Myeongdong

Asia

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South Korea

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Myeongdong

Myeongdong is a dong (neighborhood) in the Jung District, Seoul, South Korea, situated between Chungmu-ro, Eulji-ro, and Namdaemun-ro. It is known as a prime shopping area, parade route, and major tourist destination in Seoul.

Shopping is undoubtedly one of the main activities to indulge in upon arrival in Myeongdong. For K-pop enthusiasts, Myeongdong Shopping Street is the place to be. There are numerous shops filled with CDs posters and other K-pop merchandise.

Walking, exploring, and shopping will work up an appetite. One of the best places to eat in Myeongdong is the night market, known for street food. It's the perfect spot to find delicious food in Myeongdong, especially local snacks.

After visiting the bustling cosmetic and trendy clothing shopping streets, at the end of the street, you'll find Myeongdong Cathedral. At first glance, this church in Seoul may look more like a European city than an Asian metropolis like Seoul. This Gothic-style church was built in 1894 under the reign of King Gojong and remains a symbolic landmark in Korea. Myeongdong Cathedral Seoul is also one of the oldest Catholic churches.

Visit the Grevin Wax Museum to take photos of your favorite Hollywood celebrities and K-pop idols. There are over 88 wax figures to be found in this Myeongdong wax museum, ranging from K-pop idols to famous athletes and actors. The list includes Einstein, Queen Elizabeth, and past American presidents.

Some of the most popular shopping centers in Myeongdong that you can visit are Noon Square, M Plaza, Lotte Department Store, Lotte Young Plaza, and Shinsegae Department Store. For fans of cute LINE characters like Brown, Cony, Sally, and others, the LINE Friends Store at Myeongdong Mall is the best place to purchase all of it.

Myeongdong can be considered one of the most popular shopping destinations for locals and tourists in Seoul. This bustling street is full of surprises, so be prepared for an unforgettable experience here. Bring comfortable shoes and your camera for an amazing shopping and sightseeing experience in Myeongdong Seoul.

Travel Tips for Myeongdong

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Myeongdong

A guide to Myeongdong's local transportation

Subway

Bus

Car Rental

Taxi

If you travel by subway, make sure to bring a T-Money card and have it loaded. Alternatively, you can obtain the Korea Rail Pass (KR PASS), which is considered the most economical way to travel. Myeongdong Subway Station is located on Line 4 and can be accessed from any station in downtown Seoul. Go to Myeongdong Station and take exit 7 (escalator) or exit 6 (stairs) to reach the main shopping street. The journey will take about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Practical Tips for Myeongdong

Things to prepare and best way to visit

When is the best time to visit Myeongdong?

The best time of year to visit South Korea is during the spring months of April, May, and June, as well as the autumn months of September, October, and November. Meanwhile, the best time to visit Myeongdong is from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. or even later. This is because there is a night market in Myeongdong that offers various products at cheaper prices.

What are the famous tourist destinations in Myeongdong?

Tourist destinations in the Myeongdong area are dominated by shopping and culinary experiences. There are plenty of shopping centers in this area, including Lotte Department Store complete with themed cafes, especially cat cafes. However, the Grevin Wax Museum and Myeongdong Cathedral could be other options after satisfying your shopping cravings.

How to get to Myeongdong?

To get to Myeongdong in Seoul via public transportation, you can take the metro or Subway Line No.4 to Myeongdong station and exit through exit 8. Alternatively, exits 6 and 7 of Myeongdong station are also near the starting point of Myeongdong Market. Several bus routes stop near Myeongdong or you can take a taxi as well.

What are the must-try local foods?

Myeongdong is not only a shopping paradise for tourists and locals but also a culinary haven. Here, you can find a wide variety of popular Korean dishes, ranging from Korean BBQ, fried chicken and beer, ginseng chicken soup, and handmade noodles to steamed and grilled clams. At the night market, you can try hotteok (pancakes), bungeoppang (fish-shaped waffles), gyeran bbang (egg bread), and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes).

What can be done in Myeongdong?

Myeongdong is a culinary and shopping paradise. Besides exploring various attractions, you can also shop for various Korean goods and souvenirs, taste delicious cuisines at cafes or restaurants, and try local cuisine or Korean snacks at Myeongdong Night Market. Don't forget to visit the K-Pop specialty shopping centers as well.