Myeongdong Shopping Street
Myeongdong Shopping Street
4.5
About
This busy shopping district is famous for its beauty and skincare products, along with many popular Korean and international fashion brands. Hit the shops early for fewer crowds and stay till late for food and entertainment. The street is lined with food vendors selling Korean street food and there are a number of popular Korean restaurants in the area. The area's central location also makes it a convenient base when visiting Seoul. And it's not just shopping. You can also catch a traditional performance at one of the many theaters and check out the Myeongdong Cathedral. – Tripadvisor
Duration: 2-3 hours
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The area
Neighbourhood: Myeongdong
Arguably Seoul’s most famous neighbourhood and undoubtedly one of its most popular, Myeongdong takes shopping and eating to new heights, with hundreds of shops, restaurants, and cafes all stacked on top of one another. The rise in popularity of Korean cosmetics, fashion, and more has made this area a must-see for visitors who come and marvel at Myeongdong’s often frenetic pace and energy. Lotte and Shinsaegae’s massive department stores are also popular draws for both Korean and luxury products. The department stores, just like Myeongdong’s streets, are crowded around the clock. Myeongdong’s many street food carts are also immensely popular for their inexpensive and quirky offerings (French-fry-encrusted corn dogs, anyone?). The neighbourhood’s popularity, as well as its close proximity to other popular sights and neighbourhoods, makes it one of Seoul’s most popular places to stay.
How to get there
- Myeong-dong • 5 min walk
- Euljiro 1-ga • 5 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
3,197 within 5 kms
Attractions
838 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Minju KimCheongju, South Korea1 contributionMyeongdong Shopping StreetIn Myeongdong Shopping Street in which there are more foreigners than Koreans, I could hear various languages. There are many food stalls on the streets, so it is good to try many kinds of street food such as Korean food. The streets were filled with many people walking around shopping for many fashion, beauty, and souvenir shops. It is the sights to shop for beauty products. But there are so many people on the street that it's hard to pull over. If you go to Seoul, I recommend it because it's a good place to see at least once.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 6 October 2023
- traveltotelltalesSingapore, Singapore154 contributionsDowntown vibeHustling and Bustling street. A good place to walk around and see how the place unfolds slowly when the clock ticks dusk. Be ready to spend money as there are many things you would be tempted to buy. Good Korean BBQ joints for dinner too!Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 9 October 2023
- Norm the NomadAustralia1,246 contributionsExcellent - a good (and busy) place for a street meal.This is best visited in the afternoon, when the place comes alive. With a large number of assorted food stalls, there is plenty of choice for a meal. Be prepared for big crowds, as it is clearly a very popular spot.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 October 2023
- Apple DLuzon, Philippines45 contributionsAll about the convenienceNow here’s where our Korean friends would not go. It’s a trap they say but we are tourists and really even after having visited before I still go here. It has the shops we want to visit and the food stalls, though expensive, really is convenient having it all there in one place. It closes later than most of the other shops too and the energy is palpable.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 October 2023
- Sharon HoKuching, Malaysia387 contributionsShop till you drop! Have some Korean fried chicken tooShop shop shop till you drop! Everything, anywhere, out of stock will still become restock. Seriously the beauty products are of vast variety and multiple outlets in same location makes it impossible for you to not be able to find what you want. Oh yes, try the BBQ outlet-2nd floor Korean Fried Chicken here! You will never head back to have fried chicken the same way again. Korean Fried Chicken/KFC is unforgettable along with beer! Beer is so cheap from Terra, Cass to Kelly. I personally prefer Cass. Try the egg bread for 2000 on chilly weather, fulfilling. Lots of buy 10 free 10 offer too for masks and has instant gst/vat tax return for some shops.Visited November 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 19 November 2023
- doctorfoxtrotTaguig City, Philippines13,153 contributionsReal happening placeStreet food stalls with sellers used to having videos taken. Numerous restaurants doing indoor and outdoor services , ranging from hotpot , barbecue, dessert , coffee shops etc. A plethora of skin care shops with brands available in their homeland. This place is the bomb. But be ready for lots and lots of tourists and locals.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 December 2023
- Deanosaur89Edmonton, Canada8,617 contributionsPerfect for Souvenirs and SnackingWe spent a lot of time in this area looking at souvenirs and snacking. There are quite a few inexpensive shops to get souvenirs at and we found a highlight in the area was the HBAF almonds which even have their own store in the area. After 5 pm the street really comes alive when lots of food stalls move in to prepare all kinds of food. There was a good variety but some highlights were the coconut shrimp and the candied fruit. You could spend a couple of hours in this area and even more if you find a good restaurant or cafe. Closest metro is Myeondong.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 December 2023
- fire-tower3,123 contributionsMost of the food and snack sold are hardly KoreanWe last visited this place 5 years ago and it is still bustling with people in December 2023. It is noticeable that the prices charged by the street vendors are higher than other areas, and most of the food and snack sold are hardly Korean. Anyway, we had a blast trying pork and beef skewers, steamed egg buns, 10-won cheese pancakes, fried chicken, and kimchi and pork dumplings. We also visited various clothing and sports shops including SPAO, 8 seconds, Nike Myeongdong, FIFA, etc.Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 15 January 2024
