Myeong-dong

Seoul

Myeongdong featuring a city, shopping and street scenes
Myeong-dong
Myeong-dong
Myeongdong featuring food and markets
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

Things to do


Top hotels in Myeong-dong

LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong
LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong
4 out of 5
362, Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
The price is S$169 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
S$169
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,558 reviews)
"Rooms are smaller, not enough elevators but comfortable overall. Clean rooms and attentive staff."

Reviewed on 4 Jul, 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
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! (936 reviews)
"Good location and very helpful staff"

Reviewed on 12 Jun, 2025

Step Inn Myeongdong 1
Lotte Hotel Seoul
Lotte Hotel Seoul
5 out of 5
30, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
The price is S$429 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
S$429
13 Jul - 14 Jul
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! (2,148 reviews)
Korean vacay
"We enjoyed the lounge ! Food was good for breakfast , tea and happy hour! My room was very comfortable and our request to have our rooms beside each other was accommodated . The hotel was ideally situated for shopping and the staff were very helpful when we needed to get a taxi ! Will certainly recommend ..."

Reviewed on 2 Jul, 2025

Lotte Hotel Seoul
Royal Hotel Seoul
Royal Hotel Seoul
4.5 out of 5
61, Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
The price is S$194 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
S$194
21 Jul - 22 Jul
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! (1,087 reviews)
"Location of the hotel is great Room is clean & housekeeping is dood."

Reviewed on 1 Jul, 2025

Royal Hotel Seoul
New Seoul Hotel
New Seoul Hotel
3 out of 5
16, Sejong-daero 22-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
The price is S$429 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
S$429
21 Jul - 22 Jul
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)
"We stayed for 4 nights in one of the bigger rooms on the 15th floor. There were 2 king beds. Pros: -There was a pantry with a microwave and sink and a laundry room (chargeable) on the 16th floor.   -2 lifts were fast -train stations are within walking distance -myeongdong is within 15 mins of walking ..."

Reviewed on 28 Jun, 2025

New Seoul Hotel
Pacific Hotel
Pacific Hotel
4 out of 5
2, Toegye-ro 20-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
The price is S$122 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
S$122
3 Aug - 4 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! (1,001 reviews)
"Great location. Nice, spacious room."

Reviewed on 1 Jul, 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 which includes a city, street scenes and markets

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 showing 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(263 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 showing 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(86 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 which includes 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