Myeongdong, the neighbourhood that never sleeps

Published on June 22, 2024 at 4:00 pm

Myeongdong never sleeps! Every day, more than two million people pass through this bustling tourist district. A popular shopping district, its streets and alleyways are packed with locals and tourists alike. Its main street is closed to traffic during the day. Literally, this district is like an open-air shopping centre. From shop to shop, tourists will find everything from fashionable K-beauty and gadgets of all kinds to souvenirs and incredibly delicious food. Myeongdong is so popular with tourists that most of the shop assistants are able to speak several languages when haggling - including French. From world-famous brands to small boutiques and the famous Myeongdong market, the district is well worth a visit just to soak up its hectic, frenetic atmosphere. Here are some great ideas for a day's shopping while discovering the district's cultural attractions.

Summary

So what can you do in Myeongdong?
Where to shop in Myeongdong?
Practical information

Renowned by locals and tourists alike, Myeongdong is one of Seoul's main shopping districts. During the Joseon dynasty, the district was mainly residential, but after the Korean War it became increasingly commercial. Little by little, the residences disappeared, making way for skyscrapers, luxury department stores, authentic boutiques, restaurants and cultural venues.

Myeongdong is a lively place. Tourists and locals alike love to stroll the streets, pick up the latest bargains and enjoy good food.

Myeongdong, the square with the cathedral.

So what can you do in Myeongdong?

Nanta Show Seoul

Nanta is Korea's oldest theatre and features a talented troupe performing both traditional folk plays and modern acts, all set around delicious food. The actors use real food, knives and chopping boards to produce unimaginable cadences and rhythms. Expect to laugh, be impressed and be entertained.

Practical information

📍 Address: Unesco Building 3F, 50-14 Myeong Dong 2 Ga, Jung Gu, Seoul

⏰ Show times: Monday - Thursday 5pm and 8pm; Saturday 11am, 2pm, 5pm and 8pm; Friday and Sunday 2pm, 5pm and 8pm.

👛 Admission: 44,000 won (€30)

Buy your tickets in advance

Perfume studio: making your own perfume

Here's a fun and unique experience... In this area, you can make your own perfume using over 150 natural aromas. It's a great way to take your own perfume home with you. At the Perfume Studio, visitors are guided by a professional multilingual instructor to choose a bottle, find a name and mix the fragrances.

Practical information

📍 Address: 2F, 53 Myeongdong 2-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

⏰ Times: Tuesday to Sunday: 11am, 1pm, 2.30pm, 4pm, 5.30pm and 7pm

👛 Price: 50,000 won (35 euros)

Book your course in advance

Hanbok, the traditional Korean dress.

Wear a Hanbok

While most people probably go to the village of Bukchon Hanok to try on a Hanbok (traditional outfit), few know that you can also enjoy this experience in Myeongdong by renting your outfit from certain shops.

Practical information

📍 Address: 30 Myeongdong 8na-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (서울 중구 명동8나길 30)

⏰ Hours: Every day : 9am \~ 10pm

👛 Admission : 25 000 W (17 euros)

Hire a Hanbok for the day

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Where to shop in Myeongdong?

Myeongdong has two department stores: Lotte and Shinsegae. The Lotte shopping complex includes the Lotte department stores', Young Plaza, the Duty Free Shop, the cinema and the Lotte hotel. The Lotte complex is linked by metro to line 2, Euljiro station.

The Shinsegae department stores' is on the south-west side of Myeongdong near Namdaemun. If this is your first stop, get off at Hoehyeon station on metro line 4. Like Lotte, Shinsegae also has a large food court.

Food stalls are all the rage in Seoul

Myeongdong Underground Shopping Centre: located in an underground passageway linking Myeongdong to City Hall. There are many shops selling clothes, shoes, accessories, cosmetics, souvenirs and everyday products.

The shopping streets of Myeongdong: This is one of the best shopping destinations! Many global and local brand shops are located in these alleyways.

Practical information

📍 How do I get to Myeongdong?

By metro: go to Myeongdong metro station and take exit 6 (stairs) or exit 7 (escalator) to go directly to the main shopping street.

👉 Traveller's tip:

Small benefit: most shops are tax-free. You can get your money back if you buy more than W30,000 (€21) and less than W1,000 (0.80 cents) in tax-free shops. These products carry stickers indicating that they are tax-free. You will need to present the receipts at the tax refund stands.

by Val HANCOCK | Editor

Val Hancock is an editor, writer and researcher. While she is currently based in Paris, she previously lived in London and Brussels. She holds a Masters degree in International Relations from King’s College London.

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