It’s summer, and the heat is overwhelming. For those of us who are too scared to go out in the sun, but still feel exhausted on weekends, there is an option: shopping malls. Here are some of the best shopping malls in Seoul to beat the heat.
Lotte World Mall
Lotte World Mall in Jamsil. You’ll find just about every brand here, including flagship stores of local casual brands like Gentlemonster, This Is Never That, and Satter. Right next door is Avenue L, where you can shop for a wide range of luxury goods. There’s also a good F&B lineup, including Blue Bottle, London Bagel Museum, and Bills, but be prepared to wait in line on weekends. If you want to cool off, head to Seokchon Lake right in front of the mall for a stroll.
📍300, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Jamsil (Naver map)
⏰ 10:30-22:00
The Hyundai Seoul
Designed by Nobel Prize Pritzker Prize winner Richard Rogers, the Hyundai Department Store The Hyundai Seoul has become a must-visit for shoppers since its opening. It offers a wide range of shopping experiences, from luxury to pop-up stores of local brands with strong branding. The 5th-floor atrium space under the skylight makes you feel like you’re outside even though you’re inside.
📍108 Yeoui-daero, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (Naver map)
⏰ Weekdays 10:30-20:00, Weekends 10:30-20:30
IFC Mall
Before The Modern, IFC Mall was the place where people in Yeouido gathered after work. With its stunning glass pavilion entrance, you can enjoy not only shopping but also cultural events such as exhibitions. MPX GALLERY, an exhibition space inside IFC Mall, is currently home to Hotel Floria, where you can meet Sanrio characters in a media art exhibition.
📍10, Gukjejongno-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (Naver map)
⏰ 10:00-22:00
Yongsan i-Park Mall
iPark Mall is located at Yongsan Station. If you’re waiting for a train or don’t feel like traveling to Sinsan, Samseongji, or Itaewon, I recommend staying at i-Park Mall. It consists of Fashion Park, Taste Park, and Living Park. Check the official Instagram for weekly events at Yongsan i-Park Mall. There is also an iPark Mall in Gochuk.
📍55, Hangangdae-ro 23-gil, Yongsan-gu, Yongsan-si, Yongsan (Naver map)
⏰ 10:30-20:30, SPA∙F&B10:30-22:00
Times Square
Yeongdeungpo Times Square is a regular venue for red carpet events for Hollywood stars. Aside from the fact that it’s a trusted shopping mall, it’s also home to healthy bakery Oewol’s Jong and coffee libre right next door.
📍15, Yeongjung-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Yeongdeungpo-si, Yeongdeungpo-gu (Naver map)
⏰ 10:30-22:00
Starfield COEX Mall
With locations in Hanam, Suwon, Bucheon, Goyang, and Anseong, Starfield’s Seoul branch is located in Samsung COEX Mall. It’s easy to get disoriented in the labyrinthine mall, but if you’re willing to put up with the confusion, you’ll be rewarded with a number of restaurants that all have their own historic flagship locations, from the Starfield Coex Library and Pomodoro to Misarimil Light Chogye Noodles and Haidirao.
📍Samsung, 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Naver map)
⏰ 10:00-22:00