Insadong

I am sure by now you have figured out that Korea is very big on markets and shopping areas. Koreans love to shop! The places we have been so far are famous tourist places in Korea.

The Insa-dong art and antique district has dozens of art galleries and shops selling art supplies, antiques, and handcrafts along one main street (Insadong-gil) and many side alleys. It also contains many traditional tea and coffee shops. On weekends, the main street is blocked to vehicular traffic, allowing the throngs of people to mingle without fear of being run down by Seoul drivers taking a shortcut.
Long renowned for its traditional tea shops, the area has increasingly become overrun with more modern versions. However, local merchants have been fighting to keep alive the old traditions, and many traditional tae houses still survuve, many playing old folk music.

Myeongdong

Myeong-dong is Korea's trendiest and most expensive shopping area, with over 300,000 square meters of shops selling clothes, shoes, handbags, accessories, and cosmetics. Many department stores also have a major presence here Like Lotte Department Store (very expensive items indside!) and Migliore. Myeong Dong 's main street is packed with outlets and boutiques selling quality, branded products. But, the shops within the side alleys of the area mostly deal with non branded items.