I want a bag that can only be bought in Korea! Recommended spots in the Gangnam and Samseong areas?

For women, bags are one of the most important fashion items, and you can never have too many, right? When you come to Seoul, enjoy shopping for stylish and affordable Korean brands, as well as the luxurious high-end brands you've always dreamed of! In Seoul's Gangnam and Samseong areas, you'll find everything from shopping districts full of budget-friendly items to duty-free shops lined with luxury brands, so you can browse a wide variety of items. Here are some recommended shopping spots in the Gangnam and Samseong areas that you should visit if you're looking to buy a bag!

1. LOTTE Duty Free (COEX Branch)

When it comes to iconic hotels in the Gangnam and Samseong areas, the InterContinental Seoul COEX Hotel, located just a 6-minute walk from Exit 5 of Samseong Jungang Station, is a standout. From the basement floor B1 up to the 3rd floor of this luxury hotel, you’ll find the LOTTE Duty Free Store (COEX Branch).

Here, you can enjoy tax-free shopping with a wide selection of luxury brand bags, including Korean designer MCM. Since this area is a popular accommodation spot for business travelers, it’s also convenient for picking up souvenirs for your family. When traveling abroad, shopping at duty-free stores is a must! If you visit the Gangnam area, make sure to drop by.

2. Gangnam Underground Shopping Center

The area around Gangnam Station is already known for its rows of fast fashion stores, but even underground, there’s an entire shopping center! It’s also very popular among local women. Taking a full loop around the area can take about 30 minutes, and it’s lined with shops offering affordable cosmetics and fashion items.

There are bag specialty shops too, offering trendy and simple designs in abundance. The biggest draw is definitely the low prices! It’s also perfect if you end up with too much luggage and need an extra bag for your things. Just be aware that weekday evenings can get crowded with local office workers, so daytime shopping is recommended.

3. GOTO MALL (Gangnam Terminal Underground Shopping Mall)

GOTO MALL is a bit farther from the Gangnam and Samseong areas, located at the Express Bus Terminal Station in Gangnam-gu. This underground shopping mall is divided into three zones. The West Zone and Goto Zone mostly feature fashion stores, while the East Zone has stores selling home goods, furniture, bedding, and flowers.

It’s a favorite spot for young women looking for cute, affordable items, and there are plenty of shops offering bags—from specialty bag stores to clothing stores. If you’re staying nearby or visiting the area, this is definitely a place you should check out. Plus, there are plenty of restaurants, so you can enjoy more than just bag shopping!

4. COEX MALL

If you want to buy bags in the Gangnam and Samseong areas, you can’t miss COEX MALL! This is the landmark shopping mall in the area, and it’s also an entertainment complex that includes an aquarium and the Kimchi Museum.

There are plenty of domestic and international brands here, so you’re sure to find a bag you’ll love. One shop especially worth mentioning is the select shop “around the corner,” which also has a street store in Garosugil. It carries brands from all over the world, including Korean brands. They have a great selection of stylish bags, so it’s highly recommended! This is definitely a must-visit spot in the Gangnam and Samseong areas.

◎ Summary

What do you think about the shopping spots for bags in the Gangnam and Samseong areas that we introduced? These places aren’t just for bags—there are lots of fashion items available! If you visit this area, make sure to check them out. From affordable items to luxury goods, Korea truly is a shopping paradise where you can find everything nearby. Enjoy your shopping in the Gangnam and Samseong areas!