Myeongdong is one of the most famous neighborhoods in Seoul, and for good reason. A true hub for shopping, food, and all things trendy, it’s definitely a place you’ll want to include on your Seoul itinerary.
If you’re not sure where to begin, this list covers the must-visit places in Myeongdong.
1. Shopping
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1) Myeongdong Underground Shopping Center
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When it comes to shopping, Myeongdong is the place to be. There are so many places to visit that you might not even be able to check them all out in one day. Starting underground, inside the Myeongdong subway station, you’ll find dozens of stores lining the underground pathway. This is the Myeongdong Underground Shopping Center. Though it’s underground, it will be hard to miss because it is located in the subway station. Here you’ll find quite a few stores selling K-pop goods, including K-drama memorabilia.
2) Olive Young
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Just above is the main attraction of Myeongdong, the shopping street. The bustling street, home to one of the largest Olive Young stores in Korea, is packed with an endless variety of shops to explore. Whether you’re looking for trendy fashion boutiques, major cosmetics brands, international labels, or well-stocked supermarkets, you’ll find it all here. It’s one of the best spots to pick up stylish Korean clothes and a few bottles of Korean skincare to bring back home. Just keep your map handy, as those branching alleys can be easy to get lost in!
Read more about Olive Young:
- Seoul’s Largest Olive Young Flagship Stores
- Best K-Beauty Products of 2025 from Olive Young Beauty Awards
3) Department Stores
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If you thought this was the end of the list of stores, you were mistaken. Nearby, you’ll find several more shopping malls, most notably the iconic Lotte Department Store and Young Plaza, as well as the Shinsegae Department Store. Inside, you’ll encounter both high-end fashion brands and casual streetwear lines, just like in any major department store. However, as the flagship branches, they also boast extra-special decor and seasonal displays. In winter, in particular, both Lotte and Shinsegae light up Myeongdong with dazzling Christmas decorations and colorful light shows that are practically legendary in Seoul.
4) K-Beauty Shopping Tour
If you’re in Myeongdong to shop for K‑beauty, having a K‑Beauty Shopping Tour is a smart way to make the most of your time. Instead of wandering through endless stores and getting overwhelmed by choices, you’ll have a local expert guiding you to the right spots, recommending the best products for your skin type, and helping you pick up Korean skincare and makeup that actually suit you. You’ll get to explore the area and come home with a curated collection of K‑beauty favorites!
2. Food
1) Local Street Foods
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Myeongdong isn’t only a shopping paradise, but also a foodie haven. Lined with dozens of local street food stores, the streets are packed with tempting snacks that are hard to resist. From spicy tteokbokki and tornado potatoes to grilled cheese lobster and more, Myeongdong is one of the best places to eat your way into a food coma. Beyond the street food, there are countless other spots worth trying, but since we can’t list them all, here are just a few recommendations.
- Read About the 11 Best Places to Try Local Street Foods in Seoul!
2) Myeongdong Kyoja
- Address: 29, Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (Kakao Map)
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First off, if you’re in Myeongdong, don’t forget to stop by the acclaimed Myeongdong Kyoja, a restaurant that serves knife-cut, handmade kalguksu (noodle soup), mandu (dumplings), bibim guksu (spicy noodles), and kongguksu (noodles in cold soybean soup). Having been in business since 1966, it boasts a long history and tradition, and has also received a 1-star Michelin rating.
- Find Out About the Top 5 Affordable Michelin Restaurants in Seoul, Top 5 Michelin Star Restaurants in Seoul, and Must-Try Restaurants in Myeongdong!
3) Hello Kitty Apple Cafe
- Address: 1F-2F, 15 Myeongdong 6-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (Kakao Map)
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If you’re the kind of person who can’t resist a cute cafe stop, the Hello Kitty Apple Cafe is a must‑visit pit stop. Nestled in the heart of the shopping area, this three‑floor space serves up Instagram‑ready drinks and desserts, all wrapped in a playful Hello Kitty–themed setting. On the 1st and 2nd floors, you can enjoy themed coffee, cakes, and apple‑inspired treats, while the 3rd floor is a gift shop stacked with exclusive character merchandise. If you love all things kawaii, you’ll love this cafe!
