25+ Best Things to Do in Myeongdong, Seoul

If Seoul had a heartbeat, I’m convinced it would sound like Myeongdong. Between the flashing neon lights, sizzling street food and the endless hum of chatter, this district feels alive at every hour of the day. 

There’s something electric about Myeongdong. I loved wandering through its maze-like streets, discovering something new each time;  a hidden cafe, a beauty store I hadn’t noticed before or a street performer drawing a crowd. There are endless things to do in Myeongdong.

Myeongdong is chaotic and overwhelming in the best possible way. A sensory overload of beauty shops, K-pop beats and food stalls that challenge your self-control.

Here are some of the best attractions in Myeongdong that capture its energy and charm, including some of my personal favourite attractions.

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2. Snack Your Way Through Myeongdong Night Market

Speaking of the Myeongdong Street Food Market, you simply can’t visit Myeongdong without trying its street food. The market runs daily from around 3 – 10 pm, and honestly is a must visit, even if you are a vegetarian.

The stalls line Myeongdong Walking Street and spill into nearby alleys, wrapping around the main buildings in a maze of delicious aromas and sizzling sounds. There’s so much to try here; skewered meats, tornado potatoes, tteokbokki, mochi, Korean corn dogs, garlic bread, fruit and more.

My personal favourite was the japchae (glass noodles with vegetables), which happens to be naturally vegan. A close second was hotteok – crispy, golden pancakes stuffed with japchae. 

Don’t skip the Korean muscat grapes! They’re pricey, but honestly worth every won – possibly the best green grapes you’ll ever taste.

If you are unsure about any dietary requirements, most of the vendors speak English and you can also use Papago translation app to ask any questions you might have.

3. Step inside Myeongdong Cathedral

Myeongdong Cathedral was South Korea’s first Gothic brick church and the birthplace of the Korean Catholic community. Standing as a prominent spiritual landmark amid a bustling commercial district, it makes for a peaceful daytime visit in Myeongdong.

I had a small, quirky moment outside when a nun walking past patted my head with a large leaf she was carrying as a makeshift sunshade. It felt like an unexpected little blessing.

The cathedral is a prominent symbol of Catholicism in a country where Buddhism historically has been, and still is, a significant religion. Inside, the hush is almost startling after the noise of the streets. The Gothic architecture and colourful stained-glass windows make it feel a world away from the shopping frenzy just beyond its walls. 

4. Step into Korean skincare heaven at Olive Young

Myeongdong is shopping heaven and is the best district for shopping in Seoul with the most competitive prices in the country.

Olive Young probably needs no introduction, but if you’ve ever been to one of the first Sephora stores in the UK, you might have an inkling of what to expect at the Olive Young Global Flagship Store. This flagship is a K-beauty lover’s dream, but it is pure chaos.

You could easily spend hours sampling serums and trying out products, but my advice would be to visit a smaller branch if you’re planning to actually shop. They tend to be quieter, with more staff on hand to help you figure out which products suit your skin – a far more pleasant experience in my opinion. 

5. Grab some bargains at Daiso 

Daiso is a famous Japanese discount store, often called the ‘100-yen shop’ (roughly 50 pence). One of the largest stores in Seoul is in Myeongdong, and this 12-storey Daiso is a budget wonderland – with a touch of sensory overload thrown in.

I’d compare it to B&M in the UK, though the products are slightly higher quality while offering Poundland-style prices. You simply cannot walk in without buying something – you might go in for socks and leave with a suitcase full of tech gadgets, quirky lamps and beauty products.

Side note – their socks are excellent quality, very comparable to the selection you get at Uniqlo. We picked up 13 items and paid just under £12 after the immediate tax refund was applied. It’s also a great place to stock up on gifts for friends and family.

6. Have brunch at Isaac Toast

I kept seeing Isaac Toast popping up all over the internet while researching things to do in Seoul, and I didn’t understand the hype for what looked like just a simple toastie.

There are multiple branches across Seoul and there is almost always a queue outside, so its popularity is obvious. You choose a combination of cheese, egg, hash brown, sausage and/or ham in your toastie, and honestly, it didn’t look particularly exciting to me – until I tried it.

