Myeong-dong
Seoul's bustling heart for shopping, K-beauty, and vibrant street food. A sensory overload of trends and tastes.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant atmosphere, fewer crowds
Myeong-dong
Best Time
Vibrant atmosphere, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Seoul's bustling heart for shopping, K-beauty, and vibrant street food. A sensory overload of trends and tastes.
"It's a tourist trap but still worth it for the experience!"
🛍️ Shop 'til you drop!
Hunt for the best deals by comparing prices across different stores. Many offer similar items .
💰 Bring cash for street food
While cards are accepted in many shops, street food vendors often prefer cash .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Myeongdong Shopping Street
A dazzling maze of fashion, K-beauty, and quirky souvenirs. Get ready for sensory overload!

Myeongdong Kyoja
Street food stalls
Iconic Michelin-recommended noodles and dumplings. A must-try for authentic Korean flavors.

K-Beauty Haven
Numerous cosmetic stores
Explore endless K-beauty brands for skincare and makeup. Great deals and latest trends await!

Street Food Extravaganza
Throughout the streets
From savory to sweet, indulge in a variety of Korean street food delights. A feast for the senses!
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Buzz (and the Crowds)
Cash is Still King (Mostly)
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🛍️ Shop 'til you drop!
Hunt for the best deals by comparing prices across different stores. Many offer similar items.
💰 Bring cash for street food
While cards are accepted in many shops, street food vendors often prefer cash.
💄 K-Beauty deals galore
Stock up on your favorite Korean skincare and makeup. Many stores offer great discounts.
🍜 Don't miss Myeongdong Kyoja
This Michelin-recommended spot is famous for its kalguksu (knife-cut noodles).
Tips
from all over the internet
🛍️ Shop 'til you drop!
Hunt for the best deals by comparing prices across different stores. Many offer similar items.
💰 Bring cash for street food
While cards are accepted in many shops, street food vendors often prefer cash.
💄 K-Beauty deals galore
Stock up on your favorite Korean skincare and makeup. Many stores offer great discounts.
🍜 Don't miss Myeongdong Kyoja
This Michelin-recommended spot is famous for its kalguksu (knife-cut noodles).
🚶♀️ Explore beyond the main drag
Venture into smaller alleys for unique finds and local eateries away from the main tourist flow.
💧 Stay hydrated with street drinks
Beat the heat with refreshing fruit juices and other unique beverages from street vendors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Myeongdong is a vibrant, bustling district renowned for its extensive shopping and diverse street food. While many visitors enjoy the energetic atmosphere and wide array of products, some find the area overly touristy and the street food quality inconsistent. It's a popular spot for K-beauty and fashion, offering a quintessential Seoul experience, though some suggest exploring other markets for more authentic local flavors.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is to take the AREX Express train to Seoul Station, then transfer to Subway Line 4 and get off at Myeongdong Station. Alternatively, airport limousine buses are available and will drop you off at various points in Myeongdong.
Myeongdong Station (Seoul Subway Line 4) is the most convenient. You can also use Euljiro 1-ga Station (Line 2) which is a short walk away.
Yes, Myeongdong is very well-connected by Seoul's extensive subway system, making it a central and convenient location to travel from.
Yes, several airport limousine buses and city buses stop directly in or very near Myeongdong, offering a convenient option depending on your starting point.
Taxis are readily available throughout Seoul. However, be aware of potential traffic congestion, especially during peak hours. Some travelers advise caution with taxis outside the airport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Myeongdong is an open public district, so there are no admission tickets required to enter and explore the shopping streets and general area.
Myeongdong is always accessible, but individual shops and street food stalls have varying hours. Most shops open around 10 AM and close by 10 PM, while street food vendors often operate from late afternoon into the night.
While the streets themselves are free to roam, specific attractions like museums or performances within the Myeongdong area might have their own entrance fees. For example, the Nanta Show has a ticket price.
Credit cards are widely accepted in most larger stores and restaurants. However, for street food and smaller vendors, it's best to have cash on hand.
Many travelers find Myeongdong to be an excellent base for a first visit due to its central location, abundance of amenities, and easy access to public transport.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
Myeongdong is famous for K-beauty products, trendy fashion apparel, accessories, K-pop merchandise, and unique Korean souvenirs. You can find everything from skincare to stylish clothing.
Compare prices across different stores as many sell similar items. Look for sales and promotions, especially in multi-brand cosmetic stores like Olive Young.
Yes, Myeongdong has underground shopping areas that offer a variety of goods, often at competitive prices, and provide a respite from the weather.
