Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Beer Man]

I want to maybe get a new pair of eyeglasses before heading back to Canada, as they're so much cheaper to buy here in Korea. Anyone know of a good shop in Seoul? I'm looking for a place that stocks lots of western brands (DKNY, Armani, CK, and so on). I checked out Itaewon on the weekend, but really didn't see any, other than a place called "Italy Optical" which didn't have much of a selection. Thanks guys!

[MollyBloom]

I got my glasses at I-Face in Daechi behind the Lotte Dept store. I think it's near Daechi station exit 1 (Lotte, that is). I can't remember how to get there, but the phone # is 561-3220. The owner is really nice and speaks English. Sorry I can't give you more info.

[climber159]

In the Namdaemun market there are a bunch of shops right near the Hoehyeon bus stop. I've been to a couple of these places and they have always been very nice and helpful. There's usually someone there who can speak enough English to make your experience easy too.

[mindmetoo]

Western brands (CK etc) expect to pay huge bucks.

[Beer Man]

Thanks guys, I've actually already checked out the Namdaemun area, unfortunately didn't see any frames I wanted. MollyBloom, I will check out I-Face next time I'm in Seoul.

When I say it's cheaper to buy eyeglasses here, I'm talking about the lenses in particular. They cost over 200 bucks back in Canada, but only like 75,000 here in Korea. Of course, the frames are pricey both here in Korea or back home (Western frames are like 200,000, for DKNY, etc.)

[MollyBloom]

[definitely maybe]

there's a chain of optical stores called grand prix. they definitely have a range of foreign frames and quite a few lense options too. there's one by hansung univ. station on the 4 line in samseonggyo, and another by sungshin women's univ., also on the 4 line, in donam-dong. i've seen others, but can't recall exact locations.

[RACETRAITOR]

Does it really matter what brand your glasses are?

[Beer Man]