Navigating through countless sources for information can be exhausting and time-consuming. To streamline your search, here's a summary that will help you quickly and easily find the shopping malls that best fits you.
Starting on the west-side of Seoul, in Yeouido.
* The Hyundai Seoul
Open - 10:30 am - 20:00 pm.
Weekends - 10:30 am - 20:30 pm.
Located just a short walk from Yeouinaru and Yeouido subway stations, this mall boasts an indoor garden that adds a refreshing and tranquil touch to your shopping experience. As with many large malls in Korea, it features luxury brands such as Dior, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Burberry, among others. For food enthusiasts, two entire floors are dedicated to culinary delights, located on B1 and the 6th floor.
Adjacent to The Hyundai Seoul is another shopping center known as the IFC Mall.
*IFC Mall
Open - 10:00 am - 10:00 pm
Situated just a short stroll from The Hyundai Seoul, the IFC mall boasts the CGV Tempur cinema, offering an unparalleled level of comfort while you enjoy your movie. With a vast selection of stores ranging from well-known international brands to local favorites, there's something for everyone. Dining and cafe options are conveniently located across levels L1, L2, and L3.
In close proximity to the malls, you'll find Yeouido Park and Hangang Park, both offering picturesque greenery where you can relax and unwind following your shopping experience.
Moving a little bit north and closer towards Hongdae.
*Mecenatpolis
Open - Individual
Hapjeong station
In the Hapjeong station area, there's a quaint, local mall known for its colorful umbrellas. This open-air shopping center may seem a bit outdated to some, yet it offers an authentic and genuinely nostalgic atmosphere.
*Lotte Outlets Seoul Station
Open - 10:30 am - 9:00 pm
Seoul station
Adjacent to Seoul Station is Lotte Outlets, a multi-level shopping mall offering men's and women's clothing, children's items, and features a large supermarket and food court. While this outlet mall may not be a primary destination, those in the vicinity could find some attractive deals.
*Myeongdong Underground Shopping Center
Open - 9:00 am - 11:00 pm
Myeongdong station
If you find yourself in Myeongdong, be sure to visit the underground shopping center too. It offers a unique shopping experience with much more affordable prices. You'll find everything from clothes and K-pop accessories to cosmetics and more.
*Starfield Coex Mall
Open - 10:30 am - 10:00 pm
Samseong station
One of the most iconic malls to visit is this one, which includes the popular Instagram library spot. This mall offers a variety of activities such as VR gaming, a large Megabox cinema complex, and even an aquarium. It provides a broad selection of dining options and shops. Additionally, it can be classified as an underground mall since the majority of its floors are on the B1 level or lower.
Next to it is the Hyundai Department Store Trade Mall, home to upscale brands and a vast food court featuring a variety of dessert and dining options. Another Mall that is combined into Starfield Coex is Parnas Mall. This provides you with numerous hours of shopping opportunities.
*Lotte World Mall
Open - 10:30 am -10:00 pm
Jamsil station
The largest shopping mall in Seoul is conveniently situated within walking distance of Lotte World. Lotte World Mall is definitely a destination not to be missed while in Seoul. It offers a well-balanced shopping experience with a variety of stores, including those tailored for younger shoppers. It's almost expected for this mall to house an aquarium. Additionally, premium dining and cafe franchises are scattered throughout.
Seoul is dotted with numerous small to medium-sized malls, and the ones mentioned above serve as a guide to which might be worth visiting for tourists. Keep an eye out; you may discover a quaint mall that you'll enjoy.
Personally, I would suggest visiting just one or two malls. It's entirely your choice, but in my view, it's not worthwhile to spend all your time in malls, unless there's heavy rain outside.