It has been raining a lot in Seoul lately. Just when it seems to stop, it starts pouring again, and carrying an umbrella around the city has begun to feel like a bit of a hassle. Still, spending the entire day at home feels like a waste. On days like this, I usually end up thinking of Lotte World Tower in Jamsil. COEX is another good option, but with the department store, Lotte World Mall, and the luxury shops of Avenue L all connected, Lotte World Tower has one of the easiest layouts for shopping.
It is directly connected to the subway station, and you can move between the cinema, shopping mall, and restaurants without spending much time outside. It is an easy place to stay for several hours without worrying about the weather. For travelers caught in the rain during a trip to Seoul, that makes it even more useful.
The main reason I visited Lotte World Mall this time was to watch the film Hope. Before the movie, I stopped by the newly opened Human Made store and shopped at On and Lululemon. I also waited for a table at London Bagel Museum and had a bagel before the film. Afterward, I walked toward Bangi-dong and ended the day with Daegu-style grilled makchang. It turned into a day that I enjoyed more than I expected.
Table of Contents
- Why Lotte World Mall Is So Convenient on Rainy Days
- The First Stop: Human Made Jamsil
- Shopping at On and Lululemon
- Waiting at London Bagel Museum
- Walking to Bangi-dong Food Alley After the Movie
- Spending a Rainy Day in Seoul
Why Lotte World Mall Is So Convenient on Rainy Days
After living in Seoul for a long time, you naturally start choosing where to go based on the weather. On clear days, I usually head to places like the Han River, Seongsu, or Seochon, where walking around is part of the experience. But when the rainy season arrives or the summer humidity becomes unbearable, I find myself looking for somewhere I can comfortably stay indoors for hours.
That is when Lotte World Mall becomes a very practical choice. It is directly connected to Jamsil Station, so you can walk into the mall without going outside, and Lotte Cinema World Tower is connected as well. It is easy to fit in some shopping or a meal before or after a movie. Seoul Sky and Lotte World Adventure are also nearby, so if it is your first time visiting Seoul, you could easily spend an entire day here.
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The only downside is its size. Lotte World Tower, Lotte World Mall, and Avenuel are all connected, and each building has a different floor layout. If there is a particular store you want to visit, it is worth checking its location before you go.
This time, I kept my plans simple because I needed to be at the cinema on time. My route was just Human Made, On, Lululemon, and London Bagel Museum. ARKET, Gentle Monster, and Tamburins are all close to one another, and if you go down one floor, you'll also find Korean designer brands like RAIVE gathered in the same area.
The First Stop: Human Made Jamsil
The place I was most curious about on this visit was the newly opened Human Made store in Jamsil.
Human Made is a Japanese fashion and lifestyle brand created by designer NIGO. Its collections are inspired by vintage Americana and workwear, but playful animal graphics and the signature heart logo give the brand a lighthearted personality rather than a rugged one.
The Jamsil store opened after the brand's locations in Seongsu and Apgujeong, making it an easy stop before heading to the cinema. The mint-colored tiles and bright red heart on the storefront immediately caught my eye. Inside, there was more than clothing. Accessories and small lifestyle goods filled the shelves, making it an easy place to browse even if you are not familiar with the brand. I especially liked the cups and folding fans.
Human Made Jamsil is located on the first floor of Lotte World Mall and is generally open from 10:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Limited releases and admission procedures may vary depending on the product and the date of your visit.
Shopping at On and Lululemon
After looking around Human Made, I headed to On and Lululemon. It was my second visit to On, and I have had to wait each time. Rather than standing in line outside the store, you enter your phone number and receive a notification when it is your turn. It is better to shop elsewhere while you wait.
Both stores were filled with international visitors when I went. At On, many of them were trying on running shoes. I found myself wondering why they would buy them in Korea when On is not a Korean brand. Then again, the selection can vary from country to country, and exchange rates may also make a difference.
For me, Lululemon makes clothing with materials that work especially well for exercise, so I buy my shoes from On and my workout clothes from Lululemon. If an item is out of stock at the Lululemon store, the staff can also help place an online order.
Running has become noticeably more popular in Seoul over the past few years. Seokchon Lake is also a favorite spot among runners. Somehow, brands like On and Lululemon fit naturally into the atmosphere of the neighborhood.
Waiting at London Bagel Museum
With about an hour left before the movie, I started feeling hungry. It was too early for a proper meal, and London Bagel Museum was just around the corner, so I decided to wait for a table. Although the Jamsil branch has been open for quite some time, it still seemed to attract a steady crowd. The bagels here really are that good. The Potato Cheese Bagel is still my favorite.
After about 15 minutes, my turn finally came. If you are only planning to get your bagels to go, there is probably no need to wait. I stayed because I wanted to eat inside. Seating is limited, with long communal tables shared by several groups.
Once inside, I was surprised by how many different kinds of bagels were on display. Even if you want to take your time choosing, the line behind you makes you feel like you should decide quickly. Still, after waiting, there was no way I was leaving empty-handed. By the time I finished my bagel, it was almost time for the movie.
The waiting system may change depending on the day and the store's operating conditions, so it is worth checking when you visit.
After finishing my bagel, it was finally time for the film Hope, which had been the main reason for coming to Lotte World Mall. The cinema is in the same complex, so I only had to walk a short distance before taking the elevator up to the fifth floor. Arriving earlier than my movie time turned out to be a good decision, giving me enough time to explore the mall before the film started.
Walking to Bangi-dong Food Alley After the Movie
After the movie, I skipped dinner inside Lotte World Mall and walked over to Bangi-dong Food Alley instead. To be honest, I rarely eat at the mall or department store when I'm here. Bangi-dong has a much wider variety of places to choose from, including Korean barbecue, beef, grilled makchang, and casual pubs.
Since it had been raining on and off all day, I found myself craving grilled makchang. I headed to Insaeng 2 Makchang Daegu Charcoal Grilled Makchang, the restaurant's main branch in Bangi-dong. Every table was already occupied, and I was lucky enough to get the last available seat. What surprised me was seeing international visitors there as well. Makchang is probably not the easiest Korean dish for first-time visitors to try.
The makchang had already been partially grilled before it reached the table, so it only needed a few more minutes on the charcoal. It was pleasantly chewy, and the ssamjang tasted just like the style I had eaten in Daegu. People often say that you can find almost every great regional dish in Seoul. After this meal, I felt there was no need to travel all the way to Daegu just for grilled makchang.
Spending a Rainy Day in Seoul
When it rains in Seoul like it has recently, I would recommend heading to a large indoor shopping complex instead of staying at your hotel all day. I came to Jamsil to watch a movie, but the shopping, the food, and everything in between turned it into a much better day than I expected.
That said, weekends are probably a different story. It was already crowded on a weekday, so I can only imagine how busy it gets on Saturdays and Sundays. Lotte World Mall also hosts a wide range of pop-up stores throughout the year, making it even more crowded on weekends.
I have also written about restaurants around Olympic Park, which is only a short walk from Lotte World Mall.
For more ideas during the rainy season, I also put together a guide to things to do in Seoul on rainy days.