Recently I just came back from Seoul (again) and here are my tips:
1. Choose shopping wisely 😏
- instead of the usual Korean brands like Stand Oil and Matin Kim, if you are budget conscious like me, choose Nyunyu as they have a wide collection of bags and accessories and as they are wholesale, prices are cheaper.
- go for Blue Elephant too as their sunglasses are really good quality, for a much cheaper price than Gentle monster.
2. Use the metro (or the bus) 🚌
- while you may use Kakao T or k.ride for ride hailing, they may be expensive/ overpriced for tourists.
- metro is convenient and an easy way to get around Seoul.
3. Olive Young away from popular areas 🏬
- if you like Olive Young, try outlets that are not in popular spots like Hongdae or Myeongdong, because these places tend to be crowded and with no freebies given. (Lesson learnt here)
- on my trip we stumbled across an Olive young further away from the central, which was very convenient and had the products that we wanted. The cashier was generous and gave us some free gifts even though we didn’t spend that much. I regretted spending so much in Myeongdong 😂
... Read moreWhen traveling to Seoul, saving money without sacrificing experience is totally doable with a little insider knowledge. From personal experience, opting for wholesale stores like Nyunyu not only trims your expenses but also gives you access to a variety of trendy bags and accessories that you might not find elsewhere. I found that these wholesale prices are significantly lower compared to popular Korean brands, making it easier to stick to a budget.
Transport costs can quickly add up, so relying on Seoul's efficient metro system rather than ride-hailing apps like Kakao T or k.ride is a smart move. The metro covers nearly all hotspots, and because it’s designed with tourists in mind, it’s easy to navigate even for first-timers. Plus, buses offer an economical alternative if you're comfortable exploring less crowded routes.
One tip that really enhanced my shopping experience was visiting Olive Young stores located away from famous areas such as Hongdae and Myeongdong. The quieter branches not only offer the same great product selection but often include freebies and better customer service due to less foot traffic. This meant I got more value for my money and avoided the hustle and bustle of the busiest districts.
Taking these insights into account truly enriched my Seoul trips, allowing me to enjoy the city’s vibrant culture without overspending. Incorporate these money-saving strategies to travel smart and make the most out of your visit to Seoul!
Smart tips! 🤩