If you are looking for some of the best shopping and eating in Seoul, then start with Myeongdong. This popular district features street food carts, major shopping malls, and entertainment.
The dense grid of streets found in this bustling neighborhood is packed with people at all hours of the day looking to enjoy some of the best shopping, street food, and nightlife in all of Korea.
Along with locals, Myeongdong is busy with tourists from around the world, many of whom come from other Asian countries such as Japan and China. Almost 2 million people visit the area every day.
After the Korean War, the economy of South Korea expanded rapidly, and so did the city’s population. Many department stores, shops, restaurants, and shopping centers set up businesses in the Myeongdong area to keep up with this increasing demand.
From street carts to small boutiques to major department stores, you can find just about anything related to clothes and the latest fashion trends.
The area offers fashion items geared towards youth who visit each night to find the hottest new fashion trends and beauty products.
Myeongdong is one of the most expensive shopping districts in the world. The area is your destination if you are looking for the best international and Korean brands and shops, such as Forever 21, Lacoste, Apple, Nature Republic, and The Body Shop.
Anyone who loves to shop and has money to spend can find an almost unlimited number of mid to high-end retail stores, from Louis Vuitton to large department stores such as the Lotte Department Store and Shinsegae Department Store.
You can also find bargains if you are willing to hunt for them. To find great deals, look past the large department stores and most major brands towards the street carts and smaller shops tucked away in smaller alleys.
Even if you don’t want to shop, Myeongdong is a destination in itself. It’s a great area to find many types of restaurants and tasty and unique street foods.
The best part about street food here is that you can walk from stall to stall, finding whatever looks and smells the best. Street food is cheap, tastes great, and will keep you warm on a cool night.
The best time to experience Myeongdong is after sunset when the streets fill with people, the smell of street food fills the air, and the neon lights shine brightest.
A simple but great experience involves simply wandering around and people-watching on the many traffic-free alleys and streets.
Myeongdong offers more than shopping, nightlife, and eating as it features Myeongdong Cathedral, a must-visit attraction.
Myeongdong Information
Hours
24 hours
Admission
Free
Address
Myeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea
GPS Coordinates: 37.563183, 126.98535
How to Get Here
The center of Myeong-dong can be reached from Exit 6 of Myeongdong Station (Seoul Subway Line 4).
Map
Official Website
https://english.visitseoul.net/shopping/Myeong-dong/ENP000067
Additional Resources
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Book Recommendations
For an immersive guide to Seoul, many travelers choose to bring a book along. Fodor's Seoul, for example, offers detailed recommendations on sights, restaurants, maps, and travel tips.
Nearby Sights
Myeongdong Cathedral
Myeongdong Cathedral was the first and most important Catholic church in Korea and is an important symbol of Christianity in the country. The church is an important icon of Korea and Myeongdong. The official name of Myeongdong Cathedral is Cathedral Church of the Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception.
Bank of Korea Museum
The Bank of Korea Museum displays various currencies from Korea and from around the world that date all the way back to ancient times up until present day. Construction on the building started in November, 1907 and was completed in January, 1912.
Hwangudan Altar (Wongudan Altar)
Wongudan Altar is where the emperor would perform sacrifices to heaven. The altar was built in 1897 and since then has been known as Hwangudan and Wondan. The complex was built during the reign of Emperor Gojong and was designed by Sim Uiseok, at the time, one of the best royal architects.
Seoul Plaza
Seoul Plaza is an oval public space located in front of City Hall in the heart of the city. Once a traffic circle, it is now used for events and festivals. Originally, a large water fountain could be found in the center of the traffic circle, but it has since been removed.
Old Seoul City Hall (Seoul Metropolitan Library)
The Old Seoul City Hall, now the Seoul Metropolitan Library, is a Renaissance style building that served as the city hall of Seoul from 1945 until 2008. After over four years of construction, the new city hall building opened on August 27, 2012. The building was slated for demolition multiple times but was saved because of its historical importance. It has now been converted to the Seoul Metropolitan Library.
Last Updated on Feb 6, 2025