Myeongdong is arguably one of the first (& perhaps top) recommendations for tourists, especially if it’s your first time in South Korea.

I have mostly stayed in Myeongdong during my time in Seoul . However, I also do agree that it’s highly catered to tourists, which also means that there are TONS of tourist traps. In fact, some people argue that Myeongdong is a huge tourist trap by itself, lol.

There are arguably lots of good eats, great buys and also fun things to do in Myeongdong. Some of my favourite eats in Seoul (bb.q Chicken & Sinseon Seolleongtang) are here in Myeongdong!

I’ve tried to compile some of the top tourist traps I’ve seen, encountered, and highly discourage against in Myeongdong. Of course. you may feel that some of these are ok by your standards – and I’m totally up for discussion on this!

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Taking free masks from cosmetic shop promoters

Myeongdong is chock full of cosmetic shops. It is also a top reason why many tourists enjoy coming here to do their skincare & makeup hauls.

If you ever see a promoter standing outside one of these shops giving out free masks, and you’re not actually very keen on buying anything, I only have one piece of advice to you: RUN!

Pre-COVID, it was very common for promoters to haul in customers by pretending to give them free masks. Once you reach your hand out to take the mask, you’ll be forcibly pulled into the shop to purchase something!

I’ve noticed that it’s much less common these days since the pandemic, but it’s not totally gone. Consider yourself warned!

Unknown budget cosmetics shops

It wasn’t so common before, but recently there are so many weird cosmetics shops sprouting up all over Myeongdong.

It used to be limited to just brand stores, or at least known local pharmacies like Olive Young. These days, you find weird stores like All Mask Story, Baviphat, and Mango Busy (?) selling a variety of cosmetic products at prices WAY cheaper than the official brand stores.

I’m not being overly cynical or snobbish here – I’m sure some of them may possibly carry authentic goods.

However, I once purchased a Round Lab 365 Derma Relief Sunscreen from All Mask Story and found the texture very questionable. It was much thicker and oiler than those I bought from the official distributor in Singapore. It also gave me a bad breakout!

I’ve read a few other reviews online warning tourists to avoid these shops that could potentially be selling counterfeits. Hence, I’ll say it’s good to err on the safe side and buy from official, trustworthy shops.

Exorbitant street food

I know street food is a huge part of Myeongdong’s night life, but so many of the stalls in Myeongdong just don’t make the cut – at least, not anymore.

I’m not a fan of the lobsters that cost at least 10,000 won (I believe this has gone up to 15,000 won, or about USD 15) when there’s so little meat and cheese involved.

You also have people selling tanghulu at close to 4 to 5,000 won for one stick of candied fruits. Heck, the fruits barely cost 1,000 won!

My alternatives to street food used to be in Hongdae, Ewha Women’s Street, or even further away in Jeonju and Busan. However, I believe street food in general is way too expensive in Seoul as it’s mostly catered to tourists.

If it’s your first time in South Korea or first visit to Myeongdong, there’s definitely no harm in trying! Just be a little careful about paying close to USD 10 for a small portion of street food, when you could be paying the same amount for a good hearty meal in the restaurants.

Restaurants that are overhyped or located near hotels

A lot of restaurants in Myeongdong know that tourists flock to either those that are widely raved about, or simply located near their hotels. They also take full advantage of it!

Myeongdong Kyoja is one of those overhyped restaurants that I found to be a waste of time (queuing) and calories. Onedang Gamjatang (Myeongdong 1) and Jung Sung Bon Shabu Suki (Myeongdong) were strategically situated close to our hotel – complete letdowns.

Queues are unfortunately not very indicative of what’s good to eat in Myeongdong. The only way around this is to research and check reviews on what to eat in Myeongdong. Or if you can help it, just don’t eat in this neighbourhood.

Religious cult scams

While not restricted to Myeongdong, religious cult scammers are especially active here due to the influx of tourists.

This can take a few different forms, but the common ones (which I’ve personally seen and encountered):

• People giving out religious flyers at the entrance of Myeongdong (outside the subway station entrance)
• People coming up to you to ask if you want to take part in a ‘cultural’/hanbok experience

As an unsuspecting tourist, you may think they are just being friendly and are organising legitimate cultural activities. However, it is NOT the case – they are from illegal religious cults and are trying to get you to join them!!

Please be alert and do not entertain any strangers in Myeongdong. This is especially if they are trying to get your personal particulars or encouraging you to join them at some other place!!

I hope this post hasn’t scared you off visiting Myeongdong. On the contrary, I hope this helps you avoid the unsavoury traps & scams so that you can have the best time here!

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