Myeongdong Street Food Market Seoul
Seoul's iconic street food destination, buzzing with energy, diverse flavors, and endless shopping opportunities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid peak crowds
Myeongdong Street Food Market Seoul
Best Time
Avoid peak crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Seoul's iconic street food destination, buzzing with energy, diverse flavors, and endless shopping opportunities.
"The most lively night market - full of energy and joy. Street performers playing, food sizzling at every corner."
🎯 Arrive Early for Less Crowds
Stalls open around 4 PM, get busy by 5:30 PM. Beat the rush for a more relaxed experience. :running:
💰 Bring Cash for Vendors
Not all street food vendors accept cards. Having cash on hand ensures you don't miss out. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tornado Potato
Various stalls
A massive, crispy spiral potato on a stick, seasoned to perfection. A visually impressive and tasty snack.
Korean Fried Chicken Skewers
Various stalls
Bite-sized pieces of crispy, savory fried chicken, often served on a skewer for easy enjoyment.
Tanghulu
Various stalls
Candied fruit on a stick, offering a sweet and crunchy treat. Popular flavors include strawberry and grape.
Odeng (Fish Cake Skewers)
Various stalls
Savory fish cakes simmered in a warm, flavorful broth. A comforting and classic Korean street food.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Save
Taste the Variety
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Less Crowds
Stalls open around 4 PM, get busy by 5:30 PM. Beat the rush for a more relaxed experience.
💰 Bring Cash for Vendors
Not all street food vendors accept cards. Having cash on hand ensures you don't miss out.
🍽️ Go Hungry & Share
With so many options, come with an empty stomach and share portions to try more dishes!
🚶♀️ Expect to Stand & Eat
Most street food stalls lack seating, so be prepared to eat on the go.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Less Crowds
Stalls open around 4 PM, get busy by 5:30 PM. Beat the rush for a more relaxed experience.
💰 Bring Cash for Vendors
Not all street food vendors accept cards. Having cash on hand ensures you don't miss out.
🍽️ Go Hungry & Share
With so many options, come with an empty stomach and share portions to try more dishes!
🚶♀️ Expect to Stand & Eat
Most street food stalls lack seating, so be prepared to eat on the go.
💸 Consider Cheaper Alternatives
Myeongdong can be pricier. For better value, explore other markets like Gwangjang or Mangwon. :moneywithwings:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Myeongdong Street Food Market is a vibrant and energetic hub, praised for its lively atmosphere and diverse culinary offerings, including favorites like egg toast and meat skewers. While some find the food repetitive and prices higher than elsewhere, the overall experience is considered worthwhile for its bustling energy and convenience, especially for first-time visitors.
"This is an exciting, vibrant night market for food lovers. You will notice some repetition among stalls but the quality across the board was still fantastic. Our favourites were the savoury egg toast and meat skewers. Great spot for quick souvenirs and cosmetics too."
Laura
"Night market here in Myeong-dong selling apparel and street food which seems to repeat across all stalls. Clean and vibrant. Some stall vendors are rather unfriendly.
Pros
- Good location
- Clean
- Vibrant
Cons
- Street food with non-street food prices
- Some vendors are unfriendly (smile more please)
Overall, worth coming here just to have a look."
Edmund Ng
"The most lively night market - full of energy and joy. ✨ Street performers playing, food sizzling at every corner, and people from everywhere filling the lanes. It doesn’t feel like the typical, uniform rhythm of city life; instead, it feels like being part of something bigger. A beautiful little melting pot where nationalities and cultures come together, and the whole place just radiates happiness. 🌍💫"
Dipika Sapre
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Myeongdong is easily accessible via Seoul's subway system. Take subway line 4 to Myeongdong Station or line 2 to Euljiro 1-ga Station. Both stations are within walking distance of the market. +1
The street food stalls typically start opening around 4 PM and become most active in the evening. While shops in Myeongdong are open earlier, the food market experience is best enjoyed from late afternoon onwards.
Myeongdong is a pedestrian-friendly area. The main street is wide and bustling, with smaller alleys branching off. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking.
Yes, surprisingly, there are vegetarian options available, though they might require a bit of searching. Look for items like tanghulu, grilled cheese, and some vegetable skewers.
Absolutely! Myeongdong is a quintessential Seoul experience, offering a vibrant mix of shopping and street food that's perfect for first-time visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no entrance tickets required to visit Myeongdong Street Food Market. It's a public street, and you only pay for the food and items you wish to purchase.
The street food stalls generally begin setting up around 4 PM and are fully operational by 5:30 PM. They usually stay open until late into the night, often past 11 PM.
