52 Usadan-ro 10-gil, Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
732-182 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
67 Usadan-ro 10-gil, Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Yongsan-gu , Seoul, Wu four to 10 road 67 ( Hannam-dong ), Seoul, Korea 140-911
Yongsan-gu , Seoul, Wu four to 10 road 67 ( Hannam-dong ), Seoul, Korea 140-911
172-38 Samseong 1(il)-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
300 Olympic-ro, Jamsil 6(yuk)-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Anyang Masjid 618-132, Anyang 5-dong Anyang-si Gyeonggi-do South Korea
Bupyeong Masjid 574-19, Sipjeong-dong Bupyeong-gu Incheon South Korea
One of the biggest things to consider when planning your trip is accommodation. Where you stay makes a difference in how much you might or might not enjoy your holiday – convenience, comfort, and amenities are only part of the thought process required to make it perfect. Airbnb is awesome because you can find places to crash that seem tailor-made to fit your requirements, including budget. The best part is you also get to really feel like you are a part of the culture, adding on to your trip experience. With so much hype over Korean culture lately (thanks to K-Pop), Korea has been opening its doors to the world. Don’t fret about where to stay in Korea though. Feel at home in these cozy Airbnb Apartments while immersing yourself in the culture and people. 1. A Studio 52 | The K Hotel | Yangje Citizen’s Forest ST Credit: Haejun on Airbnb With a highly rated host, this studio apartment with rooftop garden access has plenty of good reviews. If you go in springtime, you’ll be blessed with cherry blossoms practically outside your window! Haejun and her husband have traveled extensively, so language is not a barrier. Chat with her about life in Korea and her travels around the world; and thanks to her husband’s profession of photography, experience those journeys through his pictures. Their house is located near train stations and a shopping mall for your added convenience, making this a wonderful homestay in Korea. Price Range: SGD$59 ($$)Airbnb 2. Tradition with modern. Lovely & cozy Credit: Dain on Airbnb Dain is a great host who has opened his house to guests. He believes in living the culture when you travel and has turned his house into something of a porcelain antique store, complete with a tea ceremony for your entertainment. With nearly a 5 star rating, this is the kind of place where you get the best of both worlds – traditional indoors with the city at your fingertips. Price Range: SGD$60 ($$)Airbnb 3. Bright Spacious Fully Furnished Apartment Credit: Dennis on Airbnb The only downside of Airbnb homes is that, well, it’s not a hotel. And let’s face it: who really wants to do housekeeping when they’re on holiday? In that case, this place is a treat! Extremely conveniently located (within 5-10 minutes of bus stands and metro stations; including direct access from Incheon Airport via the 601 Bus), one of the advantages of this fully furnished apartment is the housekeeping service available from Monday to Friday. The hosts believe in hotel service with a personal home environment giving you a great Seoul Airbnb experience. Sounds like a recipe for the perfect holiday! The neighborhood is packed with cafes and souvenir shopping stores as well. Price Range: SGD$140 ($$$)Airbnb 4. Myeong Dong Portable WiFi Credit: Seoul Sister House Located just 8 minutes away from the major shopping area of Myeong Dong, and literally, a hop, step and jump away from Chungmu-ro subway station are only a few of the perks of this furnished studio. Sisters J and K are super hosts that are readily available to answer your queries or solve any issue you might be having. Part of their 5-star rating is due to the portable WiFi egg they offer that allows you internet access when you are on the move in the city. Add in a view of the city and the mountains and you’ve got a great deal. One of the best places to stay in Korea! Price Range: SGD$68 ($$)Airbnb 5. Fantastic View in the Middle of Seoul Credit: Yeojin on Airbnb If you’re looking for a quiet area to stay that is also convenient, this is the jackpot. With a beautiful view of the Han River and a park around the corner, you can get your fill of nature and fresh air. The Dongjak station is only a 5-minute walk away with major tourist areas like Apgujeong and Itaewon less than a