Yongsan Electronics Market is a vast wholesale electronics market located near the Yongsan train station in Seoul, the city of markets. The market is also popular as Yongsan ETLand (용산전자랜드) amongst the locals. It is famous for being the largest electronics market having nearly everything that involves electronics, and you can imagine, can be found here.
You will be intimidated by the sheer volume and variety of products on offer. Opened in 1988, Yongsan Electronics Market claims over 5000 different stores across 20 different buildings. It would take days to explore the whole market. This market is a wonderland for anyone who loves technology.
The Yongsan Electronics Market (YEM)
The Yongsan Electronics Market is a complex of malls and shops selling every electronic item and accessory imaginable and more, including spares for these, software to games, or a gadget you could dream of. Be warned as you may find yourself lost in the maze of shops. The market is a sight to behold, a wonderland, even if you don’t want to go shopping. This huge market is worth a visit if you want to keep up with the everchanging latest technologies.
Check out all you need to know about some of the malls, shopping centers and specialty areas that are most popular amongst tourists.
The Terminal Mall
The most favorite mall – also known as PC market or Seonin Mall – specializes in all kinds of computing equipment, their components, peripherals, accessories and consumables. There are stores specializing in specific computers and computer-related products. Local Korean brands, as well as international brands, are available. Accessories and spare parts are plentiful, and real computer geeks can find everything necessary to build a PC to their own specifications.
Electronics Land
This popular mall is a big mall with large floors housing official stores of famous brands, ranging from Canon to Sony. This mall also has a theatre, some children’s areas and more.
Namdaemun Market
Cameras, cameras, and more cameras! You can find all kinds of cameras in this area and other photography-related gear. Second hand, refurbished or fresh cameras are available. You can also find a lot of radio and broadcasting equipment here.
Why Visit?
You don’t have to be a techy electronics guru or gadget lover to shop at the Yongsan Electronics Market. Nearly everything electronic can be found here, in massive variety. From electronic components (such as microprocessors, MEMS, Sensors, ICs, and more) to the latest gadgets, you can get the latest technology as well as replacement parts for outdated products. The YEM offers multiple options with millions of items.
What to Buy?
Yongsan Electronics Market specializes in various consumer electronics items, including computers, computer parts, peripheral products, DVDs, CDs, software, accessories, audio systems, and many other items associated with electronic goods, including smartphones, video games, and software, audio-video equipment, and so on.
The best buy at YEM is the Korean brands, especially computer peripherals and components like monitors, keyboards and mouse. It is also a great place to buy the latest small odd electronic items. YEM also has a vast range of second-hand goods. You can try before buying, comparing and negotiating deals at times.
Shopping Tips
While Korea is known for technology, it is not known for cheap electronics, but YEM provides reasonable prices. Many stores list item prices, and if not, there can be an opportunity to bargain. For a specific item, compare the prices online and store to store.
If you pay in cash, most merchants will give you a 5-10% discount. Browse through the different sections to get the latest release or something unique, and do your research to find new, used and retro items before you go to YEM.
How to Reach
The Yongsan Electronics Market is outside exit 3 of Yongsan Station on Line 1 (dark blue line) of Seoul’s subway. Take Exit 3 to reach the heart of Yongsan Electronics Market (Shopping district) in a few minutes.
There is no entry fee.
Operating Timings and Days
Trading hours and days of operation at YEM may vary by store. Normally, most retailers/outlets are open from mid-morning to early evening throughout the week.
Some stores have a different opening schedule where they are either closed on the first and third Sundays or the first, third and fifth Tuesdays of the month. It is recommended to check opening times/days before visiting if you plan to visit a specific store or section.
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