soho, and it’s nothing short of that too. Gangnam is Seoul’s business district so if you want a feel of the capital’s corporate life, then Gangnam is the place to go. But it too has its charm. This place has tall buildings and pedestrians constantly ducking in and out of them. Gangnam has retail shops virtually in each building, making it busy and full of life.

Needless to say, Seoul remains to be an exciting place to visit regardless of the news. It’s a mecca for shopping tourists who want to experience the tenacious culture and commercial charisma of Seoul. —KG, GMA News