half an hour train ride away. Living with a hospitable family gives insight into tourist hotspots as well as what life in Korea is like. Price Range: SGD$53 ($$)Airbnb 6. Safe and comfort for Women Lovely apartment Credit: James on Airbnb Female travelers, rejoice! This clean, stylish apartment has a 5-star rating thanks to the amazing hosts and its central location. It is one of the best Airbnb’s in Seoul. The wife of the host speaks English, the kids love if you play with them, but the family also respects your privacy if you wish to keep to yourself. The metro station is a 5-minute walk away and the building has top security, so you are free to explore the city and come back to your safe spot. Since the other guests are only women, sharing the space and the bathroom (only if the other room is reserved) is much more comfortable. Price Range: SGD$37 ($)Airbnb 7. Located at Main Street at Bukchon Hanok in Seoul Credit: Donny on Airbnb If you really want to steep yourself in the culture, the best place to stay is a hanok. There aren’t too many of them available now, so jump at the chance if you get one. A hanok is a traditional Korean house and staying at this one will transport you back in time. Set in the culturally rich neighborhood of Samcheongdong, the wider setting only serves to add to the charm. The staff and hosts are extremely friendly and will help guide you around the area to popular spots. Price Range: SGD$60 ($)Airbnb 8. Bibimbap Guesthouse Credit: Bibimbap on Airbnb This traditional guesthouse is over a hundred years old and located near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of ChangDeok Palace. The olden charm is enhanced with the ondol style rooms (traditional Korean) with its own private bathroom and Korean breakfast, but they do offer Western breakfast if you prefer. The hosts live on the premises and they love interacting with their guests. The guesthouse is situated just a few minutes away from the Jogno Subway Station and is surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and stores for you to explore. Price Range: SGD$51 ($$)Airbnb 9. Private Queen Bedroom in a Beautiful Shared House Credit: Villa Seoul Garosugil on Airbnb If you’ve wondered what it’s like to live in Gangnam, this is the spot for you. Gangnam is an up-and-coming neighborhood and as such, is teeming with stylish cafes and spots to explore. Being located close to public transport makes this task all the easier. The host, Sarah, is highly rated on her efficiency, friendliness, and attention to detail. The place is kept sparkling clean and is stocked with the usual amenities. If you want to meet people on your travels and like sharing a space, this is the place for you! Price Range: SGD$42 ($$)Airbnb 10. Don Quixote Stay Credit: 정한(Han'S) on Airbnb Single – Have you ever wanted to sleep under the stars? Well, this isn’t really the same thing but it is a rooftop adventure! This place boasts a private room with a toilet and shower, plus basic amenities, on a rooftop, in close proximity to all the major areas. Do you need any more reasons to say yes? It is 5 minutes away from Gangnam and Itaewon and 10 minutes away from Myeongdong, not to mention close to the bicycle path, so if you’re a cyclist, this one’s for you. There is also a 24-hour convenience store nearby. With fresh air to bask in at the end of the day, this place definitely gives you your money’s worth. Price Range: SGD$36 ($)Airbnb 11. 5 minute Station, Gangnam, Super clean and spacious apartment Credit: Ann on Airbnb Located in that is known as the Beverly Hills neighborhood of Seoul, this clean and spacious apartment has a super host with attention to detail. The room in the apartment is centrally located being a 5-minute walk from the subway station and with direct access to the airport (Incheon Airport Limousine Bus stops at Cheongdam Station which is a 7-minute walk away.) With security to keep you feeling safe, stores and restaurants around the area to discover and a friendly host, this is rated as one of the top spots to stay in when in Seoul! Price Range: SGD$48 ($)Airbnb All the places listed here have a minimum of 4.5-star ratings on AirbnB. People do have slightly different experiences though, depending, so we hope yours is a good one! You don’t have to wonder about how to find accommodation in Korea now, thanks to Airbnb, so you have no excuses to put off planning a trip there!...
