Seoul-ly on a Shopping Spree

I was able to explore Korea for one day. I know it's a short time, but it doesn't mean you can't get anywhere. I squeezed in three places in my agenda and I'd highly recommend it if you mainly want to shop and eat in Seoul.

These places have tons of clothing and accessories similar to the ones worn by your favourite K- Idol. You can find a haven of trustworthy cosmetic products in every corner that you turn to and lets not forget to try authentic Korean food.

If you're a college student or just seriously on a budget like I am, head over these places without feeling guilty for opening your wallet.

1. Ewha Woman's University

Photo taken and edited by Katia Dionisio - Ewha Woman's University

One of the famous shopping hunts in Korea is Ewha, This by far has the cheapest items among the three that I've visited and aia understand why it is every female's personal favourite ,

Shopping:

There is an endless selection of clothes and accessories in Ewha, If you're looking for clothes that mainly consist of sweet and feminine style of clothing, they have it all! This shopping street is every female's holy grail with cheap prices starting from ₩5000. These items are affordable and does not leave out the style.

Even though the clothes outweighs the cosmetic products in Ewha, once you get out the station, you will immediately see Etude House, Holika Holika, Tony Moly and Belief. For more, head over elCube by Lotte and find a half of the floor filled with your favourite Korean cosmetics brands like 3CE and April Skin.

Food:

Street food is everywhere, they mainly sell Korean snacks like tteboki, fried squid, dakkochi, herb cup chicken, gyeran- ppang and many more. It's also good food trip experience for first timers, honestly any stall that sells food is a must-try and will not leave your stomach and taste buds unhappy. Like their clothes, the food also has to meet student's budget.

Go To: Ewha Women's University - Exit 2 or 3

2. Hongdae University

Photo taken and edited by Katia Dionisio - Hongik University

Hongdae gives the young and artistic vibes . With buildings and walls filled with art and fresh-faced peeps showing off their style and maybe even their own stuff, it's a chill place.

Shopping: Clothes and Accessories are affordable and are great in style. The prices are a bit higher (strating ₩10,000) and the style is a bit more different than the ones in Ewha University. Their items is somewhat inspired by Style Nanda or Aland (both of which are also there). If you're looking for chic, boho, indie or k-style hipster clothing, there are definitely stalls that can offer that. Definitely have your eye out for those handmade items along the area.

If you're looking for cosmetics around the area, there are multiple Innisfree, Etude House, Skin Food and Clio branches around each place you turn to.

Food:

Hongdae is also known for good varieties of coffee shops and Korean BBQ's, other than being great in taste, the cafes and restaurants give a more vintage and authentic vibe. You can also find street food stalls that sells Korean snacks like in Ewha, but Hongdae's food also adds a twist in their street food by giving their district an identity. These snacks will definitely attract any Instagram foodies out there. I was particularly intrigued by their chicken covered in cheese (HongCup), churros, waffles and bingsu.

Go To: Hongik University - Exit 9

3. Myeong - dong

Photo taken and edited by Katia Dionisio - Myeong-Dong

This place has everything, and seriously, they have everything. Here you can find your fellow tourist friends trying to find a perfect shot infront of the crowd of people as they discover the hidden gems of the most famous Shopping District in Seoul.

Shopping

Shopping in Myeong- dong is inescapable. From different clothing styles and accessories it is all there. Globally known as the Shopping Street, it lives by its name.

Before getting out of the station you will already spend time in the Underground Shopping Mall and once you get out the station, enter the Miligore branch for another batch to spend on before heading to the main street itself.

The whole Shopping Street is filled with all of Korea's well known Skin Cosmetics and Makeup brands like Nature Republic, Innis Free, Holika Holika, Etude House, Tony Moly, Missha ,Olive Young (like a miniature cosmetic and skin care convienient store) and the list goes on. The thing about these shops you will see shops vendors giving out free face mask and all of them trying to lure you with the big Buy one get one or large percentage sales. If this is what you are looking for, they have it all.

Food:

Since I went to Myeong- Dong later in the evening, the whole street lane is surrounded by tons of food, from salty treats like the long potatoe ring to sweets like the honey comb ice cream, there is not escape to not finding interesting street stalls that they sell. The street has overwhelming shops and stores that gurantee Korean goods that you are looking for, but don't forget to look up to also see Korean Restaurants or Cafes on the second or third floor. This shopping district is a definite must go.

Go To: Myeong-Dong Station - Exit 7