Things To Do In Myeongdong

Myeongdong, a neighborhood in Seoul, is known far and wide for its vibrant appeal and is regularly touted as the top go-to place in South Korea’s capital city. Its name, which means ‘bright tunnel’ in the local language, perfectly captures the district’s lively and bustling atmosphere.

Why Myeongdong is Famous?

At first glance, you might wonder why Myeongdong is deemed so highly. Here are several reasons:

1. Shopping Destination: Myeongdong stands out as the prime shopping district in Seoul, where visitors can find a plethora of stores selling everything from local brands to international ones. Whether you’re after fashion, skincare, or electronics, chances are you’ll find them in Myeongdong.

2. Tourist-friendly: Due to its central location, Myeongdong is easily accessible for tourists and things like important sightseeing spots, accommodations, and transport hubs are within a close radius. This makes it a convenient base for travelers exploring Seoul.

3. Cuisine: The food scene in Myeongdong is another major draw for visitors. Street food stalls and restaurants line the district’s streets, offering an ample opportunity to taste local delicacies.

4. Currency exchange: Myeongdong is known to offer the most competitive currency exchange rates in Seoul, which adds to this area’s convenience for international travelers.

Things to do in Myeongdong

Myeongdong’s vibrant neighborhood leaves no shortage of activities to partake in and areas to explore. Here are a few suggestions:

• Shopping: As mentioned, this district is a shopper’s paradise. Be sure to explore the stores and pick up unique souvenirs, skincare products, and trendy apparel while you’re there.

• Food tastings: The street food in Myeongdong is not to be missed. From tasty dumplings to sweet ice-cream filled fish cakes, there’s something for every palate.

• Cultural exploration: Learn more about South Korea’s culture and heritage by visiting the nearby temples, museums, and historic sites.

• Skincare and beauty services: Myeongdong is known for its skincare and beauty sector. Try a beauty treatment or visit a skincare clinic for world-renowned treatments.

Myeongdong in Seoul indeed lives up to its name as a ‘bright tunnel’, leading visitors on a captivating journey through its glowing streets. Whether you’re visiting Seoul for the first time or returning for another look, Myeongdong is a district that’s sure to delight the senses.

Comprehensive Overview of Myeongdong

Myeongdong is a vibrant shopping district situated in the very heart of Seoul, South Korea. Known for its rich cultural history and bustling street life, the area stands as a respected and renowned district with a historical lineage that goes back to the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). In those historical times, Myeongdong was a hub for trade and commerce, playing a pivotal role in the economic growth of the region.

Fast forward to the 20th century when Korea was under Japan’s occupation, the district blossomed as a preferred location for Japanese settlers. The population growth and increasing commercial activity made Myeongdong even more ubiquitous in Seoul’s urban life. Its reputation only grew stronger after the Korean War, as it became an emblem of the country’s rapid economic development and modernization.

Myeongdong’s prominence in the Seoul cityscape

Geographically, Myeongdong is strategically located in the Jung-gu district. This central positioning endows it with a range of amenities that are easily accessible, including guesthouses, shops, and restaurants. Public transportation systems ensure smooth connectivity, contributing to its reputation as a convenient destination in Seoul.

A historical hub that doesn’t shy away from adapting to modernity, Myeongdong has been evolving since the 70s. Its transformation as a youth-centric district began when a torrent of new shops made their way to the district. The year 2000 marked another major milestone in Myeongdong’s calendar when it was included in the official tourist bus route of Seoul, highlighting its importance as a must-see locale for tourists.

Living the Myeongdong Experience

As a testament to its popularity, it is estimated that over 2 million people pass through Myeongdong each day. The number alone speaks volumes about the area’s appeal, attracting a diverse blend of locals, tourists, shopaholics, and foodies. With a plethora of activities to do and sights to see, you’d be hard-pressed to find a dull moment in Myeongdong.

So why should you become one of its enthusiastic visitors? The simple answer – Myeongdong has an undeniable charm that ensures you’ll remain perpetually entertained. Join the millions who pass by each day and experience the magic of Myeongdong for yourself.

Useful Tips For Your Visit To Myeongdong

Appropriate Clothing: The climate in Seoul fluctuates dramatically depending on the season. Hence, it’s important to pack accordingly. You can find some helpful guidelines here.

Tipping- Etiquette: Unlike many Western countries, tipping is not customary in Korea with the exception of taxis and tour guides. To learn more about Korean tipping culture, visit this link.

Gastronomic Adventures: Myeongdong is not just renowned for its shopping; it’s also a food lover’s paradise. Here is a list of the best restaurants in Myeongdong that you must try.

Discounts For Foreign Visitors: Look out for special deals and discounted entrance tickets for tourists on sites like Klook and Trazy.

