If you like shopping, then you will definitely like Seoul. If you plan to visit all the local markets, outlets, and shopping centers, you will have to spend at least a month here. This is due to the fact that there are a lot of shops in the city and its surroundings. It is better to exchange some money for Korean won. The card will not be accepted in markets or small stores. However, there are no problems with cashless payments in shopping centers and large boutiques. So you do not have to go with a bundle of banknotes, even if you are planning a very large spending. It is better to choose the time from 10-11 am to 7 pm for shopping. All stores are open at this time. However, large shopping centers often are opened around the clock. Small stores usually don't close until 10 pm in the hope of attracting customers.
Sales are held here on a schedule similar to the European one. Seoul Summer Sale takes place in July and August. Only foreign tourists can take part in it. You need to issue a special card for this. It is issued at the airport or at the tourist counters of shopping centers. If you're lucky, you can find a good item for just 30% of its real cost. You can participate in the Korea Grand Sale using the same scheme in winter. You can print a card for this sale from the event's official website.
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