Jeju-do

Tapdong Street

For shopaholics and street hangouts, this is possibly the island's most happening spot at night when mountains are asleep.

• Street vibrancy and crowd- A-; Reminds me of HK's bustling Tsim Sha Tsui where boutiques and restaurants stack on top one another or lie side by side.
• Appeal of merchandise - B+; There is an extension underground for more clothes browsing, but they are less up to date.

Chuncheon, Gangwon Province

          Myeongdong Street

This is sensationalized by the Korean melodrama, Winter Sonata. The district separates into two distinct divisions. Apart from modern clothes and eateries, Myeongdong branches out to another area selling sundry, dry food, vegetables and fruits by the older generation.

• Street vibrancy and crowd- A
• Appeal of merchandise- A-

Seoul, Gyeonggi Province

Dongdaemum

It leaves me an impression as an equivalent of Hong Kong's Causeway Bay. This could be wrong as I was only allowed to shop for a mere 2 hours in a large departmental house, Doota!. The latest fashion apparel and accessories can be swept off the displays at affordable prices.

• Street vibrancy and crowd- A+
• Appeal of merchandise- A+

         

 

 

 

 

Sinchon Street

This shopping district is again HK's answer to Tsim Sha Tsui. And it further substantiates my view on the fashion sense in the young Korea population. Variety is large, designs are bold, colours are brights and matching styles are less conventional than Singapore's. It is indeed a pleasure to the eye to see the vibrant streets donned in multiple colours and yet they don't appear too vulgar.

Small self-owned shops are plenty with reasonably good customer service. Operators greet you with "Haseyo" upon your visit. Shop fronts are attractive, making this place totally adorable.

• Street vibrancy and crowd- A+
• Appeal of merchandise- A+