A visit to Seoul is not complete without a stop at the trendy commercial area of Myeongdong. Filled with shops, restaurants, and a seemingly endless list of things to do and see, Myeongdong has been a favorite hangout spot for locals and visitors alike for decades.

So here’s a look at some of the best things to do when you come to Myeongdong!



Shopping
Let’s get the obvious out of the way first. Myeongdong has been a commercial district since the Japanese colonial era and today the neighborhood is filled with department stores, shopping centers, boutique stores, and more. It’s a great place to see and pick up the latest trends in Korean fashion from apparel to accessories. You can’t forget the plethora of Korean cosmetics stores as Korean cosmetics have been skyrocketing in global popularity. For smaller independent and boutique stores, the owners may be inclined to give you a better deal if you’re paying by cash and make sure you ask about samples at cosmetics stores; the more you’re spending at the store, the more freebies these cosmetics stores will give.

Street food galore
There’s a long range of Korean and international restaurants throughout Myeongdong but one of the biggest fun is sampling the various street food stalls. From traditional Korean street snacks such as ddeokbokki (spicy rice cakes) to unusual fares such as French fries-crusted corn dogs and immensely long ice cream cones, the range of food is wide enough to please anyone whether they’re looking for something savory or sweet. And, in line with the constantly changing preferences and trends of Koreans, there’s usually always a street food cart that’s offering something new and different. So be sure to check them out!

Enjoy a Bit of a Break
If you’re finding the packed and high energy of Myeongdong a bit overwhelming, there’s a number of spots you can enjoy a bit of break. For one thing, here are quite a few massage shops around offering a bit of therapeutic rest for customers. The iconic Myeongdong Cathedral is a beautiful peaceful spot that’s worth checking out even if you’re not religious. If people watching is more your style, you can find plenty of cafes and tea shops with a view in Myeongdong; this includes a number of department stores and hotels around the area, some which have some great rooftop spaces during the warmer weathers.

Seoul Global Cultural Center
Don’t forget to drop by the Seoul Global Cultural Center which not only provides top notch information on Myeongdong’s attractions, events, and more but provides the information in Korean, English, Chinese, and Japanese. You can also take part in a series of Korean cultural classes from a K-Pop dance class to Korean cooking lessons. For more information about the Global Cultural Center in Myeongdong, check out
www.seoulculturalcenter.com