The top things to do in Myeongdong, after visiting (around) 10x, with tips for how to travel in South Korea with an elderly person.
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Myeongdong, located in the heart of Seoul, is like tourist central 101. I used to sell Korean products in Singapore, so I had to go to Seoul several times a year to buy stock (poor me), so I'm no stranger to Myeong Dong!
It's one of the easiest places to stay for a first-time visitor to Seoul and I've yet to see an itinerary for Seoul that does not include Myeongdong. But it is a tourist trap!
If you're basing yourself there, here are some of the best things to do in the area!
Getting There
Myeongdong subway station is right outside the shopping area. Take the Subway Line 4 to Myeong-dong Station, and walk out of Exit 6. When you reach street level, you'll be at Myeongdong 8-gil, the main shopping street.
Myeongdong is also one of the best places to base yourself on a first trip to Seoul, so if your hotel is nearby (or within Myeongdong itself), you'll be able to walk over. You'll find everything from hostels to 5-star hotels such as Lotte.
Tip: Cars are not allowed in some parts of Myeongdong, so once you've entered the warren of shopping alleys, you may need to walk quite a bit to get a cab. Something to note if travelling with family members who aren't very mobile or fit!
Travel Tips
- Plan Your Visit: Myeong-dong is typically crowded, especially on weekends. Whilst the bustling crowd is actually part of the whole atmosphere of being at Myeongdong, if you prefer a less frantic pace, plan a visit during weekdays, early in the morning.
- Cash vs Credit Cards: While almost all stores in Myeong-dong accept credit cards, carry some cash for small purchases from the street stalls.
- Comfortable Footwear: Expect to do a lot of walking so wear comfortable shoes to navigate the busy streets and alleys comfortably. (There aren't many places to sit on the streets, without entering a cafe or restaurant.)
- Tax Refunds: Many stores in Myeong-dong offer tax-free shopping (on the spot) for tourists. Bring your passport- a photo on your phone sometimes works too- and inquire about tax refund procedures to save money on your purchases and time wasted at Incheon. (The minimum spend is usually 30,000 won for tax refund.)
- Language: You will find that more shop assistants speak Mandarin than English! I suggest downloading Papago and some of these free apps to make your time in Korea better.
- Luggage Storage: If you have luggage with you- or buy too much- you can use
the storage lockers available at subway stations to save yourself from shoulder strain. (There's a small fee but I find it WELL worth it!) - Wifi: there's free wifi almost everywhere, so feel free to ask the cafe you're at for their wifi password. For more Seoul travel tips, click here.
Shopping
I hate to be a typical Asian and say shopping.
However, Myeongdong is one of Seoul's most popular shopping destinations, offering everything from department stores and fashion boutiques to cosmetics shops and street stalls. It's not called Myeongdong shopping street for nothing! You'll find skincare shops (which give out tons of free gifts!), but also Korean fashion and accessories at affordable prices.
I like how this bustling shopping area caters to both locals and tourists, so it's not just a tourist trap. (Having said that, I heard almost as many Singaporean accents when I was there as people speaking Korean!)
Cosmetics Shops
If you're looking to buy affordable Korean skincare and beauty products, I HIGHLY recommend Myeongdong, as there are so many stores next to each other AND many can do a tax refund on the spot (if you spend over 30,000 won.) This will save you SO much time and hassle at Incheon International Airport!
The biggest Olive Young in Korea is located here. It's the place to go if you want to see as many brands as possible but note that they are generally not as generous with samples. (Olive Young reminds me of a less upmarket, Korean Sephora.) If you want to get the best bargain and most freebies, generally the brand's standalone, single-brand cosmetic shops work better.
There are numerous small shops selling a single skincare brand in Myeongdong. Over the years, I've seen several come and go. However, some brands that have been around for a while are Nature Republic, The Saem, Face Shop, Holika Holika, Innisfree, and Etude House.
Tip: some shops will lure you in by giving you a free gift/ sample to enter the shop. (Sadly, this is now less common than 10 years ago.) In addition, many shops will have promotion deals where you get X if you spend $10 (for example) and Y if you spend $20. Don't be embarrassed to ask, so you can strategize how much you spend!
Visit a Department Store
The streets in Myeongdong get VERY packed every day. This can be a bit tough for older people, especially ones with mobility issues. (It is not a great place if you need to push someone in a wheelchair!!) If you still want to shop, but in a more serene environment, check out the many department stores in the area.
