What To Eat In Myeongdong | Guide To The Best Restaurants In Myeongdong
Where to eat in Myeongdong? What to eat in Myeongdong Korea? Looking for the best restaurants in Myeongdong? Recommended Myeongdong restaurants? Find out more in this Myeongdong food guide.
When thinking about Myeongdong, the first things popping to mind are street food, cosmetic stores and an abundance of restaurants and cafes. Myeongdong is the place to go for food after a long day of sightseeing. Read on to find what to eat in Myeongdong and the best restaurants in Myeongdong on this Korea food travel guide.
About Myeongdong
Myeongdong is an area in Seoul between Chungmu-ro, Eulji-ro, and Namdaemun-ro, 3 major stations in Seoul. It is known for being one of the main tourism districts especially when it comes to shopping, restaurants and accommodation. The main things to do in Myeongdong are Nanta performance and Myeongdong Cathedral. Nanta is a famous Korean cooking performance that involves all kinds of acrobatics, magic tricks and a lot of humour. It is easy to reach Myeongdong from all parts of Seoul and from Incheon Airport. Check how to go to Myeongdong station here.
Best Restaurants In Myeongdong Seoul
The central area, Myeongdong is filled with restaurants and food carts during the Myeongdong night market, serving foreign and Korean food. The quality differs quite a bit between the different Myeongdong food stalls and restaurants, so make sure to check in advance. Eating Myeongdong street food at the Myeongdong street market, as delicious as it might look, is not recommended in this area. A better market to eat Korean street food is Gwangjang Market.
Many hidden local restaurants serving Korean cuisine can be found in the area, serving traditional Seoul food. Including kalguksu, gomtang, seolleongtang, dumplings, bbq, chicken, etc. Many foreign food restaurants can also be found in Myeongdong. This food guide focuses on introducing recommended food in Myeongdong
TIP! To make it easier for foreign guests, there is a website that allows you to reserve and choose your menu online in advance. This will save you from having to communicate in Korean.
What To Eat In Myeongdong: Korean Food
Many Korean food restaurants are located in the Myeongdong area. Read on for a list of the Myeongdong best food.
If you are looking for cheap restaurants in Myeongdong, then stick to Korean food. The local restaurants are very affordable and serve very delicious food.
1. Myeongdong Kyoja
Myeongdong Kyoja has two branches of the same restaurant in the same street in Myeongdong. The Myeongdong restaurant is specialized in Korean knife cut noodles and dumplings. This family owned restaurant has been running since 1966 and was featured on multiple talk shows, including TvN Wednesday Food Talk.
This is one of the best Kalguksu in Myeongdong, make sure to try its signature dish, the kalguksu. Extra rice and noodles is free. This is honestly some of the best food in Myeongdong.
Rating: 9/10
Address: 29 Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu
Opening Times: 10:30 – 21:30
Main menu: Kalguksu / 칼국수, Mandu / 만두, Bibimguksu / 비빔국수, Kongguksu / 콩국수
2. Halmeoni Guksu
A local Korean restaurant in a back alley of the vibrant Myeongdong. The small restaurant which is quite popular among locals is the perfect place to go for lunch or light dinner. Especially for travelers that are looking to try local ‘old’ restaurants.
Even though this restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes, the guksu is a must try. There are different types of guksu available, but the original or tofu guksu are by far the best.
Prices for the noodles go as low as 4500 won, which includes one main dish and two side dishes. Other dishes on the menu are jeons, all sorts of rice dishes and different stews.
Rating: 7/10
Address: 17-3, Myeongdong 9-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul / 서울 중구 명동9길 17-3
Opening Times: 06:00 – 21:00
Main menu: halmeoni guksu /할머니국수, kim mari /김말이, dubu guksu /두부국수, tteokboki /떡볶이, kimbap / 김밥
3. Hadongkwan
Hadong Kwan, open since 1939 is one of the oldest restaurants in Seoul. It is part of the Michelin Guide and is a popular restaurant in the Myeongdong area. 4 other branches across Seoul are open.
The restaurant specializes in serving Gomtang, which is a Korean style beef broth soup served with slices of the brisket and beef intestines.
Rating: 8,5/10
Address: 12 Myeongdong 9-gil, Jung-gu
Opening Times: 07:00 – 16:00 (Closed on holidays and 1st & 3rd Sundays of the month)
Main menu: Gomtang /곰탕, suyuk 수육
4. Gangnam Myeonok
A cozy and simple traditional Korean restaurant. A must go place for eating Galbi Jjim, which are braised short ribs. The meat is extremely tender and just falls of the bone. Another branch is located in Garosugil, Gangnam. Together with the galbi, order Naengmyeon, which is Korean cold noodles. The restaurant was featured in the Korean variety show ‘Return of Superman’.
