Myeongdong: The Heart of Seoul and Shopping Paradise, The Beginning of Its Charm
Myeongdong, a place whose name alone fills you with excitement, is a center of shopping and culture that any foreigner visiting Korea considers an essential course. From vibrant streets and colorful shops to delicious food, Myeongdong fully contains Seoul’s dynamic charm. But is it just a place for shopping? Myeongdong is also a place that holds interesting stories, having breathed along with Seoul’s history for a long time and constantly changed.
In this article, we will look at Myeongdong’s interesting historical background and explore why this place has become an essential course loved by foreign travelers. We will also provide detailed information on major tourist points, shopping, restaurants, and activities you’ll regret missing in Myeongdong. Additionally, we plan to guide you in detail on how to use public transportation so you can easily and conveniently get to Myeongdong from anywhere in Seoul, so if you’re planning a trip to Myeongdong, please pay attention to this article.
Myeongdong, How Did It Start? A Short but Deep History Story
Myeongdong’s history exceeds 100 years. In the early 1900s, this place was called ‘Myeongryebang (明禮坊).’ Like this name meaning ‘bright and courteous village,’ Myeongdong at that time was a relatively quiet and peaceful residential area. However, changes began during the Japanese colonial period. As it developed into the center of Gyeongseongbu (present-day Seoul), commercial activities gradually increased, and especially in the 1930s, department stores and movie theaters were established, beginning to take on the aspect of a modern commercial district.
After liberation, Myeongdong fully experienced the turbulent period of modern Korean history and took on an even more diverse appearance. In the 1960s, it gained attention as a cultural center where young artists and writers gathered around ‘Myeongdong Cathedral.’ At that time, Myeongdong was a space overflowing with free atmosphere and artistic sensibility, which became the foundation for the cultural depth that Myeongdong has today.
Through the 1970s and 80s, Myeongdong emerged as a full-fledged commercial district. With various clothing stores, cosmetics shops, and accessory shops opening, it began to establish itself as a shopping mecca. Especially after the 1990s, as foreign tourists increased, Myeongdong solidified its status as Korea’s representative shopping street and tourist attraction in name and reality.
However, Myeongdong’s history does not simply mean commercial development. Buildings with historical significance such as Myeongdong Cathedral and the Bank of Korea Money Museum still remain in Myeongdong’s landscape, proving that Myeongdong is a living space containing Seoul’s history and culture beyond just a shopping street.
Why Myeongdong? The Charm of Myeongdong Captivating Foreign Travelers
What are the reasons why Myeongdong is spotlighted as an ‘essential course’ for foreign travelers? Let’s look at its charms divided into several aspects.
- Shopping Paradise: Myeongdong is a shopping mecca where you can see Korea’s latest trends at a glance. From famous brand stores at home and abroad to Korea’s unique local brands, and befitting the center of K-Beauty, various cosmetics road shops – there’s nothing missing. In particular, Korean cosmetics are gaining great popularity among foreigners because of their reasonable prices compared to quality.
- Various Foods: Myeongdong is a place where a feast of delicious food unfolds. Street foods include tteokbokki, fish cake, chicken skewers, and tornado potatoes, and from food courts inside department stores and shopping malls to hidden restaurants in Myeongdong’s alleys, it provides various choices from Korean food to cuisines from around the world. In particular, Myeongdong Gyoja is a Myeongdong specialty loved by both Koreans and foreigners.
- Cultural and Artistic Exchange: Myeongdong is a space where you can experience various cultures beyond just shopping and food. Street performances and shows provide abundant attractions, and there are many K-POP-related goods shops and entertainment-related facilities, making it especially popular among the younger generation. Also, historical buildings like Myeongdong Cathedral present a unique atmosphere where Korea’s traditional beauty and modern culture coexist.
- Accessibility and Convenience: Myeongdong is located in the center of Seoul, so accessibility is very excellent. Multiple lines cross including Euljiro 1-ga Station on Line 2, Myeongdong Station and Hoehyeon Station on Line 4, making it easy to visit from anywhere in Seoul. Also, convenience facilities for foreign tourists such as information centers, money exchange offices, and free Wi-Fi are well equipped, allowing you to enjoy your trip conveniently.
- Constant Change and Trends: Myeongdong always presents a new appearance by reflecting rapidly changing trends. New brand openings, pop-up stores with unique concepts, special seasonal events – you can discover new pleasures each time you visit. This dynamic energy makes Myeongdong an even more attractive space.
Myeongdong, Must Do This! Major Tourist Points You’ll Regret Missing
To properly enjoy Myeongdong, it’s good to know a few points you’ll regret missing.
1. Shopping Basics: K-Beauty and Fashion Item Shopping
If you’ve come to Myeongdong, shopping is an essential pleasure.
- K-Beauty Road Shops: Myeongdong streets are lined with numerous cosmetics road shops. You can meet Korea’s popular cosmetics brands like Innisfree, Etude House, and Olive Young in one place, and you can shop more economically by utilizing various discount events and promotions. In particular, there’s the advantage of quickly encountering limited edition products or new products available only in Korea.
- Department Store Shopping: Lotte Department Store Main Store and Shinsegae Department Store Main Store are Myeongdong’s representative shopping destinations. From the latest trending luxury brands to domestic designer brands, you can shop for various products in one place. Also, department stores are equipped with high-end restaurants, cafes, and even duty-free shops, allowing you to enjoy rest along with shopping.
- Select Shops and Character Shops: In Myeongdong’s alleys, there are also many unique select shops and cute character shops. It’s fun to browse unique fashion items presented by Korea’s young designers or popular character products like Kakao Friends and Line Friends.
