SHOPPING IN SEOUL

SHOPPING IN SEOUL

Seoul's open air markets are the place for bargains. They're a must-see on every visitor's itinerary. Though oftentimes crowded, most of them are generally clean, organized and pedestrian-friendly.

Tasty dishes that will definitely suit you're budget and appetite.

1. Learn how to haggle and ask for a discount, everywhere! Shopkeepers and stallholders automatically quote high prices to foreigners. A good bargain would be 20% off the original quoted price. Perseverance is key. A lot of the sellers speak minimal English, so here are some useful phrases to use while shopping:

How much is this? Igeo eolmayeyo?
Could you give a discount? Jom kkakgajuseyo?
Do you have...? innayo
I'm looking for... Jeon reul wonhaeyo
Where can I find...? neun eodi innayo...?
Please give me a receipt. Yeoungsujeungeul chusaeyo.
Could gift wrap it please? Seonmul pojanghae juseyo?
Give me a refund. Hwanbulhae juseyo.
I'd like to exchange this. Gyohwanhae juseyo.

2. Pick a weekday for your shopping spree. Weekends usually draws a throng of people, and you can find it difficult to move around with the heavy human traffic, both locals and tourists alike.

3. It's best to shop with a local, someone to help you navigate the cluster of stalls and teach you a thing or two about haggling. However, if you're the more adventurous type, always keep your wits about you, be alert. Watch out for pickpockets.

4. Go for traditional! they are not only cheap but they are also savory and nutritious. Be sure to eat ramyeon, bibimbap, and all sorts of street foods and goodies...don't worry they're clean.