By Maria Kelly
A fun and quick shopping getaway destination is Seoul, South Korea. Flights from hundreds of airlines make nonreving into Seoul easy.
There are several different ways to travel from Incheon International Airport to downtown Seoul. The most popular ways include taking the Airport Railroad Express (AREX), Seoul Metropolitan Subway, airport limousine buses, and taxis. The fastest way to get downtown is by the Express Train on the AREX Line. The nonstop ride from Incheon International Airport Station to Seoul Station is just 43 minutes. Seoul Station is a huge transportation hub providing convenient access to different areas of Seoul and beyond. A similar way to access Seoul from Incheon International Airport, though not as fast and direct as the Express or All Stop Train on the AREX Line, is the Seoul Metropolitan Subway, which services Seoul and the surrounding areas. The Airport Limousine Buses are a cost-effective way to go from Incheon International Airport to almost all parts of Seoul including Gangnam, Myeong-dong and Yeouido. Equipped with comfortable reclining seats and spacious leg room, these buses are especially popular among passengers getting off of a long flight. It takes a bit more than an hour from the airport to downtown Seoul, traffic permitting.
Finally, taxis are convenient as they provide door-to-door service, which is useful for visitors who are not comfortable with riding the subways or the buses. A downside is the cost. Taxis are as expensive as they are convenient, and passengers must pay the Incheon Bridge tollgate fee (8,000 won, small-sized car). Still, as most taxis are now equipped with a portable GPS navigation device, passengers can reach their destination easily and safely.
Of these my favorite is the train. The Airport Railroad Express (AREX) operates two trains: the Express Train from Incheon International Airport to Seoul Station and the All Stop Train that services 11 subway stations.
To take the AREX trains from the Incheon International Airport, follow the yellow signs down to the Airport Transportation Center on the B1 level. Free electric cart services for passengers with heavy bags, senior citizens, and passengers with disabilities are stationed between the Airport Transportation Center and the passenger terminal. Service hours for the electric carts run from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day.
It takes about 45 minutes to get from the airport to downtown Seoul. The cost is 14,500 won for adults and 6,900 for kids though they are running a special right now for adults of only 8,000 won. As I write this the exchange rate is about 1,100 won to one US dollar.
Now when should you go to Seoul, South Korea. 
Korea has four seasons, with a wet monsoon/summer in the middle of the year, and a cold winter from November to March. The island of Jeju off the southern coast is the warmest and wettest place in the country. The ideal time to visit Korea is during the autumn months (September-November). During this time, the country experiences warm, sunny weather, skies that are cobalt blue and spectacular foliage that is perhaps the biggest draw. Winters are cold and dry and are a good time to visit if you are interested in winter sports as there are numerous ski resorts. Spring (April-May) is also beautiful with all the cherry blossoms in bloom. However, it is very busy and one needs to book in advance to ensure accommodation is available. The summer months are muggy and hot, and rather crowded. It is also when the monsoon begins so many activities are subject to the fluctuations of heavy rain.
There are a number of things you can do on your visit to Seoul. Shopping, sightseeing, dining are just starters. Depending on how long your stay is you can do some or all. There is so much to do here, you can easily make several trips before you run out of things.
Let’s start with shopping. For years non-rev travelers have headed for Seoul in search of great bargains. They may not be as good as there were back in the 1980’s or before but frankly you would be hard pressed to find any place with deals like there were back then. But don’t despair there are still plenty of things to buy in Seoul that will easily fill that empty suitcase your brought…… or bought while in Seoul.
For starters, check out the traditional tableware, such as plates, spoon and chopstick sets, and teacups, is another way to explore Korean culture, not to mention local dining customs. These are made from a variety of materials, such as earthenware, aluminum, and wood. Korean tableware is as beautiful as it is functional, and comes in such a huge variety that those with an interest in household items will have just as much fun as the fashionistas in pursuing the latest trends. There are even collectors who take an interest in Korean ceramics produced using traditional methods because of the high degree of perfection that goes into their construction. Recently the focus has shifted to producing highly functional modern tableware using lighter and more modern materials.
