💿 Buying albums & goods in Seoul
Seoul's big record stores stock new releases, lightsticks and official merch. Here are three easy starting points, plus how to get your tax back.
Step by step
- Hottracks GwanghwamunIn the Kyobo Bookstore building (1 Jong-ro), near Gwanghwamun Stn (Line 5) exit 4. Daily 09:30–22:00; albums and K-pop goods, with tax refunds for visitors.
- WITHMUU AK Plaza Hongdae2F of AK Plaza by Hongik Univ. Stn exit 5. Albums, official merch, lightsticks and signed CDs. Mon–Fri 11:00–22:00, Sat–Sun 10:30–22:00.
- Ktown4u COEX2F–4F at 513 Yeongdong-daero (COEX), Gangnam: albums, lightsticks, photocards and pop-ups. Hours listed in 2024: 2F/4F 11:00–20:00, 3F 12:00–22:00; check before you go.
- Ask for a tax refundShow your passport at checkout. Instant refund works for a single payment of ₩15,000 up to under ₩1,000,000, and up to ₩5,000,000 per trip.
Show these in Korean
Before you go
- Look for 'Tax Free' or 'Tax Refund' signs at the till.
- Buy photocards from official stores: Korean customs has seized over a million fakes since 2023.
- Stock changes fast around releases, so check before crossing town.
Checked Sep 26 · Sources: english.visitseoul.net · english.visitseoul.net · english.visitkorea.or.kr · english.visitkorea.or.kr · www.koreajoongangdaily.com
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