Myeongdong, located just below Cheonggyecheon, highlights Korea’s modern period as its main travel theme. It serves as the top shopping destination for tourists while also holding its own as a prime spot for urban walking tours in Seoul. In contrast to the area above Cheonggyecheon, which focuses on themes from the Joseon Dynasty, such as palaces and hanok houses, Myeongdong attracts the highest number of foreign visitors and is often their first stop in Seoul.
© Shinsegae Department Store
Characteristics and Origins of Myeongdong
From a commercial perspective, Myeongdong boasts the longest history among Seoul’s major shopping districts. Despite its age, the fact that the most expensive land in Seoul is located in this area today signifies the enduring vitality of its commercial influence.
While shopping districts like Gangnam, Hongdae, and Seongsu Station emerged more recently due to changes brought by industrialization, democratization, and the rise of a new generation, Myeongdong and Insadong have histories spanning over a century. Insadong developed around trading antiques and cultural artifacts from Korea’s past, whereas Myeongdong’s commercial growth was driven by the trade of modern goods by the standards of the time. Culture, art, and fashion played a crucial role in the development of Myeongdong’s commerce. In the 1950s, the cafes in Myeongdong became havens for artists. Renowned painters such as Kim Whanki, Lee Jung-seop, and Park Seo-bo, along with poets like Park In-hwan, Kim Kwang-kyun, Cho Ji-hoon, and Kim Soo-young, frequented the area. Myeongdong was where all of Seoul’s trendsetters gathered.
During the Joseon Dynasty, the area south of Cheonggyecheon, including Myeongdong and Chungmuro, was called Namchon (“Southern Village”) and was home primarily to ordinary scholars, who were somewhat distanced from political affairs and had experienced a slight decline in status. When Japan forcefully occupied Korea, many Japanese people migrated to this area, forming Japanese-style residential and commercial zones. This marked the beginning of Myeongdong’s commercial district, which is why many modern-style buildings remain in the area today.
Myeongdong’s large-scale commercial prominence began to be distributed to other districts like Gangnam and Sinchon in the 1990s due to factors such as the opening of the subway system and the democratization movement.
Access by Subway
Line 4 Myeong-dong Station
Line 2 Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station
1. The Top Spot for Tourist Spending
Knowing where foreign tourists spend their money and what they aim to do is essential when planning travel itineraries. Myeongdong stands out as the top destination for meeting the shopping needs of international visitors.
An analysis of foreign card transaction data reveals that Myeongdong ranks first in spending, followed by the Apgujeong and Cheongdam areas. While all shopping districts feature diverse shopping portfolios, each is distinguished by its signature offerings:
- Myeongdong: Cosmetics, daily goods, and K-pop merchandise
- Hongdae: Clothing and fashion
- Gangnam: Specialized medical services, particularly plastic surgery
- Apgujeong and Cheongdam: Also known for specialized medical services, but with a growing focus on fashion and dining compared to Gangnam
Myeongdong, Itaewon, and Seongsu are showing rising foreign card spending in 2024. Myeongdong, in particular, appears to have fully overcome the challenges posed by COVID-19.
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© Seoul Tourism Organization
2. Another Charm of Myeongdong, Walking
Exploring Modern Architectural Heritage While Shopping and Dining
Myeongdong was the center of modernization in Seoul.
Following their victories in the First China–Japan War (1894–1895) and the Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905), Japan expelled the Chinese and Russian forces stationed in Myeongdong and took over their commercial districts. Previously, when Japan’s influence was weaker compared to China and Russia, Chinese and Russian soldiers and merchants were based in Myeongdong, while Japanese forces and merchants occupied the nearby Chungmuro area. After triumphing in both wars, Japan claimed Myeongdong’s commercial hub and began constructing various Japanese banks and companies in the area.
These buildings later served as Korea’s government offices, public corporations, banks, and department stores. Today, many of these modern-style structures remain in use and are preserved for their historical value. Even when reconstructed with modern designs, plaques are erected to document their history.
Therefore, Myeongdong is a place where, aside from shopping, there are many things to contemplate, walk through, and see. The cultural traces left by history are deeply embedded throughout the area.
Representative Architectural Heritage from Korea’s Modern in Myeongdong
- Korea Electric Power Corporation Seoul Headquarters
- Bank of Korea Money Museum
- Shinsegae Department Store, Formerly Cheil Bank Headquarters
- Modernization Street (UNESCO Street) Landmarks: Myeongdong Cathedral, Myeongdong Theater, UNESCO Hall, Former Site of Eunseong Jujeom(Tavern)
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Myeongdong Theater, UNESCO Hall © Seoul Institute
Walking Route Suggestions
Start your walk from Myeongdong Station on Subway Line 4. Stroll northward along the main Myeongdong shopping street, and you’ll eventually encounter the horizontally oriented Modernization Street (UNESCO Street). From here, you can turn right toward Myeongdong Cathedral or left to visit Myeongdong Theater and UNESCO Hall.
If you head to Myeongdong Cathedral, consider crossing the street to also visit Yeongrak Church. If you turn left, you can explore Myeongdong Theater and UNESCO Hall, then continue walking toward Lotte Department Store. After enjoying the department store, head to Hwangudan, then make your way to the Bank of Korea Money Museum and Shinsegae Department Store. This creates a well-rounded walking route.
If you’re interested in experiencing a traditional market, head west to Sungnyemun (Namdaemun Gate) and Namdaemun Market.
A Street Full of Charming, Cute Sights and Tasty Treats: Cartoon Content Street
South of the main Myeongdong shopping street is Jaemiro (Cartoon Street). This 450-meter themed street stretches from Exit 3 of Myeongdong Station to the former Seoul Animation Center. It showcases domestic comics, animations, characters, and illustrations, creating a vibrant cultural space.
Connecting Myeongdong, one of Seoul’s top tourist destinations, with Namsan, Jaemiro offers a rich cultural experience in the heart of the city. The street supports emerging creators by providing exhibition space and opportunities for product development, while also offering visitors a unique place to explore. Both locals and tourists will find it worth a visit. If you have enough time, a trip to Namsan is highly recommended.
