Missha. Etude House. The Face Shop. Nature Republic. Holika Holika. It’s Skin. A’Pieu. Skin Food. And the list goes on. This is Myeongdong, the bustling heart of Seoul’s shopping scene. This vibrant district is renowned for its array of branded stores that cater to every fashion enthusiast’s dream. As you stroll through the lively streets, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a dazzling selection of international fashion brands, luxury boutiques, and trendy flagship stores. Whether you’re seeking the latest designer trends or indulging in a shopping spree of your favorite brands, Myeongdong offers a captivating experience where style and excitement collide. Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of fashion-forward delights and discover the pulse of Seoul’s fashion scene in this dynamic district.
If you are one of those who like to have smooth, porcelain-like skin like the Koreans, you’d love to shop for beauty products that best suit your skin type at Seoul’s Myeongdong area. What’s more, they’ll give you free sample products that you can include in your shopping loot. You can take your pick – from BB creams to lipsticks, to perfume – name it and they have it.
But if cosmetic products are not on your shopping list, you can still enjoy Myeongdong area because of other branded stores that sell clothes, shoes, bags, and gadgets. I was surprised to see a Samsung Fashion store there. And all the while I thought Samsung was just about electronics.
Food shops also abound in this shopping haven. Known brands like Paris Baguette, McDonald’s, Seattle’s Best, KFC can be found in Myeongdong. If you want to try Korean food, there are also local restaurants around. Restaurants offering international cuisine, pastry shops, and street food are also available in the area.
Apart from shopping, Myeongdong, which is known as the district that houses banks and corporate offices, also has other attractions. The Myeongdong Cathedral, which is the first Catholic parish in South Korea, is an imposing historical and spiritual structure. Built over a hundred years ago, the Cathedral is considered to be the heart of Korean Catholicism.
One of the landmarks that I also saw was the Myeongdong Theater. Upcoming performances are advertised outside of the theater. The design of the structure looked classic yet, because it is well-maintained, appeared new and clean. There was also a marker there indicating that it is a UNESCO street.
Within the vicinity are the underground mall and the Lotte department store. It is easy to get to Myeongdong. You can take the subway and get off at the Myeongdong station or Eulji-ra 1 (il)-ga station. Buses also ply the area. Getting around Myeongdong is not a problem. Aside from Tourist Information offices located within the district, signs will help you with directions and Tourism Information volunteers walk around ready to assist you with your inquiries.
Check my blog post First-time in Seoul for more stories about this trip.
