Visiting South Korea? Avoid these touristy shopping streets
What's the story
South Korea is famous for its vibrant shopping streets, but not all of them live up to the hype. While some areas are ideal for a unique shopping experience, others can be a tad overrated. Crowded and pricey, these streets may not give you the best value or variety. Here's a look at five such touristy shopping streets in South Korea that you can skip on your next visit.
#1
Myeongdong's crowded chaos
Myeongdong is one of Seoul's most famous shopping destinations, but it can get extremely crowded. The street is lined with international brands and cosmetic shops, but the prices are often higher than elsewhere in the city. The throngs of tourists make it difficult to move around comfortably, and the constant hustle and bustle can be overwhelming for some visitors.
#2
Dongdaemun's late-night hustle
Dongdaemun is known for its late-night shopping scene, but it may not be worth it for everyone. While the area offers a wide range of products from clothes to accessories, many stores cater mainly to wholesalers or bulk buyers. Individual shoppers might find prices similar to those in other parts of Seoul during regular hours.
#3
Insadong's cultural commercialization
Insadong is famous for its traditional Korean crafts and souvenirs, but it has become quite commercialized over the years. While you can find unique items here, many shops sell overpriced goods aimed at tourists rather than locals. The street can get crowded with tourists looking for authentic experiences but may leave disappointed by high prices and repetitive merchandise.
#4
Hongdae's youthful frenzy
Hongdae is famous for its youthful energy and indie culture, but it can get too chaotic during peak hours. The area has a mix of fashion boutiques and street vendors catering to younger crowds looking for trendy clothes or accessories. However, the same items may be available at lower prices elsewhere in Seoul without having to deal with large crowds.
#5
Namdaemun Market's tourist traps
Namdaemun Market is one of Korea's oldest traditional markets, but it has become a tourist trap over the years. While you can find everything from clothes to souvenirs here at reasonable prices if you haggle well enough (which most tourists don't know how), many stalls charge inflated rates specifically targeting foreigners who don't know better yet still want an authentic experience.