The 2 biggest are Lotte and Shinsegae:
Lotte Department Store (롯데백화점 (본점)) needs no introduction to anyone who watches K-dramas. It is a well-established shopping haven with an extensive selection of international and Korean brands for fashion, accessories, and electronics. There is also a supermarket, food court, Duty Free Shop and a Hotel, both of which are linked to the Department Store. The food court can get super duper busy!
However, I actually prefer Shinsegae Department Store as it has a better food court! (Less crowded and, in my opinion, tastier food.) Shinsegae an iconic establishment that provides an upscale shopping experience, featuring high-end luxury brands and designers.
Tip: for more affordable international brands such as H&M, Zara, and Mango, visit Noon Square.
Boutiques
Some popular boutiques in the area are:
- Stylenada Pink Hotel Cafe: this is an Instagrammable shop filled with pink decor and selling trendy clothing and make-up.
- HBAF: if you like Korean snacks, check out HBAF, Korea's largest nut brand with a stand-alone store in Myeongdong. You'll find SOOOO many different flavors here! (
In summary, a day in Myeongdong is a great way for shopaholics to spend their time in Seoul!
Underground Mall
For a unique Korean shopping experience, check out the underground malls, usually linked to the subway stations. (The most famous is COEX at Gangnam.)
To be honest, the shops in the underground malls aren't fantastic, but it is a typical Korean experience worth checking out. (And a great place to get out of the cold in winter!)
Seniors' tip: the stairs going down can be quite the undertaking, but there is usually one elevator/ step-free entrance at one of the exits. (You will have to hunt for it!)
Eat!
Street Food
Myeongdong is known for its vibrant food scene- it's one of the best places if you want to find as large a variety of Korean street foods and Korean snacks as possible. You'll find street vendors selling everything from fish cakes to desserts here to delight your taste buds!
Tip: Having said that, I've never eaten any street food in Myeongdong that I particularly liked. (It's more quantity than quality.) There's much better- and cheaper- elsewhere in Seoul!
In Myeondong, it feels like you pay tourist dollars for tourist standard Korean street food. (The food at the local eateries and restaurants in Myeongdong are SO much better!)
Restaurants
Some of the best restaurants in Myeong Dong include:
- Myeongdong Kyoja: this Michelin-recognised eatery offers consistent good quality food at good prices. I liked the hearty meat dumplings and Kal-guksu noodles but was less impressed with the Cold Noodles, which were so spicy I felt a stomach ache coming on. (And I love spicy food! If you don't, here are some non-spicy foods you can eat in Korea.) There's usually a queue but it moves fast. They're so popular they've opened 2 outlets, located close to each other, so you can always try the other one if you don't want to wait. (It opens early-ish so is a good place for a Korean breakfast.)
- Yoogane: this is actually part of a chain of Dak-galbi restaurants. You cook the spicy chicken at your table- it's really fun! LIke with Myeondong Kyoja, there are 2 outlets in the area, one is closer to Myeongdong station than the other. Both open till late: midnight/ 1 a.m. (Take Subway Line 4 and exit at Myeongdong station, Exit 8, turn left and walk for about 250m for the closer outlet. The restaurant will be on your right. (Address: 3-1 Myeong-dong 2-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul)
Tip: If you feel "old is gold", you may want to try Ha Dong Kwan, a Korean beef bone soup (gomtang) that opened in 1939. Mind that it closes at 4.30 though, very early for Myeongdong! If not, try the 40+ year old Geumggang Seokkeojjigae (spicy squid and pork stew.)
Local Food
Some popular Korean foods to try are:
- Korean BBQ
- Dak Galbi: this is my favorite Korean dish! (If you can't take spicy Korean food, you may not have a lot of choices at a Dak Galbi place though.)
- Korean Black Bean Noodles: Also known as Jjajangmyeon, this Chinese-inspired dish comprises thick noodles topped with a rich black bean sauce.
- Yangnyeom Tongdak: This is a popular Korean-style fried chicken dish with a sweet and spicy sauce.
- Tteokbokki: A popular snack made from chewy rice cakes, fishcakes, and vegetables, served with a spicy gochujang sauce.
Desserts
Sweet treats are aplenty in Myeongdong. Don't forget to try:
- Bungeoppang: A fish-shaped pastry filled with sweetened red-bean paste, similar to a waffle but way cuter. Other fillings, such as ice cream, may also be available.
