Myeongdong is arguably one of the most well-known places in Seoul. The mecca of all things related to shopping and eating, Myeongdong is definitely a stop you don’t want to miss out on when you’re in Seoul.
If you don’t know where to start though, here’s a list of all the must-visit places in Myeongdong!
- Shopping
- Food
- Nanta Performance
- K-Beauty Services
- Unique Activities
- Myeongdong Cathedral
- Cheonggyecheeon Stream
- Euljiro
1. Shopping
1) Myeongdong Underground Shopping Center
When it comes to shopping, Myeongdong is the place to be. There’s actually quite a handful of places to visit that you may not even be able to clear them all in a day.
Starting underground, inside the Myeongdong subway station you’ll find dozens of stores lining the underground pathway. This is the Myeongdong Underground Shopping Center. Though it’s underground, it’ll be hard to miss as it’s located in the subway station underground. Here you’ll notice there are quite a few stores selling K-pop goods including K-drama memorabilia. 
2) Olive Young
Just above is the main attraction of Myeongdong, Myeongdong Shopping Street. Home to one of the biggest Olive Young stores in Korea, this street offers an endless selection of stores to pop into. From all sorts of fashion brand stores to cosmetics brand stores, international brand stores, supermarkets, and many more. This is probably one of the best places to buy some trendy Korean clothes as well as a handful of Korean skin care products to take back home with you. Be sure to keep your map on though or you might get lost in the many alleys.
3) Department Stores
If you thought this was the end of the list of stores, you were mistaken. Nearby are several more shopping malls, most notably the Lotte Department Store and Young Plaza as well as the Shinsegae Department Store. You’ll find both high-end fashion brands and casual streetwear brands here like you would in any department store. However, as the flagship stores of Lotte and Shinsegae respectively, not only will you find hundreds of stores to visit but also decorations that live up to their name. Especially in the winter, you may have come across lots of images of them, both department stores are lit up in a flurry of colorful lights in lieu of the Christmas season.
2. Food
1) Local Street Foods
Myeongdong is not only a shopping paradise but also a foodie haven. With dozens of local street food stores lining the streets of Myeongdong, you do not want to miss out on these amazing delicacies while you’re here. From tteokbokki, tornado potatoes to grilled cheese lobster and more, Myeongdong is one of the best places to eat your way into a food coma. In addition to the local street food, there are hundreds of other stores that you have to visit but since we can’t list them all, here are just a few recommendations.
2) Myeongdong Kyoja
- Address: 29, Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (Kakao Map)
First off, if you’re in Myeongdong, don’t forget to stop by the acclaimed Myeongdong Kyoja, a restaurant that serves knife-cut, handmade kalguksu (noodle soup), mandu (dumplings), bibim guksu (spicy noodles) and kongguksu (noodles in cold soybean soup). Having been in business since 1966, it boasts a long history and tradition but one which has been verified, also having received 1 star Michelin rating.
3. Nanta Performance
You may have heard of Nanta performances before if you’ve been to Korea since it is one of the most iconic performances. The term “nanta” means “to beat”, which gives you a big hint as to what this performance may be. Basically, it’s a performance where the performers with their kitchen utensils in hand have to prepare food for a wedding reception in time. In the process of cooking, the cooks put on an amazing performance filled with musical beats and comedy.
If you haven’t watched a Nanta performance before, it is highly recommended!
| Cookin’ NANTA Show Seoul Discount Ticket
4. K-Beauty Services
As the center of all things related to K-beauty as well, there is quite a fair share of hair salons, spas, and many more places that offer beauty services. Why not enjoy a relaxing evening spa after a long day shopping at O HUI & Whoo Spa? Enjoy refreshing facial care or a full facial and body treatment fit for a queen. There’s no other better way to remember a trip!
| O HUI & Whoo Spa Beauty Care Package
You can also treat yourself to the transformative power of Boryeong Mud, renowned as one of the world’s finest natural muds. This women’s exclusive premium treatment facility offers various spa packages, from the basic course to the luxe 24K pure gold package! Afterward, you’ll leave with silky-smooth, glowing skin and renewed vitality.
| Women’s Only Mud Massage & Sauna Experience
5. Unique Activities
If you’re not that into shopping, probably not eating though, there are still a lot of things you can do to spend a memorable day at Myeongdong. If you’re looking to try out some fun and unique activities you wouldn’t normally try, here are a few recommendations! How about a truly unique memorabilia to remind you of your trip to Seoul, a caricature of yourself? Guided by a professional artist who will teach you how to draw a caricature, reinvent yourself through a drawing to capture your special moment in Korea.
If you are more interested in DIY classes, join this silver ring-making experience and create your own one-of-a-kind silver ring! Don’t worry if you are not crafty, the instructor will guide you with any parts you find challenging. You can customize your ring with various cubics or birthstones, and laser engrave your loved one’s names or special messages on the ring.
| Silver Ring Making Experience
6. Myeongdong Cathedral
One of the most prominent buildings in Myeongdong, the Myeongdong Cathedral is the first Western-style brick building built in the Gothic style in Korea. Also, having been completed all the way back in 1898, not only does it carry with it significant historical value but it is also a symbol of the passing times. To truly appreciate the beauty of this cathedral, we recommend that you enter inside to take a look at the magnificent stained glass windows against the tall ceilings.
7. Cheonggyecheon Stream
Starting from Cheonggye Plaza, just off Sejongro Avenue, Cheonggyechoen Stream that runs through downtown Seoul. Stretching across 11km in length, it also passes a total of 22 bridges before flowing into the Hangang River. Thus, taking a walk along the stream banks is a great way to explore Seoul while catching glimpses of many attractions along the way. It’s also the perfect place to just take a stroll on a sunny afternoon but in fact, the best time to hang around Cheonggyecheong Stream is during the winter season. Though it’s definitely much colder in the winter, you don’t want to miss out on the Seoul Lantern Festival which takes place here, illuminating the whole stream in a myriad of colorful lights.
| Seoul Night Group Tour: Gwangjang Market + Changgyeonggung Palace + Naksan Park
| Seoul Walking Tour: Gyeonghuigung & Deoksugung Palace
| Seoul City Walking Tour or Small Group Tour (Half Day/Full Day)
| Seoul VIP Pedicab Tour: Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon Hanok Village, and more
8. Euljiro
Euiljiro, which was once an industrial area filled with factories, is now dubbed as Hipjiro – a play on the words hip and Euiljiro. It is now one of the trendiest spots in Seoul to be in and that means there are dozens of amazing places to visit. From a bowl of authentic naengmyeong (cold buckwheat noodles) to nostalgic cafes at the corner of the street, Euljiro is overflowing with a handful of amazing sites to visit and explore.
| K-Kick Taekwondo Show Seoul Ticket
Check out this blog for all the Instagrammable places in Euljiro!
Hope you’re able to navigate the streets of Myeongdong now. Don’t forget to drop by all the places mentioned above!
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