If you’d like to shop for Korean designer clothing labels, be part of the in-crowd, grab a chance to dress fashionably (without people staring at you), or even spot some Korean stars… Visiting Garosu-gil might be your best bet!
Since not many websites or blogs depict Garosugil with its shops, so I thought that a virtual picture tour of the place would be helpful; it is a heaven for shopaholics and foodies like me.
To ensure that you are able to shop and eat to the fullest, be sure to reserve one day to explore Seoul’s famous fashion street! I came back for another day because one day was not enough. Oops.
DIRECTIONS TO GAROSU-GIL
Located at Sinsa-dong – a district of Gangnam, getting to Garosu-gil was a breeze because it’s only one stop from Gangnam by the metro! Just take Exit 8 of Sinsa station and walk about 250m until you see the “It’s Skin”, a Korean makeup store and turn left.
The view after coming out of Exit 8 of Sinsa station.
Make a left turn after this store!
There it is.
Filled cafes and restaurants, and local boutiques like MCM, Wonderplace and H. Kim’s Boutique etcetera, it is not surprising that both tourists and Koreans like to dwell on this street from day to night – which happened for me.
The entire stretch of Garosu-gil is not that long actually – you’d be able to walk from one end to another within twenty minutes, but when you actually start slowing down to shop, time seems to fly like crazy! Along with your money.
This post will focus on the shops, restaurants and cafes that Garosu-gil offers, so continue reading on if you are travelling to Seoul!
SHOPPING AT GAROSU-GIL
Here are a list of several shops that I spotted, where some of them that I actually went into.
#1 WONDERPLACE – CLOTHING, ACCESSORIES
Situated within the heart of the Garosu-gil, Wonderplace is a wonderland for hip and trendy casual wear where it carries both Korean and international labels like BOY LONDON, and has opened branches at touristy areas like Hongdae.
I heard that Korean stars would frequently shop at Wonderplace; you might bump into them while you’re there. Who knows?
#2 NEUF HOTEL – CLOTHING, ACCESSORIES, HOME DECOR
NEUF HOTEL not only houses men and women clothing, but also accessories and home decor within its 4-storey premise.
I was not able to gain access to the second level because it was closed in the morning.
The shop basically targets young adults and working women; their selection of smart-looking blouses, shirts, and trench coats made with lightweight chiffon and polyester materials are wonderful for the current summer season, and prices start from about SGD80.
A backyard sale was held while I was there too!
#3 9 OWLS – VINTAGE CLOTHING, SHOES, ACCESSORIES
Isn’t this just the most adorable shopfront?
Clad with my favourite shade of neon pink and matching lights, 9 OWLS was an unexpected discovery when I veered off the main shopping belt.
It seemed daunting to go down the stairs at first, but I’m glad I did!
It is essentially a vintage boutique store overflowing with fun styles from the 1970s and 80s! Twiggy would have approved of this.
I found myself walking through racks and racks of floral and polka dot patterned garments, thick denim jackets and your grandma’s mustard sweater or large floppy hat – anything to remind you of fashion back in the olden days.
9 OWLS also boasts an entire wall of branded bags like Chanel, MCM and Louis Vuitton bags that will make any girl go gaga – some of which are imitation though; I was thankful that the sales assistant was frank with me when I enquired about them.
#ExperiencedShopper
9 Owls would be the ultimate destination for girls who like retro, bold prints, and unique pieces that are uncommon on the street.
#4 SKINFOOD – MAKEUP, SKINCARE
Anyone at Garosu-gil would never fail to turn their heads and stare at this beautiful facade that SKINFOOD has created – together with a cute vintage Volkswagen minivan that is perfect for photo shoots!
Oh, and don’t be surprised if you see models strutting out their stuff for the photographers at alleyways or cafes because it is a completely normal practice for them! The tree-lined fashion street is just too picture-perfect.
#5 SPAO – CLOTHING, ACCESSORIES, SHOES
If you are a fan of SM Entertainment celebrities, SPAO is the store for you. It is a prominent Korean casual wear brand ranging from women and men’s wear to children and it is a brand popular amongst the youths.
That is because they frequently collaborate with celebrities; you can tell just by their gigantic posters and standees of the hottest stars.
SPAO has another branch at Myeongdong though, so don’t fret if you skip this one!
#6 A LAND – CLOTHING, ACCESSORIES, SHOES, HOME DECOR
The end of Garosu-gil lies the magical world of A LAND – a a multi-brand store that offers creative and special products created by up-and-coming designers. Each floor comprises of a variety of merchandise like shoes, hats, accessories and clothes, and prices of tops, for example, can start from SGD20 to really high.
How much you’d spend really depends on your budget. For a shopaholic like me who would spend more than I have, I would recommend going directly to level 3, where it features items from 3.3 Field Trip that are more affordable.
