The Lotte Town complex in the City Hall area is my favorite shopping location in Seoul. It's within easy walking distance of 10 or more hotels (including the beautiful Lotte Hotel) , the financial center, the still popular Myung-Dong district and it's right next to the Euljiro subway station (exit #7). They also have a parking tower for those driving in. There is a huge variety of items to select from, something for every taste, and the place is generally friendly for foreigners even though the main customer base is local Koreans. They even have a very large duty free shopping section available for those with a foreign passport.
My wife and I frequently grab lunch or a snack at the food court downstairs or dinner at one of the many, mostly casual, restaurants on the upper floors. Sometimes we spend hours roaming around the 3 main facilities (Young Plaza, Avenuel, and the main Lotte Department Store), other times we zip in to get something we need and get out quickly.
It is a great fascinating shopping location as well as a cultural slice of modern life in Korea. The only thing new comers should be aware of is that it is NOT cheap. Prices are high. I live in the NYC area, so I'm somewhat used to high costs, and I still think it's expensive. In fact, the overall cost of living for everything in and around Seoul is high. There are some nearby street markets, such as Nam-Dae Mun, where you can bargain and find cheap stuff for super cheap prices, but ALL department stores are pricy.
If you visit Seoul, I highly recommend that you check out all that the LOTTE Town complex...
ย ย ย Read moreVisiting Lotte Department Store Main Branch at the heart of Seoul's bustling Myeongdong district and encountering the renowned South Korean girl group ITZY was an unforgettable experience. The department store boasts multiple floors of shopping space encompassing fashion, beauty, home goods, and more, offering a diverse array of products that cater to various tastes and preferences.
Meeting ITZY members was an absolute delight. Their vibrant energy and charisma radiated throughout the venue as they interacted warmly with fans, creating an atmosphere of excitement and joy. The members graciously took photos, signed autographs, and engaged in conversations, showcasing their approachability and genuine passion for their supporters.
Encountering ITZY amidst a shopping excursion not only elevated the experience but also provided an exceptional opportunity for fans to have an up-close interaction with their beloved idols. The chance encounter with these celebrated artists transformed a regular shopping trip into a memorable and cherished moment. Such unique and special experiences contribute significantly to the overall richness of the shopping experience.
In summary, Lotte Department Store Main Branch in Myeongdong offers a diverse shopping experience, and meeting ITZY, a highly acclaimed K-pop group, added an extra layer of excitement and fulfillment. It left an indelible mark, creating enduring memories that fans will treasure for a long...
ย ย ย Read moreDear Store Manager,
I had a horrible experience at Dr Martens counter in Lotte Department Store, Main Branch.
On 1 Jan 2020 night, decided to head to Lotte to get a pair of Dr Martens. Travelled all the way there because I had pleasant experiences shopping there a few days ago. Young sales guy Dr Martens guy was so reluctant and unmotivated to even get me the size to try. He wore an extremely cold facial expression. It seemed like I was giving him extra work. He tried looking for the size in the cupboard but it wasn't available so he took his keys and went to the storeroom to look for it. It wasn't a pleasant experience but I let it go. When he return, he came back with a different model. Told him that wasn't the one I requested to try. He tried to argue with me and said that was the pair I wanted. I showed him the pair I wanted to try. It had a different material and looks but he insisted I was the one to request to try the other model. He was probably too lazy to walk to get the right pair for me so he blamed it all on me. This is thus far the worst service I ever had in many countries. Told him off and walked to Myeong Dong Dr Marten store and bought a pair.
TLDR: Bad service from Staff. Its touristy. People from China are going to buy in bulk regardless of good or poor service so why the need to serve you well. They just focus on China tourist. Even China has better...
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