Korea Tour Guide

Hi Kiara! We here at KFP have prepared a map of recommended locations for your time in Seoul. These recommendations have been provided directly from the KFP Korea Branch, so we know you're in good hands. We hope these recommendations help you in your travels around Seoul and help you have fun during your stay. Before you start to look at the map, we have some information we thought might be helpful for your travels. We hope you enjoy your time here!

Traveling to Korea:

Fill in your PCR test results here If you fill this out here, you don’t have to do much paperwork when you enter Korea

Now you have to show your negative PCR test result within 24hrs of entering Korea. So in order to do this quickly you need to reserve your PCR test from the test center in the airport. If you go here you should be able to reserve your test

Here are some useful apps you can download:
  1. Visit Korea Android IOS
  2. Papago Android IOS
  3. Naver Map Android IOS
  4. Subway Korea Android IOS
  5. Kakao Taxi Android IOS
Also here are pocket wifi options:
  1. KT Olleh
  2. SK Telecom

Tourist sites

1. Namsan Tower

the view is so beautiful and you can take Namsan Cable Car to go up (Cable Car Link) no need to hike!

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2. 인사동거리 Insadong Street

Street filled with traditional korean food and many different shops where you can buy traditional goods.

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3. 롯데월드타워(Lotte World Tower)

Easy subway access. One-stop destination with Shopping mall, restaurants, attractions, aquarium, duty free shop (avenuel : 에비뉴엘), theme park(Lotte world : 롯데월드), Observation deck

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4. 경복궁 (Gyeongbokgung)

I recommend Gyeongbokgung Palace because I want to see Korean historical buildings and experience cultural things

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5. 서울 북촌 한옥 마을 (Seoul bukchon hanok village)

Bukchon Hanok Village is a Korean traditional village in Seoul. The traditional village is composed of many alleys filled with small cafes. However, this is located on a hill so with Kiwawa str ength it might be tough to walk around during the summer

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6. 광하문 Gwanghwamun

Good place to experience Korean Culture in Seoul. Popular destination for foreign tourists.

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7. 홍대 Hongdae

A lot of clubs are around Hongdae area. Places where young people go to get

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8. 청와대 Blue House

Similar to visiting British Royal attractions or U.S. White House, visiting the Blue house(청와대 : Cheong Wa Dae) has its merits. A newly booming vacation site that is catching everyone's eyes . Place where in the past, Korean presidents worked and lived, now decommissioned and open to public. A must-see when visiting Korea. FYI, typically one have to make an appointment in advance, but foreigners can sign-up on site.Sign up is at the front gate information center, twice a day at 9:00 and 13:30 up to 500 people. (Closed on Tuesday)

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9. Han riverside park(Banpo Han-gang Park)

you can bring your own food or Fried chicken to eat. During hot summer days you can chill here for cooler weather right next to the Han River

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10. MMCA Seoul, the national museum of modern and contemporary art

Perhaps if you travel to Seoul as a foreigner, you will inevitably go to Samcheong-dong. This is because it is good to take pictures while experiencing Korean traditional streets and culture ar ound. But all of these things are in line with commercial purposes. As much as I spend money, I will give you joy, but I wanted to recommend a place where you can feel the impression of the tri p itself beyond business. The choice is yours, but this is the space where Korea's largest and most authentic works of art are displayed. A low admission fee of about $6 is enough, and the spac e is cozy and wonderful.

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11. 광장시장 (Gwangjang Market)

Can experience 'Korean Traditional Culture' and buy cheap things in the market. It can be differnt experiencement for your whole life btw.

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12. 서울 하늘공원 (Haneul Park)

Sight seeing in beautiful city is good, but I recommend an urban escape. Great place to heal in nature and take photos.