- Discover the Best Cafes in Myeongdong!
4) Seoul Food Tour
If you want to try more than just street‑food samples, a Seoul Food Tour is a great way to dig into the city’s food culture. You’ll stroll through iconic spots with a local guide who introduces hidden gems, shares stories behind popular dishes, and helps you navigate the maze of stalls and restaurants. Get ready to taste your way through markets, snack alleys, and classic Seoul flavors without worrying about where to go next.
3. K-Beauty
1) O HUI & Whoo Spa
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As the center of all things related to K-beauty, Myeongdong has its fair share of hair salons, spas, and many more places that offer beauty services. Why not enjoy a relaxing evening spa after a long day shopping at O HUI & Whoo Spa? Enjoy refreshing facial care or a full facial and body treatment fit for a queen. There’s no better way to remember a trip!
2) Women’s Only Mud Massage & Sauna
You can also treat yourself to the transformative power of Boryeong Mud, renowned as one of the world’s finest natural muds. This women’s exclusive premium treatment facility offers various spa packages, from the basic course to the luxe 24K pure gold package! Afterward, you’ll leave with silky-smooth, glowing skin and renewed vitality.
3) JUNO Hair
For a trendy hair makeover, book your appointment at JUNO HAIR, one of Korea’s top-rated salons. With 8 convenient locations in Seoul – Myeongdong, Hongdae, Gangnam, Apgujeong, and Garosu-gil – you can enjoy stylish haircuts, vibrant coloring, and restorative treatments customized to your look!
4) Seoul TBC Total Beauty Care
Located in the heart of Myeongdong, Seoul TBC Total Beauty Care is the perfect place to relax and recharge. Treat yourself to affordable head spa treatments for scalp health, full-body massages, and skincare programs – ideal for unwinding after a day of shopping. With expert therapists providing personalized care, you’ll leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated!
5) Full Body & Head Massage
A favorite among international travelers since 2008, this Myeongdong massage shop is known for its skilled therapists, transparent service, and a signature technique that targets deep muscle tension. Choose from three tailored massage options-perfect for soothing tired legs, clearing head fatigue, and recharging your energy so you can make the most of your trip!
6) Kleam Beauty Clinic
A trusted aesthetic clinic in the heart of Myeongdong, Kleam Beauty Clinic is known for its English‑speaking staff, advanced skin treatments, and a clear, no‑pressure approach to beauty. From lifting and Botox to specialized laser treatments and customized skincare, every procedure is tailored to your skin type and concerns.
7) Myeongdong Beauty
If you’re into relaxing massages and soothing skincare treatments, Myeongdong Beauty offers a calm escape from the city’s bustle, with rejuvenating facials, stress‑relieving body massages, and expert therapists who focus on gentle, personalized care to help you unwind.
8) The Bom Personal Color Analysis & Makeup
At The Bom in Myeongdong, beauty becomes a self‑discovery experience. Using personal color analysis and skin diagnostics, the team helps you understand the shades and styles that best suit your features, then builds a customized makeup look around them. If you’re exploring Korean beauty for the first time or just want a polished image, this studio will help tailor makeup and colors for you.
9) Rooftop Spa
Unwind in the sky at the Myeongdong Rooftop Spa, where you can enjoy massages and spa treatments with a view over the city center. The peaceful rooftop setting, combined with professional care for your skin and muscles, makes it feel like a mini escape from the busy streets below.
10) Lira Beauty Nail Art & Pedicure
Treat your hands and feet to a stylish upgrade at Lira Beauty, where you can enjoy gel nail art and pedicures that suit your taste and occasion. Skilled nail artists guide you through designs and colors, so you can walk out with a polished, Instagram‑ready finish.
11) Lira Beauty Eyelash Extensions & Lift Perm
For lashes that will enhance your eyes without makeup, the salon also offers eyelash extensions and perms to give your eyes more definition and brightness. With gentle techniques and English‑friendly guidance, it’s a simple beauty stop that makes a noticeable difference to your everyday look.
