Explore the Best Shopping Spots in Seoul
With a population of almost 10 million, Seoul is one of Asia’s largest and most vibrant metropolises. City workers spill out of futuristic skyscrapers at the end of the day, heading to the city’s delicious and varied restaurants. On weekends, the nightlife rules—think neon-signed karaoke spots and lively bars in addition to popular grab-and-go eateries. However, by day, the city reveals itself as an underrated shopper’s paradise. Forget the high-fashion boutiques (although they’re abundant here as well); the real charm lies in the neighborhood hotspots. From ceramic studios to sustainable zero-waste havens, let’s delve into the best places for shopping in Seoul.
Crafted Curios
Soluna Living is the craft-centric Seoul outpost of Hong Kong-based Soluna Fine Art, working with expert makers around South Korea to produce homeware and objets d’art that merge contemporary designs with ancient skills. This pint-sized shop and gallery space features exquisite basketry by Jeong Da-hye, who employs an intricate horsehair-weaving technique traditionally used for men’s headwear. You’ll also find vibrant goblets by glass-blowing artist Glory G, as well as handmade hapjukseon bamboo fans created by a fourth-generation master craftsman in Jeonju.
Paper Trail
Hanji, a durable and richly textured paper made from mulberry tree bark and a paste of hibiscus manihot root, has been a Korean craft staple for centuries. Until the 1970s, the streets of the Insa-dong district were lined with workshops selling hanji to craftspeople and artists, who used it for everything from floor coverings to canvases for calligraphy. Today, the family-run Dong Yang Hanji stands out as one of the few specialists. Rolls of hanji in an array of textures, colors, and thicknesses line the walls of the two-storey space, ranging from smooth letter-sized pages to premium multi-ply options. Many of the papers are produced by the family’s workshop and material research center in Gimpo, located just north of Seoul, while some are sourced from small-scale workshops across the country.
