Myeongdong is the largest shopping paradise in Seoul, home to a variety of shopping centers, famous cosmetic stores, fashion boutiques, retail outlets, and numerous restaurants open until midnight.
Its location is extremely convenient for exploring Seoul, with the Myeongdong subway station providing easy access to key attractions like Namsan Seoul Tower, a symbol of the city. Nearby, you’ll find Bukchon Hanok Village and the Myeongdong Nanta Theater. As one of the city’s busiest tourist destinations, Myeongdong offers a wide range of hotels, catering to every budget, taste, and style.
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Advantages
- Famous attractions like Namsan Seoul Tower, Myeongdong Market, and Bukchon Hanok Village
- Numerous hotel options ranging from luxury to budget-friendly choices
- A wide variety of restaurants and cafes catering to different price ranges
- Convenient transportation options with subway and bus stations nearby
Disadvantages
- Subway and traffic congestion during peak hours
- Limited nightlife options, mostly confined to the night market and late-night eateries
How to Get to Myeongdong
Located south of Myeongdong, you can easily take subway line 4 from Myeongdong Station. If coming from the north, Euljiro 1 Station on subway line 2 is nearby. Several bus routes also stop in the area, providing easy access to Myeongdong.
Shopping in Myeongdong
Myeongdong Market
Myeongdong Market is one of Seoul’s top shopping destinations, offering an endless array of clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry, skincare products, and bags from renowned domestic and international brands. Major department stores like Lotte and Shinsegae, shopping centers like Noon Square and M Plaza, along with numerous street vendors and local restaurants, make Myeongdong a bustling retail hub.
Myeongdong Shopping Street
Located in the heart of Myeongdong, the Myeongdong Global Shopping Street features a diverse mix of small and large stores offering world-famous brands. It’s the perfect spot to shop for the latest fashion trends, from clothes and shoes to bags.
Lotte Shopping Mall
Lotte is an iconic shopping destination in Seoul, boasting an impressive collection of trendy clothing, accessories, jewelry, beauty products, furniture, and electronics.
Attractions Around Myeongdong
Bank of Korea Museum
The Bank of Korea Museum is home to a fascinating collection of currency from South Korea and around the world, spanning from ancient times to the present day.
Food in Myeongdong
Where to Eat in Myeongdong
Myeongdong is not only famous for shopping but also for its vibrant food scene. Some must-try spots include:
- Lotte Department Store Food Court: A spacious food court with delicious and affordable options.
- Myeongdong Gyoja: Specializing in noodles and steamed dumplings, serving delicious kacheuksu for over 40 years.
- Myeongdong Tonkatsu: Famous for crispy tonkatsu (breaded and fried pork), along with other fried dishes like shrimp and fish.
- Sinseon Seolnongtang: A popular restaurant serving seolnongtang, a tasty beef bone soup.
- Yeongyang Center: Known for simple yet tasty dishes like samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) and tongdak (roast chicken).
- Yoogane: A restaurant offering spicy stir-fried chicken with gochujang (Korean chili paste), vegetables, and rice, known as dak galbi.
Where to Stay in Myeongdong
Budget Hotels
- Blueboat Hostel Myeongdong: Starting from $17 USD
- Hostel HARU: Starting from $28 USD
- Philstay Myeongdong Station: Starting from $21 USD
- Road Myeongdong Guesthouse: Starting from $15 USD
Mid-Range Hotels
- Wons Ville Myeongdong Hotel: Starting from $43 USD
- Philstay Myeongdong Metro: Starting from $43 USD
- Ehwa In Myeongdong: Starting from $60 USD
- Days Hotel Myeongdong: Starting from $85 USD
Luxury Hotels
- Tmark Grand Hotel Myeongdong: Starting from $102 USD
- Hotel 28 Myeongdong: Starting from $112 USD
Nightlife in Myeongdong
Cooking Nanta Seoul
The Myeongdong Nanta Theater is the first venue in South Korea to host the Nanta performances, which are non-verbal comedy shows set in a kitchen environment. This unique and entertaining experience has become a must-see in Seoul.
