Overview
Myeongdong (明洞) is a commercial and shopping district located in Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea. As Korea's largest shopping area, it features a dense concentration of cosmetics, fashion, and food shops, attracting millions of tourists annually as Seoul's premier shopping destination.
Basic Information
| Location | Myeongdong area, Jung-gu, Seoul |
|---|---|
| Area | Approximately 0.99㎢ |
| Nearest Station | Myeongdong Station (Line 4), Euljiro 1-ga Station (Line 2) |
| Features | Korea's largest shopping and tourist center |
History
Myeongdong was a residential area during the Joseon Dynasty but began developing as a commercial district during Japanese occupation. It evolved into Korea's representative commercial center after the 1950s and also served as a cultural and arts hub in the 1970s-80s. Today, it is the shopping destination most visited by foreign tourists.
Shopping
Cosmetics
Known as the center of K-Beauty with numerous Korean cosmetics brand stores including Innisfree, The Face Shop, and Nature Republic.
Fashion
Features various fashion stores from global SPA brands like Uniqlo, Zara, and H&M to Korean local brands.
Department Stores
Home to Korea's representative department stores including Lotte Department Store Main Branch and Shinsegae Department Store Main Branch.
Food
- Street Food: Tteokbokki, chicken skewers, hotteok, egg bread
- Cafes: Various franchise and independent cafes
- Restaurants: Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Western cuisine
Major Attractions
- Myeongdong Cathedral: Symbolic Catholic cathedral, Gothic architecture
- Noon Square: Large shopping mall
- Myeongdong Theater: Historic performance venue
Tourist Tips
- Many staff speak foreign languages for convenient shopping
- Numerous stores offer Tax Free services
- Street performances in the evening
- Many currency exchange offices available