Things to do in Myeongdong, Seoul
Last Updated on November 7, 2024 by Alex
During my first visit to Seoul, we kept returning to Myeongdong. There are many things to do in Myeongdong, especially if you like shopping.
Located in Seoul’s very heart, it is no wonder this area attracts so many tourists. Packed with cool cafes and shops, Myeongdong lights up as night falls and becomes one of the most vibrant areas in town.
Even though I visited Seoul with a friend during a cold winter (that was before we lived in the city for one whole year), no matter how cold the weather was, we couldn’t help but explore more of this area.
Without further ado, here are my favorite things to do and see in Myeongdong, Seoul.
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Getting from Incheon to Myeongdong
As mentioned before, Myeong-dong is set at the center of Seoul. From here, you will be within walking distance of some of the most essential attractions in town, such as the Namsan Tower, Bukchon Hanok Village, or Seoul’s Palaces.
Getting from Incheon Airport to Myeong-dong is not too complicated, with only one change at Seoul Station.
As you arrive at Incheon Airport, hop on the Airport Railroad Like (marked with blue on the map). Get off at Seoul Station, and take Line 4 towards Jinjeop for two stops.

The ticket will cost 4,850 KRW and take roughly 75 minutes, depending on the time of day. The app and the website allow you to calculate the itinerary, lead time, and expected fee.

Read also: Useful information for traveling to Seoul, South Korea
Things to do in Myeongdong
Shop for K-Beauty

I must admit that when I landed in Seoul for the first time, I knew little about cosmetics in general and K-beauty in particular. Therefore, I was blown away by the number of shops and cosmetic brands available in South Korea’s capital.
Since I was traveling with a friend, we spent hours on end moving from one cosmetics store to the other in Myeongdong. It is literally unimaginable how many options there are, and every now and then, someone lures you inside with a special offer. We couldn’t stop shopping, and we ended up with a suitcase filled with masks, serums, cleansers, toners, and whatnot.
The good part about K-Beauty is that it is not only super affordable but also great for your skin. It did wonders for my dry skin, and I would never go back to other cosmetics.

The story’s moral is that on the lined-up streets of Myeongdong, you will find everything your heart desires regarding K-beauty. Come already prepared with some room in your luggage! From some stores, you can also have your orders sent to the airports and pick them up before you leave.
Moreover, you can request a VAT refund at Incheon Airport for over 30.000 won. Just make sure you ask for the tax refund receipt from the store and the airport, and head to the customs clearance desk at Incheon Airport.
Shop for K-Fashion

Since we are in the shopping mood, let’s talk about K-Fashion. Another phenomenon taking the world by storm is that it is true that Korean fashion brands are not precisely for everyone.
However, they do have pretty items you should at least check out. And Myeongdong is the place for that. With so many small shops lined on the backstreets or even small stalls set outside, I am sure you will find at least one item to take back home.
It is worth knowing that the branded goods sold on the street might not be original, and you can quickly tell that by looking at the prices. Nevertheless, if you are looking for dresses, skirts, or shirts in the small shops, there will be plenty of cute options, usually the most popular pieces.
Nanta Cooking Show
One of the most popular and entertaining activities you could attend in Myeongdong, the Nanta Cooking Show, should not be missed!
Get ready for a performance of acrobatics, comedy, and the percussion of kitchen utensils, and listen to some of the most popular songs performed on the stage of the Myeongdong Theater.
As you might imagine, this is a popular activity, so we strongly encourage you to book your preferred seat ahead of time.
Another thing worth knowing is that if you try to book directly on their website, you might encounter issues – many local websites don’t accept payments by international cards. The workaround is booking on a global website such as Klook. They always have offers and exceptional prices, and you won’t have any payment issues.
Enjoy the Exquisite Cuisine

Choose from the countless food options around Myeongdong because here, you will find something for any occasion.
Look for the colorful signs telling you what to expect, check out the outside menus with pictures, or go for the fancier versions inside department stores.
Don’t skip the Korean barbeque while in Seoul. You choose the meat you want, and all the rest of the side dishes accompany it. The lady or guy serving you will help you prepare the meat until it is perfect to savor.

Another one of our favorite restaurants in Myeongdong is the Taiwanese Din Tai Fung. If you still haven’t heard of it, trust me when I tell you once you try it you will look for it everywhere you go.
It is a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its dumplings, but all its food is delicious, and it has branches in many places around the world. Try its soup-filled dumplings, fried rice, and my all-time favorite beef soup.
Another place worth trying is the Chinese restaurant Haidilao. This is a hot pot place where you will eat your heart out.

