Korea Travel guide_Mega shopping malls

If you're interested in Korea fashion and "Hallyu", visit Seoul's mega sized shopping malls.

One-stop centers for dining, entertainment and more!

These days, the latest catchphrase that is sweeping the nation is "one-stop"- one-stop everythiing! As city life becomes more complex, more and more giant "one-stop, cultural complexes" are springing up across the capital city of Seoul. These huge centers are typically connected to major transport hubs and promise to save customers' time by combining department stores, supermarkets, bookstores, restaurants and movie theaters. The emergence of these multi-purpose mega complexes has changed the way people enjoy shopping and how they spend their leisure time.

Leading this new trend are TIMES SQUARE(Yeongdeungpo Station), I'PARKmall(Yongsan Station) and Central City(Express Bus Terminal Station). Directly linked to major transport hubs offering subway, train, and express bus services, these shopping centers have become major one-stop destinations for both travelers and locals alike.

TIMES SQUARE - Nature-Friendly Multi Space

Opened in September 2009, TIMES SQUARE is a mega multi-purpose shopping mall with a hotel, cinema, home store, department store, and countless other shops. As one of the newest shopping malls in Seoul, TIMES SQUARE features an urbanized interior combined with plenty of natural spaces like fountains and gardens. The Main Atrium, the symbol of TIMES SQUARE, is glass-roofed leisure space that stretches upward for five floors. 


What sets Times Square apart from other malls is its cultural spaces. Instead of being filled with stores from the ground up, the first floor features a spacious lobby and a small round stage. The upper floors offer well-spaced shops, a movie theater, a bookstore, a game center, coffee shops, restaurants, and pubs. There are plenty of open outdoor spaces like the ecology park, fountain, rooftop garden, and more.

Major Stores & Facilities Shinsegae Department Store, CGV Cinema, Kyobo Bookstore, Courtyard by Marriott Seoul Times Square, Amoris Banquet Hall, E-Mart, Kids’ Café: I Like Ddalki, Fitness Center, healthcare facilities (dentists, dermatologist, plastic surgeon), banks, restaurants, etc.

Address: Seoul-si, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Yeongdeungpo-dong, 4-ga
Tel.: +82-2-2638-2000
Transportation: Directly connected to Yeongdeungpo Station (Seoul Subway Line 1)
1330 tt call center: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Homepage: http://www.timessquare.co.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

I'PARKmall - Digital Goods Shopping Center

Opened in August 2006 behind Yongsan Station (an area known for its electronic shops) I'PARKmall is a mega multi-purpose shopping mall of an overwhelming scale. It is conveniently linked to Yongsan Station, which is served by subway line 1 and a number of major bus routes. KTX trains to Korea's southwest region also start from Yongsan, so the area enjoys a considerably large amount of daily traffic. 


I’PARKmall features a department store that is divided into a ‘fashion zone,’ ‘living zone,’ and ‘culture zone.’ Also housed within this giant superstructure are CGV and the nation’s largest digital store, selling an astounding selection of computers, game equipment, mobile phones, cameras, and electronic household goods. Each floor specializes in certain items and a plethora of eager salespeople stand at the stores, ready to offer explanations about each brand. I’PARKmall also provides entertainment for younger visitors with the e-Sports Stadium (online gaming) and Putt-Putt Golf & Game, a miniature golf facility.

Major Stores & Facilities I’PARK Department Store, Digital Store, E-Mart, CGV Yongsan Cinema, e-Sports Stadium, Putt-Putt Golf & Game, bookstore, restaurants, etc.

Address: Seoul-si, Yongsan-gu, Hangang-ro 3-ga, 40-999
Tel.: +82-2-2012-0101
Transportation: Directly connected to Yongsan Station (Seoul Subway Line 1)
1330 tt call center: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Homepage: www.iparkmall.co.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

Central City - City of its Own

Central City is located in the Express Bus Terminal Station, which is served by subway lines 3, 7, and 9 as well as express buses connecting Seoul to 70 major cities across Korea. Each day, hundreds of thousands of people pass through the station, making it a bustling area where the “one-stop” mindset is a must.

True to its name, Central City is much like a city within a city and offers busy travelers and commuters a myriad of amenities. The fountain plaza in the center is a main rest stop and the large bookstore, record store, cinema, food courts, and stores are usually buzzing with activity. The shopping complex caters to the well-to-do with the nearby Shinsegae Department Store and JW Marriott Hotel, and to younger customers with Famille Park, an entertainment place for children. Of course, the shopping center also offers “one-stop” basics like banks and healthcare facilities.