12) JUNGSAEMMOOL Inspiration Avenuel Branch
Step into the world of premium K‑beauty at JUNGSAEMMOOL, where expert stylists and makeup artists create polished, camera-ready looks for any occasion. From haircuts and styling to full makeup sessions, every service follows Korean beauty trends while staying true to your personal style. If you’re looking to get extra dressed up for a date, night out, or a photoshoot, this place will transform you.
13) ECOJARDIN Myeongdong
Focused on healthy hair from the roots up, ECOJARDIN offers scalp‑care‑first hair treatments in a calm, modern space. The salon uses gentle, nourishing methods to soothe the scalp and improve hair texture, making it great if you regularly use a lot of styling products or travel a lot. It’s a beauty break that’ll leave your hair feeling refreshed and your scalp pampered.
4. Unique Activities
1) Makgeolli Tasting
If you’re looking for something a little different from shopping and street food, a Makgeolli Tasting Experience is a fun, low‑pressure way to spend an evening. Just a short walk from the main shopping street, you can relax in a stylish tasting space and sip as many different makgeolli as you like for about three hours, guided by someone who knows Korean rice wine inside out. It’s a fun way to learn about Korean drinking culture while getting a proper taste test!
If you’re not an avid drinker and are more interested in DIY classes, join this silver ring-making experience and create your own one-of-a-kind ring! Don’t worry if you’re not crafty, as the instructor will guide you through any parts you find challenging. You can customize your ring with various cubics or birthstones, and laser engrave your loved one’s names or special messages on the ring.
5. Myeongdong Cathedral
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One of the most prominent buildings in Myeongdong, the Myeongdong Cathedral is the first Western-style brick building built in the Gothic style in Korea. Also, having been completed all the way back in 1898, not only does it carry with it significant historical value, but it is also a symbol of the passing times. To truly appreciate the beauty of this cathedral, we recommend that you enter inside to take a look at the magnificent stained glass windows against the tall ceilings.
6. Cheonggyecheon Stream
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Starting from Cheonggye Plaza, just off Sejongro Avenue, Cheonggyecheon Stream runs through downtown Seoul. Stretching across 11km in length, it also passes a total of 22 bridges before flowing into the Hangang River. Thus, taking a walk along the stream banks is a great way to explore Seoul while catching glimpses of many attractions along the way. It’s also the perfect place to just take a stroll on a sunny afternoon, but in fact, the best time to hang around Cheonggyecheon Stream is during the winter season. Though it’s definitely much colder in the winter, you don’t want to miss out on the Seoul Lantern Festival, which takes place here, illuminating the whole stream in a myriad of colorful lights.
- Seoul Night Group Tour: Gwangjang Market + Changgyeonggung Palace + Cheonggyecheon Stream + Naksan Park
- Gyeonghuigung & Deoksugung Palace Walking Tour
- Seoul VIP Pedicab Tour: Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon Hanok Village, and more
7. Euljiro
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Euiljiro, which was once an industrial area filled with factories, is now dubbed as Hipjiro – a play on the words hip and Euiljiro. It is now one of the trendiest spots in Seoul to be in, and that means there are dozens of amazing places to visit. From a bowl of authentic naengmyeong (cold buckwheat noodles) to nostalgic cafes at the corner of the street, Euljiro is overflowing with a handful of amazing sites to visit and explore.
- Make Your Own Korean Lettering Silver Jewelry in Eulji-ro, Seoul
- Korean Stone Seal Making Class in Euljiro
- Seoul Snap Photoshoot Tour in Bukchon & Euljiro
- Private Traditional Korean Food Cooking Class + Hidden Alley Tour in Euljiro
Check out this blog for all the Instagrammable places in Euljiro!
8. Nanta Performance
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You may have heard of Nanta performances if you’ve been to Korea before, since it’s one of the country’s most iconic shows. The word “nanta” means “to beat,” which is a big hint about what to expect: a high‑energy, non‑verbal performance where chefs turn kitchen utensils into percussion instruments while racing to prepare a wedding banquet on time. As they cook, they put on a hilarious mix of music, acrobatics, and comedy that keeps the whole show feeling lively and fun.
If you haven’t seen the show yet, we highly recommend you do, especially if you’re looking for a show you can enjoy even without understanding Korean!
Hope you’re able to navigate the streets of Myeongdong now. Don’t forget to drop by all the places mentioned above!
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