Text / MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team Compilation & Report
Amid the global craze for Korean culture, South Korea has become one of Asia’s top travel destinations. The number of Taiwanese visitors to Korea has been rising steadily each year. Aside from immersing themselves in Korean traditions, shopping is an indispensable part of any trip. However, beyond well-known spots like Dongdaemun, Myeongdong, and Hongdae in Seoul, there are also many high-value underground malls highly rated by Korean netizens. Below are six worth-visiting underground streets, recommended as travel references for those exploring Korea.
Pupyeong Underground Mall (Image Source / Korea Tourism Organization)
1. Incheon Pupyeong Station
Incheon Pupyeong Station houses over 1,400 shops and is the top-recommended underground mall by Korean netizens. Designed in a radial layout, it's quite expansive — in fact, it’s the largest underground mall in the Incheon area. It’s a shopping spot where it’s easy to overspend, but it’s about an hour’s drive from central Seoul.
2. Seoul Gangnam Station
A prime shopping district in Seoul, although Gangnam is a high-end area, the prices in its underground mall are surprisingly affordable. Moreover, there are plenty of cafés here where you can take a break, enjoy a cup of coffee, and unwind during the afternoon.
Gangnam Underground Mall (Image Source / Korea Tourism Organization)
3. Seoul Yeongdeungpo Station
Yeongdeungpo, a major transportation hub in Seoul, connects two large department stores and draws large crowds, so it naturally has many shops. Here you can find items for all ages, from 10 to 80, offering a wide variety of choices. Additionally, you can walk along the underground passage to reach major shopping centers like Shinsegae Department Store and Times Square.
Yeongdeungpo Underground Mall (Image Source / Korea Tourism Organization)
4. Seoul Express Bus Terminal
The express bus terminal is a shopping paradise for women. Spanning a vast area of 880 meters in length, it houses more than 600 shops, making it Seoul’s most famous underground shopping street. In addition to trendy and affordable mid-to-low priced Korean fashion and accessories, it offers everything from cosmetics and skincare to home décor. At the end of the underground mall, there are also restaurants where you can relax and grab a bite.
Express Bus Terminal Underground Mall (Image Source / Korea Tourism Organization)
5. Seoul Jamsil Station
Jamsil, Seoul’s entertainment center, also features an underground mall. Though not very large, it hosts around 135 shops. Moreover, the underground mall is connected to Lotte World and Lotte Department Store, so besides shopping, you can also enjoy a wealth of entertainment options, a diverse food court, Lotte Mart, and Hi-mart (an electronics store).
Jamsil Underground Mall (Image Source / Korea Tourism Organization)
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