Public Transport Pass: For seamless travel around Seoul, consider purchasing a T-money card. It can be utilized on the subway, buses, and taxis. For more details, click here.

Planning Your Trip: Make sure to include Myeongdong in your Seoul itineraries. For an effortless Seoul exploration, it is recommended to book your accommodation in Myeongdong as it is centrally located and well-connected.

Transportation to Myeongdong: Travelling from Incheon Airport to Myeongdong is a breeze with four transport options available: trains, subways, buses, and taxis. Click here to discover how to reach Myeongdong.

Take note of these tips and have a delightful trip to Myeongdong!

1. Visit Myeongdong Cathedral

The historical and architectural marvel that is the Myeongdong Cathedral was built towards the late 19th century, boasting beautiful French Gothic style architecture constructed entirely in bricks. Today, the cathedral holds the lofty title of Korean National Treasure n°258 for its deep-rooted historical and architectural significance.

Considered one of the most picturesque sites during the holiday season, the cathedral specifically transforms into an even more magical space during Christmas.

Entrance Fee: No charge
Opening Times: Open daily from 10 am – 6 pm

2. Nanta Cooking Show

Treat yourself to a hearty blend of comedy, music, and acrobatic performances centered around preparing Korean food at the Nanta Theater. As the longest running show in Seoul, the Nanta Cooking Show is a must-see experience in Myeongdong. Get all the info about the show here.

3. Mud Spa Experience

Indulge in a Mud Spa experience at the Myeongdong Mud Sauna, aimed at enriching both your body and soul. Here, you can avail numerous treatments that involve natural mud sourced from Boryeong – a region situated in South West Korea known for its vibrant beauty. With a day at the spa designed to help you relax and rejuvenate, it’s no wonder that it finds mention as one of the top things to do in Myeongdong. More info.

Opening Times: Open every day from 9:00 am to 1:00 am (last admission at 11 pm)

4. Line Friends and Kakao Store

South Koreans mostly communicate on an app called Kakaotalk, similar to WhatsApp or Viber, known for its unique and cute characters. These characters can be found at the Kakao Friends Store situated in Myeongdong Mall.

5. Shopping in Myeongdong: K-Pop, Socks, and Cosmetics

K-pop fans are in for a treat at the Myeongdong Shopping Street which is full of goodies, CDs, and posters of K-pop idols. If you prefer different genres, music shops here offer a fantastic collection of LPs from the 60s pop and rock’n’roll era.

• Cute and quirky socks are a hit in this area, priced around 1000 KRW
  • South Korean Beauty Products are world-renowned and Myeongdong houses all of the main brands including Innisfree, Etude Maison, Skinfood, and more.

6. Myeongdong Food Market

The Myeongdong night market is a haven for food lovers, boasting a range of original street food like omelets and fresh sea shells, amongst others. Active between 4 pm and 11 pm, the night market encapsulates the vibrant South Korean food culture.

7. Themed Cat Cafe

If you need to unwind, head to one of Korea’s famed themed cafes. The Godabang Cafe is a popular cat-themed cafe with branches in Myeongdong and Hongdae, offering the perfect place to pamper fluffy felines!

Entrance Fee: 9000 KRW (includes a free drink)
Opening Times: Open every day from 1 pm to 10 pm

8. Grevin Museum Myeongdong

The Grevin Museum in Myeongdong is a must-visit spot for those captivated by Korean idols. The interactive museum houses wax figures of individuals ranging from Joseon kings to K-pop idols. Find more info here.

Opening Times: Open daily from 9:30 am – 7 pm

9. Hanbok Experience

Take part in a traditional Korean hanbok experience and strike a pose for a photo shoot. Indoor hanbok experiences offer a weatherproof opportunity to try on traditional Korean clothing. More info here.

10. Myeongdong Shooting Range

The Myeongdong Shooting Range offers a rare chance to try shooting real guns on targets. This unique experience is one of the standout things to do in Myeongdong. More info here.

11. Make Your Own Perfume

At the Myeongdong G.N perfume studio, you can learn to make your own perfume from over 150 base scents and 20 natural flavors. Create your personalized bottle as a unique keepsake of your Korean trip. More info here.

12. Korean Cooking Class

Discover the culinary delights of Korean cuisine at the Myeongdong kimchi school and learn how to make your own kimchi and tteokbokki. The 1-hour session is an excellent experience for food enthusiasts keen on understanding the craft of preparing traditional Korean dishes. More info here.

13. More to Explore in Myeongdong

The list of activities and experiences in Myeongdong doesn’t end here, as the region brims with countless other attractions, food options, shopping outlets, and cultural sites waiting to be explored by tourists and locals alike. Check some of them out during your adventure for a better grasp of Korean culture and lifestyle!

