Myeongdong

Overview

Myeongdong is Seoul's buzzing commercial heart — a neon-lit district of K-beauty flagship stores, fashion boutiques, department stores, and some of the city's best street food.

Highlights

• K-Beauty Stores: Flagship shops for every major Korean beauty brand, often with free samples.
• Street Food Alley: Stalls selling hotteok (sweet pancakes), tteokbokki, egg bread, and tornado potatoes.
• Myeongdong Cathedral: A peaceful red-brick Gothic cathedral (1898) amid the commercial frenzy.

History

Myeongdong has been Seoul's premier shopping district since the 1950s. Myeongdong Cathedral played a significant role in Korea's democratization movement, serving as a sanctuary during protests.

Visitor Tips

• Evening Visit: The area is most vibrant from 5 PM to 10 PM when street food stalls are fully open.
• Tax-Free Shopping: Most stores offer tax-free shopping for foreign passport holders.
• Duration: 2 hours.