Hidden Gems Beneath Your Feet: Korea’s Underground Malls
- zone tp
- Jul 11
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 14
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Underground shopping malls serve both as pedestrian passages and commercial zones below street level.
They mostly house apparel items like clothes and shoes, plus accessories and restaurants.
Being underground, they offer a pleasant shopping experience even in bad weather.
Today, we're introducing some of Korea's most popular underground shopping malls!
Let's begin😎
Bupyeong Station Underground Shopping Mall consists of four connected shopping areas beneath Bupyeong Station and is also known as "Bupyeong Modoo Mall." Since its initial development in 1978, the mall has continued to expand and is now one of the largest underground shopping areas in Incheon. With a total length of about 1,800m and a floor area of approximately 43,000㎡, it's packed with such a wide variety of goods that time flies as you explore. Matching its enormous size, it is listed in the Guinness World Records for having the largest number of stores within an underground space in the world. Despite being underground, it features a well-maintained ventilation system, making it feel more pleasant than outdoors on days with poor air quality. While its vast size can be disorienting, visitors can easily find their way using color-coded floor guides, maps placed throughout the mall, or by asking staff for help.
Address: B7 Bupyeong-daero, Bupyeong-gu, Incheon
Work: 10AM–10PM
Euljiro Underground Shopping Center is the longest underground shopping mall in Korea, stretching 3.3 km beneath the heart of Seoul. It connects key neighborhoods from City Hall Station to Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station, making it convenient for visitors to explore while moving along. Boasting the longest length in the country, this place houses over 220 stores, offering a wide variety of shops to explore. You can also enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this underground shopping mall built beneath the busy city center, giving it a cozy feeling. True to Euljiro’s retro vibe, there is an interesting attraction that brings life to this ordinary underground mall — the small art gallery called Euljiro Artri’AE’ Gallery. It has showcased various works, including prize-winning pet photography from previous contests. You can visit the gallery at the underground walkway from Euljiro 4-ga Station towards Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station, and it is also available for free rental.
Address: B58 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
Jeju Jungang Shopping Mall is Jeju Island’s top shopping spot, centered around Jungang-ro, connecting various attractions of Jeju. It links Jeju Mokgwana, Dongmun Market, major shopping streets, and popular restaurants, making it a great place to visit even when the weather is bad or while waiting around. It is conveniently located between Jeju International Airport and Jeju International Passenger Terminal, just a 5 to 10-minute drive apart. On weekends, a cultural center is open for all shoppers to enjoy not only shopping but also cultural programs. Packed with diverse shopping and entertainment options, this is Jeju’s only underground shopping mall and a must-visit spot. There are also shops selling cute souvenirs and small snacks featuring Jeju’s unique characteristics, making it a great place to pick up gifts!
Address: 60 Jungang-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
GOTO Mall is the largest underground shopping complex in Gangnam, located at the Express Bus Terminal station. It is popular because, compared to other underground malls, it offers clothing at lower prices, mainly targeting people in their teens and twenties, but also catering to various age groups. One of its advantages is the easy access via Seoul subway lines 3, 7, and 9, which intersect there. The mall stretches 880m with over 630 shops and has as many as 16 exits. Worried about getting lost? For those who are, there is an indoor navigation app called “Goter Map” to help you find your way. The mall isn’t limited to just the underground area — there are various shops on the upper floors as well. Among them, the flower market is especially worth visiting. It offers a wide variety of flowers, both fresh and artificial, attracting many people looking to buy bouquets or interior decoration flowers.
Address: B200 Sinbanpo-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul
Work: 10AM–10PM
Jungang-ro Underground Shopping Mall is a space where the daily life and emotions of Daejeon citizens coexist, filled with shops and events as a complex lifestyle space. Divided into four zones, it connects essential Daejeon spots, from Seongsimdang to Eunhaeng-dong and NC Department Store, making it a popular indoor route for many people. This place is especially known for famous food spots, attracting both locals and tourists. ‘Barogeujip’ and ‘Ciju’ are the main highlights. Barogeujip sells a special ice cream tteokbokki made with dairy products used in ice cream and has appeared on various TV shows. ‘Ciju’ offers delicious and light pizza at an affordable price of 2,000 won per slice, holding a special place in the memories of local citizens. There is also a storage facility, so visitors can explore comfortably even with lots of luggage during their travels.
Address: B145 Jungang-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon
Seomyeon Underground Shopping Center is located in the heart of Busan and consists of three underground malls centered around Seomyeon Station. The area includes ‘Bujeon Mall’ connecting Seomyeon Station and Bujeon Station, ‘Seomyeon Mall’ extending from Seomyeon Station toward Beomnaegol Station, and ‘Jungang Mall’ near Lotte Department Store Busan Main Branch. Bujeon Mall and Seomyeon Mall mainly feature shops specializing in clothing, accessories, and shoes, making them great places to explore Korean fashion. Especially, Seomyeon Mall is popular among local students as it offers various cosmetics, accessories, and personal items. Jungang Mall is smaller but well-maintained and includes SPA brands popular among people in their 20s and 30s. The malls connect Busan’s tourist spots, making it convenient for sightseeing. In particular, Seomyeon Local Food Specialty Street in Seomyeon Market offers a variety of unique Busan delicacies all in one place!
Address: B717 Jungang-daero, Busanjin-gu, Busan
