Friday, July 31, 2009

things to know when shopping in gangnam

1. When shopping underground, fitting rooms do not exist.
2. If you try something on, perchance a skirt over the skirt you are wearing, you will receive dirty looks from salespeople. 
3. Or if you look like you are about to try something on, maybe a shirt, then you will be stared at and told, "No try!"
4. And even though you may see Koreans going into a tiny room to try a dress on, when you ask to try something on, you will still be told, "No try!"
5. Shoes are a different story. Do not touch a shoe unless you wish to have attention from a salesperson who will attempt to find your size or try to shove your foot in the smaller size if that is all that is available. Either way, your foot will be felt up. 
6. Be prepared to see the same clothes 50 times over in various shops who pretend to be different stores. 
7. Above ground . . . fitting rooms exist! But trying on something that is 100% cotton is a no-no.

Despite the annoying reality of no fitting rooms for the cheap shopping in Gangnam, I did find some skirts and a couple shirts. And there's also the plus of being underground where it isn't quite as hot as above ground. I much prefer being a shopping mole.