Myeongdong is one of Seoul’s most vibrant districts. Arguably the most touristy neighbourhood in Seoul, it is well-known for its bustling shopping streets, delicious street food, and exciting cultural experiences.

Having stayed in Myeongdong almost every time I’m in Seoul, it is also probably the one neighbourhood I visit the most (oops).

I’ve frequently been asked what’s worth doing here, so I thought it would be great to pull together this guide to the best things to do in Myeongdong!

Shop until you drop at Myeongdong Shopping Street

If you ask most people, they’ll tell you that Myeongdong is shopping paradise for fashion lovers and beauty enthusiasts. The streets are lined with lots of local and international brands, offering everything from trendy clothing to the latest Korean skincare products.

That being said, I do acknowledge that not everything is cheap or value-for-money, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled and compare prices! For more on this you can check out my article on avoiding tourist traps in Myeongdong.

Some trustworthy shops which are absolutely worth checking out:

• Olive Young & LOHB’s: the best places to stock up on K-beauty skincare and cosmetics, other than the brand stores. I find that it’s much more efficient to buy across a variety of brands here, especially Olive Young. The only problem is the terribly long queue…
• Stylenanda Pink Hotel: This is a trendy boutique with Instagram-worthy interiors and stylish fashion pieces, selling goods from 3CE and Stylenanda. It has been recently renovated and reopened, so definitely worth checking out.
• Myeongdong Underground Shopping Center: Perfect for picking up budget-friendly clothes, accessories, and souvenirs.

Tip: Many beauty stores offer free samples, so don’t hesitate to ask!

Try delicious Myeongdong street food

Just like how one must eat street food in Taiwan‘s night markets, street food is also a must-try in Korea.

Some of my personal must-try snacks:

• Tteokbokki (rice cakes) with cheese and/or Korean fried chicken
• Tornado potato
• Gyeranppang (egg bread)
• Strawberry mochi

For a full list of must-try street food and those to avoid, do check out my article here.

 Tip: Visit in the evening when food stalls are at their peak!

Visit the iconic Myeongdong Cathedral

For a touch of history and culture, stop by Myeongdong Cathedral, one of Seoul’s most important Catholic churches. Built in 1898, this Gothic-style cathedral is a peaceful escape from the bustling shopping streets.

I’ve personally never visited this cathedral, but it’s definitely on my to-do list!

Pamper yourself with a K-Beauty spa treatment

After a long day of shopping and eating, you can end the day with a relaxing Korean spa treatment. Myeongdong is not just a beauty shopping paradise, but also home to some of the best skincare and wellness centers in Seoul.

Some spas that are highly-recommended by tourists and locals include:

• Whoo Spa: A luxury facial treatment using high-end Korean skincare products.
• SPA 1899 (Donginbi Spa): this spa specialises in red ginseng therapy for ultimate relaxation.

Suggested read: Why Skin Clinics Are So Popular in Seoul—And Should You Try One?

Explore Myeongdong’s night market for cute finds & street festivals

If you’ve visited Myeongdong both in the day and at night, you’ll realise that the neighbourhood truly comes alive at night.

Many of the street vendors selling food, clothes, and accessories usually set up shop in the evening. Some do set up earlier, but it’s pretty rare!

If you’re lucky enough, you may also be able to catch festivals here too. My trip in 2023 timed with the Myeongdong Beer Festival, which was a great way to try out different Korea craft beers.

Catch the NANTA show

I’ve heard a thing or two about such non-verbal musicals in Korea, and Nanta is arguably one of the most famous of such shows. It’s also the longest-running, according to Wikipedia.

You can catch this at the Myeongdong Nanta Theatre, which sits squarely in the shopping district.

Read more about my experience watching Nanta here.

Visit Namsan Seoul Tower (N Seoul Tower)

Just a short walk or cable car ride from Myeongdong, Namsan Seoul Tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of Seoul.

Here, you can take the Namsan Cable Car up the mountain for a beautiful scenic ride. Be sure to also attach a love lock at the fence, K-drama style!

Tip: Visit at sunset for the most stunning cityscape views.

Enjoy traditional Korean food

If you’re looking for a sit-down meal, Myeongdong has some fantastic restaurants serving authentic Korean cuisine.

Some popular eateries here include:

• Myeongdong Kyoja: a Michelin-guide restaurant famous for handmade kalguksu (knife-cut noodles) and dumplings. I personally thought it was overrated, but you might have a better experience here!
• Hwanggeum Mokjang: pricey but extremely delicious K-BBQ.
• Andong Jjimdak: there are many jjimdak places in Korea but only this one has caught my heart thus far. It contains all of my favourite ingredients, topped with a delicious sauce that simply calls for more rice to top it all off.
• Sinseon Seollongtang: this place serves a hearty seolnongtang that is not too much, just enough to keep you feeling toasty and satisfied.
• Hong Kong Banjeom 0410+: My top favourite Chinese food is in Incheon but it’s too far so I sometimes get my fix of jajangmyeon in Seoul, but only at Hong Kong Banjeom 0410+ haha.
• Yoogane: a popular spot for dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken). I really like eating here because it’s much cheaper than back in Singapore haha.

Related Posts:

• Best budget-friendly Seoul restaurants & cafes worth revisiting
• Hotel SKYPARK Central Myeongdong review: best value-for-money hotel
• Best Korean perfume brands to check out
• Dreaming of Traveling to Korea? Here’s What It Might Mean

---

PIN THIS!