I have been a huge fan of A Land since its opening at Hong Kong. Nevertheless, I have concluded that it is better to shop at the branches in Hong Kong because I found some designs that I have not seen before at Garosu-gil!
I am not too sure why.
Nevertheless, for the male shoppers, Myeongdong has a three-storey store dedicated for you, so please visit that instead; their options are a lot wider than this particular branch!
#7 RANDOM BUS FLEA
You’ve seen flea markets in Singapore. But what about BUS fleas?
I was excited when I saw a bus parked at one corridor from A Land. It carries handmade jewellery, funky tropical printed apparels, t-shirts and sunglasses.
To be honest, it was the funky cat cushions and caps that attracted me!
#8 POP – CLOTHING, ACCESSORIES
Another Korean boutique that caters towards the girls, sorry boys.
There are many other boutiques that are just like that along Garosu-gil, so be ready to shop till you drop!
#9 GUESS
Besides Korean brands you can expect international brands like GUESS.
Something different from the normal GUESS stores would be the opportunity to be pose as a rock star!
#10 ZARA, ZARA HOME
ZARA – the global clothing franchise needs no introduction. But ZARA HOME, guys?
They sell anything that you can imagine in your house, and they look so pretty. Beware of overbuying though, because they can bust your baggage allowances!
I wish we had an outlet in Singapore. Sigh. Rental problems.
EATING AT GAROSU-GIL
For the foodies, hubbies and boyfriends, this section is for you. You can choose to relax at a cafe with a cup of coffee while your lady takes off for shopping and ignores you for the day.
#1 COFFEE SMITH – A CUPPA FOR YA?
If you are walking from Sinsa station, it is hard not to notice Coffee Smith, which is a chain of cafes that is opened all over South Korea’s major landmarks. It is probably the most eye-catching cafe in Garosu-gil due to its high ceilings, chill vibes and spacious area.
I read that they serve pretty decent coffee.
There was an event going on while I was there for FRESH cosmetics that day, and I was given a free balloon!
Coffee Smith
536-20, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2-3445-3372
Opening Hours:
9am – 1.30am (Mon to Thu, Sun)
9am – 2.30am (Fri, Sat)
#2 REMICONE – TAKE A BREAK WITH THEIR ICONIC SOFT SERVES
Located in one corner of the opposite alley after ZARA is REMICONE, a must-go dessert shop for the Instagram photo that will receive numerous ‘likes’, no matter how expensive and non-delectable it is.
Pick a cup or cone, and you can customise your Milk, Salted Caramel, or Real Chocolate soft serve with honey caviar, mango, cotton thunder, hazelnut crumble, honey chip, popping sugar or fleur de sel (sea salt) toppings.
I had the classic THUNDERBOMB that costs 61 000 won. Taste-wise, let’s just say I’ve had better. Who cares, though?
It looked nice against any background while I was savouring it on the go.
It was so cute that everyone turned back to get a clearer glance at my portable fluffy cloud.
REMICONE
547-12 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
+82-2-6207-1029
Opening Hours:
11am – 10pm Daily
#3 LINE FRIENDS STORE & CAFE
Girls who use the LINE app, please scream.
Because LINE FRIENDS are at Garosugil and you can take photos with Brown, Cony, Sally and more!
Knowing that typical Asian girls are all about taking photos and selfies with anything and everything, there is a queue dedicated to fans of the #ForeverSad Brown Bear!
Shopping is a no-brainer at the store, but be careful what you pick because you might overspend on their pricey merchandise!
All that expenditure on the plush toys and balloons is to lure you into their shop…
Kids are also not exempted from the LINE FRIENDS merchandise, however, the designs and quality for a basic cotton shirt with a small picture of the characters are nothing fantastic for their price – in my opinion.
As for the foodies, you can straightaway head to the cafe located at the basement. Remember to stop by and say hello to Sally because she/it appears to be a tad lonely…
Behold… The LINE Cafe’s display window is so compelling that it was tough for anyone to choose which dessert or character to devour!
A variety of treats are being served at the cafe, including their iconic Macarons, Cream Roll Cake, Brown Mini Pancake, Matcha Cream Roll Cake, Chocolate Cupcake, Cake Puddings, Lemon Meringue Tart and so forth – with a touch of their signature gwiyeo characters.
JUST LOOK AT THEIR CONES AND CUPS!
The Brown Choco Mousse Cake [15 900 won] and Cookie [2500 won] looked too cute to break them apart, so I settled for something that is less brutal – Ice Cream served in a cup [3800 won]!
I liked how the designers have gone to the extra mile, as the cups are customised to the characters’ faces! This not commonly done at character-themed cafes.
I see triple Conys! Do you?
Although cafe has several tables for you to relish your LINE FRIENDS desserts, I chose to wander the streets with Cony. She not only looked good, but tasted good!
It was hands down one of the best soft serves I’ve had. It has a smooth and thick milky base that was prominent within each scoop. Moreover, the sprinkle of dehydrated strawberries tasted like the real thing due to the presence of their seeds! The only downside was the pink Cony butter biscuit that was rather bland.
