Shopping in Korea (Guys & Girls)

Like most girls, i love to shop but i always have trouble finding clothes that suit me. I am less than 1.50m tall but taller than 1.45m. I am Children L size. Not even XL. But i hate to wear kids wear unless its a matter of life and death.

Like the only time i wear kids wear was when buying my thermal wear and winter jacket at WinterTime in Singapore. Cuz the smallest size for adult wear was far too big for me. And if i dont wear the thermal wear, i will freeze.

My usual layers: 2 layers of turtle neck 100% wool long sleeved top + my winter coat. Occasionally i would wear 4 layers(including my winter coat).

My friends: 2 layers of cotton long sleeve tops + winter coat.

Yes thats the big difference. I am THAT scared of cold.

11 Tips on shopping:

1) If you are looking for large sizes, or sizes that are bigger than those at Ewha/ Gangnam Underground Shopping Centre / Express Bus Terminal Underground shopping centre(GoToMall) , shop at Itaewon. Sizes at Itaewon are much bigger as they cater to the foreigners , and westerners. You can find many large size clothes there. I cant remember how many X, maybe even XXXXXXXXXXL?

2) If the weather is cold or its raining, dont shop at Ewha. Gangnam and Express Bus Terminal are better options as you wont need to worry about getting wet or freezing in the cold

3) If you are looking for bags, shop at Express Bus Terminal. The bags sold there are similar to Ewha's but better quality at same price. I bought my mint coloured bag at ewha, then when i went to EBT(Express Bus Terminal), i saw the exact same design but the quality was much better than mine. Mine was flimsy while EBT's was sturdy. Both was 10,000won.

4) If you are a girl and looking for shoes , shop at Ewha. The shoes there are prettier and nicer. And if you are a guy, Ewha has many more shops that cater to guys than EBT or Gangnam. I saw guy clothes, shoes, nice caps at ewha.

5) If you are looking for unique clothes and on budget, shop at Gangnam. There is greater variety . I felt that Ewha & EBT's clothes are mostly repetitive. But if you have bigger budget, can afford more, then go to Hongdae exit 9. Walk towards StyleNanda, while you walk towards StyleNanda, you will see many shops selling rather unique clothes. Not those mainstream but more of edgy type.

6) Main shopping areas i go to : Ewha, Gangnam , EBT, Hongdae , Sinchon

7) Go myeongdong shop for cosmetics. They have many staffs who can speak many languages => no language barrier ^^ I wouldnt recommend you to go non-tourist areas to shop for cosmetics cuz they dont do tax refund. Tax refund only available at myeongdong and only if you spend at least 30,000won.

8) If you want to shop at Dongdaemun, dont shop in the mall. The prices are rip off. Shop outside the mall, there will be makeshifts stalls,carts. If there isnt any price tag, haggle! If there is, try to haggle if you can cos some shop owners still ok with haggling.

9) Only if you are keen to buy in bulk(x10 pieces) then it is worthwhile to visit the Wholesale night market at Dongdaemun.

10) Only if you are looking for ahjumma stuff or toddlers clothes, then go Namdaemun Market.

11) If you arent staying near Myeongdong and you are interested in Lotte Young Plaza's clothes. You can try Mario Outlets.. Its at Gasan Digital Complex and the apparels they have are the same as Lotte Young Plaza. But they have generous discounts, like 30-70% discount.

Golden rule: If there is no price tag, HAGGLE!!!!