Rating: 8/10
Address: Seoul, Jung-gu, Myeongdong 1(il)-ga, 48-2
Opening Times: 11:00 – 22:00
Main menu: Galbitang /갈비탕, galbijjim / 갈비찜, manduguk / 만두국, naengmyeon /냉면
5. Juyubyeoljang Myeongdong
This Korean fusion pub restaurant is well known for its variety of fusion drinks available, including makgeolli, makgeolli slush and mojito soju. If you are looking to drink modern traditional Korean alcohol and have some pub food at the same time, this is the place to go! The modern interior give this restaurant an upscale feel.
Rating: 8/10
Address: 100 Toegye-ro, Hoehyeondong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening Times: Weekday 11:30 – 23:30 (break time 15:00-17:30); Weekend 12:00 – 24:00
Main menu: 고추장닭불고기밥 / gochujang dalgbul gogi bap, gamjajeon / 감자전, 꽃게살양념비빔밥 / kkotgesal yangnyeom bibimbab, hangjeongsalgu-issam / 항정살구이쌈, 리코타 치즈 떡볶이 / ricotta cheese tteokboki, 전 / jeon, makgeolli / 막걸리
6. Miseongok
Hidden in the back alleys of Myeongdong, this Seollongtang restaurant is most popular among local Korean workers. The restaurant has been open since 1966 and still looks the same as when it just opened. An old style restaurant serving amazing Seolleongtang. This is perfect for breakfast or lunch as the soup is very light.
Rating: 8,5/10
Address: 54-5 Myeongdong 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul.
Opening Times: 06:00 – 22:00
Main menu: Seollongtang / 설렁탕, Suyuk / 수육
7. Yoogane Myeongdong
Yoogane Myeongdong serves yummy spicy Korean fried chicken dishes. The dishes know as dakgalbi are served with vegetables, rice, rice cakes, gochujang sauce and other ingredients. The restaurant is very cheap and filling.
There are two branches of the same restaurant located in the same street. The two restaurants are basically the same.
Rating: 8/10
Address: 7-4, Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu Seoul
Opening Times: 10:30 – 23:00
Main menu: Dak galbi / 닭갈비, Dak galbi cheolpanbokk eumbab 닭갈비 철판볶음밥
8. Myeongdong Hamheung Myeonok
Naengmyeon is a very popular Korean dish during the summer months, especially the mul naengmyeong which has crushed ice in it. This restaurants serves different kinds of cold noodles. If you are visiting Seoul during summer and looking for a way to cool down, then this is the place to go! The buckwheat noodles are thin and the broth is really thick and tasty.
Rating: 8,5/10
Address: 35-19 Myeongdong 10-gil, Myeongdong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
Opening Times: 09:30 – 21:30
Main menu: hwi naengmyeon 회냉면, mul naengmyeon / 물냉면, bibim naengmyeon 비빔냉면
9. Chadol Bakhin Jjukkumi
This restaurant is especially for spicy food lovers. This restaurant serves stir fried beef brisket, baby octopus and some kind of cheese fondue. On most weekends there is a massive queue outside the restaurant.
The most popular item on the menu is Hajjoo flame grilled special (차쭈 스페셜 직화구이). Other dishes are baby octopus stir fry, fish cake stews and Myeongdong dumplings.
Rating: 8,5/10
Address: 7-3 Namsandong 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
Opening Times: 11:00 – 23:00
Main menu: Chajju bulgogi / 차쭈불고기, Chajju gui 차쭈 구이, Jjukkumi bibimbap / 쭈꾸미 비빔밥, muppyeodalkbal hanjeobsi / 무뼈닭발 한접시
What To Eat In Myeongdong: Foreign Food
Between all the Korean restaurants are many foreign food restaurants, this ranges from Taiwanese, Chinese to American style hamburgers or pizza.
1. The Sic-ddang
The Sic-Ddang restaurant serves all kinds of fusion food, including pizzas, lobster and a couple of Korean dishes like bulgogi and naenguksu. If you are travelling with your loved one, opt for the couple set, which lets visitors try different kinds of dishes;
Rating: 7,5/10
Address: 36 Myeongdong 10-gil, Myeong-dong
Opening Times: 11:00 – 23:00
Main menu: Lobster / 랍스타, Gorgonzola Pizza / 고르곤졸라 화덕피자, Bulgogi / 불고기, Naenguksu / 냉국수
2. Myeongdong Donkaseu
This Donkaseu restaurant is famous for its thick and very crunchy batter. Two kinds of cutlets are available: pork and seafood. This restaurant is very suitable for solo travelers, as they can be seated at the bar on the ground floor. The restaurant was founded in 1983 and has been featured in many TV shows. This is a must try restaurants in Myeongdong.