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13. 창덕궁/후원 (Changdeokgung Huwon)

There is a secret garden tour in English at 2pm (Ticket Site) This is because Changdeokgung Palace is the most used palace for 500 years durin g the Joseon Dynasty and the place where the traces of modern Korea (Korea Empire and Japanese colonial era) remain the most. In particular, Changdeokgung Huwon(後苑; a back garden) is a place where the traditional Joseon garden style remains and is famous for being very beautiful. In addition, There are many remains of Korea hidden around Changeokgung Palace, including Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House; It's Former Office of the President of the Republic of Korea) with a 70-year history of the Republic of Korea, Jongmyo Shrine, Changgyeonggung Palace, and Nakseonjae; a space wher e the Joseon royal family lived until after Korea became a republic. For this reason, I recommend Changdeokgung Palace to Kiara, to be exact, Changdeokgung Palace and its surroundings.

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14. Mangwon Market

Mangwon Market(망원시장). Full of tasty food! I recommend [Tomato Ice Shaving] at [Tokyo BingSu(도쿄빙수)]

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15. Ikseon-dong

Ikseon-dong is both traditional and modern. In fact, it is a very old hanok. Many young people gather here, which was very shabby, to remodel and use the house. It is also one of the hot places where many people in their 20s gather over the past three years. Located in Jongno 3-ga, the traditional center of Seoul, it is also good for visiting other tourist attractions. There are also quite a few Western restaurants, which can be a good choice for Europeans. Of course, there are so many pretty hanok-style cafes and traditional Korean restaurants! The younger generation in K orea has recently tended to dislike places with many modern skyscrapers. But we cannot give up modern convenience either. So many young people seem to prefer this traditional and modern place a lot. I hope the manager will visit this place, where Korea's past and present are properly mixed. Frankly, there are so many cleaner, fresher, more futuristic places than here. But I don't thi nk that kind of place tastes like a person. Too busy, too highly educated, too overbearing. However, I think this place is common because you can look around your house slowly, anyone can join you, and enjoy it with relatively little money. Anyway, I hope you have a good trip to Korea!

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16. Itaewon

A lot of Foreigners and cultures are located here, you can experience so many different culture and food at Itaewon.

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17. 세빛섬 (Sebitseom)

Sebitseom(세빛섬). Very beautiful view of Han River from here.

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18. NATIONAL MUSEUM OF KOREA

Anyone who have interest in history, would give a visit to the country's museum. The National Museum of Korea(국립중앙박물관) is visited by many, Yet, National Museum of Korean Contemporary His tory (대한민국역사박물관) is not well known even to the Koreans Citizens. It is a great choice to anyone who wish to learn post Joseon Dynasty Korean history.

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19. War Memorial of Korea

Museum that tells us a history of Korean War. Place to go if you are interested in how Korean War started and why we need to remember war is not a solution.

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20. 롯데월드 (Lotte World)

This is the amusement park right in the city center. located near shopping mall and tallest building in seoul. If hot summer is too much for you, this amusement park has indoor options as well

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21. 남산골 한옥마을 (Namsangol Hanok Village)

I can't assume what Kiara expected from Korea in cultural perspective, but If she wants to have any Korean traditional-related experience, I reccomend this place.

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22. 서울함 공원(Seoul battleship park)

Unique view of a lone warship museum, floating in a giant river crossing the center of the city. Especially to someone from Austr'al'ia, where as landlocked country hard to see even a shadow o f an actual warship, it will be a novel experience.

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23. 국립한글박물관 (National Hangeul Museum)

Good place for Korean Beginners. Near the Line 4 subway. Very close to museums such as The National Museum of Korea(국립중앙박물관), War Memorial of Korea(전쟁기념관), Bank of Korea Money Museu m(화폐박물관).

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24. DDP (Dongdaemun Design Plaza)

An architectural attraction with futuristic design. Design market and restaurants. Strongly recommend visiting.

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25. Hongjimun Gate and Tangchundaeseong Fortress

Good place for walk. Beautiful nature and landscape scenery.