- Bingsu and Sulbing: a tower of shaved milk ice, these are my favorite Korean desserts! You can try them at Cafe Coin, one of the older and more popular cafes in the area, or Korea Dessert Cafe Sulbing.
Cafe-hop
Korea is famous for its cafe culture and it has SO MANY coffee shops that look like they were made just for Instagram! You'll find some of the world's most beautiful cafes in Seoul!
Some cafes also feature special themes or concepts, such as cat cafes or cafes inspired by popular books and movies, creating an immersive experience for patrons.
Note: for traditional Korean tea houses, I recommend heading to Insa-dong or Bukchon Village instead. (Both are close-by.) Insa-Dong is the place in Seoul for traditional Korean culture, outside of a museum.
Attractions & Activities
Beauty Treatment
It's no secret the Koreans are obsessed with beauty and one of my favorite things to do in Seoul is to get a facial or massage. (I find the facials to be pretty good but the massages aren't really that special but they're a great way to recover from your shopping spree!)
There is a beauty store to suit every budget and some that I recommend near Myeongdong are:
- Sulwahsoo, Lotte Hotel: you need to book the Sulwhasoo facial in advance. (Note this link is for Sulwhasoo GANGNAM not Sulwhasoo MyeongDong.) Click here for my review of Sulwhasoo Heritage Ginseng Journey Treatment.
For a full list of the worst and best facials in Myeong Dong that I've tried, click here.
You can also get a Korean hair cut or perm- click here for my review of Juno hair salon in Myeongdong, a famous Korean hair salon chain.
Myeongdong NANTA Theatre
Another unique cultural attraction in Myeongdong is the Myeongdong NANTA Theatre.
This innovative and engaging performance venue showcases the famous non-verbal musical comedy show, "NANTA". "NANTA" has won numerous awards and attracted millions of visitors since it started in 1997.
The comedic show combines traditional Korean rhythms with modern music, creating a fun experience for audiences of all ages and nationalities. (You will not need to understand Korean to enjoy it.)
Namdaemun Market
Namdaemun Market is withing walking distance of Myeongdong. It's right next to Shinsegae actually!
If you want to try more exotic Korean foods, such as silkworm larvae or Beondegi (not my favorite, I must confess), Namdaemun Market is the place to go!
Myeongdong Cathedral
Myeongdong Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral Church of the Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception, is a prominent historical and cultural landmark in Seoul.
Constructed in the late 19th century (1898), this beautiful Gothic-style building holds significant value in Korean history, as it has been a symbol of peace and democracy.
Visitors can appreciate the architectural beauty and the bell tower. Alternatively, they can take part in Mass held in the cathedral. (English services are on Sunday.) The quiet and serene atmosphere offers a nice break from the crazily busy shopping streets!
Myeongdong Cathedral also played a significant role during Korea's struggle for democracy, making it an important site for understanding the country's contemporary history.
Tip: the cathedral is beautifully lit for Christmas, so stop by if you're in Seoul in December!
Namsangol Hanok Village
If you don't mind venturing a little further away, Namsangol Hanok village is well-worth a visit. (Hanoks are traditional Korean houses.)
Cheonggyecheon Stream
This is a very popular place in Seoul for a walk. It's located under street level, so the air is much fresher and cooler. But seniors will have to take note that of the stairs going up and down!
Get a Bea
Nightlife and Entertainment
Myeongdong offers a wide range of nightlife and entertainment options. Like many places in Seoul, it opens late: Myeongdong Night Market is a very popular thing to do in Seoul.
Sing at a Noraebang
Noraebangs- similar to a karaoke room, but more fun- are an essential part of South Korean nightlife.
Myeongdong has several noraebangs that cater to different groups, from small rooms for friends to larger spaces for parties. There, you can pick from a vast song selection, both local and international, and enjoy singing and dancing in a private setting.
Some noraebangs even offer additional amenities, such as flashing disco lights, costumes and props, for a truly unforgettable Korean experience! You'll feel like a Korean star!
Bars
Myeongdong is home to various types of bars, from popular franchises to local pubs.
These venues offer a wide range of alcoholic beverages, including popular South Korean soju and makgeolli, as well as international selections.
Some bars also offer live music, from acoustic performances to open mic nights, to keep patrons entertained in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
Any questions about visiting Myeong Dong? Let me know in the comments!
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