Top 10 Things to Do in Myeongdong, Seoul: Shopping, Food, and Night Views
Located in the heart of downtown Seoul, Myeongdong is a premier travel destination where you can enjoy shopping, gourmet food, culture, and performances all in one place. From landmarks like Myeongdong Cathedral and N Seoul Tower to the Nanta performance and Namsangol Hanok Village, it offers a diverse range of attractions. In this article, we will introduce the Top 10 things to do in Myeongdong and organize a course covering various themes such as shopping, night views, and entertainment.
Myeongdong Shopping Street
The main street of Myeongdong is Seoul's representative shopping district, densely packed with fashion and cosmetic brands. Centered around 'Myeongdong 8-gil', the Myeongdong Shopping Street is lined with clothing stores, K-beauty shops, and souvenir boutiques, making it particularly popular among international tourists.
Lotte Department Store Main Branch and Myeongdong Noon Square are excellent indoor spots where you can shop comfortably regardless of the weather.
Throughout the streets, you can also encounter street performances and food stalls (street food), making it one of the top things to enjoy in Myeongdong beyond simple shopping.
|
| Myeongdong Street |
Myeongdong Cathedral
Completed in 1898, Myeongdong Cathedral is the first Gothic-style cathedral in Korea and one of the oldest Catholic churches in downtown Seoul. Its red brick exterior and tall spire stand out from anywhere in Myeongdong. It offers a reverent atmosphere during the day and is loved as a night view spot with beautiful lighting at night.
Inside the cathedral, you will find antique stained glass and a quiet prayer space. There are also many cafes and restaurants nearby, making it a great place to take a break. Especially during the Christmas season, the added trees and lights make it one of the most atmospheric places to visit in Myeongdong.
|
| Myeongdong Cathedral |
Namsan N Seoul Tower & Cable Car
As the Namsan Park trails and the area around N Seoul Tower appeared as the backdrop for various scenes in the animation K-Pop Demon Hunters, Namsan has recently attracted attention as a must-visit spot near Myeongdong for international tourists.
It is a representative place where you can enjoy a panoramic view of downtown Seoul. If you take the cable car to the top, you can enjoy both the day and night scenery of Seoul.
Namsan N Seoul Tower is a complex tourist destination with an observatory, restaurants, and gift shops, making it a popular spot included in any Myeongdong travel itinerary.
Visitor Information
-
Operating Hours
- Observatory: Weekdays 10:00~22:30 / Weekends & Holidays 10:00~23:00 (Last entry 30 min before closing)
- Gift Shop (5F): 10:00~22:00
-
Observatory Ticket Prices
- Adults approx. 26,000 KRW ($19 USD) / Children approx. 20,000 KRW ($14 USD) (On-site price, online discounts available)
-
Cable Car Fares
- Round Trip: Adults 15,000 KRW ($11 USD) / Children 11,500 KRW ($8 USD)
- One Way: Adults 12,000 KRW ($9 USD) / Children 9,000 KRW ($6.50 USD)
-
How to Get There
- Myeongdong Station Exit 3 → Namsan Cable Car Boarding Point (approx. 10 min walk) → Arrive at N Seoul Tower Observatory
-
Recommended Course
- Depart from Myeongdong → Take Cable Car → Visit Namsan Observatory
- Visit around sunset to enjoy the night view of Seoul
- Relax at the 'Locks of Love' point and the tower cafe
|
| Namsan N Seoul Tower |
Myeongdong Kyoja
Representing Myeongdong since 1966, Myeongdong Kyoja is a famous restaurant renowned for its Kalguksu (knife-cut noodle soup) with rich chicken broth and meat dumplings. Located a 3-minute walk from Myeongdong Station Exit 8, it is popular enough to have lines of customers, including international tourists, during lunch hours.
The signature menu, Kalguksu, features a perfect harmony of handmade noodles and deep broth, making for a hearty meal. The table turnover is fast, so the wait time isn't too long, but visiting before or after peak lunch hours is most relaxed.
Myeongdong Kyoja Main Store: Michelin Guide Kalguksu & Mandu Review (Menu, Location, Waiting Tips) - GybeLife
Discover Myeongdong Kyoja Main Store, an 8-year Michelin Bib Gourmand winner in Seoul. Honest review of Kalguksu, Mandu, menu prices, and waiting tips
en.gybelife.comMyeongdong Noon Square & Lotte Young Plaza
Located in the center of Myeongdong, Noon Square and Lotte Young Plaza are indoor shopping complexes where you can enjoy shopping comfortably regardless of the weather. They house a variety of fashion, beauty, and accessory brands, and include trendy cafes and restaurants, making them popular indoor date courses.
In particular, the Noon Square rooftop is a space where you can relax while looking down at the streets of Myeongdong, making it a great place to stay for a while during shopping. It is considered a place full of vitality, especially on weekends, centered around the younger generation.
Tips for Visiting
- Location: 14 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (2 min walk from Myeongdong Station Exit 6)
- Main Facilities: Fashion & Beauty stores, Cafes, Movie Theater
- Operating Hours: 11:00 ~ 22:00
|
| Lotte Young Plaza |
Myeongdong Cafe Spots
Cafes good for enjoying desserts and coffee are scattered throughout the Myeongdong area. Here are 4 popular cafes we recommend.