Talk about K-dramas, K-pop, K-beauty, and the beautiful Korean Culture, the list is endless! The worldwide interest towards Korean entertainment has been garnering popularity for more than a decade now.As endless K-dramas are released, tourists are spoilt for choice when deciding which filming site to visit. So here at HalalTrip, we attempted to narrow them down to 8 of the most famous filming locations to check out in South Korea. (Psst! Start planning your 5 Day Solo Travel to Korea!) 1. Dongdaemun Design Plaza Credit: Dongdaemun Design Plaza This landmark was not only featured in hit TV Shows like The Producers and My Love From The Star, but also in reality shows such as Infinity Challenge and Running Man. The Dongdaemun Design Plaza is not only known for its neo-futuristic style but its fame also lies in the fashion aspects of it. The famous Seoul Fashion Week is organized at this plaza due to its urban architecture as well as its LED rose gardens, complimenting different styles. Incorporating K-reality, K-dramas and K-fashion, the plaza ties in three aspects of the K-Kraze! So what are you waiting for?! Address: 281, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul 서울특별시 중구 을지로 281Operating Hours: 10AM to 9PM (Mon-Fri) 10AM to 10PM (Sat-Sun)Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube 2. Gwanghwamun Square Credit: Visit Korea With a more authentic and traditional twist, Gwaghwamun Square is a fascinating location for historical lovers. It was the location of royal administrative buildings and the city center during the Joseon Dynasty, making it the perfect location for historical dramas. It may not be the exact location of all your favorite movies and TV Shows but it really gives the sense of Korean culture. The similar architectures, namely statues of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin and Sejong the Great will all transport you to your favorite on-screen moments. TV shows that were filmed in this site were Queen In Hyun's Man and IRIS. Address: 172, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul 서울특별시 종로구 세종대로 172Operating Hours: Opens 24 hours dailyWebsite 3. N Seoul Tower credit: N Seoul Tower on Facebook There is no doubt that a key selling point of K-dramas and K-movies are the romantic love stories that touch millions of hearts worldwide. Love is a universal language that allowed K-entertainment to travel far across the world and it's the reason why the N Seoul Tower is the perfect place to visit with your significant other. It is similar to other Cadenas d’amour around the world where you can buy a lock and secure it over the glorious panoramic view of Seoul. My Love From Another Star and Boys Over Flowers are both iconic TV shows that have featured the N Seoul Tower as part of their romantic scene development. Address: 105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 서울특별시 용산구 남산공원길 105 (용산동2가)Operating Hours: 10AM to 11PM (Sunday-Friday) 10AM to 12AM (Saturday)Website | Facebook 4. Korean Folk Village Credit: Korea Tour Information If you want to be completely transported on your visit to Korea, and have a taste of things you see and hear in all Korean dramas and movies, then the Folk Village is definitely an experience to NOT miss. Dramas like Jewel in the Palace, Arang and the Magistrate, and Moon Embracing the Sun were filmed here. There is something for everyone; cultural classes on the Shaman Faith, winter customs, lessons on Confucian Ideology and so much more! They also have performances that include martial arts on horseback, traditional weddings, and music shows. If neither of these is for you, there are also natural volcano sites, ice sledding sites and of course food stalls specializing in Korean delicacies! Address: 90 Minsokchon-ro, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 경기도 용인시 기흥구 민속촌로 90 (보라동)Operating Hours: February to April 9.30AM to 6PM (Weekdays) 9.30AM to 6.30PM (Weekends) May to September 9.30AM to 6.30PM (Weekdays) 9.30AM to 8PM (Weekends) October 9.30AM to 6PM (Weekdays) 9.30AM to 6.30PM (Weekends) November to January 9.30AM to 5.30PM (Weekdays) 9.30AM to 6PM (Weekends)Ticket Fee: 13,000₩ onwards (Refer here for various ticket rates)Website 5. Wolmido Island, Incheon Credit: Visit Korea In a different spin, the Wolmido Island in Incheon is a great day trip out of Seoul. This coastal island features a wide range of attractions that you can visit such as an amusement park, restaurants, a cultural street and an outdoor stage with spontaneous performances and street artists. It’s been featured in Descendants of the Sun, a huge phenomenon in Korean TV that brought many new fans to the K-Craze. Due to its proximity to the sea, there is fresh seafood at an affordable price, making your trip a delicious one. Address: 36, Wolmimunhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon 인천광역시 중구 월미문화로 36 (북성동1가)Website 6. Chuam Beach, Donghae Credit: Korean Tourism Organization If you are in Korea during the hot sunny seasons, Chuam Beach is the perfect location for a mix of Korean and Mediterranean type beaches. There are beautiful