Best Places to Shop for Winter Essentials in Seoul, South Korea | Seoul Shopping Guide 2024
Find out where the locals shop for their winter essentials in South Korea! Clothing, skincare, and other winter must-haves!
As the temperature drops, South Korea transforms into a magical winter wonderland. Whether you’re braving the brisk winds in Seoul or enjoying the snowy slopes in Gangwon-do, it’s essential to gear up with the right winter essentials. Here’s a handy guide to help you shop for everything you need to stay cozy and stylish during the Korean winter.
Winter Essentials Shopping Guide in South Korea
1. Thermal Underwear
Layering is key to surviving Korea’s freezing winters, and thermal underwear provides the perfect base layer to keep the chill out without adding bulk.
Where to Shop:
- Uniqlo: Known for its Heattech collection, Uniqlo offers lightweight yet incredibly warm thermal layers. You can find branches all over Korea, including Myeongdong and Gangnam.
- Musinsa Standard: A bit cheaper than the Uniqlo Heattech, Musinsa Standard's Hot-tandard does not fall behind on quality.
- TopTen10: This Korean brand is a more affordable alternative with thermal options that don't compromise quality.
- Daiso: For budget-friendly thermal socks and leggings.
2. Winter Pajamas
There’s nothing better than snuggling up in warm pajamas after a long day in the cold. Opt for fleece-lined or flannel materials for extra comfort.
Where to Shop:
- GOTO Mall: The underground shopping center has lots of options available when it comes to fuzzy winter pajamas at an affordable price.
- SPAO: Famous for its cozy and themed pajama sets, SPAO is perfect for those who want to stay warm in style.
3. Scarves & Mittens
Scarves and mittens not only elevate your winter outfits but also protect you from biting winds, especially during outdoor adventures.
Where to Shop:
- NYU NYU: You can find silky soft scarves for under 10,000 KRW and other winter accessories like mittens, ear muffs, beanies, balaclavas, and more for super cheap!
- Dongdaemun Market: A treasure trove for affordable yet trendy winter accessories.
- Hongdae Street Shops: Find stylish, locally made scarves and mittens that cater to a younger crowd.
4. Puffer Jackets
Puffer jackets are a must-have for combating Korea’s freezing temperatures while staying on-trend with local fashion.
Where to Shop:
- The North Face: A cult favorite in Korea, their puffer jackets are durable, warm, and trendy.
- Lotte Department Store: For premium brands like Moncler or Canada Goose or local Korean outdoor brands like Black Yak or
- Musinsa Standard: For basic designs at a reasonable price and decent quality.
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5. Handwarmers
Portable handwarmers are lifesavers when you’re out sightseeing or waiting for public transport in the cold.
Where to Shop:
- Convenience Stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven): Easy-to-carry disposable hand warmers are available at every corner store.
- Daiso: A more economical option with various types of hand warmers.
- Online Platforms: Check Coupang or Gmarket for reusable hand warmer options.
6. Hand Cream
The dry winter air can leave your hands cracked and uncomfortable, so investing in a nourishing hand cream is crucial.
Where to Shop:
- Olive Young: A go-to store for skincare, offering popular brands like Innisfree and Nature Republic.
- Road Shops (Etude House, The Face Shop): Affordable and travel-sized options.
- Tamburins and Nonfiction are great brands to get perfumed hand creams as well as international brands like Aesop, Le Labo, and L'Occitane.
7. Face Mist
Winter air can strip your skin of moisture, so a good face mist will keep your skin hydrated and glowing throughout the day.
Where to Shop:
- Olive Young: Stocked with a variety of brands, making it a one-stop-shop. Popular face mist brands include d'Alba, Aestura, Laneige, and Avene.
8. Moisturizer
A heavy-duty moisturizer is your best friend against Korea’s harsh, dry winter air. Look for products with ceramides or hyaluronic acid for long-lasting hydration.
Where to Shop:
- Olive Young: Brands that carry heavy-duty moisturizers that the locals love are RealBarrier, Aestura, Physiogel, La Roche-Posay, and Torriden.
Pro Tips for Winter Shopping in Korea
- Timing: Start shopping in late November or early December when winter collections are fully stocked.
- Sales: Look out for year-end sales and holiday promotions to snag great deals. Olive Young has a grand sale in the first week of December, so make sure to buy your skincare then!
- Locations: Myeongdong, Gangnam, and Dongdaemun are shopping havens for winter essentials.
- Cultural Note: Korean winters can be harsh, but locals are masters at layering and accessorizing. Take inspiration from their winter fashion for both function and style.
- Winter in Korea is all about staying warm without compromising on style. By shopping smartly at these recommended locations, you’ll be fully equipped to enjoy all the winter activities Korea has to offer. From thermal layers to hydrating skincare, these essentials will keep you cozy, comfortable, and camera-ready all season long. Happy shopping!
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This was helpful in finding where to shop for your winter essentials in Korea! If you have any questions or concerns, please leave a comment below or send us an email at help@creatrip.com! You can follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook to stay updated on all things Korea!