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$220 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
AU$220
28 Aug - 29 Aug
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! (2,643 reviews)
"Great hotel"

Reviewed on 21 Aug. 2025

LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong
Step Inn Myeongdong 1

Step Inn Myeongdong 1

3 out of 5
15F, 55 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
The price is AU$81 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
AU$81
28 Aug - 29 Aug
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! (997 reviews)
"The rooms are small, but the price is good and the location is great. Food and shopping options, as well as the night market, are plentiful."

Reviewed on 24 Aug. 2025

Step Inn Myeongdong 1
Lotte Hotel Seoul

Lotte Hotel Seoul

5 out of 5
30, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$509 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
AU$509
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,202 reviews)
"We had an excellent experience during our first stay at Lotte Hotel Seoul. We were upgraded to a Junior Suite, and the room was luxurious, spacious, and very clean. The hotel is right next to a subway station, with lots of shops and restaurants nearby. Every staff member we met was super friendly ..."

Reviewed on 21 Aug. 2025

Lotte Hotel Seoul
New Seoul Hotel

New Seoul Hotel

3 out of 5
16, Sejong-daero 22-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$118 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
AU$118
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
"The Hotel Location was the best, close to myeong dong and namdaemun. There was lots of food options walking distance. Hotel was a little old but it was clean and staffs was the best, Super accommodating and cleaning lady was super friendly. There bed was super comfy and internet worked very well. ..."

Reviewed on 16 Aug. 2025

New Seoul Hotel
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$253 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
AU$253
31 Aug - 1 Sept
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! (1,166 reviews)
"Service was great - would definitely stay again!"

Reviewed on 23 Aug. 2025

Royal Hotel Seoul
L7 MYEONGDONG by LOTTE

L7 MYEONGDONG by LOTTE

4 out of 5
137 Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$282 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
AU$282
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,247 reviews)
"We were accommodated with ease and has been provided with utmost comfort and convenience! Not a single problem with L7 by Lotte!"

Reviewed on 21 Aug. 2025

L7 MYEONGDONG by LOTTE
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

4.5/5(171 area reviews)

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

4.5/5(45 area reviews)

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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