Korean Job Discussion Forums

[flashcard]

Hello,

I need to buy some Hiking Shoes. Where is a good place to get them? They seem to be very expensive where i have looked (which is one place in Namyeong, near Sookmyung University station).

Koreans on the hiking trails seem to have some fancy ones. I am willing to pay the price for Goretex or some other quality ones, but i dont really know where to shop for the best deal.

Please help. Please advise.

Thanks

[animalbirdfish]

Check out the Columbia or North Face stores in Itaewon. I wear a large shoe and the western brands are the only ones that have my size. There may be some good Korean brands, but I wouldn't know enough about them to recommend them. Plus, most of the Korean made shoes (and a few of the western ones) have too many seams, where water an get in and cause some problems. For serious hiking, go for a shoe that's basically one solid piece of leather.

[Ekuboko]

Last year I got shoes suitable for hiking from Asics for less than 70 000 won, and later I got some Hitec shoes from Homeplus (!) for 50 000won. They are both good enough for me (but then I am no mountain goat)

You can also try OK Outdoor for shoes - they have brands like Teva and Merrell.

[seoulhiker]

I would advise North Face or Columbia as well. Korean brands are so-so, although K2 is OK.

If you really want to fork out the dough, head to COEX area, where there's a Patagonia shop. It's kind of hidden, though. If you want directions, PM me.

[captain kirk]

Hi Techs at Namdemun market. Find the tourist info kiosk and they're about twenty meters further downhill on the pedestrian mainway there. On the left. Lots of shoes in front of a stall. 35,000 won. So cheap.