Of course, there are always street food options during normal times. The main street in Myeongdong is lined up with small food stalls that fry, bake, or boil different foods.
Pet a cat at a cat cafe

As Hongdae, Myeongdong is packed with cat cafes or cafes with other types of animals. While I wouldn’t encourage keeping big dogs in a small space together, cats are smaller and more independent.
You will see signs everywhere around Myeongdong and can choose based on your preferences. It is worth knowing that they open at noon and close around 10 PM.
Also, most cafes have specific rules regarding animals. You cannot pick them up, you must only pet them when they want to, feeding them is not allowed unless you purchase certain treats from the cafe, and you must take off your shoes and wash your hands before touching the cats. On top of that, the time spent there is limited (it depends on the place), and you must pay an entrance fee.
Most cats are friendly, curious, and used to people, so spending one or two hours in a cat cafe is a fun thing to do in Myeongdong.
Go for a massage or facial

Who wouldn’t like to be pampered after a day of walking around exploring the city? I sure know I need a massage now and then.
In addition, why not enjoy a facial with some of the best Korean cosmetics? The good news is that you won’t have to travel too far to do that, with so many options available around Myeongdong.
In the area, most places are specifically for tourists and primarily for women.
Department stores
In South Korea, department stores are big business, and some of the most important ones are in Myeongdong. Shinsegae or Lotte Department Stores are some of the most luxurious, where you can shop for designer goods and luxury Korean skincare.
The food in their food court is also delicious, and you can choose from countless options from all over Asia. On the higher levels, you will also find fancier restaurants with top-class food options.
Moreover, these particular department stores are beautifully decorated during winter for the Christmas celebrations. Every year, they have a different setting, and you should go there for some Instagram-worthy pictures.
Across the street from the Lotte Department Store, you will find the more low-key Noon Shopping Mall. You can shop for brands like Zara or other more affordable options here.
Take a picture at the Line Friends Myeongdong Branch

These stuffed animals are so cute you won’t resist taking a picture with them. You will quickly understand why people line up and patiently wait to take a photo with a pretty oversized bear.
Go for dessert at the Innisfree Cafe

Innisfree is one of the most famous K-beauty brands and the number-one seller in South Korea. Their philosophy is based on using the power of nature, specifically, the ingredients found on Jeju Island, for beautiful skin.
As expected, their flagship store in Myeongdong has a cafe on three floors. Shop for your favorite products on the ground floor, and once you are ready, head to the second floor for a healthy snack.
The place is nice, built with sustainability and natural ingredients in mind. And you can, of course, have green tea from Jeju Island as a drink.
Grab a table by the window and admire the main street in Myeongdong from above.
Myeongdong Cathedral

Set on top of a small hill in Myeongdong, this is one of the prettiest buildings. The interiors are beautifully decorated, and it should be a stop on your list, whether you are religious or not.
Daiso
This large Japanese franchise is one of the most popular shops in South Korea, mainly because it sells anything you could think of. Plus, the products are extremely affordable.
If you are visiting for the first time, you can easily spend a few hours walking from one floor to another and looking at things you never thought you needed.
Depending on the season you choose to visit Seoul, Daiso always has a particular collection.
StyleNanda Pink Hotel cafe
Another popular cafe, this place mainly attracts girls who are in search of the perfect picture. The interior is so pink that you can buy popular Korean make-up, clothes, and accessories or simply have a drink at the cafe on the terrace on the 6th floor.
The design is inspired by a girly pastel pool. While the cafe is not too big, it is still one of the most popular in town.
Where to stay in Myeongdong

Luxury hotels in Myengdong
The Westin Josun Seoul is a 5–star hotel perfectly set behind the Lotte Department Store. It offers luxurious rooms, an indoor swimming pool, and a spa center. Guests enjoy an impressive city view and access to some of the best restaurants in Seoul.
Lotte Hotel Seoul Executive Tower – enjoy the swimming pool and SPA just before dinner at a 3* Michelin restaurant.
Mid-range hotels in Myengdong
L7 Myeongdong by LOTTE – with a simple, fun, and colorful interior design, this hotel also has one of the few rooftop bars in town.
Nine Tree Hotel Myeongdong. I must admit this was our first choice when we visited Seoul for three days as tourists, but somehow, we ended up at Marriott (and I don’t regret it a bit). This one is ideally located and offers an excellent quality/price ratio.
Budget accommodation in Myengdong
Crib 49 Guesthouse – hosted in a small building with a rooftop terrace, conveniently located close to the main tourist attractions, shops, and restaurants.
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