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Myeongdong Station on subway line 4 leads to the hottest part of town. K-pop music banging from speakers and the latest fashion or beauty items fill the streets where foodies flock to traditional eateries offering all sorts of culinary delights. With Namsan Seoul Tower in the background, hearing different languages will certainly remind you of the diversity present in the area. This is how Myeongdong streets have always lived in people's hearts. Discover the hidden allure of Myeongdong as it makes its comeback post pandemic.

Myeongdong, the Starting Point of Your Trip in Seoul

Myeongdong is the no. 1 place for shopping since two large department stores, numerous shopping centers, brand shops, and even street vendors fulfill everyone’s shopping needs. Not to mention, there are plenty of foods to try and activities to engage in before embarking on the journey around the humongous cultural complex of Seoul. After all, guidebooks have a list of shops to visit and things to buy here.

Myeongdong was a mere residential area during the Joseon Period, but eventually transformed into a commercial area after the Japanese occupation. As people in various realms of influence started to gather at small cafés and pubs, it soon became the mecca of Seoul’s culture and art spheres. Years later, department stores, jewelry shops, and boutiques also established their ground, creating the foundation of today’s setting.

Recently, Myeongdong has been particularly crowded with foreign visitors from all around the world. If you have not been to the area in a while, it will surely make you feel like you are traveling abroad. Myeongdong is a perfect spot to start traveling in Seoul or reaching different parts of Seoul, such as Gangnam, Dongdaemun, or Hongdae, since it is easily accessible from Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station of line 2 and Myeongdong Station of line 4.

As you stroll through small alleys designed for shopping enthusiasts, you will reach the crossroad of Myeongdong Theater in the town’s center. The Myeongdong Theater has been renovated as the National Theater of Korea, which is widely appreciated as the pioneer of Korean culture and art. The venue hosts traditional plays, experimental theatrical works, non-verbal performances, musicals, and theater and art festivals. 

The Myeongdong Underground Shopping Center is the last thing you would want to miss, especially if you are looking for K-pop items and souvenirs that are reasonably priced.

What visitors most enjoy when roaming around Myeongdong has to be trying out different street food options. The food stalls lining up on both sides of the main street sell a variety of food items, such as an array of skewers, deep-fried tornado potatoes, japchae, kimchi-wrapped pork belly, takoyaki, and even desserts, including tanghulu, crepe, fruit juice, and ice cream. 

Whether shopping, sightseeing, satisfying eager taste buds, or appreciating cultural and art experiences, Myeongdong will never fail to meet your expectations.

• ○Address: Myeong-dong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul

the landmark of Myeongdong,

Myeongdong Cathedral

The Myeongdong Cathedral, which stands as the landmark of Myeongdong after having been constructed in 1898 during the late Joseon Period, it is the first brick church in Korea built in the Gothic style, having high historical and cultural values.

The cathedral is at the end of a street called UNESCO-gil, which starts at the Korean National Commission for UNESCO. While the exterior is designed with pointed arches and red bricks, the interior exhibits splendid stained-glass windows and magnificent pillars. During mass, visitors are prohibited from entering the cathedral; however, they are permitted to enter during specific hours designated for touring the hall adorned with beautiful decorations.

The nighttime creates another fantastic scenery of the Myeongdong Cathedral as Namsan Seoul Tower colorfully lights up the background from the distance.

The 1898 Myeongdong Cathedral, located in the basement, features a café, gallery, and bookstore, and offers a place of relaxation for visitors.

• ○Address: 74, Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
  Hours: Precincts) Weekdays & Saturdays 09:00-20:00 | Sundays 06:00-20:00,
         Main Hall) Weekdays: 11:00-16:00 (Closed to the public except during weekend mass)

• ○Website: http://www.mdsd.or.kr/

Gastroventures and Culture Discovery at

Da-dong & Mugyo-dong Food Culture Street

Da-dong and Mugyo-dong Food Culture Street, situated between tall buildings of Myeongdong, is one of the oldest food streets in Seoul. People in politics and cultural artists have frequented this particular food street in the past thanks to its convenient location.

The general atmosphere remains unchanged for several decades as the workers of nearby office complexes often come for casual dining or get-togethers after work.

Visitors will get to experience the typical food culture of Seoul at long-standing restaurants offering local specialties.

• ○Address: Da-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul

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