Major Stores & Facilities Shinsegae Department Store, JW Marriott Seoul,Cinus Central Cinema, Youngpoong Bookstore, Central Terminal, Synnara Record, Famille Park, Convention & Wedding Hall, Food Court, etc.

Address: Seoul-si Seocho-gu Banpo-dong 19-3
Tel.: +82-2-6282-0114
Transportation: Directly connected to the Express Bus Terminal Station
(Seoul Subway Line 3, 7, 9)
1330 tt call center: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Homepage: http://www.centralcityseoul.co.kr/ (Korean)

D-Cube City

D-Cube City, in terms of height and size, has emerged as a new landmark of southwestern Seoul. Opened just a few short months ago in August of 2011, the shopping complex is located at Sindorim Station, a major transportation hub connecting lines 1 and 2 of the Seoul Metro and the satellite cities of Ansan, Suwon, Incheon and Bucheon. 

D-Cube City consists of 51 stories of residential apartments and a 42-story cultural complex housing a hotel, offices, a department store, an art center, and a theme park. Not just a retail space for fashion and clothing, 30% of D-Cube’s total area is designated as ‘food & beverage space’ with an array of restaurants to suit any taste. At Sweet Castle, you’ll be met by an army of desserts from all over the world. At ‘Theme Noodle Center’ noodle dishes abound, while the ‘Korean Market Street’ offers the opportunity to taste local Korean gourmet dishes while sitting in a traditional Hanok-style eatery. 

If you are looking for a fun place for you and your children, look no further! The D-Cube Art Center features the ‘D-Cube Theater,’ an exclusive theater for musicals, and ‘Space Sindorim,’ a multi-purpose theater for plays, exhibitions, and lectures. There’s even a super-sized kids play land (Pororo Park) on the 4th floor themed after the beloved cartoon character Pororo and his friends. 

Providing a leisure space that’s fun for the whole family, the center is also emerging as a top tourist spot thanks to its great selection of food and merchandise. As an added convenience for guests, the center includes the Sheraton Seoul D-Cube City Hotel – the only super deluxe hotel in southwest Seoul. The hotel boasts 269 guestrooms as well as a banquet hall, fitness center, and spa.

Major Stores & Facilities: Sheraton Seoul D-Cube City Hotel, D-Cube Department Store, D-Cube Arts Center, D-Cube Park, Pororo Theme Park, Food Theme Restaurant (Hansik Street, World Street Food, Chinese Food Theme Hall)

Address: Seoul-si Guro-gu Gyeongin-ro 662 D-Cube City
Tel: +82-2-2211-1000
Transportation: Exit 1 of Sindorim Station (Subway Lines 1 &2) 
1330 tt call center: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) 
Homepage: http://www.dcubecity.com/ (Korean)

from Korea Tourism Organization

Korea travel guide_Custom Allowance

Korea Customs Service: http://www.customs.go.kr

A written baggage declaration must be submitted to a Customs officer upon entry. Passengers must clear Customs through either the green, white, or red channel. Passengers who have no articles to declare should use the green channel. If a passenger declares non-duty-free articles voluntarily, the declared amount will be accepted and the clearance procedure will be expedited.

Duty-Free Articles • Visitors' (non-residents) goods which will be taken out of Korea upon departure. (The total quantity of the goods should be declared for duty exemption).  • Goods which were declared upon departure from Korea and are being brought back. • 1 bottle (not over 1 liter) of alcoholic beverages and 200 cigarettes (50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco) • 2 ounces of perfume • For further information on goods subject to declaration and prohibited goods, please contact the Customs Information Office at Incheon International Airport.

Guidelines for Currency Regulation

Passengers entering Korea who are carrying foreign or Korean currency valued at over USD 10,000 must declare it to a Customs official. Departing non-residents of Korea who are carrying foreign or Korean currency (including traveler's or bank checks) valuing more than USD 10,000 must obtain permission from the bank of Korea or Customs, not including any amount carried into Korea and declared on arrival, which may be carried out without declaration to Customs. Residents of Korea must declare any currency or negotiable checks more than USD 10,000 upon departure. Please be aware that violators of these regulations are liable to be fined and/or otherwise penalized under the Foreign Exchange Transactions Act.

