Myeong-dong Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Myeongdong featuring shopping, night scenes and street scenes
Myeong-dong
Myeong-dong
Myeongdong which includes markets and food
Myeongdong which includes shopping as well as a small group of people

This central Seoul shopping district is the place to buy quality brand products and stop for a bite to eat.

Myeongdong is one of Seoul’s most accessible shopping districts for tourists. It’s located in the heart of the city and caters to Western tastes, with big-name brands and English-speaking staff. Big malls also stock local labels, but don’t come to Myeongdong looking for traditional Korean culture.

The Myeongdong district is divided into five distinct areas. The main area of retail outlets is on Myeongdong Street. Sizable shopping malls such as Migliore and U-too Zone mingle with shops stocking well-known brands. Prices aren’t cheap, but you are guaranteed genuine products rather than imitations.

Two side alleys branch off to the east and west halfway up Myeongdong Street. These sell mid-range brands such as Club Monaco and Guess.

Continue east to Myeongdong Cathedral, a rare example of Gothic-style architecture and the first cathedral in Seoul to be built from brick. The north section of Myeongdong is taken up by Central Street, home to the National Souvenir Centre (another big shopping mall) and a cluster of fast-food restaurants.

China Street is a small enclave of Chinese stores, stalls and restaurants. It’s located just behind the former Chinese Embassy. The street has a retro feel and is popular with Seoulites looking for something out of the ordinary. They also come here to enjoy spicy Shandong dishes. If you prefer to eat Korean, consider dining at one of Myeongdong’s many local restaurants and eateries. Try kalguksu (“knife noodles”) or donkas (deep-fried pork cutlets).

Myeongdong has its own subway station on Line 4. This will get you to the south end of the district. To start from the north, go to Euljiro 1-ga. Stores tend to open mid-morning to late evening.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Myeong-dong Hotel Deals

LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong

LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong

4 out of 5
362, Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
The price is AU$190 per night from 9 Oct to 10 Oct
AU$190
9 Oct - 10 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a health club. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,717 reviews)
"This is our second stay. Excellent customer service and very friendly staff.(Front desk/1st Floor) We will stay again. Thank you."

Reviewed on 30 Sept 2025

LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong
Lotte Hotel Seoul

Lotte Hotel Seoul

5 out of 5
30, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
The price is AU$587 per night from 9 Oct to 10 Oct
AU$587
9 Oct - 10 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 5 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,231 reviews)
"Been coming here for more than 20 years , all good . Connected to lotte mall and you are surrounded by best restaurants . Also , convenient to everywhere ."

Reviewed on 1 Oct 2025

Lotte Hotel Seoul
Step Inn Myeongdong 1

Step Inn Myeongdong 1

3 out of 5
15F, 55 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
The price is AU$82 per night from 12 Oct to 13 Oct
AU$82
12 Oct - 13 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star guesthouse in Seoul. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,026 reviews)
"In a very busy area, with lots of food options super close by. Short distance to the train. The staff were very friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on 29 Sept 2025

Step Inn Myeongdong 1
Royal Hotel Seoul

Royal Hotel Seoul

4.5 out of 5
61, Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$237 per night from 13 Oct to 14 Oct
AU$237
13 Oct - 14 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,197 reviews)
"Incredible food and shopping options right outside the hotel. This is a prime location!"

Reviewed on 30 Sept 2025

Royal Hotel Seoul
Travelodge Myeongdong Euljiro

Travelodge Myeongdong Euljiro

3 out of 5
61 Supyo-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
The price is AU$117 per night from 12 Oct to 13 Oct
AU$117
12 Oct - 13 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Other than the Air-conditioning being bizarre (stuff, warm alternating with cold and no air flow affected my sleep) - it was a standard, efficient American hotel - good value for money. Super convenient - Excellent coffee round the corner (as well a very quirky one hidden in the back alley), subway ..."

Reviewed on 26 Sept 2025

Travelodge Myeongdong Euljiro
NINE TREE BY PARNAS SEOUL MYEONDONG 1

NINE TREE BY PARNAS SEOUL MYEONDONG 1

3 out of 5
51, Myeongdong 10 Gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
The price is AU$137 per night from 12 Oct to 13 Oct
AU$137
12 Oct - 13 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,029 reviews)
"If you want to be in the midst of shopping and you’re a foodie, this is the place. Myeongdong has lots to be discovered."

Reviewed on 29 Sept 2025

NINE TREE BY PARNAS SEOUL MYEONDONG 1
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Myeong-dong

Namdaemun Market featuring markets, street scenes and a city

Hoehyeon-dong

While you're in Hoehyeon-dong, take in top sights like Namdaemun Market and jump on the metro at Hoehyeon Station to see more of the city.

Hoehyeon-dong
Deoksugung Palace featuring a garden as well as a small group of people

Sogong-dong

Sogong-dong is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Namdaemun Market and Seoul Museum of Art, and you can get around town on the metro at City Hall Station.

Sogong-dong
Dongdaemun Design Plaza which includes modern architecture as well as a couple

Jung-gu

Myeongdong Street and Namdaemun Market are top sights in Jung-gu, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Euljiro 4-ga Station or Chungmuro Station to see more sights in the area.

Jung-gu
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Euljiro-dong

While you're in Euljiro-dong, take in top sights like Chungmu-ro or Cheonggyecheon, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Euljiro 4-ga Station or Euljilo 3-ga Station.

Euljiro-dong
Insadong which includes shopping as well as a small group of people

Insa-dong

Insa-dong is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Insa-dong and Cheonggyecheon while in the area.

Insa-dong
Gwangjang Traditional Market which includes signage

Jongno-gu

Jongno-gu is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Sejong Cultural Center and National Museum of Korean Contemporary History. See more of Seoul by jumping on the metro at Gwanghwamun Station or Jonggak Station.

Jongno-gu


Myeong-dong Travel Guide

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