If you are looking for things to do in Myeongdong, you will not be disappointed!
This Seoul neighborhood is a famous shopping district where you can buy anything you can imagine. There are also delicious restaurants, beautiful architecture, and culture around every corner.
I loved staying in Myeongdong during my South Korea trip, and I highly recommend checking it out when you visit! I greatly enjoyed my Myeongdong Street shopping spree!
Myeongdong is located in Central Seoul in the Jung District. If you use public transportation, a few metro stations within the district include Euljiro 1(il)-ga and Myeongdong Station.
I suggest taking a taxi or Uber if you travel directly from the Incheon Airport. This is the fastest method at about 45 minutes. I used an Uber, and it cost me $45.
You can also take a bus or metro from the airport. The bus is a 90-minute journey while the train is an hour. The train is the cheapest and most convenient.
If you need help or suggestions while exploring, stop by the Myeongdong Tourist Information Center. Also, check out my tips for traveling to South Korea!
Now let’s dive into what to do in Myeongdong!
15 Things to Do in Myeongdong: Seoul’s Shopping District
Visit the LOTTE Department Store in Myeongdong
The LOTTE Department Store Main Store is located in Myeongdong and is one of the top places to go in Seoul. If you only go shopping at one store, make it this one!
This is a great place to buy both Korean and international brands of clothing, cosmetics, electronics, and more. There is also a Duty-Free Shop, food court, and supermarket.
If you have time, check out other surrounding stores for more South Korean shopping!
When shopping in South Korea, I highly suggest carrying your passport. Many stores will ask international travelers for their passports and not charge the Value-Added Tax (VAT) at checkout.
You should also save all receipts to get the VAT reimbursed at the airport on the way out of the country. When I did this, I was reimbursed over $200!
Find Views at the N. Seoul Tower
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Korea is the N. Seoul Tower, also known as the Namsan Tower.
Set atop Namsan Mountain, the 774-foot observation tower is a must-see landmark. You can find cafes, shops, museums, restaurants, and attractions with amazing views.
There are a few ways to get to the tower. You can hike to the top, take a shuttle bus, or ride the cable car.
Add the N. Seoul Tower to your South Korea bucket list no matter how you get there.
Book Here: N Seoul Tower Observatory Ticket
Photograph the Myeongdong Cathedral
Anyone interested in architecture will want to visit the Myeongdong Cathedral. Completed in 1898, this Gothic church is an important piece of history and culture.
Myeongdong Cathedral is free to visit every day or you can attend an English-speaking Mass on Sunday. You will also love the pretty greenery leading up to the building.
Located right off Myeondong Shopping Street, the cathedral is perfect for a quick stop as you explore the neighborhood.
Book Here: Guided City Wall Sunset Hike with Korean Dinner
Check Out the Myeongdong Underground Shopping Center
For more shopping, head to the unique Myeongdong Underground Shopping Center accessible from the Euljiro 1-ga Station. The underground passage connects Myeongdong with City Hall.
This mall offers the same goods and services as the streets above but usually at a cheaper price. These are smaller stores but offer so much.
It is the perfect place to visit in Myeongdong if it is raining or cold. It is such a cool extension of the Myeong shopping street!
Book Here: Night Tour Of Deoksugung Palace And Sevit Seom
Do Some K-Pop Shopping
If you know me, you know I love K-pop. It was a big influence on my wanting to visit South Korea! I thoroughly enjoyed checking out the many K-pop shores in Myeongdong.
If you are looking for some unique souvenirs and are a K-pop fan, there is plenty of merchandise to buy. There are albums, books, figurines, lightsticks, clothes, plushies, posters, and much more!
For K-pop shopping in Myeongdong, head to Music Korea, All That K, Buruttrak, or Palette at the Lotte Young Plaza.
For something fun (and yummy), visit Starfox Artist Chocolate Shop where you can get chocolate with the faces of your favorite K-pop artists! There’s also a ton of other merch and epic photo ops!
Anyone interested in Kpop will agree this is one of the top things to do in Seoul!
Book Here: ARMY Bangtan Pilgrimage Tour in Seoul
Book Here: Small Group BTS K-pop Star Footsteps Journey Tour
Explore Gyeongbokgung Palace
If you want to delve into the rich culture and history of South Korea, a trip to Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the best things to do in Myeongdong.