I can confirm this is the best toastie I have ever eaten! The secret is the finely shredded cabbage stuffed inside, giving it a perfect crunch, combined with the sweetness of their special sauce. If you order at the counter, you can request it without meat, and they’re happy to oblige.

You really have to try it yourself to understand why it has gained such a cult following.

7. Buy all the socks

If you’re anything like me, you might love a quirky accessory and socks vendors across Seoul have all the weird and wonderful accessories you could ever want.

It might seem like an odd thing to buy while travelling, but tell me if you can resist the selection you are faced with. I lost count of how many pairs I bought: quirky patterns, lace, cosy socks, decorative Japanese-style socks and more.

Apparently, Myeondong is the place for sock shopping – who knew!

8. Visit the Myeongdong underground shopping centre

Beneath all the buzz of Myeongdong lies another shopping haven – the underground shopping centre. Located at the subway station, one level below ground level and just above the trains, it’s worth noting which entrance you came through, or you might get a little lost.

This is a maze of stalls selling socks, bags, accessories and K-pop merchandise – yes, I bought even more more socks!

The Myeongdong underground shopping centre is budget-friendly and brilliant for last-minute gifts.

9. Korea Mart

Korea Mart is snack central. It’s where I discovered the Ramyun Museum on the top floor – yes, a mini museum dedicated to instant noodles!

Much like every convenience store across Korea, you can pick your noodles, add toppings and cook them on the spot. It’s a cheap and cheerful meal and a fun way to eat like a local.

When I visited, there weren’t any vegetarian options available, so it’s worth asking for help if you have specific dietary requirements.

I visited Myeongdong on numerous occasions throughout my time in Seoul, and on one particular evening, there was a lady stood outside cooking up a fresh batch of ramyun as samples for passers by!

10. Watch the NANTA Show

Watching a theatre show in a country where English isn’t the main language might not be something that would cross your mind, but you cannot miss this opportunity.

This popular show has been running worldwide since 1997 it was pure joy. Think of it as a chaotic, drum-filled comedy where chefs battle in rhythm to prepare for a wedding. It’s completely non-verbal, so no Korean is required – just sit back and laugh along. It was truly brilliant!

NANTA SHOW OVERVIEW

NANTA SHOW IN SEOUL

Price: Discounted prices from £15 per person
Duration: 90 minutes
Klook Rating: 4.8/5 stars ⭐
Includes: Seat reservation. You can purchase drinks and snacks at the theatre, if you wish.

BOOK TICKETS NOW

Watching a NANTA show was one of the best things to do in Myeongdong, but you must book tickets for this in advance due to the popularity of it.

BOOK: Discounted tickets to a NANTA show in Seoul

11. Check out Myeongdong Walking Street police station 

Cartoon characters are everywhere in South Korea, and in keeping with the weird and quirky theme running throughout Seoul, Myeongdong Walking Street police station has two playful police officer characters outside.

While this isn’t so much a ‘thing to do in Myeongdong’, it’s a fun little sight and not something you see every day.

12. Explore Seoul Comics Road Zaemiro

If you enjoy spotting cartoon characters, Comics Road Zaemiro, also known as Cartoon Road is just across the road from Myeongdong Station. 

It is a short but wonderfully quirky stretch of road filled with murals, sculptures and some of Korea’s most beloved comic characters.

13. Cool down with some bingsu

If you’re visiting Seoul in summer, do yourself a favour and grab a bingsu – you will thank me for this later.

Bingsu is a popular Korean shaved ice dessert is made of finely shaved frozen milk and topped with a variety of sweet and savoury fillings. While I make no secret that I don’t have a sweet tooth, I do love an Asian dessert as they aren’t overly sweet in comparison to Western desserts. 

You can’t really go wrong with any flavour of your choice, my favourite has to be pistachio butter and fresh figs. It’s just incredibly refreshing to eat in hotter temperatures, and it beats an ice cream that you could have anywhere else in the world.

14. Visit the Myeongdong Station CU convenience store 

CU convenience stores are way more popular in South Korea than 7-elevens and this particular CU store is unique for being a themed ‘library’ store offering a wide range of Korean snacks, drinks, beauty products and souvenirs, with multilingual labels.