2. Culinary Exploration: From Myeongdong Street Food to Hidden Restaurants
Myeongdong is also famous for delicious food.
- Myeongdong Street Food: Walking down Myeongdong streets, you can taste various street foods. Sweet and spicy tteokbokki, warm fish cake, chewy chicken skewers, crispy tornado potatoes, sweet waffles – there’s fun in choosing according to taste. Especially in the evening, it becomes more lively and various foods appear.
- Myeongdong Gyoja: If you’ve come to Myeongdong, ‘Myeongdong Gyoja’ is an essential course you must visit. Famous for kalguksu and dumplings, the rich broth, soft noodles, and spicy kimchi boast a fantastic combination. It’s Myeongdong’s representative restaurant loved for its unchanging taste for a long time.
- Various Korean Food Restaurants: Besides Myeongdong Gyoja, Myeongdong has many restaurants where you can taste various Korean foods such as samgyeopsal, bibimbap, and naengmyeon. Many places have menus for tourists, so foreigners can also enjoy meals comfortably.
- Unique Dessert Cafes: If you want to rest briefly during shopping, it’s also good to look for Myeongdong’s charming dessert cafes. You can spend leisurely time with delicious desserts at cafes with unique concepts.
3. Traces of Culture and History: Myeongdong Cathedral and Surrounding Attractions
Myeongdong is a place where you can feel traces of culture and history beyond just shopping and food.
- Myeongdong Cathedral: Myeongdong Cathedral, a symbolic building of Korean Catholicism, is a beautiful Gothic-style building and one of Myeongdong’s landmarks. You can have a moment of reverence while looking around the cathedral interior, and just appreciating the beautiful scenery around the cathedral will be a sufficiently meaningful experience.
- Bank of Korea Money Museum: The Money Museum located in the Bank of Korea building interestingly displays Korea’s currency history and financial development process. It’s also good to visit with children and is a beneficial space where you can learn about the value and history of money. (It may currently be under remodeling, so check before visiting)
- Namsangol Hanok Village (Nearby): Not far from Myeongdong is Namsangol Hanok Village. You can feel the beauty of hanok, traditional Korean houses, and various traditional cultural experience programs are operated, making it good to visit along with Myeongdong travel.
4. Street Performances and Artistic Feast
Myeongdong streets are always vibrant. Especially on weekends or in the evening, various street performances and shows unfold, adding to the viewing pleasure. K-POP dances, magic shows, busking performances – diverse attractions provide pleasant experiences to tourists.
Myeongdong, How Should You Get There? Perfect Guide by Seoul Public Transportation
Myeongdong is located in the center of Seoul, so it’s very convenient to access by public transportation.
- Using Subway:
- Line 2: Getting off at Euljiro 1-ga Station allows you to arrive right at the starting point of Myeongdong shopping street. It’s also close to Lotte Department Store Main Store and Shinsegae Department Store Main Store.
- Line 4: Getting off at Myeongdong Station allows easy access to Myeongdong’s main shopping and restaurant areas. Myeongdong Station is located in the center of Myeongdong and is one of the most convenient stations for enjoying shopping and food.
- Line 4: You can also get off at Hoehyeon Station and walk toward Myeongdong. Hoehyeon Station is also close to Namdaemun Market, so it’s good to use if you plan to tour both Myeongdong and Namdaemun Market together.
- Using Bus: Various bus routes operate around Myeongdong. There are many buses that come directly to Myeongdong from major areas in Seoul, so you can check and use the most convenient bus route from your residence or current location. (Bus route search available on Seoul public transportation apps or portal sites)
- Using Taxi: When using a taxi, you can tell the driver ‘Myeongdong’ or a specific destination. However, since Myeongdong has a large floating population and can have severe traffic congestion, subway use is recommended if you don’t have much time.
- Tip: Seoul’s public transportation is very well developed. It’s convenient to purchase and charge a transportation card like T-money, and you can also receive transfer discount benefits.
Myeongdong Travel, Please Be Careful of This!
Here are some precautions to make your Myeongdong trip more enjoyable and safe.
- Personal Belongings Management: Since Myeongdong is always crowded with many people, you must pay special attention to managing your belongings. In particular, it’s good to be careful of theft by wearing bags in front.
- Be Careful of Solicitation: Some shops may actively solicit passing people. It’s good to refuse firmly if unwanted.
- Price Comparison: Since there are various shops, if there’s a product you like, it’s reasonable to compare several places before purchasing.
- Personal Hygiene: When enjoying street food, carefully check hygiene conditions and it’s good to carry and use hand sanitizer.
- Traffic Congestion: On weekends or holidays, traffic around Myeongdong can be very congested. It’s good to allow plenty of time when using public transportation.
Conclusion: Myeongdong, A Living Museum Containing Seoul’s Charm
Myeongdong is a place like Seoul’s heart, containing not just a shopping street but Korea’s history and culture and constantly changing trends. For foreign travelers, it’s the best place to experience Korea’s diverse charms most easily and quickly, and for Koreans, it’s a familiar yet special space that always provides new pleasures.
Look back on Myeongdong’s interesting history and directly feel its diverse charms including shopping, restaurants, and cultural experiences. Since you can conveniently access it from anywhere in Seoul, don’t hesitate and head to Myeongdong.
Action Steps for Myeongdong Travel:
- Before traveling, check a Myeongdong map in advance and create a list of shops or restaurants you want to visit.
- Wear comfortable shoes and visit to freely walk around Myeongdong’s vibrant streets.
- Familiarize yourself with public transportation usage methods in advance to visit Myeongdong easily and conveniently.
Myeongdong is a place where you can discover new charms each time you visit. We hope you plan your own special Myeongdong trip based on the information obtained through this article.
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