- msnakimSingapore2,690 contributionsWe Kept Coming Back!We arrived in Myeondong on a day that was snowing. The atmosphere was mesmerizing! Sure it was pretty cold, but that made all the hot steamy street food look even more appetising. We loved trying out all the various types of food. Just go for the ones with longer queues. It never fails. The only negative was the lack of dustbins. These were far and few between. Where do people throw their food waste? We brought a small plastic bag, and threw it only when we reached our hotel.Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 12 February 2024
- jojoquintoskSiem Reap, Cambodia50 contributionsMagical StreetThe street has 2 different faces. In the morning, it's just filled with people walking to their destination or going into the shops. But, at about 1 pm, it is transformed into a food street filling the whole street with people wanting to eat all those appetizing food!!! We were there on several occasions but mostly late afternoon to evening. But our last time there was in the morning when the street was empty. After having lunch in one of the side street restaurants, we came out to a street transformed like magic!!! It was amazing!!! The lamb stick is my favorite. Even my granddaughter liked it. I also like the curly potato on a stick. The egg bread is worth trying. The crispy crablets, & the shrimps were not as good as expected. The fruits were good, especially the strawberries. The steak was so tempting but we were too full for it. It's so much fun just trying all the food stuff & seeing people enjoying themselves. I dream og going back there.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 31 March 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Yi Qin
Singapore, Singapore475 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
We always book our stay near the myeongdong shopping street because of the convenience and the endless food and shopping options it offers. You can find all the famous korean cosmetic brands there and the shops and streets are always crowded, especially at night. The street food there is a must try and we highly recommend the spicy fish cake, hotteok( sweet korean pancake), Gimbap for an authentic korean experience.
Written 14 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marga B
Pasig117 contributions
Jan 2020
Although it was fun to eat the street food, I found it better to eat in some random Korean BBQ restaurant. What makes this place are the makeup and beauty stores. My goodness you will never realize how much skin care and hair care you need (or think you need) until you enter one of these stores. My personal favorite was Tony Moly. If you aren't careful you can blow you entire budget on that street.
Written 27 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Husain M Husain
Manama, Bahrain373 contributions
Nov 2019
It was the best thing that my hotel was near myeongdong shopping street, where you can experience the city life in Korea. The street is so active and has so many shops, from skin care, clothing, music, gift shops & etc.
Also, street food is available everywhere on this street. international fast food and coffee shops are available as well.
Also, street food is available everywhere on this street. international fast food and coffee shops are available as well.
Written 30 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lee Shearer
Singapore, Singapore31 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
A must visit when coming to Seoul.Pros- Spacious walkways as compared to say Taipei's street/night markets. 2) Comestic, fashion and foodstuff for snacking relatively affordable. 3) Easily reached via Seoul Metro Stn of Eujiro 1 ga n Myeongdong.4) Wide range of hotels to suit one's budget arnd the area. Cons-1) Their street food are quite pricey for a night market.Average arnd 3000 won for just about any finger food and taste just about average. 2- Can get lost easily as most places in there looks very similar. Nonetheless, a must visit when travelling to Seoul.
Written 17 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deanosaur89
Edmonton, Canada8,617 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
We spent a lot of time in this area looking at souvenirs and snacking. There are quite a few inexpensive shops to get souvenirs at and we found a highlight in the area was the HBAF almonds which even have their own store in the area.
After 5 pm the street really comes alive when lots of food stalls move in to prepare all kinds of food. There was a good variety but some highlights were the coconut shrimp and the candied fruit. You could spend a couple of hours in this area and even more if you find a good restaurant or cafe. Closest metro is Myeondong.
After 5 pm the street really comes alive when lots of food stalls move in to prepare all kinds of food. There was a good variety but some highlights were the coconut shrimp and the candied fruit. You could spend a couple of hours in this area and even more if you find a good restaurant or cafe. Closest metro is Myeondong.
Written 19 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jh s
9 contributions
Feb 2020
the male street vendors make spitting or grunting noises and stare at people with impure, cynical and aggressive eyes. the female street vendors are loud brazen harpies who love to mess with people. depressing.
it used to be a historical place but not much sign of that anymore.
it used to be a historical place but not much sign of that anymore.
Written 16 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
197gabes
Singapore, Singapore159 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Nothing really special. Just a concentration of retail shops, street stalls and eateries targeting the tourist crowd. It is probably easier to find a foreigner than a local at this space.
The main reason this place failed to impress is that there is a lack of infrastructure to support the tourist crowd. There is no proper map, directional signs of the place, it lacks seats and trash bins.
There is a lack of variety in the items sold by the makeshift street stalls. Generally food items that are sold at one end can be found at the other end. (So don’t worry if you missed your favorite food item, very likely you can find it down the street again) Food choice is nothing to shout about, apart from a few odd stalls with unique offerings, most of the items sold can be found in other food street vendors in Asia.
