Myeong-dong

Seoul

Myeongdong which includes shopping, a city and street scenes
Myeong-dong
Myeong-dong
Myeongdong showing markets and food
Myeongdong featuring 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 Center (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
Fully refundable
The price is P7,784 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P7,784
P8,562 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
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! (2,591 reviews)
"It’s literally 1 min from the subway station. And so easy to go anywhere! Great location!"

Reviewed on Jul 26, 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 P3,871 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
P3,871
P4,258 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
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! (960 reviews)
Great location, wonderful staff!
"The location and price of the hotel was prime. The front desk staff was gracious, helpful and friendly."

Reviewed on Jul 23, 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 P4,308 per night from Aug 5 to Aug 6
P4,308
P4,738 total
Aug 5 - Aug 6
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! (1,008 reviews)
Great!👍
"It was great! Receptionist are quite accomodating."

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

New Seoul Hotel
Lotte Hotel Seoul

Lotte Hotel Seoul

5 out of 5
30, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
The price is P15,902 per night from Aug 27 to Aug 28
P15,902
P19,242 total
Aug 27 - Aug 28
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! (2,187 reviews)
"Close proximy to Lotte Mall and Shinsegae. Metro station at yr doorstep."

Reviewed on Jul 25, 2025

Lotte Hotel Seoul
ibis Styles Ambassador Seoul Myeongdong

ibis Styles Ambassador Seoul Myeongdong

4 out of 5
302, Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
The price is P5,115 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
P5,115
P5,627 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
"Very accommodating and clean"

Reviewed on Jul 18, 2025

ibis Styles Ambassador Seoul Myeongdong
Royal Hotel Seoul

Royal Hotel Seoul

4.5 out of 5
61, Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
The price is P9,491 per night from Aug 5 to Aug 6
P9,491
P10,440 total
Aug 5 - Aug 6
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! (1,118 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 Jul 30, 2025

Royal Hotel Seoul
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 markets, a city and street scenes

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

Visitors to Sogong-dong love its popular shops, and you can check out Namdaemun Market and Sungnyemun Gate. If you want to see more in the area, 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(50 area reviews)

Travelers love Jung-gu for its popular shops, and you can see more of Seoul by jumping on the metro at Euljiro 4-ga Station or Chungmuro Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Myeongdong Street and Namdaemun Market.

Jung-gu
Insadong which includes shopping as well as a small group of people

Insa-dong

Travelers come to Insa-dong for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Insa-dong and Cheonggyecheon while you're in town.

Insa-dong
Gwangjang Traditional Market showing signage

Jongno-gu

4.5/5(13 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 showing 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