landscapes with a variety of rock formations and glorious coastal cliffs that will make your beach experience more picturesque. So if you are not interested in swimming or sunbathing, you can just relax and enjoy the scenery. Make sure to get there in time for sunrise and sunset to enjoy truly spectacular scenery that will take your breath away. The beach was featured in My Secret Romance and resorts around it have also been used for filming too. Address: 26, Chotdaebawi-gil, Donghae-si, Gangwon-do 강원도 동해시 촛대바위길 26 (추암동) 7. White Block Gallery, Paju Credit: White Block White Block Gallery is an art gallery cafe with a white, sleek and clean design. It’s been featured in an immense amount of dramas including Introverted Boss, Legend of The Blue Sea and On The Way To The Airport. The aesthetics of the cafe makes it a clear choice for intense scenes and it should definitely be a priority for all tourists. The lighting here is perfect for your Instagram photo shoots. When you're done with your coffee and treats, make sure to absorb the cultural art that the gallery has to offer and wander around the beautiful outdoor gardens. Address: 1652-238 Beopheung-ri, Tanhyeon-myeon, Gyeonggi-do, South KoreaOpening Hours: 10:30AM to 6:30PM (Weekdays) 10:30AM to 7PM(Weekends)Website | Facebook | Instagram 8. Jangsado Sea Park Credit: Korea Tourism Organization Last but not least, for spectacular views and iconic photos, a stunning park named Jangsado Sea Park is great to visit all year round. You can see the blooms of Camellia flowers in the new year and witness the fields blossom to a new life in the spring. There are many scenic views varying from gorgeous greenery to calm waters. It was featured in episode 7 of Kim Woo Bin’s drama ‘Uncontrollably Fond’. It’s not particularly crowded with tourists so visiting here will allow you to experience the true charm of Korea. Address: 55 Jangsado-gil, Hansan-myeon, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, South KoreaWebsite There you have it! 8 different locations, each with a wonderful and unique feature, that you can visit as a K-Fan. Annyeong!!...
South Korea’s Capital, Seoul, is a dynamic destination boasting endless things to do and see. The bustling city has become an extremely popular holiday spot and over the past few years has seen a surge in Muslim tourists. Although the city’s Muslim population is relatively small, the Korea Tourism Organization along with the numerous businesses in the city are on a mission to make Muslim visitors feel more welcome and at home. This has resulted in numerous restaurants around the city switching things up and catering to the Halal conscious. With these restaurants, cafés and food joints now accommodating Muslim preferences, Muslim tourists finally have the chance to truly experience Korea and its culinary masterpieces, from bulgogi; Korea’s signature marinated beef dish, to a steaming bowl of samgyetang, or more simply put, ginseng chicken, to even juicy Korean BBQ! Several Halal restaurants can be found around the city of Seoul, especially in the neighbourhood of Itaewon, but many of these focus on Middle Eastern and Indian fare, with only a handful offering authentic Korean dishes, making them harder to find. If you’re like us, and you think the best part about traveling the world is getting the chance to sample the most delicious food, then there is no way you can go to South Korea and not try Korean food! So, here’s our guide to some of the best Halal spots in Itaewon. Eat now, thank us later! A Quick Guide to Finding Halal Food in Korea 4 Halal Eats at the Beautiful Nami Island in South Korea 1. EID Halal Korean Food Picture Credit: www.facebook.com, EID - 이드 Halal Korean Food The small but homely, EID Halal Korean Food is a Korean Muslim owned restaurant located in the Itaewon area of Seoul, just a short walk away from the Seoul Grand Mosque. This must-visit Halal restaurant in Seoul is known to be the only Korean restaurant in the city certified by the Korea Muslim Federation, or the KMF, thus making it extremely popular amongst Muslim locals as well as tourists looking for an authentic Korean gastronomic experience. While the food options here are limited, don’t let the simple menu fool you! Everything on the menu; from the bulgogi to the samgyetang to the bibimbap, is cooked to perfection and packed with flavour. If we had to however pick one dish that blew us away, it would be the bulgogi - which is not surprisingly one of EID’s most ordered dishes. Completely homemade and free from any artificial flavours, the dish consists of thinly cut Halal Australian beef that is marinated in a flavourful combo of sauces and spices, and then grilled. The dishes served at the restaurant also come with some drool-worthy sides, such as kimchi and fried anchovies. Insider tip: Since the restaurant can only accommodate a small number of people at a time, we highly recommend making a reservation in advance so you won’t have to stand around hungry waiting for a table to open up. Cuisine: KoreanAddress: 67 Usadan-ro 10-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South