Stumbling Upon Sewing Supplies and Vinyl Gems
As an American expat living in South Korea for the past two and a half years, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring Seoul’s vibrant neighborhoods and hidden gems. One of the most fascinating aspects of this city has been discovering its vast network of underground shopping areas – a veritable treasure trove of delights that lies beneath the bustling streets.
My latest adventure began when my husband, JP, insisted I join him on a trip to a “secret” yarn market he had stumbled upon during a previous solo excursion. Being an avid knitter, I eagerly agreed, and we set off on our quest to uncover this hidden world.
Navigating the Labyrinth of Yarn and Vintage Vinyl
We started our journey at Dongdaemun Station, where the subway lines 1 and 4 converge. From there, we followed JP’s directions, descending a set of unassuming stairs that seemed to lead to a bomb shelter. But as we stepped through the doorway, we were instantly transported into a vibrant underground shopping district, teeming with stalls and shops offering an array of wares, from handcrafted yarn to vintage vinyl records.
The experience was both exhilarating and overwhelming. Rows upon rows of yarn in every imaginable color and texture surrounded us, and I found myself giddily browsing for the perfect skeins to add to my growing collection. Meanwhile, JP delved deep into the vinyl section, emerging triumphant with a stack of classic albums, including a Japanese pressing of Elton John’s “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.”
As Becca J. Norman eloquently described in her blog, navigating this underground labyrinth was akin to “walking into a bomb shelter but suddenly you’re in this hidden world full of yarn, records, antique cameras, jewelry stores, and clothing boutiques.” It was a sensory overload, but in the best possible way.
Hunting for the Perfect Yarn
As a knitter, my primary mission was to find the perfect yarn for a few ongoing projects. I had come prepared, armed with specific requirements for weight, yardage, and color. Thankfully, the vast selection at the Hoehyun Underground Shopping Center did not disappoint.
I scoured the stalls, my eyes darting from one tempting display to the next. Finally, I found the periwinkle blue mohair-blend yarn I had been searching for, though I was a bit nervous about the lack of yardage information on the label. Undeterred, I snatched up three skeins, determined to make it work.
For the stuffed animals I had planned, I was able to find the exact colors and textures I needed, carefully selecting the perfect companions for my knitting needles. As Becca mentioned, “I bought 3 skeins of a periwinkly blue mohair-type yarn and was nervous because I didn’t see the yardage on the label and wasn’t sure it would be quite enough.” Fortunately, the yarn proved to be just enough, and I was able to complete my projects with a satisfying sense of accomplishment.
Discovering the Delights of Myeongdong
After our underground shopping excursion, we decided to explore another renowned shopping district in Seoul: Myeongdong. As described on the Visit Korea website, Myeongdong is a “must-visit shopping haven in Seoul” that “brims with trendy clothing and cosmetic stores, ensuring a delightful shopping experience for everyone.”
As we stepped out onto the bustling streets, we were immediately immersed in the vibrant energy of the neighborhood. Neon signs and storefront displays beckoned us to explore, and the tantalizing aromas of street food wafted through the air, tempting our taste buds.
We started our Myeongdong adventure at the Lotte Department Store, where we browsed the gleaming cosmetics counters on the first floor, marveling at the latest K-beauty trends. Next, we wandered through the Olive Young beauty emporium, where we could sample a variety of cutting-edge skincare and makeup products.
For those seeking more budget-friendly options, the Daiso Myeongdong Main Store was a true haven, offering a vast selection of household goods, stationery, and fashion accessories at remarkably affordable prices. And for the fashion-forward, the Sappun Myeongdong Stage showroom presented a treasure trove of stylish shoes and accessories.
As we explored the winding streets of Myeongdong, we couldn’t help but be impressed by the sheer diversity of shopping options available. From high-end department stores to quirky boutiques, this neighborhood truly had something for everyone.
Uncovering the Hidden Gems of Seoul
Our journey through Seoul’s underground shopping havens and the bustling Myeongdong district reminded me of the endless surprises and delights that this city has to offer. Whether you’re in search of rare vinyl records, handcrafted knitting supplies, or the latest Korean beauty must-haves, Seoul’s underground and aboveground shopping experiences are sure to leave you captivated and inspired.
If you’re planning a visit to Hotel Stayin’ in Seoul, be sure to carve out some time to explore these hidden gems. Who knows what treasures you might uncover on your own underground adventure?
