Seoul's Ewha and Hongdae: Fashion-friendly buys at student-friendly prices

When it comes to shopping, South Korea's capital, Seoul, has plenty of options. Myeongdong is probably the city’s best known destination for tourists with money to burn. But for the adventurous and those wanting something a little more unique, the areas of Ewha (locally pronounced "Ee-day") and Hongdae are where the locals go to grab the best buys and hunt around for the latest trends. 

Both are located near university campuses and are loaded with creative items catering largely to the more open-minded shopper. Around these streets originality trumps uniformity. 

Ewha Street 

Ewha may take a little getting used to. You'll need to familiarize yourself as there are many backstreets and narrow alleyways lined with outdoor stalls and racks of clothing. But it’s worth the effort. With all the students, prices are kept relatively low as shopkeepers realize many are on shoestring budgets. Aesthetically, the area got a face lift in 2005. Streets were newly paved and trees were planted to give it a more European feel. Favored items include shoes, vintage wear and, above all, accessories. 

Accessorize. A shopper leans in for a closer look. The backstreets of Ewha is where you’ll grab the best deals and find some of the more original accessories.

Appraising the goods. Shoppers huddle up over a case of jewelry.

Mannequins draped in the latest streetwise fashion along one of the area’s narrow backstreets.

No prescription needs. A student tries on a pair of glasses more for style than for reading.

With rack upon rack of clothing, shoppers can find all sorts of variety.

Shopkeeper with an ear for fashion.

Getting there: Subway Line 2 straight to Ewha Station. Walk out exit 1.

Hongdae Street

With Hongik University nearby, a prestigious school known for its leading arts and design programs, the area attracts students and visitors alike. Many items are conceived by the students themselves. The highest concentration of clothing stalls and vintage shops can be found along the main passageway, Eo Ulmadang-gil, minutes away from the subway station. There’s also a weekly market called Art Free Market (a flea market put together principally by students) that runs from March through November between 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Another local favorite is Volkswagen (+822 (0) 2 334 8817), about a 30-second walk from Hongik Station. Many surrounding shops cater strongly to females, but men can find a good assortment of vintage designs here too, including t-shirts, man bags and a variety of hats. 

People don’t come to Hongdae simply to shop. When the evening kicks in, the nightlife steps up. Give Café aA (+822 (0) 2 3143 7312) a try before heading over to Club Mansion. 

Hongdae’s weekly Art Free Market draws styles of all kinds to grab deals on student designs and garments. Here a shopper checks out some rings.

Student shows off her creative muscle.

Shoes and garments are just some of the authentic sold at the market.

Musicians perform for shoppers and passersby.

Getting there: Subway Line 2 to Hongik Station. Take exit 5.

Writer/photographer Gregory Curley left his native Canada for South Korea seven years ago. He’s been making Seoul his home ever since. When he’s not busy trying to appear creative as a copywriter, he’s blogging away or contributing assignments to both CNNGo and SEOUL magazine.

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