Shopping

Itaewon

Itaewon is bargain hunter central! It is a great place for people who can go treasure hunting in piles of stuff to look for Korea manufactured, rejected-for-export designer clothing, and accessories. Marc Jacobs, DKNY, Catherine Malandrino are just a few of the brands you can find here at extremely low prices. Though some of the clothes will be outdated and might not fit all that well, they are still great as they can always be altered to fit. Adidas and Nike outlets in these areas have great workout and casual wear available, as well as great footwear. The street stalls are a great place to find imitation handbags and hats.

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Overview & visitor information

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Apkujong

Plaza

Apkujong is the fashionista haven of Seoul. Situated in the Kangnam area, it has several upscale department stores and funky boutiques almost everywhere you look. The Singsegae department store here, near the JW Marriot, is very popular. There is an underground mall in B1 of the bus station at the Express Bus Terminal Station there and is a great place for the fashion conscious as is the Hyundai Department Store, which is at the foot of the Donhgo Bridge. The Galleria is also a very famous department store there.

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ABC Mart

One genuine reason for you to say,"My foot!" Shoes galore at this store will have you dazzled by the enormity of the selection displayed. The range and number is enough to make even Imelda Marcos swoon. The shop is spread across a number of floors with thousands of pairs of shoes just waiting to be bought. Cinderellas, look carefully, you just might find those glass slippers here for that all important ball!

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Washington Shirt

The custom-made business shirts available here are mostly plain (you couldn't walk into your office sporting an Aloha shirt) though the shop does offer a range of designs for you to choose from. The cost varies from around 280 to 550.

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Bandi and Luni's

Buy books from this amazing bookshop which has a collection so large it will take you hours before you feel like leaving. Boasting the best selection of books in English, this shop has seating arrangements for your comfort and you can go through the immense collection leisurely before making up your mind to buy. The COEX Mall houses another branch of this shop.

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Hongdae Artists' Saturday Market

Market

This small Saturday market in the park outside Hongik University definitely gives you the feel of a local fun fair. You will find stalls selling handmade jewelry, hand painted hats and T-shirts, appliqué bags, fans with a political message and soap made from rice and honey. There are hair- braiding stalls and tarot card readers too. There's entertainment galore with singers and pasty-faced magicians putting on shows in the entertainment corner. Be prepared for fun and frolic at this colorful market.

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Gangnam (Also known as Kangnam)

Market

The Gangnam or Kangnam area though upscale is very popular. The famous COEX mall is also in this area and is easily reachable. Keeping in mind the high priced shops be sure to come here with a wallet that is suitably loaded!

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COEX

Plaza

COEX Mall in the heart of Seoul is where shopping, culture, education and leisure are integrated within one complex. With 85,000 square meters of underground dining, shopping and family entertainment facilities, you will find lots to do to occupy you for hours. This traffic-free and all weather environment at the mall is perfect for you to visit the theaters, see the aquarium, get a taste of international food, or simply stroll along and browse through shops selling the latest books, clothing, computers and more.

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Boon the Shop

Modest dress

This multi-brand boutique with an ambience of a sleek urban fashionista is a favorite haunt of the Korean celebs. Visit the store and you're sure to come face-to-face with the affluent, the young trend-setters and the sporty type. There is also a good selection of books, magazines and music here. Tel: (02) 317 0397 Address: Gangnam-gu

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Galleria

Plaza

If you are the type that eats, breathes, sleeps and lives fashion, then this is one place you simply can't miss. Everything branded and top-notch and all under one roof..........that's the Galleria for you! Take your pick of world famous designer labels from the dozens of luxury boutiques packed into two buildings. One of the buildings is covered in plastic discs which gives the impression of a disco with psychedelic lights. An Italian restaurant with a vineyard patio on top of the west wing serves set meals.

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Jewel Button

Two top Seoul designers create hand-made jewelry in award-winning designs which are available at this shop. Tel: (02) 733 9394 Address: Gwanghwamun

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Namdaemun

Building

The Great South Gate is one of the symbols of Seoul and is the most prized treasure of the country. It is a two -tiered pagoda style roofed gate made with stone and wood. This gate served many purposes; it greeted visitors to the city, kept away wild animals and prevented outsiders from entering the city. It looks stunning at night when it is floodlit. The nearby Namdaemun Market is a great place to check out as well. A lively market, the Namdaemun has wholesalers operating from midnight to 6am and retailers during the day.

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Yongsan Park

Park

Yongsan Park is reminiscent of the famous parks that are often shown in movies, with large grass fields and thick forests. An unlikely sight in a city, it is home to several species of birds and trees and was once used as a U.S. military base.

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Yangjae Citizens' Forest

forest

The citizens' forest is located on the Gangnam Street and has streams and over 106,000 trees. It is a very popular picnic spot for the younger generations as well as the young at heart. It has a clear view of the sky and hence is a great place to be on clear nights.

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Gyeongbok-gung Palace

Palace

Located in Yulgukno, it is Seoul's most spectacular palace and was the pinnacle of power for centuries before it was devastated in 1592 by a Japanese invasion. It has been restored for the most part. Its grounds also hold the Joseon Palace Museum, and the Korean Folk Museum. Admission: 3000 won Opening Hours: 9am to 5pm except Tuesdays (The palace is used for shooting TV dramas)

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What to do with Children in Town

Activity

The best place to be if you're a kid is at the palaces as there is just so much to see which is of interest to kids. Whether it's the turtles and gold fishes at the small ponds, or it's a visit to the museums, children will love it all. The Samsung Kids Museum is sure to get the kids excited about the visit to this superb city and the fireworks festivals are sure to light up their day. The Children's Grand Park is a great place for kids as well as they have a zoo, a botanical garden and an amusement park. It's in Gwangjin-gu. The N Seoul Tower is also great for kids as they will surely love the superb view. The best things for kids however are the parks and the space to run around. The toy shops littered around town are a treat for the little ones as well.

