Åland

This megastore chain really is a shoppers' paradise. With multiple floors each based on a different theme (street wear, feminine attire, etc.), Åland is definitely one of the essential go-to places for the hottest Korean fashion. Items that have spent a long time on the shelf can be found heavily discounted at the Noon Square outlet after hours.

• Web:

  www.a-land.co.kr

• E-mail:

  online@alandcompany.com

• Address:

  5 Noon Square, 14 Myeongdong-gil, Jung District, Seoul

• Phone:

  +82 2 3210 5897

• Opening hours:

  Daily 11am–10pm

Apgujeong

For more of an upmarket shopping experience, try the Apgujeong district where the city's wealthiest habitants come to stock up on the latest and greatest items of fashion. Apgujeong is home to local and internationally known brand-name stores. Be sure to bring enough cash as prices can get a bit steep here.

• Address:

  Apgujeong, Seoul

COEX Mall

The Incredibly large COEX Mall is a one-stop shop spot where high-end international brands are represented alongside mid-range and more affordable Korean stores. The mall's shopping, entertainment (there is an actual aquarium on-site), and dining options are endless. There will certainly be something there to suit every taste.

• Web:

  www.coex.co.kr

• Address:

  513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam District, Seoul

• Phone:

  +82 2 6000 0114

• Opening hours:

  Daily 10.30am–10pm

Dongdaemun Market

Not far from Namdaemun lies Dongdaemun, another bustling market area where once again just about anything can be found. Dongdaemun is made up of traditional market stalls, wholesale outlets and various shopping centres selling mainly Korean and international fashion.

• Address:

  272 Jong-ro, Jongno District, Seoul

• Phone:

  +82 2 2262 0114

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat 8am–7pm, Sun Closed

Ewha Women’s University Fashion Street

The area around Ewha Women’s University is teeming with stores geared towards female shoppers. Shops here are known to be generally quite affordable, albeit rather limited in variety. The area is also the place to find some of the city's coolest cafés as well as some cheap and cheerful hair salons.

• Address:

  10 Ewhayeodae 1-gil, Seodaemun District, Seoul

• Phone:

  +82 2 120

• Subway:

  Subway Line 2, Ewha Womans University Station, Exit 2

Gotomall

Beneath the Express Bus Terminal Station lies Gotomall, one of the cheapest spots in Seoul to shop for the latest Korean fashion pieces. Prices start at as low as a few dollars and discounts can be snapped up all over the place. Affordable clothing and accessories fill the underground shopping mall which is teeming with shoppers all hungry for a bargain.

• Address:

  194 Sinbanpo-ro, Seocho District, Seoul

• Phone:

  +82 2 535 8182

• Opening hours:

  Daily 10am–8pm

• More info:

  Gosok Terminal Station (underground)

• Subway:

  Subway Lines 3/7/9, Express Bus Terminal Station, Exits 8-1 & 8-2