Useful Tips

Most sizes are measured in centimeters except for the waist size, which is measured in inches. Shoe sizes are measured in millimeters.

Except for street vendors, most shops follow a fixed price system and do not appreciate aggressive haggling. Most larger shops accept major international credit cards (VISA, MASTER, etc). Most smaller shops, traditional marketplaces, and street vendors do not accept credit cards, so be sure to bring cash.

Typically, banks have separate counters for those wishing to exchange foreign currency. The bank is the most convenient place to exchange currency, and business hours are 9:00 a.m. – 16:00 p.m., Mon – Fri. The ‘365 Days Corner’ ATM has options in English and can be found next to many major banks. The ATM can be accessed from 7 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. 24-hour ATM services can be found in almost all 24-hour convenience stores, but English options are not always available. Visitors are advised to visit the bank during regular visit hours to get the cheapest service charge. Note that service charges may vary according to each bank. Namdaemun Market and Itaewon districts provide their own foreign currency exchange service centers. Directions to local foreign exchange service centers are provided at each area’s tourist information center.

Shops with “Tax Free Shopping” signs will provide you with duty-free shopping and information about tax refunds.

While many large department stores and malls will allow returns, many smaller stores may not offer refunds for purchased items (especially for sale items). Most stores will allow exchanges instead of returns within the designated exchange period (varies by store).

Duty-Free Shops: June – August, December – February
Department Stores: January, April, July, October, and December
Other large shopping malls hold sales around the same time as the department stores do. Namdaemun Market, Dongdaemun Market, and other major markets have sale events around early July and mid-January. Summer and winter sale events give customers the biggest discounts: 20-30% off of current items and more than 50% off of items more than 2 or 3 years old.

Most shops are open until 10 p.m., but markets like Dongdaemun Market are open 24 hours. Shops are the most crowded during holidays and weekends, except for the Lunar New Year and Chuseok, during which most shops are closed. Shops in Myeong-dong and Insa-dong are usually open until 10 p.m., whereas Namdaemun Market and Dongdaemun Market are still open long after midnight into the early morning.

Except for duty-free shops or shops in Itaewon, you may run into communication problems while shopping. If you know a few Korean shopping expressions, you’ll find your shopping experience more enjoyable and you may even be able to bargain for lower prices!