KoreaOpening Hours: 11.30AM to 9PM (Tuesdays to Sundays)Price: KRW 10,000 to 12,000Reservation: AvailableContact: +82 70 8899 8210 Facebook 2. Makan Halal Restaurant Picture Credit: www.facebook.com, Makan Halal Korean Restaurant Another great restaurant serving some of the best Halal Korean food in Itaewon, Seoul, is Makan. Located just a short distance from EID restaurant and right near the Seoul Central Masjid, Makan Halal Restaurant is also Muslim owned, and like EID, serves a variety of mouth watering local dishes which attract locals and visitors from around the globe throughout the year. Again here, the menu is quite minimal, but no matter what you order, you won’t be disappointed. With menu options such as dakdoritang, bulgogi, samgyetang, bibimbap and mulnaengmyeon, at really affordable prices, Makan Halal Restaurant needs to be one of the places you check out for great Korean food when in Seoul. No matter at what time you’re visiting the restaurant - lunch or dinner - the spicy Korean-style fried chicken is an absolute must have! Cuisine: KoreanAddress: 52, Usadan-ro 10 gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South KoreaOpening Hours: 10.30AM to 10PM (Wednesdays to Mondays)Price: KRW 8,000 upwardsReservation: AvailableContact: +82 2 6012 2231 Facebook 3. Murree Restaurant Picture Credit: www.facebook.com, Murree Halal Korean Food Located in Itaewon, near the Seoul Grand Mosque and just a few minutes away from Makan Halal Restaurant, Murree Restaurant is one of the best places in the city for those looking to try out Halal Korean fare, with the option of also ordering Indian and Pakistani dishes. The cosy restaurant is known for serving authentic local dishes like bulgogi, samgyetang, dakdoritang and bibimbap; which are sure to tantalize your taste buds, and is hence one of the best Halal restaurants in Itaewon for Korean delicacies. While we think you cannot pass up on the local dishes available, the restaurant also cooks up a variety of flavourful, spice packed curries - such as their signature chicken curry – which will definitley make your mouth water. The warm service you receive from the staff at the restaurant, as well as the delicious food served will without a doubt keep you going back! Cuisine: Korean, Indian, PakistaniAddress: 140-6 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South KoreaOpening Hours: 11.30AM to 9.30PM (Everyday)Price: KRW 8,000 upwardsReservation: AvailableContact: +82 2 3785 1436 Facebook 4. Hajj Korea Halal Food Picture Credit: www.facebook.com, Hajj KOREA HALAL FOOD Hajj Korea Halal Food is a Muslim owned fusion Korean restaurant situated in close proximity to the Seoul Central Mosque in Itaewon. Known to be one of the very few Halal Korean restaurants in Seoul, the wonderful menu at Hajj will leave you spoilt for choice, with a plethora of Korean and Malaysian options! You can dine on a wide variety of popular local fare like bulgogi, samgyetang and bibimbap here, or if you’re feeling a little adventurous, the stir-fried octopus is sure to surprise you! Also, a special shout out to their bindaetteok or mung bean pancakes, which will just leave you craving for more! After a delicious meal, we highly recommend washing it all down with a Malaysian speciality - the iconic teh tarik! Cuisine: Korean, MalaysianAddress: 39 Usadan-ro 10-gil, Yongsan-gu, Itaewon, Seoul, South KoreaOpening Hours: 10AM to 2AM (Everyday)Price: KRW 8,000 upwardsReservation: AvailableContact: +82 2 749 5185 Facebook 5. Yang Good BBQ Yang Good BBQ is probably one of our most favourite restaurants on this list just because we can’t think of a better way to truly experience everything Korea is about, BBQ session and all! Korean BBQ has been taking the world by storm, and while there are plenty of restaurants in Seoul that specialize in this, there aren’t that many that cater to the Halal conscious. Yang Good BBQ is one of the very few Halal Korean BBQ restaurants in the city and is hence not surprisingly extremely popular. Even though the restaurant does serve alcohol, catering to local demands, the meats that are imported from Australia are Halal certified. Here, you not only get to choose the type of meat you prefer, but also get to grill it yourself to the way you like, all the while chatting away with your friends. The juicy and tender meat is coated in a sweet Korean BBQ sauce that you won’t be able to get enough of! Yang Good BBQ is just one of those spots you’ll keep going back to, because it’s THAT good. You have our word! Cuisine: KoreanAddress: 15 Nonhyeon-ro 95-gil, Yeoksam 1(il)-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South KoreaOpening Hours: 4PM to 1AM (Mondays to Saturdays)Price: KRW 11,000 upwardsReservation: AvailableContact: +82 2 567 7060 There you go! Our Top 5 Halal Korean Restaurants in Itaewon. Travelling in Seoul will no longer be a problem for Muslims! If you found more Halal Restaurants or food places in South Korea, share with us on the HalalTrip App! 5-Day Itinerary for Solo Travel in Korea 6 South Korean Amusement Parks to Amaze Yourself in...
