7 MUST SHOP in Dongdaemun, Seoul

Dongdaemun is a shopping district filled with many high-rise shopping malls. Some are actually wholesale malls and they are quite strict about you purchasing  3 or more items to shop there! This area is  like having multiple Platinum Fashion Malls of Bangkok in Seoul!

And the best part is, many of them are open till 5am! Yes, overnight shopping, how unique is that? Do take note of their opening hours and closing dates though. Dongdaemun is divided into 2 zones, wholesale and non-wholesale.

However, don’t expect prices to be like S$10 per piece like Bangkok. They usually costs about S$30 onwards. So be prepared and bring enough cash!

Presenting to you, The Dongdaemun Shopping Guide ”“ 7 Malls of Endless Overnight Shopping!

But before we continue, here’s some good news for you!

#1 apM Place (Wholesale)

There is a newly opened (14 March 2016) wholesale mall called apM Place! They even have free shuttle buses to bring you to their sister mall apM Luxe. Oh, it’s also a residence so if you are doing a shopping trip, you can consider booking a room here for your convenience.

I love the interior layout as well as the collections. It’s definitely a boutique level of shopping with some really good designer items.

I walked about and spotted several beautiful pieces. Female shoppers  will probably buy everything if money is not a problem!

Opening Hours: 8pm – 5am (Closed Saturdays)

#2 Lotte FITIN  (롯데피트인)

Lotte FITIN is Seoul’s first shopping mall to have an entire section for top premium fashion brands. If you want something unique and trendy, this is the place to go for branded items.

Opening Hours: 11am – 12am

#3 hello apM  (헬로에이피엠)

hello apM is probably the most popular mall in Dongdaemun as the prices are relatively cheaper as compared to other malls. The interior and layout is also similar to Platinum Fashion Mall, but smaller in size.

Opening Hours:  10:30am – 5am  (Closed on Tuesdays)

#4 Migliore (밀리오레)

Migliore is the next popular mall after hello apM, simply because they are quite similar.

Opening Hours:  10:30am – 4:30am (Closed on Mondays)

#5 Doota  (두산타워)

Doota is  slightly more modern compared to hello apM and the pieces there are of higher quality and price of course. It is located just beside Migliore.

Opening Hours: 10:30am – 12am (Extended till 5am on Fri and Sat)

Now that you are done with the non-wholesale malls, it’s time to headover to the wholesale malls. You need to cross the road towards Dongdaemun Design Plaza.

And you will be greeted by this beautiful sight.

#6 U:US

The wholesale shopping malls seems much more lively but at the same time messier because there are many plastic bags all around. All of them have really good business as you can see from the shopping bags outside their shop.

Once again, if you are not intending to buy 3 pieces or more, don’t bother asking.

This is basically what you will see all around!

Opening Hours: 8pm – 6am (Closed on Saturdays)

#7 apM & apM Luxe

apM Luxe is not as organised as apM place, but compared to other shopping malls, their pieces are generally nicer. They will  perhaps be more willing to sell you individual pieces as compared to U:US.

Opening Hours: 8pm – 5am  (Closed on Saturdays)

With all the shopping, you will definitely feel hungry but no worries because you can find these street stalls selling popular street snacks around.

If my guide wasn’t clear enough for you (and I apologise for that) or if you get lost, you can proceed to the tourist information counter (outside hello apM) to seek for help.

Each and everyone of us would have different fashion sense, so the best bet is to visit every mall to see which suits you. The most important thing is to bring cash!

As compared to Bangkok, the experience shopping here was not as pleasant for me. The stall owners always try to call you to come into their shop to look. When you bargain, they might  not give you a pleasant look. How’s your shopping experience?  Share with us!

In a glance…