Ehwa is a great place to shop for cosmetics, bags, clothes, shoes and cute stuff. It's less crowded than Myeongdong and Dongdaemun, much less touristy and has affordable prices because it's a University area.
You can get clothes there for as low as 2,000 won, and the quality is generally pretty good. I actually still have clothes I got from my first trip there like 9 years ago still in great condition. Things can get a little overwhelming so I would suggest a budget for each category. For example, I generally limit my self to 10,000 won per item for everything other than cosmetics, mostly because with the exchange rate anything above that I might as well just shop back home.
It's a plus that there are shops that sell bags for 10,000 won.
Shoes however I find that there are other places that are much cheaper. The lowest price I found in Ehwa is around 20,000won. Curious as to why I can get shoes with a similar design for 10,000won, I had a chat with the shopkeeper. He told me that 10,000 won shoes are made in China while his were made in Korea. I have to admit the finishing and design are a bit nicer compared to the China ones. That being said the 10,000won ones are just as nice and comfortable.
They were so light that once when I was looking for them I couldn't because it was in what I thought was an empty shoe box. This will be great for traveling since it's so light.
The first shop you see on your way out of the train station is Daiso. For those who don't know, Daiso used to be a dollar shop but now sells thing up to 5,000 won. It's a great place to shop for cheap and good quality stuff.
I like shopping for beauty here more than Myeongdong purely because it is less crowded and the shops are more organized. However, bear in mind that freebies and discounts may not be as abundant. Although I did manage to catch 50% off everything from 2 shops :)
The street food here is much more reasonably priced compared to Myeongdong, although the variety may not be as much, so give it a try. The street food here is more traditional with kimbab, ddokbokki, egg bread and etc.
On a hot summer day or if your like my family and I and enjoy cold stuff regardless of the weather, I recommend Sulbing. It's the best Bingsu place so far in Korea that I've tried. For those who don't know bingsu is basically shaved flavoured ice. My favourite is the Injeolmi (soy bean powder) and the honeydew cereal. They cost around 7,900won to 13,500won (Rm29 - Rm50) pretty pricey but so worth it on a hot day. You can either share a bowl with someone or get a bowl each and share the flavours. Do note that if you go there after a meal you may not be able to finish one on your own.
They have various outlets around seoul. I've personally been to 2 in Hongdae, 1 in Myeongdong, 1 in Sinchon and this one in Ehwa. This one in Ehwa is on the right side of the road facing the row of street vendors.
At the end of the road lies Ehwa University. Most people visit for the architecture and nature. Unfortunately, we are not allowed in the main buildings, but the campus is free for all. The autumn leaves are really pretty and if you have the time you can explore the grounds. This is also the place to note if you need a toilet break and it's located near the entrance at the student merch center.
Ehwa in Autumn, Spring and summer......
Once you exit the university you will see E-cube on the right. This is a nice place to go for clothes, mid-range cosmetic brands, kakao, branded shoes, and toilet. This place allows you to try on most of their items, which is great as most of the shops in Ehwa have a no trying policy. *2019 - E-cube no longer exists. It's now a drug store, although i think some of the original clothing and shoe stalls are still there.
Now, this is where it gets a bit messy. The area is riddled with alleyways with hidden eateries and shops. The area is basically a square so I usually just go up and down the lanes. That way I won't miss anything. Do keep in mind that most of the shops carry similar or the same stuff. So it's best to look around first before buying as chances are you will find it cheaper or they have a colour or pattern you wanted elsewhere.
One of my go to shops in Ehwa is this wholesale place that mostly caters to the Chinese market. They sell a variety of brands from Laneige to unknown brands. Things here are sold really cheap and they have the tax free function too. The one downside is the lack of freebies and samples. But for the price I'm getting, I think it's a worth I compromise. One thing to note, the store comprises of 3 shops but only shop in the last 2, as the third one is for people who buy in bulk. Hence the lower prices compared to the other half of the shop. I usually take note of the prices of the items I want in the beauty shops and go to this place and compare them. * 2019 - the shop has moved to the other side of the road. It's much smaller now but the prices are still just as cheap. Do note that the store turn over is pretty high, so it's best to buy all the items you want on the spot or it might not be there the next day.
They have 3 branches in Myeongdong as well. However the prices there are on average 100 to 500 won more expensive than the Ehwa branch. Myeongdong branch also does not have the membership system. The membership system is a lifetime card that could be obtained when you spend 400,000 won in one bill. With it you are illegible for a discount for your 400,000 won purchase as well as all future purchases. However items that are very low priced like 200 won masks are not legible.
I've actually bought stuff here that are 20% - 40% cheaper. For instance Innisfree no sebum powder for 4,600won (Rm17) instead of 6,000 (Rm22.20). Mediheal masks 1,100won (Rm4.07) instead of 2,000won (Rm 7.40). Not to mention it's tax free if you buy 30,000won and above.
They also sell unknown brands. If your not picky they are pretty good quality as well. (Mask sheets at 200won each)
Be adventurous, explore the hidden shops in the alleys. Try food and drinks in the little shops, don't just stick to the tourist spots. Hope you enjoy Ehwa as much as i do.
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