Popular brands include Innisfree, Etude House, Tony Moly, Missha, and Olive Young's own brand. Don't miss flagship stores like SKIN1004 for unique experiences.
Yes, Myeongdong has several stores selling K-pop albums, merchandise, and fan goods, catering to K-pop enthusiasts.
🍽️ 🍜 Food & Dining
Popular street foods include tornado potato, grilled cheese lobster, tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), odeng (fish cakes), and various sweet treats like strawberry crepes.
Myeongdong Kyoja is a highly recommended Michelin Guide restaurant for its kalguksu and mandu (dumplings).
Other options include Yoogane for chicken stir-fry.Opinions are divided. Some find it fun for the atmosphere but question the quality and taste, suggesting it can be mid or overpriced.
Others find it worth checking out at least once.Yes, Myeongdong Kyoja is known to have tables suitable for solo diners.
Many street food stalls are also easily enjoyed alone.Look for street food stalls offering items like gimbap or tteokbokki for a budget-friendly meal. Ssada Gimbap is mentioned as a good cheap option.
📸 📸 Photography & Vibe
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) offers beautiful lighting. Evenings are vibrant with neon signs, creating a lively atmosphere for photos.
Myeongdong is known for its energetic, bustling, and vibrant atmosphere, especially in the evenings when the street food stalls come alive and neon lights illuminate the streets.
While not a dedicated photo spot, the sheer density of shops, colorful signs, and the lively street scenes offer endless opportunities for unique shots.
Myeongdong is more focused on shopping and dining rather than traditional nightlife. The streets remain lively with street food and shops open late, offering a vibrant evening experience.
Its reputation as a premier shopping district, diverse street food offerings, and central location make it a major draw for tourists seeking a quintessential Seoul experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for family-friendly dining options beyond the street food, such as restaurants offering milder Korean dishes. While Myeongdong is primarily a shopping district, its energetic atmosphere can be an engaging experience for older children who enjoy exploring bustling urban environments. The convenience of the subway system also makes it easy to access other family-oriented attractions in Seoul.
💰 Budget Travelers
While some international brands might be pricier, focus on local Korean brands and smaller boutiques for better deals. Utilize the efficient and affordable Seoul subway system to get around, minimizing transportation costs. Staying in Myeongdong itself can also be cost-effective, as it offers a wide range of accommodation options, and its central location reduces the need for extensive travel expenses.
🛍️ Shoppers & K-Beauty Enthusiasts
Pro tip: Compare prices across different retailers, as deals can vary. Many shops offer free samples with purchases, adding extra value to your haul. The Myeongdong shopping street and its underground extensions provide an endless retail therapy experience. Be prepared to spend hours exploring the diverse offerings.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Myeongdong Shopping Experience
Beyond the main thoroughfares, explore the Myeongdong underground shopping areas for more hidden gems and potentially even better bargains. These subterranean markets offer a different vibe and a chance to discover unique items. Remember to bring cash, as some smaller vendors and street food stalls may not accept cards. For K-beauty enthusiasts, Myeongdong is a paradise, with flagship stores and multi-brand retailers like Olive Young offering an extensive selection of skincare and makeup.
While some Redditors label Myeongdong as a 'tourist trap', many acknowledge its popularity for a reason. For first-time visitors, it's often recommended as a convenient and exciting introduction to Seoul's retail scene, offering a concentrated dose of what the city has to offer.
A Culinary Adventure: Myeongdong Street Food
However, the Myeongdong street food experience is not without its critics. Some travelers and locals suggest that while fun for the atmosphere, the quality and taste can be inconsistent or overpriced, labeling it as 'mid' or 'overrated'. Despite these opinions, it's still considered a must-do for many visitors to experience the vibrant night market atmosphere at least once.
For a more consistently praised culinary experience within Myeongdong, Myeongdong Kyoja stands out. This Michelin Guide-recognized restaurant is famous for its kalguksu (knife-cut noodles) and mandu (dumplings), offering a delicious and authentic Korean meal that many travelers rave about. Other local favorites like Yoogane for chicken stir-fry are also recommended for those seeking hearty Korean dishes.
Myeongdong as a Base Camp
While some might dismiss it as overly touristy, Redditors often defend Myeongdong as a practical choice. The abundance of shops, restaurants, and amenities means you rarely have to venture far for essentials or entertainment. This convenience can significantly enhance a trip, especially if you're not looking to navigate complex transit systems daily.
Even those who don't frequent Myeongdong for their personal shopping often recommend it for visitors due to its accessibility and the sheer volume of options available. It provides a comfortable and well-connected starting point for daily excursions across Seoul.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit