Hey there!
If you’re planning a trip to Seoul, you’ve absolutely got to check out Myeongdong.
It’s one of the city’s most buzzing districts and a paradise for anyone who loves shopping, food, and soaking up a vibrant atmosphere. So, I’m here to give you some insider tips on fun things to do in Myeongdong. Trust me, this place is a must-visit!
1. Myeongdong Shopping Street
Myeongdong Shopping Street is the perfect place for you if you love skincare and fashion. You’ll find everything from the latest beauty products to the cutest accessories, like hair clips and jewelry, at affordable prices. It’s shopping heaven! Additionally, if you are looking for Korean snacks, drinks, or other souvenirs to bring home, Myeongdong got you covered. There are loads of stores that cater specifically to tourists and sell classic Korean items to take home with you, such as ramyeon, green tea, or seaweed.
Tip: Make a list of the things you want to buy in Korea and set aside some time for shopping in Myeongdong. It’s worth it!
2. Try Street Food in Myeongdong
Another fun thing to do in Myeongdong is try the street food! From Tteokbokki to Hotteok, there is nothing you can’t find at the Myeongdong night market. Now, it might be a tad pricier and less authentic than what you’d find in traditional markets, but hey, if you’re already in Myeongdong, you might as well have a little snack, right? My advice: Do some research and list down a few street foods you’ve got to try!
3. Indulge in Traditional Korean Cuisine
If you’re craving more than just a snack, Myeongdong’s got some amazing spots. For example, the famous Myeongdong Kyoja – a Michelin-star restaurant that sells dumplings and noodle soups at affordable prices. It’s all about those flavors that take you straight to the heart of Korea’s rich culinary heritage. Remember that you might have to line up at popular places, as there are not only a lot of hungry tourists in the area but also locals who work in Myeongdong. So plan to come right at the opening time of famous restaurants in the area to avoid long waiting hours.
4. Relax at a Cat Café
Need a break from all the shopping and eating? Hit up a cat café! Myeongdong has a few famous cat cafés where you can relax with cats and have a refreshing drink. It’s the perfect way to unwind and escape the city buzz for a bit.
5. Visit Renowned Department Stores
Myeongdong isn’t just about street shopping; the department stores here are epic. Around the area, you can find stores like the Lotte Department Store main branch, Shinsegae Department Store, and (my personal favorite) Lotte Young Plaza. Whether you’re into cosmetics or looking for some fancy Korean fashion brands, you will find them here!
6. Dive into K-Pop Culture
If you are a K-pop fan, Myeongdong is your playground. There are tons of stores selling all kinds of K-pop merch—some official, some not so much (especially around the Myeongdong subway station; it’s still worth checking the stores out, though!). It’s a great place to gather items for your collection or find little knickknacks to bring home for friends.
7. Enjoy Panoramic Views from Namsan Tower
Want the best view of Seoul? Head to Namsan Tower. The views from up there are absolutely stunning! Snapping some photos at Namsan is a must-do. The tower is located close to Myeondong and there are multiple ways to get there. For example, you can take the local bus, or, for a more scenic view, take a cable car.
8. Visit Myeongdong Cathedral
For a dose of history and architecture, Myeongdong Cathedral is the place to be. The cathedral was the first Roman Catholic parish church in Korea. in Korea. It was designed by Western missionaries and built between 1892 and 1898 as the first Gothic building in Korea. If you are interested in the history of Myeongdong, set aside a slot in your schedule for this!
Conclusion
So, there you have it – eight awesome things to do in Myeongdong.
Whether you’re a shopaholic, a foodie, or just looking for cool vibes, Myeongdong has it all. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to explore one of Seoul’s most exciting districts. And if you find something super cool that I didn’t mention, comment and share it with everyone!
And if you are interested in more Korea travel tips, don’t forget to check out my other blog articles!