While some vendors may accept credit cards, it's highly recommended to bring cash. Many smaller stalls primarily operate on a cash-only basis.
There is no admission fee to enter the Myeongdong area or its street food market. It's a public space for shopping and dining.
Discounts are not commonly offered for street food items. However, some online platforms like Klook might offer discounts on related experiences or tours.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
Myeongdong is famous for its cosmetics, skincare, fashion, and K-pop merchandise. You'll find numerous brand stores and independent boutiques.
Yes, Myeongdong is a great place to find unique Korean souvenirs, from traditional crafts to trendy K-pop related items and local snacks.
Prices can vary widely. While Myeongdong is a popular tourist spot, you can find competitive prices, especially during sales. However, some items might be priced higher due to its tourist-centric nature.
Popular choices include Olive Young for beauty products, and various K-beauty brand stores like Innisfree and Etude House. For fashion, explore the multi-brand stores and department stores like Lotte.
Yes, Myeongdong offers a good selection of K-pop merchandise, including albums, fan goods, and character items, catering to fans visiting Seoul.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Don't miss the tornado potato, Korean fried chicken skewers, tanghulu, odeng (fish cake), egg buns (gyeran-ppang), and grilled lobster.
Yes, besides street food, Myeongdong has a vast array of restaurants offering everything from Korean BBQ and bibimbap to international cuisine. Odarijip for marinated crab is a popular choice.
Street food prices typically range from 3,000 KRW to 10,000 KRW per item, depending on the dish. For example, tornado potatoes are around 5,000 KRW.
While Myeongdong offers many popular Korean street foods, some travelers note that prices can be higher and variety might be less authentic compared to local markets.
Look out for unique items like torched marshmallow ice cream, pork belly kimchi rolls, and coin bread with cheese for a different culinary adventure.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant energy of the bustling street, the colorful food stalls, and the neon signs. The sheer density of people and lights makes for dynamic shots. +1
Generally, it's acceptable to take photos of the food and stalls. However, always be respectful and ask permission before taking close-up photos of vendors, especially if they seem busy.
Late afternoon into the evening offers the best lighting as the stalls light up and the atmosphere becomes more vibrant. Golden hour can provide beautiful soft light before the night market fully kicks in.
The 77cm tornado potato is a visually striking item. Also, the variety of colorful tanghulu and the sizzling skewers offer great photographic potential.
A smartphone with good low-light capabilities is ideal for capturing the vibrant night scenes. A camera with a versatile lens can also be useful for wider shots of the street.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bringing cash is essential, and while most food is easy to eat on the go, keep an eye out for any spicy options that might not suit all palates. 💰 Budget Travelers
For more affordable street food, consider venturing to Gwangjang Market or Mangwon Market, which are often recommended by locals for better value. couples
+1 The lively ambiance, often accompanied by street performers, creates a memorable shared experience. After indulging in the street food, you can explore the numerous cosmetic shops and fashion boutiques for some joint shopping. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Myeongdong Experience
The atmosphere is electric, often enhanced by street performers adding to the lively ambiance. Many visitors find the sheer variety of food exciting, with popular items like the giant tornado potato, Korean fried chicken, and sweet tanghulu being crowd-pleasers.
However, some travelers and locals point out that Myeongdong can be a bit of a 'tourist trap' with higher prices compared to other markets. Beyond the food, Myeongdong is a premier shopping destination. It's renowned for its vast selection of K-beauty products, fashion boutiques, and K-pop merchandise.
This makes it a dual-purpose destination where you can indulge in both culinary delights and retail therapy. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, bring cash, and go with an empty stomach to make the most of your visit. The Culinary Delights of Myeongdong
+1 and spicy tteokbokki (rice cakes) to more adventurous options. The 77cm tornado potato is a visual spectacle and a crispy, salty delight, For those with a sweet tooth, tanghulu (candied fruit) is a must-try, with various fruit options available.Beyond these staples, Myeongdong offers a range of other tempting treats. Gyeran-ppang (egg bread) provides a warm, slightly sweet, and savory combination.
You can also find grilled lobster, pork belly kimchi rolls, and torched marshmallow ice cream for a more unique experience. For a truly local delicacy, some recommend trying raw soy sauce marinated crab at specific restaurants in the area.Despite potential price differences, the sheer energy and accessibility of Myeongdong make it a popular choice. It's a place where you can sample a wide array of Korean street food in a lively, bustling environment. Many visitors appreciate the convenience and the opportunity to try multiple dishes in one location, especially if they are staying nearby.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit