What to shop
*
Clothing |
 In Korea,
you can buy high quality, custom-made dresses
and suits; from silk to cotton clothes.
Clothing in Korea has a vast range of fabric
and colors, at low prices. Clothing "Made
in Korea" is often popular on visitors'
shopping lists.
Sportswear
and name brands are a popular buy, too.
|
*
Leather Good/ Eel
Skin |
Leather
products are available in a multi colors
and designs. Leather coats and jackets can
be bought at low prices, as well as other
goods such as belts, shoes and wallets in
major markets like Itaewon, Namdaemun or
Tongdaemun. (Great place to bargain with
shopkeeper)
In particular,
eel skin products are a popular buy.
|
*
Fur |
Furs
are recognized all over the world as one
of Korea's newest shopping bargains. (From
name brand to custom made fur)
Many
people come to Korea solely to purchase
these items. The prices of fur in the Duty-Free
are so low that the saving can cover the
cost of the airfare. Shoppers can also buy
fur at bargain prices in markets or in name
brand stores during the "off peak season"
which is in the summer months, when they
on sale.
|
*
Electronics |
Electronics
are becoming one of Korea's major exports
and consumers are offered a wide variety
of quality and prices. Thanks to local manufacturers
like: Samsung, LG, Hyundai and Daewoo Electronics.
Korean electronics are very competitive
to foreign products. Electronics are available
at all major department stores, specialty
(brand name) electronic stores or electronic
markets, (Yongsan Electronic Market.) Stores
have fixed prices, however a 10-30% discount
may be obtained by shopping in some of the
electronics markets. (Paying in cash makes
it possible to bargain.)
|
* Ginseng |
Best
quality ginseng is known to found in Korea.
Ginseng, which is a world-renowned for its
high quality
Ginseng
is very difficult to cultivate which makes
it scare and popular. Not only does it grow
extremely slowly, but it also requires that
a field be left fallow for 15 years between
harvesting and replanting.
Nowadays,
processed herbal foodstuffs such as ginseng
tea, ginseng powder and ginseng concentrate
are a must for health-conscious people.
Ginseng
is mainly produced in the mountainous area
of Kangwon-do, Ch'ungch'ong-do, and Cholla-do
|
*
Antique Reproductions |
Most
sought-after authentic antiques are reproductions.
(From wooden chests, old paintings, celadon
to metal craftwork of the Unified Shilla
Kingdom and the white porcelain of the Choson
Dynasty) These reproductions can be found
mainly in the Insa-Dong area.
Its
beautiful color and design makes it a tasteful
and practical buy, which keep the originality
of the Korean tradition within the antique
replica. It is also interesting to watch
them being produced, since the production
methods are produced in the traditional
way of the old Korean days.
|
*
Kimch'i |
Mainstay
of Korean cuisine is kimch'i - grated vegetables
mixed with hot pepper powder, green onion,
garlic, ginger, salt and left to be fermented.
Kimch'i tends to be very
spicy.
Whenever
you order in a Korean restaurant, kimch'i
will probably arrive with the main course
as a side dish.
Kimch'i
is one of the most famous traditional Korean
foods. There are at least 40 types.
Kimch'i
is said to make up 30% of foreign tourists'
purchases.
Kimch'i
can be found at markets or department stores.
In addition,
the Kimch'i Museum is well worth visiting
and it is a taste everyone must try before
leaving Korea.
|
*
Watches & Accessories |
Watches
and accessories are very popular among foreign
tourists. Products ranging from high quality
brand names to ones suitable for children
are found in Korea.
Accessories
such as hairpins, earrings, and brooches
are low priced and have colors and designs,
which change seasonally. Many foreigners
come to Korea strictly to shop for Korean
accessories. Because of this, these items
can be found in almost any shopping area
in Korea. (Remember to ask for certification
of authenticity)
|
*
Jewelry |
Korea
is well known for its natural resources.
There are plenty of semi-precious stones
such as amethyst and smoky topaz. These
stones are mined in Korea in a variety of
sizes and then carved into delicate jewelry.
Visitors may choose from a vast range of
elegantly designed pins, necklaces, bracelets
and rings at low prices. Look for jewelers
in hotel boutiques, department stores, subway
arcades and Duty-Free shops. Some markets
also offer amethyst and smoky topaz. (Remember
to ask for certification of authenticity)
|
*
Suitcases &
Handbags |
Shoppers
can buy all sorts of travel bags, book bags,
briefcases, rucksacks, belt sacks and handbags,
and choose from a broad range of quality
and prices. (Don't forget to bargain) Besides
cowhide leather and synthetic resin, alligator
skin or eel skin are also available. Most
bags are up to the fashion trends and are
of fine quality of the world. These items
can be brought in Namdaemun Market or the
It'aewon shopping area market in Seoul,
as well as other areas in Korea.
|
*
Others |
Well-known
native products such as traditional liquors
(Soju, and Makolli), lacquer ware, dried
seaweed (Mee-Yok), dolls, fans, kites, paper
masks, embroidery and traditional macram
are also very popular among visitors. All
of these items represent the unique culture
and the artistry of Korea. They can be bought
at specialty markets or in tourist districts.
|
|
|
