A Guide to Myeongdong District in Seoul, South Korea

The Myeongdong District is one of the most popular districts in Seoul, and it’s easy to see why! You will never run out of things to do, eat or see here. You could spend weeks in just Myeongdong and never get bored, even though it’s just a small part of Seoul. It’s easily one of my favorite spots in the whole city.

Food in the Myeongdong District

Myeongdong District is one of my favorite places in all of Seoul to go for food. There are so many different restaurants everywhere you look, amazing street food, and tons of dessert shops which is right up my alley. These are some of my favorite spots!

Chir Chir Fusion Chicken Factory

We were so glad we stopped at this one because the food was so good. To this day, out of all the meals we’ve had in Seoul, this one is still our favorite. We had the spicy chicken with rice and let me tell you, when they say spicy chicken, they mean spicy. Our tongues were on fire but we couldn’t stop eating because it was just so good. Luckily, we also had a delicious drink to cool our mouths with! 😉

If you like spicy foods, come here. If you don’t, still come here. They have a non-spicy version of the same meal we had as well as a ton of other items on the menu. Even though a meal like this was meant for two people we still had leftovers that we took home with us!

Sulbing Korean Dessert Cafe

Some of the most amazing and delicious sweets I’ve ever had. A tower of ice cream topped with macarons?! Yes please! Sulbing is popular for their ‘snow ice cream’ which is so good, and they have so many different flavors to choose from!

Street Food

One of my favorite places for street food in Seoul is Myeongdong. There are so many different foods to choose from, and often multiple vendors of the same foods, so if you pass one up and decide that’s what you wanted after all, don’t worry. You’ll see another in a second.

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Some street food must-try’s in the Myeongdong District are:

• Strawberry Mochi
• Yaki Mandu
• Korean Fried Chicken
• Honey Butter Ice Cream
• Tornado Potato
• Egg Loaf

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My favorite thing about going to the street vendors is that it’s completely authentic, hand-made Korean food. It’s perfect when you’re traveling in a group because no-one has to agree on where to eat, you can each just pick your own food stall and everyone’s happy!

32 Parfait

A foot long ice cream cone?! Yes please! I went for the vanilla/chocolate cone and was not disappointed. Somehow, ice cream tastes so much better in South Korea than it does in the states. Or maybe I was just really craving it? I don’t know.

bhc chicken – beer – plate

This restaurant has a few different locations throughout Seoul but this one is actually only a couple doors down from Chir Chir! This place also had serving sizes for two people so my husband and I shared a plate again. We had half sauce chicken and half spicy sauce chicken. My husband had a Cass beer which is one of the most popular beers in South Korea. Another great meal and we will definitely be back!

Gong Cha

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If you’re looking for boba tea (bubble milk tea) I promise this is the best spot. There are so many different flavors to choose from which makes it easy to find something no matter what you’re in the mood for. I had a strawberry one and it was delish! I can’t wait to try one of the brown sugar ones next. Yum!

Cafe de Paris

Cafe de Paris is another spot for desserts and sweets (sorry not sorry). This place is popular for their ‘Bon Bon’ which is full of fruits, layers of whipped cream, and powdered sugar.

Shopping in the Myeongdong District

The Myeongdong District is home to some of the best shopping in all of Seoul. I love coming here and finding a new boutique to shop at every time I visit! I love that Seoul has some of the most unique shops with things that you wouldn’t find anywhere else. These are some of the best places to shop in Myeongdong.

Chuu Supermarket

A pink lover’s paradise and Instagram hot spot. Yes, they do sell clothes and accessories here, but it’s impossible to shop here and not also take a million photos in front of their sequin wall.

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Chuu is popular for their ‘-5kg Jeans’ which supposedly will make you look 5kgs smaller. Also, they sell a lot of the popular ‘Milky’ brand which is huge in Korea.

The Lotte Department Store & Lotte Young Plaza

The heart of the Myeongdong shopping district. Since it’s one of the most popular (and therefore busiest) places to shop, I’d suggest getting here early to beat the crowd!

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Lotte Young Plaza is, obviously, more for the younger crowd. The Lotte Department Store is more high end name brand shopping. I prefer Lotte Young Plaza simply because it has some of the best shops for cute (and affordable) clothes.