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26. Seonyudo Park

Seonyudo(선유도) is well known to be the best place for photos among the Park along river.

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27. 석파정 (Seokpajeong)

If you recommend a place where you can feel Korean traditions in Seoul, I usually recommend palaces or hanok villages. Among them, Seokpajeong is not known to foreigners, so I recommend it. It is a place where you can feel Korean traditional architecture and gardens.

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28. 덕수궁 돌담길 (Deoksugung Stone-wall Road)

There are other beautiful places in Korea besides Gyeongbokgung Palace. / It's a good distance for jogging.

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29. 이화교복 (Ehwagyobok)

If you want to dress up as Highschool student this is the place where you can rent uniforms! You can rent here and have fun around the area like Lotte World or Lotte World tower

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30. Cheonggyecheon River(청계천)

Cheonggyecheon River is good place to chill and rest in downtoun Seoul in hot summer.

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31. 고척 스카이돔 (Gocheok Skydome)

In fact, I wanted to recommend Jamsil Baseball Stadium, but the reason why I chose Gocheok was the hot summer weather in Korea. The advantage is that it is cool because it is an indoor baseball stadium, and it is easy to get tickets because Kiwoom Heroes is one of the unpopular teams. In addition, you can feel the unique cheering culture of Korean baseball, which is different from Ja panese baseball. The manager will also like it if he knows that it is often used as a venue for K-pop singers.

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32. 별마당도서관 starfield library

This is a library that is in the middle of COEX. it actually have books in many of the bookshelf and pretty cool photo spot

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33. Color Pool Museum

If you like colorful things this is a perfect spot for you. so many photo spots with different color theme exhibits and fun activities at the musem (Website Link)

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34. Leeum Museum of Art

Art Museum run by Samsung. I usually bring my friends outside of Korea here. It has many arts that represents Korean culture and cool spot to hangout

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35. 1 Million Dance Studio

very famous dance studio. sometimes popular k pop star come here to film a dance video with the crew from the dance studio. You can also do private or group lessons here (Website Link)

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Restaurants and Cafes

1. 고양이 정원(catlover-garden)

It is recommended for people who like cats because they can see and touch many cats in a large garden

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2. 정돈 홍대점 (Jeongdon Hongink Univ. Branch)

Pork cutlet place near Hongink University area.

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3. 망원동 티라미수 (Mangwondong Tiramisu)

Cafe that specializes in Tiramisu. They have Strawberry, matcha, Oreo, Yogurt and even Corn Tiramisu

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4. 행진(삼겹살집) (Haengjin)

This is pork belly kbbq place. It is an old Korean bbq place so if you want to experience KBBQ in older style this is a place to go

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5. 카페 소나(cafe SONA)

It is a luxury course dessert cafe in Seoul.

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6. 보니스피자펍 (Bonny's Pizza Pub)

Kiara who can't speak Korean can order comfortably in English, and above all, pizza is delicious!

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7. 청수당 카페 (Cheongsudang)

The pictures around here are pretty and the coffee and castella are delicious. and this cafe has old traditional Korean House vibe. So even though you are in the middle of Seoul you don't feel like it

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8. 키친마이야르 (kitchen maillard)

SeungWoo ABba (about 1.62 million subscribers) who sells unique menus is a YouTube creator's restaurant

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9. Bicena

michelin 1 star restaurant. It is located inside of Lotte Tower and it has really good view. Go to this place for the views. Food is okay

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10. SKY 31 Food Avenue

If you don't want to spend too much money at Bicena, 31st floor cafeteria is a good place. You have to go to 1st floor East entrance lobby to get visitors pass. (https://www.sky31convention.com/en/intro/skyIntro_SubFac.do)

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11. 쉐프조 (Chef Cho)

One of the famous cafes in Seoul selling delicious cakes

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12. 더담 (Thedam)

contemporary Korean Restaurant. (Website Link)