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Changdeok-gung Palace

Palace

Also located in Yulgukno, it is another one of Seoul's most spectacular palaces and is second only to the Gyeongbok-gung. First built in 1405, it was the center of power in the dynasty between 1618 and 1896. All the buildings have been restored and repainted. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a must-see place!

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ChangGyeong-gung Palace

Palace

It was built in 1104 for the kings of the Koryo Dynasty as a summer palace and became one of the main palaces of the Joseon Dynasty. The palace is connected to the Jongmyo Shrine which was used for sacrificial rites in the Joseon Dynasty. The palace faces east to west, instead of the usual north to south.

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Dongdaemun

Building

The Old Eastern Gate of the city, though not as impressive as Namdaemun, it is still a good site to check out just so you can tell your friends that you've visited so many places. The nearby Dongdaemun Market is much more attractive though!

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Olympic Park

Park

The Olympic Park was built for the 1986 Asian Games and the 1988 Seoul Olympics. It has a lake, and a square of sculptures which is very popular among visitors. It also has a large field which is covered with grass and has a few courses that are ideal for jogging and walking. Its outdoor stage and six stadiums are often used for concerts.

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Boramae Park

Park

Once the site of the Korean Air Force Academy, it symbolizes the Air Force. The word Boramae means Hawk. The park is spread out on 360,000 square meters and has sports facilities as well as a small zoo. It also has a huge pond that spreads out to 9000 square meters and has well planned walking paths. The pond is surrounded by willow trees and benches and is very popular, especially during summer and winter.

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Familia Buffet

Situated in the plush Imperial Palace hotel, the Familia restaurant serves a whooping 120 dishes in its buffet. The sophisticated and classy environment of this place is sure to lure you into visiting it often. The squad of people dressed in ninja outfits are actually the cooks who prepare fresh food in the dining area.

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Min's Club

A 1930s hanok (traditional Korean one-storey wooden house with a tiled roof) has been artistically restored into a restaurant that is charming as well as classy. The food offered here is European/Korean fusion. French wines are a specialty of this restaurant. Popular with diplomats, the food and service of this place is sure to bring a smile to your face and a vow to visit again.

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Tony Roma's

This all American chain is literally your only choice for ribs. New rib styles and sauce flavors, mouth-watering char-grilled steaks, BBQ chicken, scrumptious seafood, crispy salads, burgers and beer make this a hot spot for people who love American food.

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Namu/Liquid Bar

Namu is the place to savor ethnic Asian dishes in a modern reincarnation. Enjoy a contemporary Japanese cuisine in stylish surroundings with the natural rough-hewn timber of the interior adding an interesting touch. A variety of specialties, with a sushi and sashimi bar, a teppanyaki/hibachi station and a la carte dining will entice you into visiting again. Food here is served at long tables. The wrap-around bar serves ice-cold sake, single malt beverages and cocktails.

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Yongsusan

Get a taste of Korean tradition in this colorfully decorated restaurant. Mother-of-pearl panels add a statement of style to the interiors. The serving staff too is in traditional Korean attire (hanbok). The comfortable atmosphere and sophisticated interiors makes this restaurant a popular place for foreign VIPs and family gatherings. The meal is served in Gaesung style with elements of royal cuisine. Seasonal variations are there but it is always interesting. From the dragon firepot to the five-grain rice cooked in bamboo and of course the ever tempting omijacha tea, you're sure to be smacking your lips with satisfaction.

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La Plancha

Warm cozy atmosphere + fantastic food = a tantalizing experience that will linger on in your memory for days to come. An absolute must for meat lovers, La Plancha serves chicken, pork, lamb, and salmon with vegetables and a sauce. This place is popular with the expat community. Apart from dining, one also gets to be a part of the regular fun events, wine tastings, Latin music concerts and parties held there. The restaurant has an attractive outdoor area as well with wooden floors and plants aplenty. The service is as good as the food.

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Santorini

Get a taste of Greece in this truly Greek restaurant with authentic Greek flavors. A winner, no less, this place serves the yummiest baby ribs, moussaka or pork souvlaki which is marinated and cooked on a rotisserie. Most dishes are accompanied by a salad with vinaigrette. Wash down your meal with real Greek coffee or the more famous Nescafe Frappe. The friendly and efficient service is worth a mention too.

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Thai Orchid

With prices that will suit your pocket, the Thai Orchid is the place to go to for genuine, good and reasonably priced Thai food. Having delighted diners for over a decade, this restaurant will floor you with its traditional Thai hospitality, smiles et al. The feeling of being in Thailand is reinforced by the presence of cooks and serving staff, all of whom are Thai. Do try out the coconut based curries and nam pla (fish sauce) laden stir fries.

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Sosim

At Sosim you will be served what is known as Buddhist food; traditional diet, purely vegetarian, with emphasis on health and longevity. The meals prepared do not contain meat, five forbidden pungent roots and pickled fish. No egg or artificial seasoning is used either. Some of the food served here includes organic rice, teas that take a year to make, and side dishes like boiled peanuts. Seasoned mushroom and sea tangle is also served. The restaurant is in the basement of a building with cozy, attractive wooden interiors.

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Taco

Five types of Mexican munchies are served in this low-cost, colorful and cheerful eating place which is a hot favorite with foreigners. The youthful staff prepares the food in front of the diners. Check out the burritos and fajitas. A wonderful place to eat and relax and simply watch the world go by.