K-Beauty is taking the world by storm! Due to the popularity of K-dramas and K-Pop, everyone wants in on Korea's beauty trends. Providing a range of cosmetics and skincare brands which use natural ingredients, Korea has now become a Mecca for beauty. So if you are planning a trip to Korea, be sure to drop by the many beauty stores in Seoul! Here are the top 5 places to shop for cosmetics in Seoul, Korea! 1. Olive and Young Picture Credit - retailinasia.com Olive and Young provide mainstream beauty brands which are within the lower price range. So you can shop with a budget. Each store varies from one to the other and provides a diverse range of cosmetic brands so be sure to drop by every store. They offer skincare and cosmetic brands such as Neogen and Park, Son and Park, as well as Clio, and K-Palette respectively. One of the biggest stores is located at Ewha Women’s University, with a multilevel store in Myeong-Dong. A small tip: they offer single sheet masks for purchase instead of the 10 sheet pack. Myeondong Branch: Address: 04538 53 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul Phone: +82-2-736-5290 Website: www.oliveyoungshop.com 2. ÅLAND Picture Credit: pulsenews.co.kr This department store dedicates a whole floor for beauty products! Offering an impressive range of the latest skin care and cosmetics, ÅLAND should be a definite visit. You may even be surprised by their range of indie cosmetics and skin care brands such as Thank You Farmer, Land Museum and Time To Blossom to name a few. They also provide a wide range of CosRx beauty products for the more adventurous skincare junkie. The best range of products can be found at the Myeong-dong and Garosu-Gil stores. Myeongdong Branch: Address: 30, Myeongdong 6-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul Phone : +82-1566-7477 Homepage: www.a-land.co.kr 3. LOHB (Love Health and Beauty) Picture Credit - www.koreagrandsale.co.kr Known as the Sephora of Korea it is a high-end store that follows the drugstore concept. LOHB offers both expensive and mainstream Korean brands, providing you with a good range of products to choose from. From fragrances to cosmetics to skincare, LOHB stocks up on some of the best brands, such as Chemorlab, Aromatica, Huxley and My Beauty Diary. Each branch varies in the products they store, however, it may be harder to find than Olive and Young, which is located in almost every shopping strip and street. The LOHB at Hongdae stores a diverse range of products and is the largest in Seoul. 4. Eden Plaza Picture Credit - haveyoumetelaine.com If you are into ‘Green’ beauty products, this is a must visit! It houses a wide range of trending Eco-friendly skincare. Eden Plaza is the retail store of the ENS Beauty Group, which houses Whamisa, New Days and Beausome. It may be a little difficult to find, however, it is worth a visit. It is located in Cheongdam, Gangnam-Gu. Address: 16 Samseong-ro 147-gil, Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea 5. Lotte Duty-Free Get ready for a cosmetics haul as Lotte offers on the spot tax-free purchasing of their products! However, shopping may get hectic due to the crowds as tourists swamp the store. They offer a wide range of high-end brands such as The History of Whoo, SU: M37 and Hera, as well as mainstream brands. If you can stand the crowds, this is the best place to shop for high-end brands especially due to the products being tax-free (be sure to have your passport with you at all times), as some boutique stores may not be able to provide an on the spot tax-free facility. The Lotte Duty-Free store is located in Myeong-Dong, and is the largest in the area. Main Branch : Address: 30, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul Website: lottedfs.com On an important note, always read the ingredients section of each product and talk to a sales assistant regarding the contents to be sure about the products being Halal friendly. However, this may not be an issue as Korean beauty brands have many organic skincare and cosmetic products, so you have a wide range to choose from. A bonus that comes with purchasing Korean beauty products is their quirky and whimsical packaging! So bid farewell to bad skin days and pamper your skin with your Korean cosmetics haul! For more shopping guides around the world, check out our travel blog or download the Halaltrip Islamic Travel App to find locations of halal restaurants and mosques near you....