Prices of the street food is another let down. For the same price that one fork out, one can probably get a decent bite at a sit down cafe.
The retail scene also face similar issue of having repeated brands concentrated at the same area. The place is a haven for all thing cosmetics but other then an odd fashion or souvenir shops there is very little else for shoppers.
The saving grace would be the food outlets. It’s scatter around (some are located above ground level) and there is something for all taste and preference.
If your main objective is to shop for cosmetics products then this place is ideal. But if the intention is to experience local street food, it may be better to spend the time and money on authentic Korean food at the various food market around the city for a better experience.
The main reason this place failed to impress is that there is a lack of infrastructure to support the tourist crowd. There is no proper map, directional signs of the place, it lacks seats and trash bins.
There is a lack of variety in the items sold by the makeshift street stalls. Generally food items that are sold at one end can be found at the other end. (So don’t worry if you missed your favorite food item, very likely you can find it down the street again) Food choice is nothing to shout about, apart from a few odd stalls with unique offerings, most of the items sold can be found in other food street vendors in Asia.
Prices of the street food is another let down. For the same price that one fork out, one can probably get a decent bite at a sit down cafe.
The retail scene also face similar issue of having repeated brands concentrated at the same area. The place is a haven for all thing cosmetics but other then an odd fashion or souvenir shops there is very little else for shoppers.
The saving grace would be the food outlets. It’s scatter around (some are located above ground level) and there is something for all taste and preference.
If your main objective is to shop for cosmetics products then this place is ideal. But if the intention is to experience local street food, it may be better to spend the time and money on authentic Korean food at the various food market around the city for a better experience.
Written 16 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kim
Dulwich Hill, Australia11 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
If you plan on shopping for k-beauty here, make sure you come before 2pm. Once the markets start it gets crazy busy. On the first night we thought it was a novelty but we quickly realised that some of the food wasn't as cheap as we thought. Some of them vendors reheat food by using those gas flame lighters so they're not fresh off the grill or reheated on it. As well as it being unbelievably busy, there was rubbish everywhere, it was a bit of a turn off. Worth a visit if you're into k-beauty though but wouldn't come here just for the food stalls. There are some decent restaurants around too in the area.
Written 27 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dblim
Singapore, Singapore160 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
You would already know Myeongdong is good for getting cosmetics and skincare products. Would recommend you to try the street food that come out only at night.
Also if you plan on getting face /body masks, this is the place to get as they are still cheaper than duty free. Not for all products but most.
Also if you plan on getting face /body masks, this is the place to get as they are still cheaper than duty free. Not for all products but most.
Written 19 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christie Nguyen
Sacramento, CA25 contributions
Nov 2019 • Family
First time or frequent visitors, this place is a must! Street food stalls are by 4pm everyday until past midnight. Shops and shops and shops, and restaurants after restaurants, cafes and salons and OMG everything you need. If you can, visit this place weeknights, because it’s extremely packed on the weekend.
Written 7 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do most location accept Apple Pay or is cash preferred? (My 15 year old son is travelling to Korea and we are trying to work out if Apple Pay will be sufficient for his travels)
Written 11 June 2023
Apple Pay should be fine however I suggest he takes 100,000 (won) as a backup. Smaller food vendors ask for cash. If he has an international card, ATMs can be found in 7-11 stores.
Written 12 June 2023
Idah
Pasir Ris, Singapore
Hello, anybody knw if Korea’s have any shops or park etc open during their Lunar New Year?l in Jan 2023?
Written 27 October 2022
I would think the Coex Shopping mall would be open then..also there are loads of markets within many of the subway area....good value and good quality goods Myeongdong is one of the famous ones...Hope this helps you..
Written 28 October 2022
Appreciate your question! Yes, that place is open all year around.
Written 11 July 2022
Not too sure but try the scallion pancakes n veg options just as tasty
Written 9 December 2019
Is there a place that sells good quality leather jackets in Myeongdong?
Written 2 October 2019
There are typical, well-known stores such as Zara, but there is also the Lotte department store in which there are in houses/stores large and well-known European and not only clothing brands. I believe that according to the season there will be the appropriate clothes in this regard the leather you are looking for. Also, there are specially accredited Seoul municipality gentlemen and ladies who can give you very accurate information. They are all polite and willing to help
Written 9 October 2019
Hi, that would really depend on you. If I wasn't too tired and uncomfortable with my heavy shopping bags, I could spend the whole day in that area. That if, I have a lot f time to spend. There's a lot to see and the prices are so much lower than buying them in my country so I really took the opportunity to shop as much as I could. If you're into beauty products, the shops there are insane!
Written 29 September 2019
Most stores start setting up around 10 but I wouldn't even bother going there at that time. Everything starts late and stays open late.
Written 22 June 2019
Any pet accessories store in myeongdong close to the station gate 6?
Written 9 May 2019
Hi, There are many carts alongside of Myeongdong Street and you can find various for pet accessories specially for Dog Clothes. and you can pick each side of the corner of Myeongdong Street. :) but not sure if they have a store in myeongdong that has various of pet accessories :)
Written 12 June 2019
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