Dating back to 1395, Gyeongbokgung is the largest of the Five Grand Palaces in Seoul. Its name means “Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven.”
As you wander the palace grounds, you will see many visitors dressed in hanbok, colorful Korean traditional clothes.
Foreigners are encouraged to rent the beautiful outfits as well! Wearing them will even grant you free access to the city’s palaces. The hanbok is perfect for a fun photoshoot!
You will also want your camera ready for the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony. Held twice a day, this Joseon Dynasty reenactment is a must-see in Seoul!
There is a nominal fee to enter Gyeongbokgung and free guided tours in multiple languages are available on select days.
Book Here: Seoul: City Hightlights, Palace Tour, and Optional Hanbok
Book Here: Morning 3-Hour Intro to Seoul Tour (Palace, Temple & More)
Stop by Cheong Wa Dae
Set in a beautiful park, Cheong Wa Dae, or the Blue House, was the official residence and office of Korean presidents from 1948 to 2022. It has since been opened to the public and can be toured for free.
The complex is comprised of multiple buildings, gardens, shrines, and hiking trails. You can easily spend a few hours here exploring all there is to see.
I suggest making an online reservation in advance to secure your chance to visit this historic site.
Book Here: Classic K-Drama Dae Jang Geum Park Tour
Immerse Yourself in Korean Culture at Bukchon Hanok Village
Step back in time to the Joseon Dynasty at Bukchon Hanok Village. Over 900 preserved, traditional Korean houses hold restaurants, tea houses, and cultural centers.
If you are a photographer, this is one of the most postcard-worthy places to visit in Myeongdong! Arrive early in the morning to avoid the inevitable crowds.
I loved exploring the village and wandering down the narrow alleys. Soaked in history, this area is a must on any Seoul itinerary!
Many of the hanoks are people’s homes and you should be respectful as you walk around. Don’t trespass or be loud.
Book Here: Seoul: Gyeongbok Palace and Bukchon Hanok Walking Tour
Book Here: Seoul: Bukchon Hanok Village Pedicab Tour
Fall in Love With Deoksugung Palace
Deoksugung Palace is the smallest palace in the city but is still one of the coolest things to do in Myeongdong. It is the “Palace of Virtue and Longevity.”
The palace was home to Joseon Dynasty kings and was the final residence of Gojong, the first Emperor of Korea.
Like at Gyeongbokgung, you can take a guided tour and see the changing of the guards.
Book Here: Seoul: Deoksugung Palace Half Day Walking Tour
Attractions In Myeongdong: Visit Some Museums
There are a ton of museums dotted throughout Myeongdong, and there is something for all interests
Along with typical art and history museums, you can find unique offerings such as a museum dedicated to kimchi, a Korean dish made with fermented vegetables.
Art lovers will want to visit the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art or the Seoul Museum of Craft Art.
You might enjoy the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History, the National Palace Museum of Korea, the Seoul Museum of History, or the National Folk Museum of Korea.
If you want a museum with more original exhibits, look into the Korea Postage & Stamps Museum, the Bank of Korea Money Museum, or the Museum Kimchikan.
These are just a few of the many great museums in Seoul!
Book Here: K-Kick Taekwondo Show Ticket
What To Do In Myeongdong: See a Show at the Myeongdong NANTA Theatre
For a fun and unique experience people of all ages can enjoy, book tickets for a show at the Myeongdong NANTA Theatre.
“Nanta” is an instrumental comedy show that features traditional samul nori music. There is no language barrier because it is non-verbal and uses music and pantomime to tell the story.
The show is high energy, includes acrobatics, and has audience participation. Kids and adults alike will have a fantastic time.
“Nanta” premiered in 1997 and is the longest-running show in South Korea. It is popular and has been performed around the world.
Book Here: Seoul: Myeongdong Nanta Theater Show Ticket
Best Food In Myeongdong: Eat Your Fill at the Myeongdong Night Market
If you want to sample delicious Korean street food, the Myeongdong Night Market is a must-visit.
With cheap eats and a lively atmosphere, you will love spending an evening meandering through the stalls. Breathe in the alluring aroma of cooking food and taste test until you can’t eat another bite.
This Myeongdong market is open every day of the week but there are more vendors on the weekends. Stalls start to open around 4 pm and things begin to shut down around 10 pm.