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13. 토속촌 (tosokchon)

I would like to recommend Korean traditional chicken dishes and August is good because it is often overlapped with Boknal

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14. 이문설농탕 (Imun Seolnong Tang)

It is a historic restaurant in Korea and I want to let you know the deep taste of Seolnongtangpp

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15. 정거장뒤 (Back of the bus stop)

handmade japanese curry, croquette and so on / cozy, decorated with antiques and can feel refinement

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16. 오레노라멘(OrenoRamen)

Tasty broth, free noodle/rice after finish your own, less busier than the main shop (head office)

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17. Grand Walker Hill Seoul

Walker Hill is a hotel located at the top of the hill where she can enjoy the ciew of Hangang river and Seoul. Not only for hotel, it is also famous for its buffet and various restourants especially pizza.

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18. 566 Ramen

the best jiro ramen I ever had. Because it was so delicious I want Kiara to try my favorite spot

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19. Hakata Bunko

They are one of the first restaurants that brough japanese ramen to Korea.

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20. Hanamokoshi

The same restaurant in Japan has michelin star, so you know quality of the food is here. really good tori ramen

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21. Mentendo

good ramen shop that I really like. just found this place and I really liked it

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22. Doma Yujeu Ramen

Do you like Ramen and do you like Yuzu? this is a heaven on earth for you! put yuzu in everything and it will come out as one of your favorite dishes

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23. Uyuk Myeongwan

chefs and people who make food here are all Chinese and all cook a mean noodles. So if you want to try noodles but something different try this place

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24. La Yeon

3 michelin star restaurnt that serves Korean food. If you want the fanciest restaurant that serves Korean food this is a must go

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25. The Library

It is in shilla hotel and it has limited menu of apple mango shaved ice. It might be the most expensive shaved Ice in all of Korea close to 70USD, but if you think about price of apple mango it might be justifyable(?) but it is an experience

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26. Jinmi Pyeongyang Cold noodle

My favorite Pyeongyang cold noodle place in Seoul. This is a must go place if you want to try North Korean cusine during summer time

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27. Woo Lae Oak

Bulgogi and pyeongyang cold noodle place. good place to go if you are new to pyeongyang cold noodle

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28. Ramura

Tenchou since you are Chicken (i mean pheonix) this is one of the best ramen places that has broth made out of chicken and all of their ramen is all chicken theme. so good

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29. Mun Hwa Shimin Seoul

Dessert omakase place. it is in the 2nd floor and doesn't look like a cafe but if you love sweets you can experience dessert omakase here

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30. kawakatsu otoko

One of the best don katsu I ever had. they have tori katsu as well. If you are craving for katsu this is one of the must go place

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31. Patisserie x Roastery imi

I have heard so many great things about this place. I have tried to go 3 times and all failed. I have only gotten a takeout for their dessert and it was so good. This place is packed if you go during peak horus

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32. Geumdwaeji Sikdang

nickname for this restaurant is "best pork kbbq" restaurant. I think that says it all, if you want to try kbbq that is mainly pork must go place

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33. Horangii Cafe

small cafe that has 60s vibes. This place as really good fruit-sando and iced latte is must buy. with Iced Latte and fruit-sando you can take them to the rooftop of this building to see the surrounding area

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34. Perlen

you can enjoy 3 course dessert with 3 different coffee here. Might need to ask Nabi-mama to reserve this place but really cool dessert place with different coffees

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35. The Martin

This is one of my favorite bakeries. It sells croissants, gelato and Jamón sandwich. These foods are high quality and tasty. Also this bakery use only organic ingredients. And here is The Martin’s Instagram tag @the_martin_

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36. Myeongdong Kyoja Main Store

Myeongdong Kyoja is a korean noodle & dumplings restaurant. This restaurant got michelin guide's choice. There will be lots of people waiting, but the turnover is really fast, so you will be waiting for not long. It is really, I mean really tasty and comfy so I strongly recommend tenchou to visit this place.