Seoul has a strong shopping vibe in its busy districts. Amongst the hustle and bustle of regular life rise great shopping malls waiting to entice customers. Trendy fashions, bookstores, technology, home items and more, happy customers can spend hours roaming the paths hunting for the perfect gift or jackpot deal. Some malls offer thrift shopping, while others bask in their luxurious products. Many places host entertainment within their walls like aquariums, cinemas, art galleries, museums, theme parks and more – so that there is a little something for everyone, and to add more to your day. Most shopping complexes are located near railway stations, which makes for easy access, and certain malls offer specific conveniences that are hard to simply walk past. Here is our guide to the must-go shopping spots in Korea for some Seoul shopping (pun intended): Credit -Giphy.com 1) Lotte Department Store Picture Credit - visitkorea.or.kr This is probably the most popular store amongst visitors as it is directly connected to Lotte Hotel Seoul, so if you are booked with Lotte Hotel, this is the most convenient place to shop. The department store offers a wide range of products like jewellery, cosmetics, fashion, technology, sports equipment and more. It is also one of the best places to go shop for Korean fashion at reasonable prices, and they house an art gallery, food court with local and international delicacies, and a duty-free store. The best part about Lotte Department Store is that they offer to deliver your purchases to the airport to save you the trouble of trying to get it there – this is crucial especially if you have bought large items. Mall Address: 81, Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul Mall timings: Daily 10:30 – 20:00 2) COEX Shopping Mall Picture Credit - visitkorea.or.kr This is not just any old mall. COEX Mall Seoul is the largest underground mall in Asia. You read that right! (Bet you didn’t expect any underground shopping malls in Seoul.) All the business is completely legal – it is situated in the basement of World Trade Centre after all – and it offers much more than just shopping. Starting from Samseong subway station at the south of Gangnam and going all the way till Bongeunsa temple in the north, you can find 260 stores in between with electronics, entertainment, beauty products and more. If you tire from shopping till you drop, relax at the food court, catch a movie at the cinema, take in the soothing sights of the 650 species of marine life at the COEX Aquarium, or learn a few new things at Kimchi Museum. There is even an events hall within the mall that holds mini-concerts, magic shows, and classical concerts weekly. Mall address: 159, Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul Mall timings: Daily 10:30 - 22:00 3) Mecenatpolis Mall Picture Credit - visitkorea.or.kr Similar to shopping streets in Seoul, only much prettier, Mecenatpolis Mall is an open-air shopping mall that allows you to enjoy the weather while you browse the offerings. Pretty as a picture, Mecenatpolis Mall is the perfect place to kill two birds with one stone – get your shopping done, and snap some gorgeous photos for your Instagram account. It has an outdoor garden and landscaped roof gardens, water features, glass bridges, and a ceiling of open umbrellas. Situated adjacent to Hapjeong train station, they offer a range of stores for retail therapy, as well as art exhibitions, music performances and cultural activities. That is something you don’t want to miss! The Mall also carries cafés, fast food chains, and restaurants. Mall address: 490, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul Mall timings: Daily 09:00 – 17:00 4) Times Square Mall Picture Credit - thousandwonders.net If you are booked with Courtyard by Marriot Seoul Times Square, then this is your mall. Times Square Mall Seoul is home to local and international brands, so you might spot some familiar names like Swarovski, Timberland, Zara and Adidas. In addition to a large number of stores, the mall offers a movie theatre that only has the world’s largest cinema screen, bookstores, a games centre, a multi-performance centre, and of course, places to eat. Times Square Mall in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, also appeals to nature lovers with their outdoor spaces like rooftop gardens and Ecology Park, and soothing fountains to end the day in a peaceful manner. Mall address: 15, Yeongjung-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, SeoulMall timings: Daily 10:30 - 22:00 5) Doota (Doosan Tower) Picture Credit - doosan.com Are you a ‘shop all day every day’ kind of person? The Doosan Tower is the mall for you! Open from 10:30 am to 5 am the next day – not kidding – Doosan Tower is the place to go if you forgot to get those last minute gifts before you head to the airport or the place to simply spend the whole day and night in. With over 600 stores to