Parnas Mall (Credit: Parnas Mall)

Shopping malls in various suburbs of Seoul are continually reinventing themselves to keep pace with the ever-changing tastes of domestic and foreign consumers. These places have stepped away from the traditional role of malls that simply meet the basic needs of shoppers; they are designed to offer a broader array of services, such as fine dining, a wide range of entertainment, and much more! These huge recreation-integrated shopping malls are truly a one-stop destination for all, and have been fervently welcomed by people of all ages and backgrounds.

Starfield COEX Mall

Starfield Library (top, credit: Starfield COEX Mall), Starfield COEX Mall entrance (left, credit: Starfield COEX Mall) & Kakao Friends shop (right)

Starfield COEX Mall is a grand shopping mall with a multi-layered concept of shopping, tourism and entertainment. In addition to the clothing shops and restaurants found at most shopping centers, COEX also offers a movie theater, aquarium, and even a library! Starfield Library in particular has become a hotspot on Instagram, with bookshelves stretching up over two floors. The venue’s foot traffic now has a more optimized flow and is set to offer a fully indoor, refreshing cultural experience for shoppers who frequent the Gangnam area. The dynamic sights and convenient range of facilities provided offer a great experience for even the shortest of visits.

Starfield Goyang

Starfield Goyang exterior (top), Shinsegae Factory Store (left, credit: Starfield Goyang) & Toy Kingdom (right, credit: Starfield Goyang)

Starfield Goyang offers shopping, dining, entertainment, sports facilities and more in one location. It is also conveniently located near Samsong Station on Seoul Subway Line 3. Some of the main highlights of this mall include PK Kitchen, with restaurants offering international cuisine; Toy Kingdom, the largest kids theme park in the nation; and Shinsegae Factory Store, offering huge discounts on over 130 brands.。

Starfield Hanam

Starfield Hanam interior (top, credit: Starfield Hanam) / Sports Monster (left, credit: Sports Monster) & Aquafield (right)

Opened on September 9, 2016, Starfield Hanam is as large as 70 soccer fields. The first of the Starfield shopping malls to open, it has been called a “shopping theme park” for its various amenities. In addition to shopping, visitors can get rid of extra energy while playing at Sports Monster; or by relaxing at Aquafield, a jjimjilbang with indoor and outdoor facilities.

Parnas Mall

Central Lounge of Parnas Mall (top, credit: Parnas), event held at Parnas Mall (left) & Parnas Mall exterior (right, credit: Parnas Mall)

Parnas Mall, located in the underground level of the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas Hotel, includes dozens of editorial shops, beauty brands and global fashion brands that were previously only available in duty free stores. Parnas is directly connected to Samseong Station, COEX Mall, a casino, and Hyundai Department Store. The mall is complete with a sophisticated interior design, not to mention a luxurious and stylish atmosphere. Cultural events are also held regularly in the halls of this complex, continuously pulling in visitors.

IFC Mall

IFC Mall interior views

Located in Yeouido, home of The National Assembly Building, various broadcasting corporations and financial institutions, IFC Mall is an international-style shopping mall containing various global brands. In addition to the great shopping, basement level 3 is a restaurant area with a European theme called Food Empire, where shoppers can satisfy their appetites with all kinds of cuisine, including Korean, Indian, Southeast Asian, American, Japanese, and European. Also located on this floor is CJ Food World, a restaurant owned and operated by CJ Group. Across the street from IFC Mall is Yeouido Park, an excellent little haven to escape from the bustle of city life.

Times Square

Times Square interior (top), exterior (left), & CGV Yeongdeungpo entrance (right)

Located at Yeongdeungpo Station on Seoul Subway’s Line 1, Times Square serves the city of Seoul as a fully-equipped entertainment and culture space, with the Courtyard by Marriot Seoul Times Square, Shinsegae Department Store – Yeongdeungpo Branch, CGV Movie Theater, E-Mart, Kyobo Bookstore, and countless clothing stores and restaurants. Times Square also houses Asia’s largest digital premium movie theater screen, drawing the interest of many tourists. 

In addition, the mall’s Main Atrium is the largest community space of its kind in Asia, and extends all the way to the roof. The venue also holds numerous performances and launch events for global companies, famous celebrities holding autograph sessions, and even live TV broadcasts.

AK Town

Suwon AK& exterior (top), AK Plaza shops and display (bottom) (all credit: Suwon AK Plaza)

AK Town in Suwon is composed of AK Plaza, AK&, and Suwon Novotel Ambassador Hotel. AK Plaza, connected to Suwon Station, is one of the city’s landmarks. It includes fashion shops, dining establishments and many entertainment facilities, including a movie theater, making it a popular place to hang out. AK&, located on the other side of Suwon Station, is aimed at young adults. Visitors can find shops selling everything from street fashion to sportswear, as well as play at the indoor futsal court.

* This column was last updated in May 2019, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here. We advise you to check details before visiting.