from the Korea Tourism Organization page 

Korea Travel guide_Korea Visas and passports

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade - http://www.mofat.go.kr Immigration Bureau  - http://www.immigration.go.kr Any foreign visitors wishing to enter the Republic of Korea must have a valid passport and obtain a Korean visa before their arrival. However, citizens of the 99 countries listed below are permitted to enter Korea for a limited time without a visa according to visa-exemption agreements (Table 1), or in accordance with principles reciprocity or national interest (Table 2). [Table1] Countries under Visa Exemption Agreements Country/Period(days) Country/Period(days) Country/Period(days) Europe Austria / 90 Belgium / 90 Bulgaria / 90 Czech Republic / 90 Denmark / 90 Estonia / 90 Finland / 90 France / 90 Greece / 90 Germany / 90 Hungary / 90 Iceland / 90 Ireland / 90 Italy / 60 Liechtenstein / 90 Luxembourg / 90 Malta / 90 Netherlands / 90 Norway / 90 Portugal / 60 Poland / 90 Romania / 90 Spain / 90 Slovak Republic / 90 Sweden / 90 Switzerland / 90 United Kingdom / 90 Asia and Oceania Bangladesh / 90 Israel / 90 Malaysia / 90 New Zealand / 90 Pakistan / 90 Singapore / 90 Thailand / 90 Turkey / 90 Americas Antigua and Barbuda / 90 Bahamas / 90 Barbados / 90 Brazil / 90 Colombia / 90 Costa Rica / 90 Common wealth of Dominica / 90 Dominican Republic / 90 El Salvador / 90 Grenada / 90 Haiti / 90 Jamaica / 90 Mexico / 90 Nicaragua / 90 Panama / 90 Peru / 90 St. Lucia / 90 St. Kitts and Nevis / 90 St. Vincent & the Grenadines / 90 Surinam / 90 Trinidad and Tobago / 90 Africa Lesotho / 60 Liberia / 90 Morocco / 90 Tunisia / 30 [Table2] Countries or Regions under principles of reciprocity and national interest Country/Period(days) Country/Period(days) Country/Period(days) Asia Brunei / 30 Hong Kong / 90 Japan / 90 Kuwait / 30 Macao / 30 Oman / 30 Qatar / 30 Saudi Arabia / 30 Taiwan / 30 United Arab emirates / 30 Yemen / 30   North America Canada / 180 United States / 90   South America Argentina / 90 Chile / 90 Guatemala / 30 Honduras / 30 Paraguay / 30 Uruguay / 30 Venezuela / 30     Europe Albania / 30 Croatia / 90 Cyprus / 30 Latvia / 90 Lithuania / 90 Monaco / 30 Slovenia / 90 Vatican / 30   Oceania Australia / 90 Fiji / 30 Guam / 30 Kiribati / 30 Marshall Islands/ 30 Palau / 30 Nauru / 30 New Caledonia / 30   Africa Republic of South Africa / 30 Swaziland / 30   Visa Type Tourist & Business Visas Visitors from countries not under Visa Exemption Agreements must apply for a visa extension if planning to stay for more than 30 days. Barring unforseen circumstances, visa extension will be issued 1 to 3 days from the day of application. Applicants require a completed application form, a recent passport-sized color photo and the application fee. Visitors are not required to show an outbound ticket. Visas may usually be extended for a period of up to 90 days. All visas including long-term visas are for a single visit (single-entry visa). For business visas, the intention of activities must be clearly stated on the visa application form. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Homepage: http://www.mofat.go.kr Work Visas Visitors may obtain work visas in their home country with the endorsement of the employer in Korea. If the visitor is already in Korea, he/she must obtain the work visa from an embassy or consulate in a country outside Korea. Work visas are usually valid for 1 year from the date of issue and take about 2-4 weeks to process. Work visa extensions are possible if a visitor remains with the same employer. Visitors with work visas must obtain a residence permit from the Immigration Office. Visitors engaging in remunerative activities without a work visa can be subject to fines and/or deportation. Application for Visas - Visa applications should be made at Korean embassies or consulates abroad. - It is required that visa applicants submit a passport, application forms, a recent  passport-size, color photograph, and such other documents as determined by the status of stay. - Visa fees are as follows: a. Single-entry visa for a stay of no more than 90 days : USD30 b. Single-entry visa for a stay of more than 90 days : USD50 c. Multiple-entry visa : USD80 d. Extension of Re-entry Permit : USD20 *For Citizens of the United States of America, the multiple entry visa fee is USD45 on the basis of   reciprocity since the mutual agreement in 1994. Visa Extension Extensions for tourist visas are possible in special cases such as accidents, health problems, flight cancellation, etc. Visitors may apply for a visa extension at a local immigration office. Applications must be submitted at least one day prior to current visa's date of expiration.

from Korea Tourism Organization page