Where are the magazine stands?

Here’s this week’s tip on Korean language and customs:

Q:
Koreans, especially young people, are extremely trend-conscious, and as a new executive working in a cosmetics company, I’m keen on catching up with Korean cultural trends. One way for me to understand a new country is by reading magazines, but unlike in Europe or in the United States, here in Seoul there aren’t any magazine stands in the street. Where and how can I find trendy magazines?

A:
The best places to buy all kinds of local magazines are convenience stores and bookstores, such as Kyobo or Youngpoong, which have many outlets. These stores can be found at shopping centers at major subway transit points, such as COEX and Lotte World malls.

Popular American magazines are sold at the USO (United Service Organization, 02-795-3028) in the Yongsan district of central Seoul. It is open from 8 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. daily except for Sundays. (On Saturdays it closes at 5 p.m.) The nearest subway station is Namyeong station, line No. 1, exit 2. A few bookstores located behind the Central Post Office (now under construction) in Myeong-dong in central Seoul also specialize in imported books and magazines from all over the world.