pick from, you won’t be at a loss for choice. You’ll spot familiar names like Calvin Klein, Charles & Keith, and Reebok, but local designers can also give you an idea of what to buy in Seoul, as the top 40 are selected annually at the Doota Venture Designer Conference. Besides finding women's clothing in Seoul, you will also spot sportswear, menswear, luxury vintage items, and souvenirs. The mall offers alterations in clothes as well as tax refunds for visitors, so you can relax in their rooftop garden as you bask in that knowledge. Mall address: 275, Jangchungdan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul Mall timings: Mon – Sat 10:30 – 05:00, Sun 10:30 – 00:00 6) I’Park Mall Picture Credit - myguideseoul.com One of the biggest malls in Seoul, I’Park Mall offers a guided tour to its main events, features and stores due to its immense square area. With over 100 restaurants and cafés, as well as a food court, this mall has one of the widest selections of food if you want to gorge. The mall is divided into three main areas to make your shopping experience more convenient: the I’Park Department Store, Digital Shopping Centre and Event Park; and are connected to the Yongsan Subway Station and KTX Train Station for easy access. In addition to offering a selection of electronics, games equipment, sportswear, menswear, ladies fashion and more, the 11 storeys of the largest shopping mall in South Korea also houses a bookstore, an outdoor garden, an arcade centre, a movie theatre, and South Korea’s biggest discount mall: E-Mart. Mall address: 55, Hangang-daero 23-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul Mall timings: Mon – Fri 10:30 – 21:00, Sat - Sun 10:30 – 21:30 7) Lotte Young Plaza Picture Credit - visitkorea.or.kr If you’re looking for places to shop for fashion-conscious young adults in Seoul, South Korea, Lotte Young Plaza boasts six storeys of casual and trendy items by local designers, as well as imported Japanese brands – UNIQLO being the most popular. Lotte Young Plaza also has pop-up stores that you can buy unique clothing items and accessories like handbags and more by up-and-coming Korean designers. As always, you can end your day by enjoying a sunset view of Seoul at Hanuel Rooftop Garden with a bite to eat from their array of fast-food chains and cafés. You can find Lotte Young Plaza right next to Lotte Department Store. Mall address: 15 Sail-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul Mall timings: Daily 11:30 - 21:30 8) D-Cube City Mall Picture Credit - visitkorea.or.kr Like a world on its own, D-Cube City Mall is connected to Sindorim Station –which means it is easily accessible to Seoul’s main cities of Anson, Incheon, Suwon and Bucheon – and is a part of the 42-storey cultural complex which houses the five-star Sheraton D-Cube City Hotel, an arts centre and a massive outdoor park. Enjoy luxury shopping with familiar brands like H&M, Zara, Fossil and New Balance, and balance it out with some street culture at the Korean Street Market which offers Korean delicacies, street-style. Mall address: 662, Gyeongin-ro, Guro-gu, Seoul Mall timings: Mon - Fri 11:00 – 21:30, Sat - Sun 11:00 – 22:00 9) Noon Square Picture Credit- rnx.kr Another place that you can find popular international is Noon Square, a shopping mall that is a ten-minute walk away from Myeongdong Nanta Theatre and Myeongdong Cathedral. A female shopper’s paradise, the mall features brands like Mango, Jessica Simpson, Steve Madden, H&M and Zara, and is a haven for cosmetics, fashion, accessories and apparel. Its outdoor elevator is the first of its kind in Seoul and allows shoppers a glimpse into the outside world while they are lost in theirs. Mall address: 14, Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul Mall timings: Daily 11:00 – 22:00 10) Migliore Mall Picture Credit- panoramio.com The one place where you can find cheap shopping in Korea in a mall, Migliore Mall is a clothing fashion mall that is home to inexpensive fashion stores and wholesale outlets. You can find a whole range of casual wear, maternity wear, toys, bags, shoes and souvenirs for about 40 percent lesser than regular stores – and store owners are open to bargaining; but note that since the client base is mostly young adult, the range of sizes is limited. Mall address: 18-145 Euljiro 6-ga, Dongdaemun, Seoul Mall timings: Tuesday – Sunday 10:30 – 05:00 Halal travel to Seoul is made easy with malls that are connected to hotels and train stations – to shorten your travelling time between them and plan your day with more convenience. If you are a Muslim travelling to Seoul, let us know through the Halal Trip App what you thought of these malls, which one you preferred, if you found specific stores where you can buy Muslimah-wear in Seoul from, and Halal food places or vegetarian options that you would like to recommend to the Halal Trip community. ...
Prayer times for Seoul,South Korea