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$232 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
AU$232
17 Aug - 18 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! (2,594 reviews)
"👍"

Reviewed on 1 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$73 per night from 6 Aug to 7 Aug
AU$73
6 Aug - 7 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! (967 reviews)
"Tiny room you get what you pay for but liked the location in Myeondung- close to several metro stops"

Reviewed on 2 Aug. 2025

Step Inn Myeongdong 1
New Seoul Hotel

New Seoul Hotel

3 out of 5
16, Sejong-daero 22-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
The price is AU$105 per night from 6 Aug to 7 Aug
AU$105
6 Aug - 7 Aug
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! (1,003 reviews)
Great!👍
"It was great! Receptionist are quite accomodating."

Reviewed on 29 Jul. 2025

New Seoul Hotel
Lotte Hotel Seoul

Lotte Hotel Seoul

5 out of 5
30, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
The price is AU$511 per night from 27 Aug to 28 Aug
AU$511
27 Aug - 28 Aug
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! (2,181 reviews)
"Close proximy to Lotte Mall and Shinsegae. Metro station at yr doorstep."

Reviewed on 25 Jul. 2025

Lotte Hotel Seoul
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$247 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
AU$247
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! (1,121 reviews)
"Overall was a pleasant stay.premier room was actually quite small but manageable for a family of three.walkable distance to myeongdong shopping area.too bad that the breakfast doesn't cater to muslim tourists, that was the only setback."

Reviewed on 30 Jul. 2025

Royal Hotel Seoul
Pacific Hotel

Pacific Hotel

4 out of 5
2, Toegye-ro 20-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
The price is AU$208 per night from 7 Aug to 8 Aug
AU$208
7 Aug - 8 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,007 reviews)
"Very good hotel. I stayed 4 night. The room is always very clean and refilled bottle water. Easy to go shopping in myeongdong. I will stay this hotel when I visit to seoul! Thank you very much."

Reviewed on 1 Aug. 2025

Pacific Hotel
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 Sungnyemun Gate, 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
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
Dongdaemun History & Culture Park featuring a city as well as a small group of people

Gwanghui-dong

While you're in Gwanghui-dong, take in top sights like Migliore Mall and jump on the metro at Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station to see more of the city.

Gwanghui-dong


Myeong-dong Travel Guide

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