Rating: 9/10
Address: 59-13 Myeongdong 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening Times: 11:00-21:30 ; Sunday 11:00 – 21:00
Main menu: Cordon bleu / 코돈부루, Rosukaseu / 로스가스, Hirekasu / 히레가스, Saengseonkasu / 생선가스, Saeuhurai / 새우후라이,
3. Battery Park
Battery Park is a fusion Korean – Italian restaurant. The somewhat unexpected dishes are extremely delicious. Main dishes on the menu are pizzas, burgers, pasta dishes and risotto. This is a good option when craving for Italian food.
Rating: 8,5/10
Address: 88, Hoehyeon-dong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea
Opening Times: 11:00 – 22:00 (Break time 15:00 – 17:00)
Main menu: Pasta / 파스타, Pizza / 파스타, Burger / 버거, Maekju (beer) 맥주, Risotto / 리조토
4. Din Tai Fung
The giant Din Tai Fung restaurant is a Taiwanese restaurant specializing in xiao long bao dumplings. The restaurant is located in the same building a the Hotel28 Myeongdong. Other dishes are soups, stir fried rice and spicy meat dishes. When visiting Din Tai Fung, ordering dumplings are a must.
Rating: 7,5/10
Address: 13 Myeongdong 7-gil, Myeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul
Opening Times: 11:00 – 22:00
Main menu: Xiao long bao /샤오롱바오, mandu / 만두
5. Inaniwa Yosuke
Address: 6 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
Opening Times: Weekdays 11:00 – 14:00 & 17:00 – 23:00; Saturday 11:00 – 14:00 & 17:00 – 23:00. Closed on Sundays
Main menu: Udon /우동, Yeoneo salad / 연어 샐러드, Karaage / 카라아게, ebi cream croquette / 에비크림 고로케, yasai tempura / 야사이 텐푸라
6. Haidilao
This Chinese style restaurant solely focuses on serving shabu shabu hot pot. Each of the tables in the huge restaurant has its own built in hot pot which can be used to cook the vegetables and meat. It is a little pricier than other restaurants as you’ll end up paying around 25 000 won person.
Upon arrival there is a waiting area where you can have some popcorn, snacks and even have your nails done! A must try when in Seoul.
Address: 78 Namdaemun-ro, Myeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul,
Opening Times: 10:00 – 03:00
Main menu: Shabu shabu – set menu with various vegetables, meat, noodles, etc.
7. James Chicago Pizza
Address: 22-12 Chungmuro 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
Opening Times: 11:00 -23:00
Main menu: Pasta / 파스타, Pizza / 파스타, Risotto / 리조토
8. Myeongdong Croquette 32G
A Myeongdong must eat!
Address: 83 Myeongdong-gil, Myeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul
Opening Times: 08:30 – 18:00 (Break time 11:00 – 12:00 ; Closed on Mondays)
Main menu: gamja croquette 감자고로케, pat croquette 팥고로케, yakche croquette 야채고로케, cream cheese croquette 크림 치즈
9. KITCHEN LAB
A Myeongdong must eat Italian cuisine restaurant in the heart of the shopping district. KITCHEN LAB serves everything from authentic steak, pasta, and pizza. Special sets are available for 2 to 3 people.
Address: 35-20, Myeongdong 10st, Jung-gu, Seoul
Opening Times: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Main Menu: Steak, pasta, pizza
Online Reservations: here
Halal Food In Myeongdong
A list of all the certified Halal restaurants in Seoul was created by the government. Browse to the official list of premises here. Many non-certified restaurants have signs saying they serve Halal food. The restaurants listed below are Muslim friendly, please make sure to check to official Halal website in case of doubts.
1. Myongdongjeong
Address: 1F, 299, Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
Opening Times: 11:00 ~ 23:00 (Reservation required)
Main menu: Myongdong Jeongsik, Gwibinsang, Surasang
2. Hamchoganjanggejang
Address: B1F, 27, Myeongdong 8ga-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
Opening Times: 11:00 ~ 23:00
Main menu: Ganjanggejang, Ganjanggejang Set, Haemultang, Hamul Pajeon
3. Taj
Address: 1F, 299, Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
Opening Times: 11:00 ~ 23:00 (Reservation required)
Main menu: Myongdong Jeongsik, Gwibinsang, Surasang
4. Gurkha Restaurant
Address: 73, Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
Opening Times: 11:30-22:00(Break time 14:30-17:30)
Main menu: Chicken tikka masala, Chicken biryani, Tandoori chicken
Korean BBQ Myeongdong
Below is a list of the best Korean BBQ in Myeongdong. BBQ is a must eat in Myeongdong. Different restaurants from self grilling to having staff grill your meat can be found in the area.
