Are there outlet malls in Korea like the ones in the US or Europe?
Are there outlet malls in Korea like the ones in the US or Europe? Where can I find discount shopping for brand-name items? I want good quality clothing and goods without paying full Korean department store prices.
Note: This is an editorial persona question created from common experiences of foreign residents in Korea.
1 Answer
Yes, Korea has plenty of outlet malls, and they are a great way to get brand-name goods well below department store prices. The big chains are Lotte Premium Outlets, Hyundai Premium Outlets, and Shinsegae Simon Premium Outlets, all large modern complexes with hundreds of brands. Near Seoul, the most popular are the Shinsegae and Lotte outlets in Paju to the northwest, the Hyundai Premium Outlets in Gimpo and in Songdo (Incheon), and Lotte outlets in Icheon and Giheung. They carry international and Korean fashion, sportswear like Nike and Adidas, and home goods, with discounts often 30 to 70 percent off and deeper on past-season stock. For luxury labels specifically, the Shinsegae Simon outlets in Paju, Yeoju, and Busan are the ones to target.
If you want cheap everyday clothing rather than branded outlets, traditional markets like Dongdaemun in Seoul are great for volume and bargaining, and online the Musinsa app and Coupang run frequent sales on streetwear and basics. Most outlet malls offer free weekend shuttle buses from major subway stations, food courts, and tax-refund counters. Going on a weekday avoids the crowds, and installing the mall's membership app often unlocks extra coupons to use on the day.