Accessories and jewelry shopping

For a wide range of affordable accessories, try the accessory arcades at Namdaemun Market, Dongdaemun, underground shopping arcades and gift shops around Hongdae. For gold and fine jewelry, the jewelry district around Jongno is well known. Choose the area that fits your purpose and budget.

Namdaemun Market is a wholesale and retail market supplying retailers and shoppers nationwide, and it includes arcades selling accessories. You will find a wide range of earrings, necklaces, hair clips and more. Wholesale-focused shops may not sell single items, so ask first whether retail purchases are possible.

The area around Jongno 3-ga Station is known for its concentration of gold shops, jewelry stores and jewelry workshops. Many businesses there make and repair rings and necklaces or buy and sell gold. Prices and conditions vary by shop, so compare several before deciding.

14K gold is 58.5 percent gold and 18K is 75 percent. 24K, called sungeum or pure gold in Korea, is usually marked as 99.9 percent, not literally 100 percent. Pure gold is deep in color and soft, so jewelry like rings is often made in 14K or 18K. Check the purity stamp on the item.

Gold jewelry is generally priced as the value of the gold, based on the day's gold price, plus a labor fee for design and craftsmanship, and VAT or retail margins may be added. So the same weight can cost different amounts depending on the design and shop. Asking for the gold weight and labor fee separately makes comparison easier.

Korean ring sizes use a unit called ho, and the numbers differ from US or European ring sizes. Shops have ring gauges to measure your finger, which is the most accurate approach. Finger size can change with the season and time of day, so measure when your hands are at a normal temperature.

Many people with metal allergies choose titanium, stainless steel or 925 sterling silver, which are sometimes recommended as alternatives for nickel allergy. Reactions can still occur depending on the alloy, so there is no guarantee. Inexpensive pieces may be unlabeled or plated, so always ask, and if your skin reacts, stop wearing the item and see a doctor.

Yes. Couple rings, matching rings worn by partners, are a well-known part of Korean dating culture. Couples often engrave names or dates to mark an anniversary. You will see plenty of couple rings at jewelry stores in Jongno and in shopping malls.

Whether a shop offers ear piercing varies, so you will need to ask directly. Hygiene is essential, so check that they disinfect properly and use single-use tools. If you are concerned about safety, you can also consult a medical clinic, and if the area swells or you develop a fever afterward, see a doctor.

For diamonds or valuable gems, check whether a grading certificate or guarantee is provided, and make sure the issuing lab and details match the item. Be suspicious of prices that seem far too low. Keep the receipt and certificate, as you may need them for customs or repairs back home.

Claw clips, headbands, ribbons and fabric scrunchies, known in Korea as gopchang bands, remain consistently popular. Underground arcades and gift shops offer lots of affordable designs. Shapes and colors shift quickly with trends, so see what is current when you visit.

Not all gold needs to be declared, but high-value jewelry you plan to bring back into Korea may need to be declared when you leave, and gold bars or items that are not personal belongings may require a formal export declaration. Your home country's rules also differ, so check both official customs guides and keep receipts and certificates.

Many jewelry stores and workshops offer engraving inside rings or on pendants, such as names, dates or short phrases. Character limits, fonts and turnaround times vary by shop. If you want Korean text engraved, write out the exact spelling to show them.

Some flexibility on the labor fee or total price is reportedly possible at jewelry arcades. Getting quotes from several shops for the same specifications makes it easier to judge. Ask politely rather than haggling aggressively; it usually gets better results.

Silver accessories are sold in many places, including Hongdae, underground arcades, craft workshops and jewelry stores, with a wide range of designs. Check for a purity mark such as 925. Silver can tarnish when exposed to air, so storing it sealed helps keep it bright.

Custom rings or necklaces can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the design and process. On a short trip, confirm the completion date and whether overseas shipping is possible before ordering. Keep a record of the agreed terms and design, with photos.

Yes. Traditional pieces such as norigae (decorative pendants worn on hanbok), binyeo (ornamental hairpins) and brooches with traditional patterns make lovely souvenirs. Look for them on craft streets like Insa-dong or in museum shops. For handmade items, check information about the maker and materials.

Inexpensive accessories are often thinly plated with gold or silver, so the coating can wear off or change color over time. Keeping them away from water, sweat and perfume helps them last longer. If you want something for long-term wear, check the base material before buying.

Yes. Bag keyrings, phone straps and phone cases are consistently popular accessories in Korea, with many character designs and do-it-yourself decorating options. For character merchandise, check that it is an officially licensed product. Underground arcades and gift shops offer affordable options, and they make light, easy souvenirs.

Receipts and certificates record the purity, weight and price, serving as proof for future repairs, exchanges or resale. They also document the value if you need to declare items at customs. When you receive them, check that the purity and weight are written correctly.