Welcome Blogger Readers!
Hey everyone, for those who have actually typed in “thedailykimchi.com” into their browsers, you’ve probably come across this blog. Yes, it is run by me, Gdog. I have actually been tweaking my domain for The Daily Kimchi to make a transition to Wordpress. I had plans to return to Korea so I wanted to use [...]
Learn MoreThe Gap Clothing Store in Korea
During our last month in Korea, as we were wandering through the busy streets of the Myeongdong shopping district, we noticed a huge billboard that was advertising the opening of Korea’s first GAP clothing store. Well, it’s now the first week of September so this store should be open by now. Apparently this influx of foreign clothing is worrying the minds of national clothing retailers. Koreans are very nationalistic and will do anything to protect their domestic markets (think of Carrefour and Walmart’s exit; don’t forget the throwing-of-a-pile-of-dung during beef protests–visit Flying Cows Consulting for you first job in Korea!).
Don’t trip now…
The Chosunilbo announces that Banana Republic stores will also be opening (or have already opened) in Korea. These stores are hopefully going to penetrate the middle class market, typically people who want quality made clothes for decent prices. Clothes in Korea can be very expensive. If you’re out for high end brands, so if you’re going over there to teach English I would suggest you bring some clothes from back home if you want to save moolah.
I must admit, it was challenging trying to find clothes in Korea. For starters, most clothes would not fit me because I am so freakn’ tall. Second, the clothes that I did like were way overpriced. I didn’t want to battle the crowds in Dongdaemun (or go late night shopping) so what is a person supposed to do? I could buy for cheap in the subway stations but eventually these items would fall apart. Hey, 10,000w only goes so far ya know!
I love Myeongdong because I can always look forward to spotting campus couples–and snapping their pics!
Soo…have you been to the GAP yet? Send me some pictures!
- 6 Comments
- Tags:
The Banana Republic stores in Korea are not for the middle class. They are more expensive then the stores in the U.S…….it’s outrageous
ReplyBanana Republic is bloody expensive everywhere…although I went to an outlet store and they had a 50% off sale. So only go to the outlets, people!!
ReplyJust curious where in myeong dong was the GAP going in? Also I saw a big billboard sign outside the department store at Express Bus Terminal? Thanks for the help!
Replyfusion: Thanks for commenting! I saw this GAP sign beside the Bean Pole in Myeongdong…it’s right beside the store. Good luck!
ReplyI usually do my clothes shopping at Garibong. It was there sometime in 2004 that I saw my first GAP outlet. The store where I saw it wasn’t devoted to GAP, though, unlike the place in Myeongdong. A number of brands were featured. However, your article is a bit misleading to suggest a sudden influx of foreign clothes is upon us. Garibong’s GAP outlet shifted, and I think a small version of it is now in the Mario 1 building.
ReplyDidn’t Costco go into Korea and do quite well there? I don’t live in Korea (I live in Los Angeles) but I believe Koreans like high quality items more than they care about prices. That would account for Wal-Mart failing over there.
Reply