You will also find a tiny ramyeon museum inside, complete with displays of Korea’s famous noodle brands. Here, you can cook and enjoy 40 varieties of instant noodles.

15. Visit the HBAF almond store

Only Seoul would have a large store dedicated entirely to almonds, and HBAF is well worth a visit – unless you have a nut allergy – in which case, disregard everything I say.

I spotted two branches in Myeongdong, though I’m not sure if there are more. One was much smaller, so make sure you head to the larger one on the corner.

Inside, you’ll find some truly bizarre flavours of almonds, from ‘hot chicken’ to ‘tiramisu’ and ‘wasabi’ to ‘sriracha’. They had samples dotted around – I dare you to try the garlic bread flavour. I couldn’t find a tissue fast enough to spit it out; it’s not a combination that works, in my opinion. I’m also not a wasabi fan, though Jass loved the wasabi flavoured almonds.

My favourites were the red bean and tiramisu flavours, and I can confirm they are incredibly addictive. They also make brilliant gifts and souvenirs – if you’re willing to share, that is.

16. Eat on Myeongdong’s ‘Chicken and Beer’ street

Few things in life beat a plate of crispy Korean fried chicken washed down with an icy beer – apparently. I don’t eat chicken myself, but this pairing is a staple in Korean culture.

Known as chimaek, this combination has its own dedicated alley in Myeongdong, affectionately called ‘Chimaek Street’.

Whether you go for spicy, garlic soy or the original flavour, you’ll probably walk away happy – and perhaps a little sticky-fingered.

17. Experience the feeling of flying without taking off at Boing Cafe

Boing Cafe (sometimes called Boeing Cafe) in Euljiro, is a quirky airplane-themed cafe and bar where you can experience the feeling of flying without leaving the ground. 

Euljiro is a district that is immediately adjacent to Myeongdong, but less than a 10 minute walk away, so I couldn’t not mention this quirky bar that we stumbled upon one evening while walking around.

With a large sign outside reading ‘Departures’ and a running airport departures board, it’s easy to miss. Head up the stairs and you’ll be greeted with an airport check-in-style counter where you can order drinks, aeroplane seating to one side with digital views of ‘the clouds in the sky, and themed bathrooms.

This cafe offers a unique photo opportunity and serves in-flight-style meals and a selection of alcoholic drinks.

Location: 24 Chungmuro 5-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

18. Visit the Bank of Korea Money Museum

This museum might sound dry, but it’s actually fascinating – plus, it’s free!

At the Bank of Korea money museum, you’ll see rare coins, historic notes and clever exhibits about the value of money. Note that they are closed on Mondays and you’ll need to make a reservation on weekends.

19. Try kkul-tarae – Korean dragon beard candy

This unusually delicate candy is made of thousands of fine strands of sugar, similar to hair, wrapped around a filling of roasted nuts, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture. 

Watching street vendors craft this intricate treat is fascinating, and it tastes just as good as it looks. We bought a box of the almond flavour, which we were told is the most popular. I have to say, it tastes best when fresh, but it still makes a lovely gift for anyone with a sweet tooth.

20. Visit a Korean photo booth

Photo booth stores can be found all over Seoul, and they are big business, perfectly in line with the quirky charm found throughout the country.

You will find all sorts of themed photo booths, from pink walls, cartoon characters to a NYC subway themed one, reminiscent of the Drunken Bean cafe we visited in Gangnam. 

These selfie booths in Myeongdong let you print strips of photos and even stickers, making for a cheap and unique souvenir from Seoul.

21. Dine at the best vegan restaurant in Myeongdong

Vegan food isn’t as hard to find in Seoul as I had expected, but it does help to do a little research beforehand (I’ve done it all for you here!) and map out some restaurants if you have specific dietary requirements.

Vegan Kitchen in Myeongdong is the only fully vegan restaurant I came across in this district. In typical Korean style, you order via an iPad and are served by robots – but the food is exceptional.

I was impressed by the variety of plant-based protein options and the flavour in every dish. As with every great restaurant I discover, I found myself wishing I could try more from the menu!

