Shopping in Myeongdong

Annyeong! How’s it going? Hope my recent posts didn’t bore you. Did they? Worry not! Today’s gonna be very interesting. We’re gonna do some shopping! Who loves shopping? Oh, sorry. The right question is, “WHO DOESN’T?” Let’s go to Myeongdong!~

Located in Jung-gu, Myeongdong is no doubt the most popular tourist shopping district in Seoul (and one of the most expensive in the world!). That’s probably why I didn’t do any splurging here. Hehe! If it’s your first time, I have to warn you now that shopping in Myeongdong IS expensive. However, don’t worry about buying make-up. Make-up is cheaper everywhere in South Korea! You can take my word for it. Now, I will share some tips on what to do when shopping in Myeongdong.

First tip? Most shops in Myeongdong are TAX-FREE. You can read about it here. Or if you’re lazy, Just ask the store clerks if their store is tax-free. They will give you a form to fill-out. You can get your tax return either at the airport or at Seoul Center which is also in Jung-gu. (If you don’t want to shop in Myeongdong, there are stores outside that are also tax-free.)

Let’s start shopping for make-up!

How to survive in Myeongdong with money still in your wallet? Don’t fall for the free samples. Store clerks would give them away to lure you inside the stores. They really know what they’re doing. They will offer you promo packs that you cannot refuse!  I almost fell for it. /guilty

To be honest, I don’t think that there’s a Korean make-up brand not to like. All of them have something that sets them apart from the others. When I was here, my mind was set on not buying from stores that are already locally available (like Etude House, Nature Republic, Tony Moly) unless they have special/limited edition collections.

But since you’re already there, some brands might be a lot more expensive locally so if you’d been eyeing a certain product that you wouldn’t buy affordability-wise, go grab them here!

A store you need to check out? ARITAUM a.k.a. South Korea’s Sephora! They have really good eyeshadows. *.* You can shop for some of the really good brands like Iope and Laneige here.

*faints* The first three brands have some of the best cushions. Fourth brand is known for their rice skin softener. Aritaum is Aritaum! <3

My cushion collection includes the Iope Air XP Cushion in Matte 21 and the Laneige Pore Cover BB #13. You can ready about them here.

Mamonde! I don’t know why I haven’t tried any of their products. Where do I start? I heard that their rose water toner is good but I’m really not into trying skincare products that much. I only trust one brand which I’ll blog about soon! 😉

The famous Nature Republic display. :O I love Nature Republic! I get my hair bleach and aloe vera gel (FAVE) here.

Brands that I’d been dying to try. I don’t know why I didn’t buy anything here. I was too overwhelmed.

3 must-haves at Club Clio: eyeliners, lip tints, and KILL COVER!

Still not over Missha x Line Friends! Cuteness + quality = WIN.

Where my bb, Crissey, gets her cushion!

Looking for your favorite Korean make-up brands in Myeongdong is no challenge at all. Each brand has about 10 branches in the area! /exage

When you’re lost, find these guys and they’ll show you the way! They speak English!

Now, let’s move on to CLOTHES!~

Say hello to my ULTIMATE favorite Korean clothing brand, Mixxo (and Seohyun)! If I would describe my style, this is it! Everything in this store just sparkles in my eyes. <3

*Dies*

Sailor shirts, collared tops, lace details, pastel colors, simple & clean silhouettes. Can I live here?

Their stuff are a little bit pricey, though. 🙁 Gotta make sure I’m equipped to shop ’til I drop here next time! <3

Teenie Weenie! Like a younger version of Mixxo!

Aland! <3 A must-visit! They carry super nice clothes, cute accessories and my fave skincare products brand, CosRX!

Lapalette! This brand is famous for producing quality bags in South Korea. I really loved their collection when the Jung Sisters were their models. *.*

The backpacks were really tempting and pricey (of course). Quality comes at a price. I almost bought one here, but decided to look further. If you’re on a budget, you have to find the 10,000 won bag shop (found one in Ehwa). All backpacks at 10,000 won only!! O.O Quality’s not bad and they’re super cute, too!

The Most collection is too pretty for my life! Waaa.

Samsung Fashion? Not surprised since Beanpole is owned by Samsung. My dream bags are in Bean Pole!! One day <3

Batdog and Captain Bull~

There are also boutiques that are more affordable in Myeongdong, but you have to check Hongdae first (lol)!

OR the station! Imagine how I felt seeing cute clothes everywhere. O.O

Spot the tax free windor sticker! You will find this at any tax free store!

When in Korea!~ Sneakers are a little bit cheaper in Korea since they’re tax-free! More style options, too.

Ohai, Sehun~

If it were me, I’d take the Bigbang banner, the SNSD poster (hello Sica!), and EXO poster (and cut it leaving DO Kyungsoo only). Lol!

Nanoblocks are my weakness.

Buy all the cute socks! 10,000 won (about 500 pesos) for 10 pairs! *.*

Quirky clocks at Art Box.

Woah! Suzy VS Seolhyun. Suzy fan here! Hehe~

EXO syndrome. I used to follow this group ’cause they’re so freakin’ talented but I lost the excitement when the members started leaving. 🙁 D.O., though!

Every street of every corner are shops, shops and more shops.

Myeongdong Theatre (if you’re a fan of theatre arts!)

An army of street food vendors at night! I suggest trying them elsewhere. The street food here is expensive! I’ll show you where I had the best-tasting Korean street food on my next travel post! Sadly, I wasn’t able to go to the famous Neoryangjin Fish Market which supposedly has the best street food in Seoul!

When in Myeongdong, try the Myeongdong Kyoja’s Kal Kuk Soo (hand-made noodle soup)! They’ve been around for about 40 years. A must try!

Myeongdong Cathedral, one of the most prominent Catholic church in Seoul.

End of shopping~ I’m tired. You probably are, too! Whew! I remember all the walking I did. My feet were already dying but my mind kept insisting that they weren’t. Lol! Anyway, I hope you enjoyed shopping with me! Sadly, I’m almost done with my South Korean travel series! 2 more posts to go. (Please don’t leave me!) Thank you for joining me today & have a great weekend. 🙂