- Shops line the underground passages connecting stations.
- Socks, accessories, and clothing are cheap, and cash sometimes buys a discount.
- They also work as a route in rain, heat, or deep cold.
Who this is for
- Anyone facing an autumn wet spell who wants to move around dry
- People who’d like to buy socks and accessories by the bundle and bargain
- Anyone whose shoes or bag broke mid-trip and needs a fix
Some of Seoul’s metro stations are joined underground, and those passages are lined with shops on both sides.
This isn’t a sight. It’s where locals shop day to day, which is exactly why prices are realistic and there’s something to find.
“And when it rains?” Here’s the thing: on a wet day, there’s no better way to move around. Let’s get into it, starting with where they are.
No Ticket Needed! Where They Are
✔ Several run beneath the major stations
The longest stretch for hundreds of metres and connect to many exits.
Entrances are usually outside the ticket gates, so no ticket is needed.
Map apps often don’t show underground layouts. Following the signage is more reliable, and remembering your exit number saves confusion once you surface.
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Socks and small goods | Cheap, huge variety |
| Clothing | Sizing standards vary |
| Bags | Quality varies widely |
| Accessories | Buying several helps you bargain |
| Repairs and alterations | Some shops do it on the spot |
| Food | Snack and drink stands |
✔ There’s another way to do this. Read it against “The Olive Young Korea Guide Where the Passport Matters More Than the Basket” and you’ll see which fits you.
Buy Several and the Unit Price Drops? How to Buy
✔ Asking the price is completely normal here
Some shops label prices; others expect you to ask.
Cash sometimes brings the price down a little, though some shops take cards only. Carry both.
Buying several of something makes a lower unit price negotiable—socks and accessories especially.
Fitting rooms exist in some shops and not others. Assume returns aren’t possible.
Station to Station, Dry! Rain and Extreme Weather
✔ During an autumn wet spell these arcades become genuinely useful
You can move from station to station dry, shopping and eating on the way.
The same applies in high summer and deep winter. Building an underground leg into your route saves real energy.
The passages do look alike, though, and it’s easy to lose your bearings. Decide which exit you want before you set off.
Repairs, Lockers and Exchange! Other Things You Can Do Here
✔ Some arcades have coin lockers
Leave bags and walk unencumbered.
There are shoe and bag repair shops. Worth remembering if something breaks mid-trip.
A few have currency exchange counters. Rates differ, so check more than one.
Opening hours vary by shop, and some close on Sundays. Evenings wind down early, so arriving before dusk is the safer plan. Next rainy day, go underground.
FAQ
Do I need a metro ticket?
Usually not; the arcades sit outside the gates.
Can I haggle?
It depends on the shop. Worth asking if you are buying several.
Are cards accepted?
In most shops, though some are cash only.
What are the hours?
They vary. Evenings close early and some shops shut on Sundays.
Is it easy to get lost?
The passages look similar. Pick your exit number in advance.
Information as of 2026-09-16 (official listings and Google Maps as shown at publication). Updated when things change.