A shopper’s PARADISE

South Korea is a delight for shoppers looking for variety and a great bargain. Indian consumers are sure to get enticed by the numerous offerings in the markets

The three main cities where tourists can shop to their hearts content include Seoul, Busan and Jeju. The consumers are sure to avail the best of offerings available in the stores, traditional markets and numerous malls.

SEOUL

The Mecca for the shoppers visiting South Korea, Seoul has a variety of markets to please everyone's likings, from cosmetic shops in Myeongdong to traditional souvenir shops in Insadong and night shopping for apparel in Dongdaemun, right until 2 am in the night. The duty-free shops have a comfortable and luxurious shopping environment, the location is convenient as they are usually positioned

close to major tourist attractions. Window shopping also becomes a major form of entertainment here!

BUSAN

There are many exciting shopping options in Busan. The Shinsegae Department Store Centum City is recorded as the biggest departmental store in the world by the Guinness Book of World Records. At Nampodong, one can explore hundreds of brand stores, eateries, street food, among others.

JEJU

The Jeju branch of Charm & Charm is a major multi-brand cosmetics store located near Jeju International Airport and tourist attractions such as Yongduam Rock. The store offers over

800 items from some 80 domestic cosmetics brands. Jeju Local Produce Display and Sales Market is located on the first floor of Jeju Small & Medium Business Center to promote small local producers and market their items. It displays and sells more than 2,200 agricultural items, seafood, processed food, crafts, and cosmetic items from 138 local producers. Through direct dealings with producers, the market offers quality items at inexpensive prices.

SOUVENIR PICKS

Buying souvenirs is part and parcel of the fun holiday experience. South Korea offers a lot in terms of memorable mementoes for the holiday experience. Some include: Hanji Paper Products like lamps, Neck Ties (Hanji is a special paper of Korea and is used in a variety of ways). The popular ones are: traditional masks, mother of pearl inlay, hand mirrors and jewelry boxes, handmade fans, traditional jewelry. Ginseng products are world famous for the health benefits, while you can also pick the most popular Korean Soju, the traditional liquor, Korean Green Tea, Korean Rice Cakes, and much more.

THE SHOPPING MALLS

Most of the facilities offer foreign language service including English. The Shinsegae Centum City Department Store is registered in the Guinness World Records as the largest shopping complex in the world. The department store has a countless

South Korea offers a lot in terms of memorable mementoes for the holiday

number of items all under one roof. Visitors can also enjoy numerous entertainment options in the complex.

Other popular shopping malls in Korea include:

• In Seoul, Lotte Duty Free Shop and Coex Mall. • In Busan, Shinsagae Centum City Store and,

• In Jeju, JDC Duty Free Shop at the Airport. The JDC Duty Free shop offers a variety of luxury brand items, alcoholic beverages. It is especially perfect for travelers who have plenty of time before their departure.

FLEA MARKETS

There are unique flea markets in Korea which sell antique items and tourists can make their own bargains. The diversity of goods in these markets are enough to warrant a visit to any of Seoul’s major flea markets located in the popular and accessible neighborhoods of Hongdae, Myeong-dong, Gangnam, and Itaewon Special Tourist Zone. To get to these places is very easy. The Seoul subway stations are quite close to each of these locations.

FACTORY OUTLETS FOR BARGAIN BUYS

The Underground Shopping Malls, are the goldmines for fashion lovers. Some stores don’t accept credit cards to offer such low-priced apparel. Some of the best are: Gangnam Terminal Underground Shopping Center in Seoul and Seomyeon Underground Shopping Center in Busan.