Seriously can't get enough of Seoul
If it is your first trip to Seoul, here are some tips!
There will be a few parts, here is part 1
Myeongdong is the place to go if you want to stock up on your skin care or cosmetic products because all the brands are just next to each other.
HOWEVER!!!!!! The staff in every shop are well trained (SUPER HARD SELL), they can speak english, chinese, japanese, korean. Most first timers will "give in" to the pressure and spend lots of $$$
In order to purchase what you need only and not unnecessary things, I would suggest that you do some research first.
These are some of the products I have purchased, tried and tested and really liked!
Pore pack from Innisfree: I think it cost about 500KRW per piece. I purchased quite a lot of Innisfree products but this is my ultimate favourite.
Everytime i peel it off, i can see lots of white heads on the strips. Sounds disgusting :x
Nature's Republic aloe vera gel: it cost about 5000 KRW
When i purchased laneige products, they gave me some samples for IOPE which i gave to my aunties. They said it was effective, could see the effects! However i don't know which exactly..
I read some reviews online that IOPE has this essence that performs as well as SKII. So you might like to try it out when you are in Korea..
There are some brands which Singapore doesn't have such as Shara Shara, Banila Co, ElishaCoy which you might like to check out also :)
DO NOT BUY FROM THE AIRPORT!!!! I feel that the prices at the airport are much higher, firstly they charge you USD, if you want to pay in KRW (they convert the price from USD to KRW) so you have to pay more!!!! There are so many shops all over Korea, just get it from the city. You can even claim back the tax! Maybe you could purchase it from Hongdae or somewhere near to your hotel as it will be HEAVY!!!
If you are planning to head to Lotte mart at Seoul station, please note that they charge for plastic bags.
Lotte Mart is huge, you should allocate about 2 hours for this stop..
You have to make your own boxes after paying money and carry it back.
My fav buy would be this packet of seaweed sprinkle for rice and sea beam crackers (which has to be consumed within 2-3 days).
maybe you can get some kimchi (but it stinks your luggage!!!!)
I bought my contact lens from Korea. The first trip i bought it for 15,000 KRW per pair, second trip they had some "event" so selected designs for only 5,000 KRW per pair so i stocked up like mad!!!
I randomly went into the optical shops to ask. The first time was at namdaemun, and the second time was at myeongdong.
Alright..that is all for today!!!
I will blog again soon :)