An Updated Guide on How To Reach Myeongdong

Myeongdong, one of the busiest places in Seoul, is well known for its shopping streets and food outlets. It is a must-visit destination in Seoul, and reaching it is convenient since it’s well connected by various modes of transport.

The Myeongdong Subway station is positioned strategically on Line 4 and is within easy reach from any center point in Seoul. You could determine the best route by using the Seoul subway app. Numerous direct buses also ply from many tourist districts in Seoul to Myeongdong. Real-time bus schedule can be obtained from the Kakao Map App.

Routes For Reaching MyeongDong:

1. Incheon Airport To Myeongdong

There are multiple ways you can reach Myeongdong from Incheon Airport:

By Subway (duration 1hr 20min): Board the Airport Line and travel till Seoul Station. From there, transit to Line 4 (Direction: Danggogoe) and disembark at Myeongdong station (just two stations from Seoul Station).

By Taxi (duration approximately 45 minutes): You can catch a taxi from the airport, simply let the driver know that you wish to travel to Myeongdong. The average taxi fare is approximately 60 000 krw.

By Bus (duration 1hr 40min): Taking Bus 6015 would be the most direct option as it explains you directly from Incheon T1 to Myeongdong.

Exploring Myeongdong is a joyous adventure waiting to be experienced, with its vast range of shopping possibilities, culinary delights, and an extraordinary blend of traditional and contemporary South Korean culture.

Exploring the Palate in Myeongdong

Myeongdong is home to an array of tantalizing, irresistible gastronomic experiences that aim to please every food-lover. Be it savoring the innumerable options at the vivacious Myeongdong street food night market, or dining at the district’s impressive spectrum of eateries, there is a whole world of tastes and textures waiting to be explored. Peruse this guide for an insight into the finest important dining destinations and mouthwatering culinary transformations happening right in Myeongdong.

1. Indulge in Exquisite Bingsu at Red Mango and Cacao Green Café.

Championing the magnificent Korean traditional dessert, bingsu, is the Red Mango and Cacao Green Café. This dessert café garners applause for their homemade ice flakes dishes, which are not only scrumptious but also visually appealing and highly Instagram-worthy. Bingsu is not just another dessert here; it’s an ecstatic journey into the sweet and flavor-rich culinary culture of Korea, offered in a variety of seasonal delights. Don’t forget to try their chocolate too, a must-have treat to complete the bingsu journey.

2. Savor Authentic Korean Supper at Myeongdong Kyoja.

For those craving a hefty, flavorful Korean fare, look no further than Myeongdong Kyoja. This establishment, woven into the fabric of Korean eatery landscape, is cherished for their superlative noodle and dumpling soup. The tasteful authenticity captured in every spoonful mirrors the rich Korean culinary heritage adding a soulful touch to your dining experience.

Immerse yourself in the epicurean delights Myeongdong has to offer, and let the diversity of tastes, scents, and textures guide you through an unforgettable culinary adventure!

Where To Stay In Myeongdong: Updated and Expanded Information

Recognized as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Seoul, Myeongdong provides a variety of accommodations to suit every type of traveler. Myeongdong is not only a shopping heaven for beauty and fashion enthusiasts, but it also boasts excellent connectivity to the rest of Seoul, making it the ideal base for your Seoul trip.

• Budget Stays: For budget travellers, Citil House is a top-rated choice. Known for its warm hospitality, the owners of Citil House are always ready to provide guests with essential information about the city. Rooms here are clean and comfortable, perfect for travellers who are looking for a pocket-friendly option without compromising on comfort. More info here.

• Mid-range Accommodation: When it comes to mid-range accommodation, Step Inn Myeongdong 2 stands out. This property received the highest rating among Myeongdong accommodations on booking.com. Guests can enjoy a modest breakfast and very clean rooms here. The hotel’s minimalistic decor also adds to the overall relaxing ambiance. More info here.

• Luxury Accommodation: G2 Hotel Myeongdong is the epitome of luxury in the heart of Myeongdong. Known for its top-class service and elegant rooms, it goes above and beyond to provide each guest a pleasant and memorable stay. The staff here are known for their welcoming and friendly disposition. Furthermore, the breakfast is highly acclaimed for its taste and variety. After a rejuvenating night at the hotel, you will be ready to head out for a fully packed day of exploring Seoul. More info here.

This categorization of budget, mid-range, and luxury accommodations should help you quickly ascertain the best place to stay within your budget. Whether you’re dropping in for a quick city break or planning a long stay on a budget, Myeongdong has something for everyone. Plan your stay wisely and make the most of your Seoul adventure!

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Planning on visiting Myeongdong, Seoul? Have more questions about top things to do in Seoul or suggestions to add to this “Places to Visit in Myeongdong” blog post? Feel free to provide your thoughts in the comment section below.