- The Spot Fabulous: Handmade desserts and an atmospheric interior.
- Poem: A place where waffles, Bingsu (shaved ice), and parfaits are delicious.
- Cafe Coin Myeongdong Branch 1: A place to enjoy desserts and coffee with an antique interior.
- Matcha Myeongdong Main: Matcha drinks and healthy desserts.
|
| Myeongdong Cafes |
Namsan Park Walking Course
Namsan Park is about a 10-minute walk from Myeongdong, making it a great course for a light walk after shopping and dining. The walking trails within the park are well-paved, so anyone can walk comfortably in sneakers.
Following the Namsan circular road, you can admire the panoramic view of downtown Seoul. It is beautiful with cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage in the fall.
If you visit around sunset after finishing your Myeongdong schedule, it is a worthwhile place near Myeongdong where you can enjoy the night view of Seoul in a quiet atmosphere.
Tips for Visiting
- Location: Around Hoehyeon-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul (approx. 10 min walk from Myeongdong Station Exit 3)
- Recommended Time: Morning walk or around sunset
- Main Course: Myeongdong Entrance → Namsan Park Trail → Towards N Seoul Tower
- Admission: Free
|
| Namsan Park Fortress Wall Trail |
Myeongdong Theater
Myeongdong Theater is a performance-exclusive theater that reopened in 2009 after remodeling a building constructed in the 1930s. Its classic exterior and modern stage facilities harmonize, establishing it as a representative performance space in downtown Seoul.
Various performances such as plays, musicals, and traditional dramas are held regularly, making it a recommended thing to do in Myeongdong for travelers who love performing arts.
Performance schedules can be checked on the official website of the Arts Council Korea, and seat selection is available through online booking.
Visitor Information
- Location: 35 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Main Performances: Plays, traditional dramas, creative works, etc.
- Booking: Myeongdong Theater Official Site
- Tips: Weekend evening performances often sell out early, so advance booking is recommended.
|
| Myeongdong Theater |
Myeongdong Nanta Theater
Myeongdong Nanta Theater hosts a non-verbal performance that proceeds solely with rhythm and action without dialogue. It is a representative Seoul performance attraction that can be enjoyed without any language barriers. The unique direction, where actors create rhythms using various kitchen utensils against a kitchen backdrop, makes it suitable for all ages. With a high proportion of international tourists, it is counted as a must-do activity in Myeongdong for overseas travelers.
Visitor Information
- Location: 3rd Floor, UNESCO Building, 26 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Show Times: Weekdays 17:00 / Weekends & Holidays 14:00, 17:00, 20:00 (Subject to change)
- Running Time: Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes
- Booking: Nanta official site or online travel agencies
- Tips: Enter by 15 minutes before the show starts; photography and video recording are prohibited during the performance.
|
| Myeongdong Nanta Theater |
Namsangol Hanok Village
Namsangol Hanok Village is a traditional cultural space located a 10-minute walk from Myeongdong Station, featuring five restored houses of the upper class from the Joseon Dynasty. It is a popular place to visit near Myeongdong for international tourists as you can feel the beauty of Hanok (traditional Korean houses) and a quiet atmosphere even in the city center.
With Hanbok rental shops nearby, you can experience touring the village wearing traditional clothes. On weekends, experiential programs such as traditional crafts and tea ceremonies are also operated. It is great for walking around the garden and pond in spring and autumn.
Visitor Information
- Location: 28-1 Toegye-ro 34-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (3 min walk from Chungmuro Station Exit 3)
- Operating Hours: 09:00~21:00 (Closed on Mondays)
- Admission: Free
- Highlights: Hanok exhibitions, pavilion, pond, traditional experience programs
|
| Namsangol Hanok Village |
Myeongdong is a downtown Seoul travel destination that you can fully enjoy even with a one-day itinerary. Shopping, restaurants, performances, and traditional culture are all gathered within a short distance, making the movement path efficient. You can enjoy the lively streets and shopping malls during the day, and the N Seoul Tower night view and performances in the evening, offering new charms whenever you visit, regardless of the season.
If you refer to the Best 10 places to visit in Myeongdong introduced in this article, you will be able to plan a fulfilling course of things to do in Myeongdong for a day.
Walking Tour Guide: From Myeongdong to Namdaemun Market & Seoul Station - GybeLife
Explore Seoul with our walking tour guide from Myeongdong to Namdaemun Market and Seoul Station. Discover best food, shopping tips, and scenic routes.
en.gybelife.com
Top 7 Myeongdong Hotels with Stunning Night Views in Seoul - GybeLife
Discover the top 7 Myeongdong hotels with stunning night views. From N Seoul Tower vistas to city lights, find your perfect stay in Seoul.
en.gybelife.com.webp)
Exploring the National Museum of Korea: Real-Life Artifacts from 'K-Pop: Demon Hunters' - GybeLife
Explore the National Museum of Korea through 'K-Pop: Demon Hunters'! Find real-life artifacts like the Four Tigers Sword and Tiger & Magpie paintings.
en.gybelife.com