Insadong

		Insadong and the surrounding area were the residences of Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) officials, extended royal families, and the Yangban aristocratic class. The antique art shops that were established here during the Japanese Colonial Period carried everyday items of the privileged class as these items became antiques in the face of modernity.
Since then, Insadong has been home to dozens of art galleries and antique shops. Insadong's narrow alleys branch out into all directions from one main street. To explore the interesting places on these side alleys, it would be helpful to get a map of Insadong at one of three Tourism Information Centers that are located at the center and the two ends of the main street. Transportation: Seoul Subway Line 1, Jonggak Station, or Jongno 3-ga Station, 5 minute on foot. Seoul Subway Line 3, Anguk Station, 5 minute on foot

 

Dongdaemoon Market

		Ever since its opening in 1905, Dongdaemun Market has been one of the major markets in Korea. Specializing in wholesale clothing, the market has grown large, having more than 20 shopping malls. A full range of fashion items that cover from head to toe, are found in Dongdaemun Market at inexpensive prices. Just name it and you shall find it! No wonder that the market is always crowded with retailers, foreigners, customers and tourists.
Transportation: Seoul Subway Line 2, 4 and 5 Dongdaemun Stadium Station

 

Namdaemun Market

		Namdaemun Market, located in the very center of Seoul, is the biggest traditional market in Korea selling children's clothing, men & women's clothing, daily miscellaneous goods, kitchenware and local and imported products. Most shops have their own factories and make the products themselves offering both wholesale and retail prices which enables visitors to purchase various shopping items at an extremely inexpensive price.
Foreign visitors to Namdaemun Market show different features: the Japanese are more into foods like Gim (seaweed), Gimchi, and ginseng, while the Chinese show interest in clothing and miscellaneous goods. On the other hand, most tourists from the west simply enjoy the ambience of the traditional market. Hours vary store by store, so it's advisable to plan out in advance according with a shopping list before you start the actual shopping. Transportation: Seoul Subway Line 4, Hoe hyeon Station Exit 5

 

Myeungdong

		Myeongdong, Located in the heart of Seoul, is a representative shopping district in Korea. It also houses the headquarters of banks and securities brokers, and many western and traditional restaurants. Compared to Namdaemun and Dongdaemun Market which sell products at low prices, most shops in Myeongdong deal with mid-level price items.
The main street in Myeongdong is lined with quality brand name shops, while mid-class brand name shops and no name brand shops are located in the side alleys. Moreover, large shopping malls like Avatar or Migliore and department stores are present as well. All kinds of shops and restaurants are densely located on the main street with lanes which resemble the shape of a chess board, so it's advisable to divide Myeongdong into a few sections in your mind and explore each section separately. Transportation: Seoul Subway Line 4 Myeong dong Station Exit 7.

 

Itaewon Street

		Itaewon is the most exotic place in Seoul representing fusion culture with a distinctive atmosphere. Many people say, “You may not know Seoul, but you should know Itaewon,” showing how renowned of a shopping district Itaewon is. The Itaewon shopping area covers 1.4 km long street, stretching from Itaewon 1-dong eastwards to Hannam 2-dong. The area has a vibrant ambience with shops, restaurants, bars and street vendors.
Most signboards are written in English on the street. Transportation: Seoul Subway Line 6, Itaewon Station Exit 1,2,3 or 4 For further information, please visit www.visitseoul.net .