Myeongdong Daiso

I put this on the list because Daiso is one of my favorite stores in all of Korea, and this is one of the largest ones I’ve seen. I simply can’t walk into a Daiso without buying something. It’s a Japanese megastore and they sell a little bit of everything. Home goods, food, beauty products, you name it. The one in Myeongdong District has 11 floors, with something different on each floor!

You really can’t beat the prices here, either. I think pretty much everything is under $5. I was a huge Target shopper back in the states, and Daiso is about as close as it gets to a Target over here!

Line Friends Store

If you’ve done a google / Instagram search of Myeongdong, chances are you’ve probably seen photos of people posing with a giant brown teddy bear (and when I say giant, I really mean it). Well, this is where you’ll find that bear! Plus, you can do some shopping after you get your photo with the bear. 😉

Zara, Forever 21, H&M, Uniqlo

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If you’re from the states you’re probably pretty familiar with these name brand shops. I don’t know why but I was so surprised to see a Forever 21 in South Korea. It’s always nice to see something familiar when you’re so far away from home!

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Underground Shopping Center

The underground shopping center is huge and has just as many shops to choose from as you’ll find above ground! You’ll find everything here from clothes and shoes, to k-beauty and k-pop products, to Korea souvenirs.

We didn’t even realize this place existed until the first time we went underground to cross the street. Needless to say, we got sucked into shopping down here and completely forgot where we were even trying to go.

Artbox

Artbox is one of my favorite shops in Seoul. They have the cutest things from stationery to beauty products! I always come here to buy gifts because they have a little bit of everything and the prices are great. This is probably the best place to stock up on face masks and socks which are both really popular in Korea.

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ABC Mart

One of the most popular shoe stores in South Korea. They have all the popular name brands like Converse and Adidas but with styles that you won’t find in the states!

Unique Experiences in Myeongdong

Style Nanda Pink Pool Cafe – Myeongdong District

Easily one of my favorites spots in the Myeongdong District. You can buy your beauty products on the first floor, shop for a new outfit on the third floor, have a drink at the cafe on the fifth floor, and then head out onto the rooftop balcony to relax on one of the bean bags and take in gorgeous sunset views of the city. Such a cute spot!

Cat Cafe

There are actually a couple of different cat cafes in Myeongdong. The one we went to was close to the Banila Co. with the rainbow mural on the wall (you’ll know it when you see it). There is always a person in the street dressed in a cat costume handing out flyers and they will point you in the right direction.

I’ve been to quite a few different themed cafes in Seoul and this one is by far my favorite. At some of the animal cafes you can tell that the animals aren’t really happy to be there, they just want to be left alone. It doesn’t seem like they’re taken care of that well and it breaks my heart to see. This one was not like that!

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The kitties here were so happy and playful, especially if you had a treat for them (they have cat treats available for you to purchase at the counter)! Many of them were purring constantly (which is a sign of being content and comfortable) and many of them would follow you around wanting to play. And, of course, there were quite a few adorable sleepy ones as well.

Admission was around 10,000 won and included a drink. You can pay a little extra if you want treats to give to the cats (definitely worth it). And, there’s even a board on the wall with photos of all the cats so that you can know their names!

Bonus: they have lint rollers available for you to use before you leave! Any cat owner will understand how necessary that is, haha! Don’t forget to check out my Cat Cafe post for more info.

Arc N Book

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One of the coolest bookshops I’ve ever been in. You can even order books from a London phone booth! Next time I’m here I’ll try and find some books that I can actually read (aka ones that are in English).

Nanta Theater

The Nanta Theater is like a comedy cooking show without words. They perform hilarious stunts and you don’t have to worry about a language barrier because they don’t speak!

For more info click here.

Urban Space

I’m not entirely sure how you would actually categorize Urban Space. But I’ll just call it a ‘cool hang out spot.’ There are endless photo ops as well as amazing views of the Myeongdong District from above.

There’s a ball pit full of pool floaties (which I had way too much fun in!) and you can even order a cocktail served in a mini shopping cart or a bird cage. How fun!

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K-Beauty in Myeongdong

Korea is famous for their cosmetic products as they are some of the best in the world. Many of the beauty shops will have workers outside handing out free samples if you agree to come into their store to shop (usually face masks). If you make a purchase, they typically will fill up your bag with additional freebies as well. Talk about a bonus!

