Updated May 1, 2024
From the flagship stores of luxury brands like Comme des Garçons to home-grown, ultra trendy Korean brands like MARGESHERWOOD, Hannam has some of the Best Shopping in South Korea, hands down!
Unlike in the U.S., in-person shopping is still very much alive in Seoul. Given Korea’s fashionistas and the intense consumer culture, there are so many interesting Korean brands whose styles you really can’t find outside of Korea.
To check out the cream of the crop of Korean shopping, it’s 100% worth checking out the Hannam-dong area.
Where is Hannam?
Hannam is a neighborhood in the center of Seoul, South Korea. Given that Seoul is split in half by the Han River, it might be handy to note that Hannam is north of the Han River.
The trendiest area in Hannam among locals is near Hangangjin Station.
What’s the vibe of Hannam?
You might notice that the flagship stores in Hannam kind of feel like a repurposed house. You’re right: along with luxury apartments, Hannam uniquely sports individual homes owned and lived in by wealthy families.
For example, U.N. Village, which is a small section of Hannam, got its name because of the many diplomats who lived there. Today, many celebrities and business families continue to live there.
What else is there to do in Hannam?
From shopping to experiencing the arts and getting your tummy full, there’s so much to do in Hannam.
Hannam has a huge art scene. If you love art museums, definitely check out arguably the most famous Korean modern art museum, the Leeum Samsung Museum of Art, as well as the Hyundai Card Music Library for an ultra-modern experience!
Hannam is also home to many art galleries, like the Pace Gallery.
Oh, and there’s tons of hidden gems like chic cafes, which tend to be larger and roomier than in the busier parts of Seoul.
Best Shopping in Hannam
1. RECTO: Stylish & Quality Basics
I love everything I own from RECTO, from my oversized dark brown coat, long black leather skirt, to my grey ribbed long sleeve shirt. The materials are quality and the fit is artistic.
If you’re looking for stylish, quality basics, I would highly recommend that you check out RECTO.
The price point is on the medium to higher side. A pleated strap dress will set you back 398,000 won (~287 USD). A men’s logo t-shirt costs 148,000 won (~107 USD).
RECTO’s flagship store in Hannam is definitely worth the visit. Their three-story showroom feels like a luxurious, modern apartment, complete with wooden decor and flooded with lots of light.
2. Musee: Elegant & Edgy
Unbalanced, double-layered, draped. The Musee girl is stylish with a blase ease. That sea green linen dress jived with her every movement at that engagement party (275,000 won / ~200 USD). That cut-out knitted cardigan top she wore to the cocktail bar was so edgy but also looked so comfy (118,000 won, ~86 USD).
Musee is nestled in a brutalist building with exposed concrete beams. The first floor has their main collection. But don’t forget to check out the second floor, where you’ll find items on sale, as well as refurbished items.
Address: South Korea, Annex Building (C Building KR 2nd floor, 66 Hannam-daero 27-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
3. Sienne: Cute, Colorful & Croquette
Think red cardigans that tie in the front with a long bow, mint green t-shirts and cable cardigans. Sienne is a women’s clothing brand that the coquette-loving Gen Z, preppy American, Japanese 20-something and sensible Grandma could all rock. With all this being said, realistically, Sienne probably draws a younger crowd. Check Sienne out if you’re looking for joyful pieces that celebrate your sense of girlish femininity.
Pro Tip: Snap some pics by the mirror outside the store!
Address: 36-63 Hannam-daero 27-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea 1/F
4. INSILENCE: Grungy, oversized street style
INSILENCE is a Seoul-based contemporary brand founded in 2013. If you’re looking for everyday items with a twist, INSILENCE is a great option for women and men. Their items generally have a looser, roomier fit, and the quality is impressive for the price.
A grey women’s blazer with side buttons will set you back 159,000 won (~116 USD). I found a pair of men’s baggy jeans with an extra flap around the knee area that cost 134,000 won (~97 USD).
Address: South Korea, Seoul, Yongsan-gu, Hannam-dong, 727-3 3/F
5. TANNAT: Girly & Feminine Basics
TANNAT has great quality basics if you’re a cozy girlie. Think black and white tops and tanks, and pastel cardigans and sweaters.
The TANNAT store is a minimalist haven. I love the wide windows that open up this Hannam store.
The pale strawberry milk-hued cotton cardigan will set you back 142,000 won (~104 USD). An oversized black blazer made using rayon costs 219,000 won (~160 USD).
Address: 7 Hannam-daero 27ga-gil, 2/F, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
6. MARGESHERWOOD: 90s Clothing & Leather Bags
This Korean brand is named after the iconic all-American character, Marge Sherwood from the 1999 thriller, The Talented Mr. Ripley. Marge, played by Gwyneth Paltrow, has made quite a splash for her elegant, wealthy summer style.
To be honest, I’m not really sure what MARGESHERWOOD is named after this character, because their fashion is a more street and leather 90s.
MARGESHERWOOD’s moody clothing and tempting bags remind me more of Breakfast Club, and the quirky character, Ally Sheedy. Think crinkled satin skirts that drop straight down to your ankles, like a cooking apron (199,000 won, or ~145 USD). Or leather shoulder handbags with a belt buckle that cinches down the center of the bag (318,000 won, or ~230 USD).
Address: South Korea, 1F Hannam-daero 27ga-gil, 26-16 Seoul
Best Shopping in Hannam (Conclusion)
Hannam is a great place to indulge in the peak of Korean consumer culture. From international brands to the concept stores of amazing Seoul-based fashion brands, you’re for sure to find the trendiest shopping in Hannam.
- RECTO: Stylish & Quality Basics
- Musee: Elegant & Edgy
- Sienne: Cute, Colorful & Croquette
- INSILENCE: Grungy, oversized street style
- TANNAT: Girly & Feminine Basics
- MARGESHERWOOD: 90s Clothing & Leather Bags
Thanks for checking out my guide to the Best Shopping in Hannam! If you’re looking for more hip neighborhood ideas, check out this article!
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