Korea’s four distinctive seasons, with cold winds in winter or the sudden downpours during the rainy season in summer, may cause varying levels of inconvenience in having a pleasant shopping experience in Korea. However, the weather causes no problem at the top five underground shopping malls in Seoul, where one can go and fully enjoy shopping, without being restricted by the whims of weather. Not only are these shopping malls lined with shops, but they are also packed with restaurants, cafés, and cultural attractions. Plus, these malls are connected to the subway, allowing you visit the malls conveniently and enjoy shopping while keeping your feet dry even in the middle of a rain storm.
Goto Mall (Gangnam Terminal Underground Shopping Center) and Famille Station
Goto Mall, a contraction of gosokteomineol, meaning “express bus terminal,” and Famille Station are often referred to as shopping heaven for women. A long shopping aisle connecting Banpo Station (Seoul Subway Line 7) and Express Bus Terminal Station (Seoul Subway Line 3, 7, 9) flourishes with multitude of stores offering various goods, making it the largest underground shopping mall of its kind in Seoul. The latest clothing trends, accessories, cosmetics, interior products and wholesale flowers – there’s nothing here you won’t find. You can also enjoy a delicious meal or a cup of coffee at one of the many popular restaurants and coffee shops, or seek entertainment at a movie theater. In addition, shoppers can move easily around the area due to the expansion of aisles that connect Shinsegae Department Center, Central City Terminal, and Express Bus terminal.
Yeongdeungpo Underground Mall and Times Square
Yeongdeungpo has long been a hub of public transportation in Seoul that is always crowded with people coming and going. Since the opening of the mega shopping mall Times Square, it has been drawing even more traffic. Yeongdeungpo Underground Mall offers a variety of products marketed to different age groups from teenagers to seniors. In addition, visitors can also visit Shinsegae Department Store and Times Square connected to the underground mall for a variety of shopping options.
StarfieldCOEX Mall
Starfield COEX Mall is a well-known underground shopping mall in Korea that houses many brand stores. A movie theater, aquarium, duty-free shops, casino, COEX InterContinental Seoul, and department stores are delightfully connected to the underground mall, making it possible to enjoy shopping and cultural experiences without leaving the building. Famous restaurants and trendy dessert cafés, along with character pop-up stores and kid’s cafés located in the mall provide a fun day for all generations. With the opening of Starfield Library in May 2017 (bottom right photo), Starfield COEX Mall is gaining more popularity than ever!
The above article is courtesy of VisitKorea, the official website of the Korea Tourism Organization(www.visitkorea.or.kr)
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Heunginjimun Gate is the largest gate in Seoul, surpassing even Sungnyemun Gate. It has a semicircular ongsung (a small wall built in front of the gate for complete protection) that differentiates it from the other fortress gates.
Though Gwanghwamun is the main entrance to Cheonggyecheon Stream, visitors may also get to the stream from Dongdaemun Station. There are a total of 22 bridges that cross over Cheonggyecheon Stream, with the bridge in Dongdaemun being Ogansugyo Bridge. The bridge is located at the spot of the previous Ogansu Gate, where five streams flowed out of the old capital. Due to urban development, the old gate can no longer be seen, but its memory lives on in the name of the bridge.
Although international tourists tend to visit the modern-style shopping malls, Dongdaemun Shopping Complex and Pyounghwa Fashion Town are also highly recommended. Visitors may experience a different vibe from usual shopping, and feel a sense of the traditional flea market instead. Dongdaemun Shopping Complex mainly sells fabric, buttons and other similar materials while fashion-related goods and commodities can be found at Pyounghwa Fashion Town.
The structure itself is not only unique on the outside but is also full of fascinating attractions on the inside. The complex is convenient and makes exploring enjoyable as it is divided into four segments namely ‘Art Hall’, ‘Museum’, ‘Design Lab’ and the ‘Oullim Square’. The park next to the DDP is installed with 25,550 LED roses that make a beautiful scene at night. It’s the perfect location for a romantic date night.
Doosan Tower. Recently, the name was changed to Dongdaemun Sebit Market.
Established in 1950 as Asia’s first national theater, National Theater of Korea presents diverse performances spanning over Korea’s traditional arts, ballet and opera performances. World renowned performance groups and organizations from overseas often hold performances here as well. The theater is composed of Haeoreum Theater, the main hall; Daloreum Theater, a smaller theater; Byeoloreum Theater, with a customizable stage; and Haneul Theater, an outdoor stage.
Korea’s unique traditional architecture is merged with modern design to create the grand yet elegant appearance of Sejong Center. Sejong Center holds a variety of performances of diverse genres including traditional Korean, classics, and even crossovers. The main theater, Grand Theater, has a wide stage equipped with the largest pipe organ in Asia. Sejong Center is a popular attraction among tourists as it is located across from Gwanghwamun Square and Gyeongbokgung Palace.
The building of Seoul Museum of Art, which was once used for the Supreme Court, is highly recognized for its splendid modern image after undergoing renovation. Featured exhibitions are not limited to traditional arts, but include a wide range of media including architecture, films, music, fashion, handicraft, and even works that do not belong to any specific genre. The museum also features non-Western artwork, such as those from Africa and Latin America. If you are visiting Deoksugung Palace, consider adding Seoul Museum of Art to your schedule as they are located right next to each other.
Located inside Seoul Arts Center, Hangaram Art Museum features various plastic arts. It consists of six exhibition halls and an art shop. Most featured exhibitions are based on modern art, making it easier for youths to approach the world of art. Often visited by people watching performances at Seoul Arts Center, Hangaram Art Museum makes it comfortable to explore with pleasant, open-style exhibition halls.
① Pre-trip: Plan with SAVE TRIP
Users can also find nearby facilities and directions through the map feature. The About Korea section provides important information, including currency exchange rates, public transit information, and emergency contact numbers, such as the 1330 Korea Travel Hotline and international embassies, for a safe and convenient trip.
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