Though there are endless Korean beauty shops in the Myeongdong District, here are some of the most popular and some of my favorites.

Etude House

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As the sign outside says.. “A Princess Fantasy”. This is my favorite shop to come to for nail polishes and lipsticks!

Style Nanda Myeongdong District

Style Nanda has multiple levels with something different on each floor. Skincare products are sold on the first and second floors, clothes on the third and fourth, a cafe on the fifth, and the sixth floor leads out onto a rooftop chill spot complete with bean bags and views of the city!

Banila Co.

Quite possibly the most Instagram worthy k-beauty shop in all of Seoul. The mural on the wall outside is the perfect photo op, but Banila Co also sells some of the best skincare and beauty products.

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Too Cool for School

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Of all the k-beauty shops we visited this one was my favorite. It’s a smaller shop but it has some of my favorite hair products. And, I just love the decor inside!

Holika Holika

Here is where you’ll find tons of the popular ‘Milky’ brand cosmetics as well as a huge selection of face masks. Holika Holika is huge in South Korea and you can find a store just about anywhere you go!

Olive Young

There seems to be an Olive Young on every street corner throughout Seoul. It’s easily one of the most popular k-beauty shops in South Korea.

Museums in the Myeongdong District

Bank of Korea Money Museum

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Coming to the Bank of Korea Money Museum, I thought it would be only about Korean money, but still thought it would be cool. It actually showcased different currencies from all over the world. It was so cool to see all the different dollar bills from countries that I’d never been to. And admission was free!

For more info on the museum, click here.

Postage Stamp Museum

Formerly known as ‘Korea Stamp World’ and one of the most popular museums in Myeongdong. So, whether you collect stamps or not, you’re bound to like this one. And, admission is free here as well!

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This is another museum that I thought would be strictly South Korea related. But, it also showcased items from all over the world. And, it has way more than just stamps on display.

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This one is great for kids because there are many interactive exhibits. There are electronic “stamps” that they can color themselves and they can even put their own face on a stamp!

Myeongdong Cathedral

Okay, so this one’s not really a museum. But, it’s still pretty cool to see. The official name is “The Cathedral Church of Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception” but it’s informally known as Myeongdong Cathedral.

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It’s only a couple blocks over from Myeongdong Street and a very short walk from the closest bus stop. The interior of the church is insanely beautiful with the stained glass windows and beautiful paintings. Definitely worth a visit!

Where to Stay in the Myeongdong District

Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Seoul

Probably the most conveniently located hotel in all of Myeongdong. It’s just a short walk to anything you could need. And there is a lobby on the 21st floor where you can go to enjoy gorgeous views of the city. For more info or to book a room, click here.

Airbnb: Myeongdong Pink House

A gorgeous, cozy Airbnb that’s perfect for any pink lover. And, it’s conveniently located near many popular attractions!

Click here for a discount on your first stay by signing up for Airbnb through my link!

Myeongdong District Travel Tips

1. There are lockers at Myeongdong Station if you don’t feel like carrying all of your things with you (super helpful if you’re doing a lot of shopping)!
2. As you’re walking around, don’t forget to look up. Many shops and restaurants are located on the second or third floor as well. There will be an open staircase for you to go up.
3. Download the Naver app. Google Maps doesn’t work the best in South Korea. Naver gives walking, driving, and public transportation directions.
4. Use public transportation. It only costs about $1 for each bus ride. The buses are different colors (red, green, blue) and have numbers displayed on the front of the bus for you to know which route it’s going. Also, if you use the Naver app (mentioned above) it will tell you which bus stop to go to and which bus to get on in order to get where you want to go.
5. Keep a plastic bag in your purse for trash. Trust me! It’s rare to find a trash can out in public in Korea. You don’t want to be carrying trash in your hands all night!
6. Bring your own slippers. Most hotels will provide a pair of slippers and shower shoes for your stay. Unfortunately, they are often reused (and likely not sanitized) which kind of grosses me out. Bring your own to feel more comfortable.

What are some of your favorite spots in the Myeongdong District? Share in a comment below!

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Don’t forget to check out these other South Korea posts:

• Things to Do in Seoul, South Korea
• Snacks to Try in South Korea
• Things to Do in Buyeo
• Photos to Inspire You to Visit Korea in the Fall
• A Trip to Cheongpung Land in Jecheon