Just as each person has his or her own distinct personality, so do they each have their preferences when it comes to shopping. Some look for the very best bargains, others look for high-quality items, and still other shoppers look for the most unusual items. Seoul is a city that will satisfy all of these personalities. Introducing Seoul, a veritable shopper's paradise where every kind of shopping is possible.
Four Seasons and Four Big Sales
In Seoul, new seasons begin together with shopping. Spring, summer, fall, winter - the four distinct seasons of Korea - are the defining characteristics of Seoul's fashionistas and shoppers. As each new season approaches, so does the need for more shopping, since trends change every year. However, it isn't just the new items that receive all the spotlight : shoppers who chase the latest trends take the opportunity to look for new items for the upcoming season, while bargain shoppers wait until the end of the season so they can take advantage of end-of-season prices. Shoppers looking to complement their own personal styles say that their favorite season is between seasons because it is the 'sale' season.
- Main department stores and shopping centers hold gigantic sales four times per year
- The longest sales take place before and after the Lunar New Year and Chuseok holidays
- In the summer there is a Seoul Summer Sale, and in the winter there is a Korea Grand Sale
- There are very big sales for cosmetics in December
Smart Shopping in Seoul
In Seoul, there could be a thousand opinions on how to buy a single item. There are also many outlets where shoppers may find high-quality brand goods at a discount. The outlets mostly sell end-of-season goods at up to 70% off regular prices. They are ideal for hardcore shoppers that like to compare prices and bargain, since outlets are organized like a big department store featuring individual boutiques within.
- Know your Korean size before shopping for clothing (see p94)
- Bargaining can be a fun part of shopping. Try it at traditional or wholesale markets
- Shop for electronics, cosmetics and accessories and explore specialty markets where such goods can be found - Visit traditional markets where you can shop, experience local culture, and dine all in the same place
VAT (Value Added Tax) Refund Service for Foreigners
Conditions for refund
- For purchases on any item priced above 30,000 won at tax free shops
- For tourists staying in Korea for less than six months or for overseas Koreans (green card holders with Korean passports) staying less than three months
How to receive refunds
1. Be sure to get the receipt form for purchases on any item priced above 30,000 won at participating Tax Free stores in Seoul
2. Present your goods and passport at customs and receive the official stamp on the receipt form
3. Upon receiving confirmation from customs for exports, use the automated machines at the airport or request the refund through the Internet
Refund Counters at Incheon International Airport
- Global Blue : Third Floor Duty Free Zone near Gate 28, Open 7am to 9pm
- Global Tax Free : Third Floor Duty Free Zone near Gate 28, Open 7am to 9pm
- Ktis : Passenger Terminal Third Floor, Gates 1-4 near Customs, Third Floor Duty Free Zone near Gate 27, next to Plus Palm Pharmacy/Open 24 hours
예약 전 안내사항
장기 폭염 예상 기간 프로그램 운영 중단: 7.23. ~ 8.11.
예약은 관광일 기준 최소 3일 전 까지 가능합니다.
3인 미만은 예약이 취소될 수 있습니다.
기존 등록된 예약 중 그룹별 정원을 초과하지 않는 예약에 한하여 1일 전 17시 까지 추가 예약 가능합니다.
다음달 예약은 전달 15일 이 후부터 가능합니다.
발열 또는 호흡기 증상(열, 기침, 가래, 근육통, 코막힘, 인후통 등)이 있는 경우 프로그램 참여를 삼가하여 주시기 바랍니다.
보호자가 동반하지 않는 만 14세 미만의 아동 관광객의 경우 현장에서 취소됩니다.
기상특보(폭염, 태풍, 호우, 미세먼지 등)로 인해 도보관광 운영이 어려운 경우 모든 예약은 일괄 취소됩니다.(발효 즉시 취소처리) ※예약 당일 기상특보를 상시 확인 바랍니다.
해설 진행 시 발생하는 안전사고에 대해서 서울도보해설관광 사무국과 서울문화관광해설사는 책임을 지지 않습니다.
본 코스는 보행약자(거동이 불편한 고령자, 장애인, 유모차 이용자 등)를 위한 코스입니다.
보호자를 동반하지 않을 시 이용이 불가능 합니다.※ 보행약자 1명당 보호자 최소 1인 이상 동반 ※ 전동보장구(전동휠체어, 전동스쿠터 등) 사용자의 경우 보호자 1인당 보행약자 최대 4인까지 동반 가능
희망하시는 날짜 및 코스에 활동가능한 해설사가 없는 경우 예약은 취소될 수 있습니다.
예약확인을 위해 도보관광 사무국(02-6925-0777)에서 확인 연락이 진행됩니다.(최소 5일~한달 전)3회 이상 전화통화가 이뤄지지 않을 시 예약이 취소될 수 있습니다.
해설 진행 시 발생하는 안전사고에 대해서 도보관광 사무국과 서울문화관광해설사는 책임을 지지 않습니다.
미세먼지 비상저감조치 발령 및 기타 기상악화(폭염, 태풍, 폭우 등)로 인해 도보관광 운영이 어려운 경우 모든 예약은 일괄 취소됩니다. (관광일 전날 기준)
Reservations must be made at least three days prior to the tour date.
Additional reservations, one or two days before the tour starts, are only allowed for the tour that is already fixed.
In the case of group tour, more than 10people, please contact us by e-mail.
Reservations for the following month are available from the 15th of the current month.
Please refrain from participating in any tour programs should you be experiencing any symptoms, including fever, coughing, congestion, muscle pain, stuffy nose, and/or sore throat.
Reservations for tourists 14 years & under without an accompanying adult or guardian shall be canceled on site.
All reservations will be canceled in the event of a weather warning being issued. (e.g. heatwave, typhoon, heavy rain, fine dust, etc.) (Cancellation will be processed immediately upon implementation)
※ Please always check the weather warning on the day of the reservation on the site below.
(https://www.accuweather.com/en/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)
The Seoul Guided Walking Tour administration office and tour guide affiliates are not responsible for any accidents that happen to occur during the tour program.
Reservation shall be made at least 1 week before the tour day.
The course is for tourists with mobility problems (Senior, people with disability, stroller user).
You may not use the course without an assistant (or companion) ※ At least one assistant shall accompany a tourist with mobility problem ※ In case of electric assisting device users (electric wheelchair, electric scooter users), one assistant may accompany up to 4 tourists with mobility problem
Reservation may be canceled when a guide is unavailable on the desired date and course.
Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office (02-6925-0777) will contact you to confirm reservation. (At least 5 days~1 month before tour day) Reservation may be canceled when Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office cannot reach you for more than 3 times.
Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office and Seoul culture and tourism guide are not liable for the safety accidents during the Seoul Guided Walking Tour.
All reservations will be canceled in the event of a weather warning being issued. (e.g. heatwave, typhoon, heavy rain, fine dust, etc.) (Cancellation will be processed immediately upon implementation)
※ Please always check the weather warning on the day of the reservation on the site below.
(https://www.accuweather.com/en/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)