1. Wangbijib
Address: 13 Myeongdong 9-gil, Myeong-dong, Seoul
Opening Times: 11:30 – 23:00
Main menu: yangnyeom wang galbi / 양념왕갈비, ansim hanwoo saengdeungsim / 안심한우 생등심,, chadolbag ijeongsik / 차돌박이정식
2. Yuk Tong Ryeong
This myeongdong BBQ restaurant serves Jeju black pig meat. If you haven’t tried Jeju black pig before than this is the best BBQ in Myeongdong.
Address: 37-2 Myeongdong 8na-gil, Myeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul
Opening Times: 11:30 – 00:30
Main menu: heuk dwaeji ogyeopsal / 흑돼지 오겹살, gajeongsik myeongpum kimchi jjigae jeong sik / 가정식 명품김치찌개정식, heukdwaeji moksal / 흑돼지 목살, heuk dwaeji sogeumgui / 흑돼지 소금구이, samgyeopsal 삼겹살
Breakfast In Myeongdong
Don’t know what to eat in Myeongdong for breakfast, read on for the best recommendations.
1. Miseongok
Hidden in the back alleys of Myeongdong, this Seollongtang restaurant is most popular among local Korean workers. The restaurant has been open since 1966 and still looks the same as when it just opened. An old style restaurant serving amazing Seolleongtang. This is perfect for breakfast or lunch as the soup is very light.
Rating: 8,5/10
Address: 54-5 Myeongdong 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul.
Opening Times: 06:00 – 22:00
Main menu: Seollongtang / 설렁탕, Suyuk / 수육
Trip Advisor Reviews: here
2. Isaac Toast
Rating: 7/10
Address: 105 Toegye-ro, Chungmuro 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
Opening Times: 07:00 – 20:00 (closed on Sundays)
Main menu: toast
3. Migabon
Address: 56 Myeongdong-gil, Myeongdong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
Opening Times: 08:00 – 22:00
Main menu: porrige
Cafes In Myeongdong
1. Cafe Kinnor
Brunch and desserts, that’s what Cafe Kinnor specializes in. This is a popular and very cozy breakfast, brunch and coffee place. The recommended dish is their pancakes or a traditional style Patbingsu (Korean Ice flakes). The last one is a very popular Korean dessert that is served with different toppings.
Address: 1-2F, 2-2, Myeongdong 2-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
Opening Times: Monday-Saturday: 9:30am-11:00pm
Main menu: Pancakes, Bingsu or brunch set.
Book online: Reservations can be made online, this also allows you to skip the queues. Check more info here.
2. Poem (café) / 포엠
Address: 54-7, Myeong-dong 2-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul / 명동2가 54-7
Opening Times: 10:00 – 23:00
Main menu: Waffle / 와플, Parfait 파르페, Egg bacon sandwich / 에그베이컨샌드위치, Coffee /커피, Cha (tea) /차
3. O’Sulloc Tea House
Address: 47-1, Myeong-dong 1-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul / 명동1가 47-1
Opening Times: 10:00 – 23:00
Main menu: Green tea roll cake / 롤케익, ice cream / 아이스크림, Tea latte / 티 리떼, Bingsu / 빙수 Green tea milk spread / 녹차밀크스프레드
4. You Are Here Café Myeongdong
This sulbing Myeongdong cafe serves desserts and pastries prepared with high quality ingredients imported from France. This place is mainly known for being a sulbing Korean dessert cafe Myeongdong. Sulbing is a typical Korean dessert that is prepared with flakes of frozen milk.
This is probably one of the best sulbings in the area! Three different flavours are available, namely mango, red bean and green tea.
Rating: 9/10
Address: 23 Myeongdong 9-gil, Myeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening Times: 07:30 – 23:00
Main menu: Mille-feuille / Tiramisu / Bingsu / Coffee / etc.
5. Dessert Yeonguso
This cafe serves some of the most beautiful desserts and drinks. The perfect place to go for that perfect Instagram picture. The desserts and drinks are rather pricey and are extremely sweet.
Rating: 7/10
Address: 28, Myeong-dong 4-gil , Jung-gu, Seoul / 서울 중구 명동4길 28
Opening Times: 11:00 – 23:00
Main menu: Cheesecake, tiramisu, coffee, tea, smoothie, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most restaurants open around 11am and run until 10 or 11pm, but of course this depends from restaurant to restaurant.
There are so many things to eat in Myeongdong and there is a wide range of Korean food, foreign food, street food, desert cafes and much more.
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Hello.. stall open at m but will they be open till late? my flight arrives at 9.pm and will likely be about m before we get to myeongdong, where our airbnb is. Will there still be much food places around?
yes, many restaurants in the area will still be open after 9.
some restaurants open 24hr