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37. Taegeukdang Bakery

Kiara likes cakes, so we recommend the oldest bakery in Seoul! The cakes here are delicious!

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38. musinsa terrace

I am introducing this place in case you are looking a place to rest a bit around there. This is a multi role relaxing area(shop+cafe+terrace+exhibition) own by Musinsa. Although the coffee is not that good, the terrace has very good view and dozens of bean bag seats are placed near the cafe to lay back. If you are lucky, you might be able see some scheduled exhibition as well. *caution: You need Musinsa app and be log in to enter Musinsa Terrace. You should be able to login in with your apple account. If you are expecting to visit here, check if you can login in with your Apple account.

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39. Mongtan

They have really tastey beef ribs. Which is also their signature dish. eating fried rice after meat is a must "dessert" in korean food culture

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40. All D'se (oldis-se)

They just finished soft opening and won't open til 8.4th but it is one of the hottest and newest cafes around the area.

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41. SADDLER HAUS

Must stop place for a sweet croffle (croissant + waffle) after long day of shopping stop by here for cold beverage and sweet croffle to rest. Or start your day with it to give you more energy

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Shopping

1. 영등포 타임스 스퀘어 (Yeong-Deungpo TIMES SQUARE)

I recommend it because I think it is worth visiting, such as basic shopping infrastructure and not bad accessibility.

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2. the hyundai Seoul (premium shopping mall)

there are various restaurants, attractions, and hip brands that can only be seen in Korea.

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3. 홍대 애니메이트 Hongdae Animate

It is a hot place for Korean fans, and it is full of various goods and Elbum. It's hard to find Aniplus nearby because it's underground, but there are various goods and Jeil Lottery. I recommend you to go to both places to feel the Fanship of Korea

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4. 신세계백화점 본점 (Shinsegae Department Store)

It is sad that you are not coming during christmas season, because this building is so beautiful during christmas. Anyways Shinsegae is famous shopping mall brand and this is their main store so it will have most of the shopping needs you might want

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5. Dongmyo Flea market

You can see every same McDonalds and Starbucks around the world. You can see every same dancing clubbers around Itaewon and HongDae. Tidy buildings are all around the world. But you'll never see true unique skin of Korean people around there. Feel the timecapsuled Korea around there.

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6. THE MASK SHOP (더 마스크샵)

As a foreigner only store, you can buy many good cosmetics at duty free prices. The store is open form 13:00 to 06:00 , and on Saturdays from 14:00 to 22:00. And Payment is only available in cash

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7. 애니플러스 (Habjung Aniplus)

I think by now you know this place because of collab cafes.

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8. Dior Seongsu

popup store by Dior at Seongsu. building is really cool i think Kiara will love this place

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9. Tamburins flagship store

Kiara this is a makeup/face product brand flagship store I think you will like visiting here

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10. Jung Saem Mool

one of the main stores of jung saem mool beauty products.

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11. Aesop Garosu-gil Store

Kiara since you are from Austraila ;) you must visit beauty product store that is founded from Austraila. and this area has so many beauty product stores it doesn't hurt to visit

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12. Kasina 1997

store that has many different street wear brands, but it is very costly.

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13. Sulwhasoo SPA Flagship Store

one of the most well known brand for beauty products. This location has a spa, so Kiara you can treat yoself here!

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14. Sulwhasoo Bukchon Flagship Store

you might be wondering why I am recommending same store but different locations. This place is very different than other flagship store. It is quiet and building is more Korean traditional building. I really want you to visit this place

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15. Dosan Park

I am not recommending a park, but the area. This area has so many shops and restaurants and I think Kiara will love shopping around this area.

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16. Olive Young Gangnam Flagship

This place is where everyday Korean will go for most of the beauty products and skin care products. This is also the place that I got your foot pad as well. also has so many stuff here you can practically live here

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