But I guess consuming my own kind is bad enough…
Visiting my LINE friends was definitely a highlight of my Seoul trip, and it could be yours if you are a fan of the Korean messaging app and its characters!
LINE Friends Store & Cafe
535-15 Sinsa-dong,
Garosu-gil Street,
Gangnam-Gu, Seoul, South Korea.
Opening Hours: 12pm – 9pm Daily
#4 SULBING 설빙
If you haven’t already known, Bingsu is a widely popular dessert that has already made waves in Singapore – especially since the launch of numerous bingsu cafes like Oma Spoon, Nonsongyee and Nunsaram. However, you may not know that the real deal actually originated from Sulbing!
I was so excited to spot one branch within 50 metres from the start of Garosu-gil – unexpectedly, and wanted to see if our Singaporean cafes are on par with South Korea’s Sulbing.
Go up the stairs, and Sulbing has at least a hundred seats that can fit at least a few classes of students!
I heaved a sigh of relief when the menus contained languages that we are familiar with.
It was difficult to select what we wanted because we were hungry and everything looked delicious, but we made it in the end.
We had the Mango Cheese Snowflakes Sherbet [9500 won], Black Sesame Snowflakes Sherbet [8000 won] and Citron Injeolmi Toast [5000 won].
I would urge everyone to order the Black Sesame Snowflakes Sherbet [8000 won] and Citron Injeolmi Toast [5000 won] simply because the cheese cubes and mangoes tasted artificial and frozen – respectively.
The Citron Injeolmi Toast was toasted and I liked how each bite contained the soybean powder and gooey melted rice cake that is sandwiched in between the two layers of bread. The “Citron” flavour came from the yuzu sauce drizzled over, which may be a bit too overpowering.
A simple Injeolmi toast without additional toppings would do for a first-timer. I’d rather have this over an American grilled cheese sandwich… anytime, I thought to myself.
Red bean and black sesame lovers like me would take delight in their Black Sesame Snowflakes Sherbet [8000 won]. I found the red beans were fresh, and black sesame powder and soybean powder to be finely milled enough to mix with the snowflakes.
While this is so, my company found it to be too fine, but I loved it. Just remember not to breathe in or choke on them on your first bite!
To my surprise, there was more soybean powder embedded within the bingsu when you’re halfway through. How very thoughtful!
Overall, in comparison to Singapore’s Oma Spoon, Sulbing’s snowflakes seem to be made out of plain ice, whereas Oma Spoon has a milky flavour and condensed milk was provided on the side.
I personally preferred Sulbing’s rendition because it was not overly taxing on your digestive system.
Their Black Sesame Bingsu has developed a special place in my heart and I’d definitely get this again.
Sulbing 설빙
Address: 2F, 45, Gangnam-daero 152-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 강남구 강남대로 152번길 45, 2층)
02-540-3268
Opening Hours: 11am – 10.30pm
#5 O’SULLOC TEA HOUSE
Located next to ZARA, O’Sulloc Tea House is a chain of tea house that all matcha and tea lovers must not miss while you are at Seoul because they specialise in all things matcha and hojicha like rolls, cakes, scones and bingsu!
I visited the branch at Myeongdong and had a few drinks and desserts; I personally recommend their Green Tea Cheesecake and Iced drinks.
A word of caution: please do not order their Hot Matcha Latte because it was the worst I’ve had, and some of my friends on their separate trips have agreed on this with me.
O’Sulloc Tea House
532-10 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Opening Hours: 11am to 10pm Daily
#6 CAFE DE PARIS
People come to Cafe De Paris for just one thing, which is their Insta-famous Strawberry Bon Bon and striking modern European-style atmosphere.
They also serve breads, cakes and drinks if you would like to have some taitai-ish teatime with your girlfriends, and escape from the bustle of Garosugil.
Picture credits: Harper’s Bazzar Hong Kong
Cafe de Paris
551-2 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Tel: +822 5148282
Opening Hours: 10am – 11pm Daily
#7 MUG FOR RABBIT
Similar to Coffee Smith and Cafe de Paris, Mug For Rabbit is yet another multi-storey Parisian themed cafe and it seems like a cosy space to sip some coffee while people-watching – note that the chairs are directed towards the pavements.
Mug For Rabbit
Gangnam-gu, Sinsa-dong 534-25 (서울 강남구 신사동 534-25)
+82 02-548-7488
Directions: Off the Sinsa stop (신사) on Line 3, Exit 8. Go straight, until you reach the main street. Take a left. When you see Nonhyeon-ro 153-gil (논련로 153길), take a right. Mug for Rabbit will be on the right of the first intersection.
#8 SCHOOL FOOD
POST-TRAVEL THOUGHTS
Happy travelling…
ANDREA THE #FOREVERHUNGRY BUNNY
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