Go crazy at the 10000 won bag shops near your hotel and happily stop at any bag shops when you see the 10000 won (approx S$10~) signs . The quality of the bags are pretty good, you can find sling bags, bagpacks, document bags, clutches etc etc for only 10000 won! Pretty good deal for bargain hunters! Do check out the 10000won bag stores when you head to Myeong-dong, Ewha, Gangnam station shopping street and also Insadong.
Photos of landmarks, or just unique and distinctive postcards, make excellent presents or keepsakes, and are also light and inexpensive. Some postcards show off Seoul’s major landmarks, while others are emblazoned with traditional patterns, paintings or cultural assets. There are also specialized shops that sell postcards arranged by subject. Stationery also make great souvenirs, and range from those featuring cute characters appealing to kids, to those made with high-quality materials and design. You can find a large variety of stationery from Korea and around the world at large bookstores throughout Seoul.
Go shopping for clothing at the malls in Dongdaemun. Shirts are $15 but less if you buy more. So negotiate. The styles are good, shopping till midnight and you will find clothes for men, women and kids for great prices.
One frequently-heard remark by international visitors to Seoul is that most Koreans are pretty and have good skin. Nowadays however, these same visitors have also learned the Korean secret to flawless skin: BB Cream. This magical cream takes away blemishes and leaves in their place a clear and lively skin. A Korean cosmetic staple, BB Cream has become so popular worldwide that even luxury brands are using it to benchmark their own products. However, there are other must-buy cosmetics in Seoul. In Myeong-dong, one of Seoul’s leading shopping districts, there are countless cosmetics boutiques all clustered together where shoppers can get personalized skin consultations and test any product before they buy. Because there are so many boutiques competing ferociously for shoppers, prices tend to be quite competitive.
Some of the Korea skincare & cosmetic brands that I suggest you target would be:
Laneige
Innisfree
Banila & Co
Tony Moly
Saem
Face Shop
Skinfood
Nature Republic
Etude House
Here’s a tip when shopping for beauty care products in Seoul. Remember to always request more free samples if possible if you are buying a lot of things from the stores! Usually, they would have given you samples when you purchase any item from them Samples are perfect to bring along whenever you travel! So do remember to ask!
You can find most of these brands at Myeong-dong where they are lined up on the street.
Another thing to shop for in Seoul if you are a foodie is food items. Items you might find at home if you go to a Korean grocery store but are a lot cheaper if you buy them here. At a time when people the world over are seeking to eat more healthily, Korean food culture is making its global mark. Some of the most popular souvenirs are Korean tteok (rice cakes) or alcohol made from rice, dried natural products that can be eaten conveniently on the go, as well as snacks good for your body. You can spot a wide selection of well-packaged food souvenirs at supermarkets or in the food section of department stores. However, out of all the products available, one of the most popular is “well-being” cookies. These beautifully packaged cookies, good enough to be offered as presents, are made only with the finest, non-harmful ingredients or are entirely organic. They are also easily purchased at any convenience store nearby at affordable prices, making them very popular.
Among the items I recommend are:
Gochujang (hot pepper paste) is one of the most beloved spices in Korea. Whether it’s used to dip a green chili pepper in, or resting upon a bowl of Bibimbap piled high with vegetables, gochujang is just the thing to whet your appetite.
Ginseng is a root whose shape resembles a human body and is highly esteemed in both the East and West. Korean ginseng (called Panax Ginseng) in particular is known worldwide for its amazing health benefits. Korea is said to be the best place to grow ginseng because the country has four distinct seasons, proper temperatures, excellent soil, and an adequate amount of annual rainfall.
Liquor – Soju and Makgoolli – Because soju is a distilled beverage with a high proof and no added organic ingredients, it doesn’t have a specific expiration date. It is sold in glasses, bottles, or packs. Makgeolli is also sold in glasses, bottles, cans, or packs. Makgeolli sold in the market consists of saeng (un-sterilized) makgeolli and salgyun (sterilized) makgeolli. Buyers are advised to carefully note the expiration dates of the different types of makgeolli.
Green Tea – There are a wide variety of green tea products sold in the form of powdered tea, teabags, or whole leaves. Green tea is also sold in cans or bottles. Traditional teas such as citron tea and ginger tea are sold as liquids, extracts, or in teabag form. They are available in nearly every grocery store.