22. Visit the Life Work Lifestyle store 

The Life Work Lifestyle store is a something of a cult favourite, blending street fashion with café culture. The brand is huge in Korea’s street-style scene, and its bulldog logo appears all over the clothing – even stamped in 3D coffee art at their café.

The Myeongdong branch feels like a creative hub where you can also shop and relax. The cafe is huge with beautifully crafted seating throughout. You might come for the clothes, but you’ll probably linger for the espresso.

23. Get your caricature drawn

One of the most popular things to do in Myeongdong is having your caricature drawn by Acorn Caricature, often referred to as ‘Uncles Paintings’. This place is a much-hyped art studio in Korea, with branches all over the country, where you can have a unique Korean-style caricature drawn in one minute!

There caricatures cost less than £5 and make for a really affordable and unique souvenir from your trip. We passed this store on our first day and then forgot to go back, which I am gutted about! This would have been the perfect addition to my gallery wall.

24. Book a DMZ Tour

While this is not necessarily a ‘thing to do in Myeongdong’, all group tours to the DMZ depart from Myeongdong. This is hands down the best day trip from Seoul because you can quite literally see over the border into North Korea, with your own eyes.

It will be the most surreal, thought-provoking day trip you’ll take, and if you need any help in choosing the best DMZ tour from Seoul, I have a whole guide on that.

DMZ TOUR OVERVIEW

DMZ TOUR FROM SEOUL

Price: Starting from £25 per person
Duration: Approx 7 hours
Klook Rating: 4.9/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Includes: Transportation from central Seoul and between all stops and English speaking guide

BOOK THE TOUR NOW

25. Visit Namdaemun Market

Namdaemun Market is a short 10 minute walk away from Myeongdong and well worth visiting. It is Seoul’s largest traditional market and a brilliant spot to pick up some bargains. 

You will find everything here from food, handmade crafts, clothing, socks (yes, more socks!), quirky jewellery and everything in between.

Honestly, you could easily spend a full day exploring Namdaemun Market – that’s how big it is. 

Incidentally, this was the only place I came across in Seoul that sold children’s clothing while on the hunt for a gift for my niece and nephew. There’s an entire street dedicated to kids: one side lined with handmade boutique-style clothing sellers, and the other with two large department stores housing multiple vendors all selling children’s clothes.

I found some really cool jewellery for sale here, and almost bought this Korean-style visor for shade protection, but then decided against it!

There’s so much to explore, but note that Namdaemun Market closes at 5 pm, so it’s worth arriving earlier in the day.

There are so many fun and unique things to do in Myeongdong – it’s far more than a shopping district. It embodies everything I imagined about Seoul: fast, loud, creative and full of heart.

If you’re in Seoul, set aside a few hours, or better yet, a whole day to explore Myeongdong. Trust me, you’ll leave with plenty of stories – and likely a new skincare routine too!

Useful tips for visiting Myeongdong

• The best time to visit Myeongdong is late afternoon onwards, when the street food stalls are in full swing.
• Bring cash. Most stalls don’t accept card payments, and if they do, they may charge a small fee.
• The easiest way to access all the attractions is via Myeongdong Station (Line 4, Exit 6 or 8).
• Nearby sights include N Seoul Tower, Deoksugung Palace, Namsangol Hanok Village and Insadong Culture Street.

Where to stay in Myeongdong

During our time in Seoul, we stayed at two different hotels in Myeongdong, and I would highly recommend the Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Myeongdong II. This hotel is perfectly located if you want to be as close to all the attractions in Myeongdong, but without being right in the heart of the hustle and bustle.

Don’t confuse it with Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Myeongdong I, which is right in the thick of the action and has some questionable reviews. I imagine it can get quite noisy there.

We also stayed at Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun Myeongdong which is actually closer to Insadong than Myeongdong itself. I liked this hotel marginally less than the Nine Tree – the room was smaller and a bit tired,  and the pillows were practically useless. However, it’s in a better location if you want to explore more of what Seoul has to offer beyond Myeongdong.

PIN THIS MYEONGDONG TRAVEL GUIDE FOR LATER!