Shopping here was an interesting experience. Most of the retailers sell products that must be picked up at ICN airport. This seems to vary between different retailers - you just need to ask.
The airport pickup turned out to be a challenge as the pick area is not well signed. The pickup instructions tell you to go to gate 29, but the actual pickup area is in the general area of gate 29. If you're walking from gate 1 to 29, you'll reach a T junction where gate 29 is on the right. The duty free pickup is to your left and up one floor. It looks like the pickup area can get very busy, so don't leave this until the last minute.
If you shop in the main Myeong-dong area, you'll get and instant tax refund if you spend over $100 in the stores that advertise tax free shopping, and you'll get your products right there and then. This does not help you if you can only find a product you want in the duty free area of the department store. Just be aware of the airport...
Read moreReally big and luxurious department store. Here you can find all the expensive brands from Europe. The top three floors are tax free and it can be very busy and even intimidating. When there is a sale, you see one massive crowd hunting for bargains. People standing in long lines to enter shops like Chanel and Burberry. Only some staff will speak English and you have to bring your passport and your flight details, because tax free items like Swiss watches, liquor must be picked up at the airport when you leave...
Read moreHaving been a frequent visitor to Seoul for the past 7 years, it saddens me to see how the service levels in Lotte DFS have tumbled. TUMBLED. It's crowded, made worse by shouting tourists and bad signage. Staff members are fatigued and disinterested to serve. "AIGOO! NO ENGLISH!" "NO BUYING ONE, MUST BUY 4". Rude fellow shoppers, rude staff members, it's a TOXIC environment. This used to be an essential stop for me, now I'll take my money else where. Only plus point, all major brands are...
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