My husband isn’t much of a fashion guy. When he came to Korea, he brought just a few shirts, some pants and three pairs of shoes, while I had an entire room packed floor-to-ceiling with clothes. I tried ordering clothes and shoes for him on my favorite shopping app Coupang, but most had to be returned. The pants didn’t even cover his ankles, and the shirts were too tight. He really wanted to keep the nice shoes I picked out, but after squeezing his feet into them more times than we could count, he had to give up.

Part of the military community, he’s not alone in this struggle. Finding clothes that fit in Korea can feel like a mini battle, especially for American newcomers because Korean fashion usually runs on the smaller side. But don’t worry, Itaewon, a multicultural neighborhood in Seoul, remains one of the best places in Korea to find larger sizes that are not only comfortable but also stylish!

Just a short walk between Itaewon Station and the Yongsan Garrison area, you’ll find several blocks filled with clothing and shoe shops offering everything from casual wear to button-up shirts, winter coats and even footwear in larger sizes for both men and women.

My husband found a nice black shirt for 30,000 won, perfect for a fancy dinner date and a stylish jacket for 75,000 won that he’s worn almost every day since. With its quality and design, it doesn’t feel expensive at all. Please keep in mind that some shops may prefer cash.

If you’ve been struggling to find jeans that won’t suffocate your legs or jackets that actually zip up, take a walk through Itaewon. You might leave with a full outfit that fits like a dream!

CHECK OUT THESE SHOPS WORTH VISITING!

For a more accurate direction to the fashion street, please refer to the address of the shops below. You’ll discover all the big-size shops nearby.

Kukje Bigsize (국제큰옷)

In the International Underground Market, Kukje Bigsize is one of the largest big-size shops in Itaewon. Whatever style you’re looking for, you’ll find a variety of options! You can check out their items on Instagram.

• Address: 148 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul or near Itaewon Station Exit 4 https://naver.me/FRLnTiXz

• Hours: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Closed on Thursday)

• Instagram

Modern Big Clothes (현대큰옷)

This store offers trendy, stylish clothing for men, from comfortable summer shorts to cool winter jackets.

• Address: 156 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul or near Itaewon Station Exit 4, Naver Map

• Hours: 10:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily

SPEAKING KOREAN: USEFUL PHRASES FOR SHOPPING IN ITAEWON

When shopping for clothing

• Do you have a bigger size?: Deo keun-size isseoyo? (더 큰 사이즈 있어요?)

• Do you have a smaller size?: Deo jak-eun size isseoyo? (더 작은 사이즈 있어요?)

• Do you have this in large?: Igeo large isseoyo? (이거 라지 있어요?)

• Can I try this on?: Igeo ibeo bwa-do dwaeyo? (이거 입어 봐도 돼요?)

• Where is the fitting room?: Piting-room eodi isseoyo? (피팅룸 어디 있어요?)

• It fits well!: Jal majayo! (잘 맞아요!)

• It doesn’t fit.: An majayo. (안 맞아요.)

When paying

• How much is this?: Igeo eolma-yeyo? (이거 얼마예요?)

• Can I pay by card?: Ca-deu-ro gwaenchanayo? (카드로 괜찮아요?)

• I have cash: Hyun-geum (or just say cash) isseoyo. (현금 있어요.)

• I don’t have cash: Hyun-geum eopseoyo. (현금 없어요.)

• Where is ATM?: ATM eodi isseoyo? (ATM 어디 있어요?)

• Thank you.: Gamsa-hamnida. (감사합니다.)

USAG Yongsan

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