Shopping - Korea travel information

Beauty Play (뷰티플레이)

2025-11-14

73 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Beauty Play is a K-beauty experience center operated by the Korea Cosmetics Industry Institute and supported by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. It offers a wide variety of sample Korean beauty products for testing  as well as diverse beauty experience programs such as makeup touch-up service (choice of base, eyes, or lips), personal color test, and skin evaluation. Visitors can also ask for product recommendation based on their skin type or skincare concerns. Beauty Play also frequently hosts free one-day classes, which are announced online via its official website. It also hosts a variety of sample product giveaway events and the exhibited products get changed every two months, allowing visitors to get familiarized with lesser known quality products as well.

Malbau Market (말바우시장 (2, 4, 7, 9일))

2026-08-20

62 Dongmun-daero 85beon-gil, Buk-gu, Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City

Malbau Market is one of the main traditional markets in the northern region of Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City. The market is held on dates ending in 2, 4, 7, and 9.

Namgwangju Market (남광주시장)

2026-08-25

117 Yangnim-ro, Dong-gu, Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City

Namgwangju Market formed naturally in the area around the old Namgwangju Station, selling everything from seafood and fresh produce to household items. The market suffered a lot when the train station was closed, but it is still very famous for fresh fish, which comes in every morning between 2 and 5 AM. Due to this, there are many raw fish restaurants in the area, with fresh fish and very affordable prices.

Uijeongbu Jeil Market (의정부 제일시장)

2023-10-26

43-2, Simin-ro 121beon-gil, Uijeongbu-si, Gyeonggi-do

This is the largest traditional market in Uijeongbu and one of the largest in northern Gyeonggi-do. It offers a large collection of goods for sale, so it is beloved by Uijeongbu locals and people from the surrounding areas. Because of its size, the market has multiple entrances that lead to the four zones of Ga, Na, Da, and Ra. Its large size and prominence also mean the market is organized and hygienic. The market is quite famous for its Fried Chicken Street, which serves whole chicken fried to order. A less famous but no less delicious secret is the “food department store” on the first underground floor. This is a massive collection of restaurants and food carts serving a great variety of meals. When one steps into the “department store,” one feels as if one is truly among the locals in their favorite hangout, with middle-aged diners gathering for a meal or some drinks with their friends. Note that for some dishes like seafood, there is no fixed price. The market price is used instead. But no matter what stall one visits, the stalls tend to be quite generous with their food, so if you are interested in some local gourmand experience, make sure to visit.

Andong Jungang New Market (days ending in 2 and 7) (안동 중앙신시장(2, 7일))

2023-10-24

98-15, Daean-ro, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

This is the largest traditional market in the northern Gyeongsangbuk-do area. The market also hosts a fifth-day market (opening every fifth day), so one can also see sellers peddling their wares from roadside stalls on certain days. Andong Jungang New Market plays an important role in food distribution across Andong and Gyeongsangbuk-do. Because of that, one can also find many stores specializing in salted mackerel, a specialty of Andong. On days when the fifth-day market is open, there are more vendors selling their wares in the market, giving it a more authentic Korean feel. The market is always bustling so it’s a great pleace for people-watching as well. 

Understand Avenue (언더스탠드에비뉴)

2023-10-23

63, Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul

Understand Avenue is an innovative startup platform that nurtures and builds the dreams of young entrepreneurs. It helps the talents of tomorrow work on things they want, are good at, and contribute to society through a full support process, from training to market testing, financial and investment support, and distribution and logistics support. Visitors can come to this place for socially-conscious select shops and products.
The platform also hosts pop-up stores and photography exhibitions on K-pop stars. One can also find retro-style merch beloved by the younger generations. There are plenty of things to see and splurge on, from mini figurines and key rings that capture one’s “faves” to retro and kitschy exhibitions and items inspired by the ‘70s and ‘80s. All pop-up stores and exhibitions require reservation (online reservation or on-site reservation).

Sehwa Fifth-day Market (세화민속오일시장(5일, 0일)

2026-01-29

1412 Haemajihaean-ro, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do

Sehwa Fifth-day Market is one of the largest of its kind in eastern Jeju. Being a fifth-day market, it only opens on days ending in 5 or 0. It is at its busiest before noon, with many stores closing their doors by 14:00. This market offers an interesting glimpse into the lives of Jeju locals with its dazzling array of Jeju’s pride, seafood, along with stalls offering lifestyle goods, food, and side dishes. Don’t miss the Manna Sikdang here: This joint is famous for its tteokbokki, stir-fried rice cake, one of the most beloved snack dishes in Korea. There are other places offering snack fare near Manna Sikdang, so visitors are recommended to drop by and sample some Korean favorites. Note that Sehwa Fifth-day Market is situated to the left of Sehwahaebyeon Beach, so one can easily visit the two when in the area. (Market open on: Days ending in 5 or 0 of every month)

Hallim Traditional 5-Day Market (4th and 9th) (한림민속 5일시장 (4, 9일))

2024-12-27

Hallim Traditional 5-Day Market is the largest market in the western part of Jeju (Hallim and Aewol) and is responsible for providing food, clothing, and shelter for Jeju locals. There is a store that sells bingtteok (buckwheat crepes with radish filling), Jeju's traditional food and dessert. There are many restaurants with Jeju vibes, including shops selling omegi tteok (millet rice cake). Hallim Traditional 5-Day Market is an ideal place to enjoy the local atmosphere and food. The market opens on dates ending with 4 and 9.

Suncheon Jungang Market (순천중앙시장)

2024-03-15

18 Jungangsijang-gil, Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do

Opened in 1981, Jungang Market is located in the middle of Suncheon’s old city center, making it very accessible. It is a place where shopping, gourmet food, and culture come together, with a fashion street popular with young people, a historical and traditional alley specializing in grilled small intestines, and waterfront cultural spaces by Okcheon Stream. Among them, the small intestine hot pot of Jeonwon Sikdang, run by a mother-and-son duo, is a popular and easy-to-eat dish full of spinach in a flavorful broth. If you want a simpler meal, head to Ogane Tteokbokki, which featured in the show "Running Man." The market has plenty of stuff to eat and see, full of nostalgia, with all sorts of vegetables sold by old ladies. It's a great place to pick up a bargain as well.

Gagyeong Terminal Market (가경 터미널 시장)

2023-10-26

24-2, Gagyeong-ro 149beon-gil, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do

This market is located about 3 min away from Cheongju Intercity Bus Terminal. It is an important supplier of food and lifestyle goods for the people of Cheongju. Because of its location, it sees significant traffic every day. Like any good Korean market, it's packed with shops that sell food, side dish shops, shops serving old-fashioned whole fried chicken (grilled or fried chicken with the guts removed), and snack stalls. Naturally, it has plenty of snacks, so you can start your journey with a full belly.