Rice Cakes – Rice cakes expire quickly. They harden quickly once they are opened, so it’s best to eat them as soon as possible. Rice cakes can last up to one month if carefully sealed in plastic wrap in individual serving sizes. The shelf-life of hangwa varies from three to six months. One of its many amazing attributes is that it does not spoil quickly, even though it contains no artificial additives or preservatives. Hangwa stays freshest when stored in an airtight container in a cool place. Once opened, hangwa should be eaten as soon as possible.
Purchasing Tips
Rice cakes are usually sold on the same day that they are made. For those who want to purchase a rice cake set, it’s best to look for sets made up of individually-wrapped rice cakes. If you’d like to purchase rice cakes made with a variety of ingredients (strawberry, pumpkin, carrot, etc.), you will need to place your order the day before. Customers can watch the hangwa-making process in places like Leegakangjung in Insa-dong and purchase products right after they’re made.
How if you are looking for unique and vintage items check out the Seoul Folk Flea Market. This market is the largest flea market in Korea. The market sells typical Korean items, everyday goods, souvenirs, traditional goods and traditional food, allowing visitors to enjoy shopping and eating all under one roof. These days, the market has become one of the city’s main attractions among local people as well as overseas visitors. Seoul Folk Flea Market is filled with Korean traditional goods and foods that reflect the simpler lifestyle of Koreans in times past. 
Seoul Folk Flea Market holds various events in which people can participate. The Citizen’s folk flea market is held every second and fourth Saturday of the month from 12pm – 6pm during March to October. Participants can sell their used goods freely here. “Folk nostalgia trip” is also held here every week from Thursday to Saturday from 11am – 12pm and 2pm – 3pm. Participants can browse goods from the past accompanied by a folk culture guide and listen to interesting stories related to Korean folk culture. There is also a place where visitors can make traditional handicrafts for themselves. In Traditional Culture Experience Hall, visitors can make traditional handicrafts such as “Hahoetal” (the famous traditional Korean mask from Andong, Gyeongbuk), as well as fans, hanji crafts etc. The hall opens everyday from 10:30am to 18:00pm and is a very popular place.
There is also a foreigners flea market, which is held regularly every year from March to October in the same way as the Citizen’s folk flea market.
Seoul Folk Flea Market is divided into seven zones; red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet, the colors of rainbow. The red zone is a food court. The orange zone is for regional specialties such as squid from Ulleungdo (Island), traditional crafts like crockery, and bits and bobs such as smoking pipes etc. The yellow zone deals with secondhand vintage goods, such as typewriters, telephones etc. The green zone is for antiques, such as traditional antique furniture and art. The blue zone sells fashion accessories and the indigo zone sells clothing, paintings, calligraphy, hanji (traditional handmade Korean paper) and so on. Finally, the violet zone displays and sells miscellaneous goods, electronics, tools etc. The market has many rare goods that cannot easily be found elsewhere. Tourists normally buy light items for souvenirs such as smaller antiques, smoking pipes or accessories.
Finally after a long day or days of shopping Seoul, I suggest you end your trip with a visit to a local Korean Spa. A trip to a Korean spa is nothing like a trip to Massage Envy back home. No a Korean Spa is a massive spa catering to your every ache and relaxation need. Do yourself a favor and set aside at least one afternoon for your spa time.
According to CNN Travel here are the top 3 spa’s to help you unwind after a long hard day of shopping.
Dragonhill Spa is one of the most famous Seoul saunas. The spa boasts eight floors fully equipped with various de-stressing zones and entertainment features, from fitness areas, spas, saunas, rooftop gardens and restaurants. It even has a movie theater.
The spa can get crowded on weekends. Nevertheless, it’s the first place to check out when it comes to Seoul-style jjimjilbang.
Spa Lei caters to females searching for a relaxing space where they don’t have
to worry if they have the latest “it” bags or if their makeup is still intact.
This stylish jjimjilbang is an all-girl’s paradise. From nail treatments, an outdoor café to powder rooms and small shops for jewelry and lingerie, Spa Lei mixes up beauty, workout, health and girl talk into one package.
The Spa in Garden 5 is one of the newest Seoul spas and it’s got one of the best views. Located on the 10th floor of Garden 5 shopping center, this modern spa offers the well-known features showcased at other jjimjilbangs, with extras like a library, arcade, internet café and yoga classes.