Street food is huge in Korea, and if you want to enjoy some of the best food in Myeongdong, come to this popular market!
As a vegan, I had no trouble finding suitable food in Seoul. Vegan food is becoming more available even at 7-Eleven.
Explore the Changdeokgung Palace and Secret Garden
For yet another incredible palace, head to the Changdeokgung Palace and its sprawling Secret Garden.
This well-preserved “Palace of Prospering Virtue” is in harmony with the surrounding nature.
While it is picture perfect during all seasons, it is especially wonderous when the cherry blossoms are blooming. Autumn is magical too with the fiery foliage!
As you wander the palace grounds, you will walk in the footprints of royalty, discover a 300-year-old tree, and take some of the best photos from your South Korea trip.
After exploring Changdeokgung, walk over to the Changgyeonggung Palace right next door. It is the “Palace of Virtuous Longevity” nestled among pretty trees.
Book Here: Seoul: Changdeokgung Palace & Namsangol Hanok Village Tour
Check Out the Jongmyo Shrine
Built in 1394, the Jongmyo Shrine is very well-preserved and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site
If you happen to be in Seoul on the first Sunday of May, you must visit the shrine to see the Jongmyo Jerye. This is a traditional Royal Ancestral Memorial Rite honoring deceased kings and queens.
With a parade, music, and dances, this is an amazing ceremony to see in person! You will feel as if you have been transported back to the Joseon Dynasty when a similar ceremony was held.
Even if you miss this event, the shrine is still one of the best things to do in Seoul!
Book Here: Seoul: UNESCO Heritage Palace, Shrine, and More Tour
Shopping In Myeongdong: Find Treasures by Secondhand Shopping
I was surprised at how epic the second-hand shopping was in South Korea! I wanted to add this option to the list in case you are on more of a budget.
You can even find luxury brands at Seoul thrift stores. I managed to snag a Prada tote bag and a Burberry raincoat!
While shopping in Seoul, keep your eyes peeled for thrift stores and flea markets. You never know what you might find!
Though a little bit outside of the Myeongdong neighborhood, the Dongmyo Flea Market is the top place for second-hand shopping in the city! You will find so much vintage clothing here.
Best Things To Do In Myeongdong Packing List
Here are some tips on packing lightly for your visit to South Korea.
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.
These RFID sleeves would be handy in preventing identity theft.
World Traveler adapter kit can charge several devices at the same time.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
My daughter gifted me this FugeTek Selfie Stick and Tripod for my birthday.
I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for travel.
The Bobble replaceable carbon filter ensures fresh clean water whenever and wherever you fill the Bobble.
Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you.
I was never a fan of packing cubes until I tried them out! Now I am sold. These Bagail packing cubes are the exact ones I use whenever I travel.
This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great.
I also sometimes bring my Vionic Tides flip-flops depending on the time of year. The toe post is so comfortable.
This cotton unisex lightweight scarf is versatile and can be worn in any season.
These unisex polarized sunglasses come in lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable.
If you are fond of aviator-style sunglasses these polarized aviators may interest you.
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Where to Stay in Myeongdong, Seoul
There are a ton of great places to stay in the Myeongdong district! There are hotels and hostels for all price ranges.
Affordable: OYO Hostel Myeongdong 3
If you have never stayed in a hostel, they are a great way to save money and meet fellow travelers. The OYO Hostel Myeongdong 3 offers AC, free wifi, mini-fridges, and a shared lounge.
The hostel is close to many attractions in Myeongdong and public transportation.
Check Rates: Booking.com
Mid-Range: Ibis Ambassador Myeongdong
Located just off Myeongdong Street, Ibis Ambassador Myeongdong has comfy rooms, great amenities, and city views.
The property features a restaurant, a bar, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. With laundry services and free wifi, you will have everything you need to be right at home.
Check Rates: Booking.com
Luxury: Le Méridien Seoul Myeongdong
I stayed at Le Méridien Seoul Myeongdong while in Seoul, and I loved my time there! The view of the city from my room was outstanding.
The property has an indoor pool, three restaurants, free parking, and a fitness center. The hotel is also in a great location. I highly recommend it!
Check Rates: Booking.com
Planning on spending more time in South Korea? Check out my guide to the best places to visit in Busan!
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