Myeongdong Shopping Street
Seoul's bustling heart for K-beauty, trendy fashion, and vibrant street food. A shopper's paradise with endless energy.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed shopping
Myeongdong Shopping Street
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed shopping
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Seoul's bustling heart for K-beauty, trendy fashion, and vibrant street food. A shopper's paradise with endless energy.
"It's the heart of Seoul, a girls' paradise where everything can be found!"
🎯 Shop Smart for K-Beauty
Don't head straight to Olive Young! Explore side alleys for potentially cheaper K-beauty deals.
🚶♀️ Embrace the Stroll
Wander through the street, enjoy window shopping, and soak in the lively atmosphere.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
K-Beauty Haven
Numerous cosmetic stores
Dive into a paradise of Korean skincare and makeup. Find everything from cult favorites to the latest trends at competitive prices.
Vibrant Street Food Scene
Main thoroughfares
Indulge in a dazzling array of Korean street food, from sweet tanghulu to savory skewers. A feast for the senses!
Trendy Fashion Boutiques
Side streets and main avenues
Discover the latest Korean fashion trends, from chic clothing to unique accessories. Perfect for updating your wardrobe.
Nike by You Customization
Nike store
Design your own unique Nike apparel and footwear with exclusive Korean stickers and customization options.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigate the Crowds
Street Food Savvy
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Shop Smart for K-Beauty
Don't head straight to Olive Young! Explore side alleys for potentially cheaper K-beauty deals.
🚶♀️ Embrace the Stroll
Wander through the street, enjoy window shopping, and soak in the lively atmosphere.
🍢 Taste the Street Food
Try local specialties like egg bread, cheese coins, and tanghulu.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Shop Smart for K-Beauty
Don't head straight to Olive Young! Explore side alleys for potentially cheaper K-beauty deals.
🚶♀️ Embrace the Stroll
Wander through the street, enjoy window shopping, and soak in the lively atmosphere.
🍢 Taste the Street Food
Try local specialties like egg bread, cheese coins, and tanghulu.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes!
💡 Look for Deals
While prices can be higher for tourists, keep an eye out for promotions and compare stores.
📱 Stay Connected
Consider getting a local SIM card or portable Wi-Fi for easy navigation and sharing.
⚠️ Watch Your Step
Be mindful of the numerous cables powering the street food stalls.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Myeongdong is a vibrant shopping and street food paradise, lauded for its incredible variety of K-beauty products, trendy fashion, and lively atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the cleanliness and energy, especially at night, though some find the street food can be tourist-focused. The sheer density of shops and food stalls makes it a must-visit for many, despite potential crowds.
"The first thing we did as soon 🔜 as we landed in South Korea 🇰🇷 was to come to this street!
I mean it’s such a girls paradise 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻 You will go crazy 🤪 shopping 🛍️ here, coz everything can be found here!
The amazing range of skincares, makeup 💄 clothing, skin hair treatment and what not. I would say it’s the heart ❤️ of Seoul 🫰🏻"
Anchal Garg
"I don't know about the shops because I never made it inside any of them. The food stalls outside took all my attention. It's a giant market full of food! It's incredible. I definitely recommend visiting in the evening."
Mana Jalali
"Very lively shopping Street where you can try some good street food stroll over along the street and do some window shopping and try out their vintage stores. I recommend trying some of the Korean specialties such as the egg tarts or the cheese coin. Of course prices are a bit higher than usual, but worth it and to be expected. Must visit when in Seoul"
Brad
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Myeongdong is easily accessible by Seoul's subway system. Take Line 4 to Myeongdong Station or Line 3 to Euljiro 3-ga Station. Many bus routes also serve the area.
Yes, Myeongdong is centrally located and within easy reach of other popular Seoul destinations like Namsan Tower and Dongdaemun.
The best way to explore Myeongdong is on foot. The main street and its side alleys are best navigated by walking.
Yes, taxis are readily available in Myeongdong, but during peak hours, they may be difficult to hail due to traffic and crowds.
Ride-sharing apps like Kakao T are popular in Seoul and can be used to get to and from Myeongdong.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Myeongdong Shopping Street is a public area and does not require an entrance ticket. You can freely explore the shops and street food stalls.
The street itself is always accessible, but individual shops have varying hours, typically from 10 AM to 10 PM. Street food stalls usually start setting up in the late afternoon and operate into the night.
There are no entrance fees for most shops. However, some themed cafes or attractions within the Myeongdong area might have admission charges.
For a less crowded experience, visit on weekday mornings. Evenings and weekends are significantly busier.
Many cosmetic stores offer promotions and discounts, especially for tourists. It's worth comparing prices and looking for deals.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Fashion
Myeongdong is famous for its vast array of cosmetic and skincare stores, trendy fashion boutiques, shoe shops, and souvenir shops.
While Olive Young is popular, explore smaller shops and alleys for potentially better prices on K-beauty products.
Yes, Myeongdong offers a wide range of affordable and trendy clothing, especially in its numerous boutiques and multi-brand stores.
You can design your own Nike items at the Nike by You store, offering a personalized shopping experience.
Look out for brands like Emis, Nyunyu, and Mimi, which are popular for their trendy Korean styles.
🍽️ 🍢 Food & Dining
Popular choices include tanghulu, egg bread (gyeran-ppang), cheese coins, sotteok sotteok, and various skewers.
Prices can be slightly higher due to the tourist focus, but many find it worth it for the experience. Comparing stalls can help.
Some travelers suggest that for more authentic street food, you might need to explore local markets beyond Myeongdong, or try the Lotte Department Store food court.
Street food stalls typically begin operating in the late afternoon and continue into the night, often until 1 AM or later.
Yes, Myeongdong has a wide variety of restaurants, from casual eateries to more upscale dining options, offering Korean and international cuisine.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant street life, colorful food stalls, neon signs, and unique shop facades. The Hello Kitty Apple Cafe is also a cute spot.
Absolutely! The bright lights, bustling crowds, and illuminated signs make Myeongdong a fantastic location for vibrant night photography.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both street scenes and details. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the bustling streetscapes.
Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. However, always be respectful of individuals and private property.
Look for themed cafes like the Hello Kitty Apple Cafe, or the artistic 'uncles painting' that have been spotted.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the shopping might be more geared towards adults, the lively atmosphere and the novelty of street food can be engaging for kids. Ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes as there will be a lot of walking. Keep a close eye on children in crowded areas and be mindful of the power cables on the street when exploring the food stalls.
💰 Budget Travelers
The street food is also a relatively affordable way to sample a variety of Korean flavors. Instead of expensive restaurant meals, you can enjoy several different snacks for the price of one sit-down dish. However, be mindful that some street food items can add up quickly, so set a budget beforehand.
couples
Consider visiting a themed cafe, like the Hello Kitty Apple Cafe, for a quirky and fun date. For a more relaxed dining experience after shopping, explore the diverse restaurant options available in the area. The vibrant energy of Myeongdong can make for a memorable and engaging outing for couples.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Myeongdong Shopping Experience
Beyond beauty, Myeongdong offers a dynamic fashion scene. Explore the side streets and main avenues for trendy clothing, shoes, and accessories that reflect the latest Korean styles. Stores like Nyunyu and Emis are popular for their fashionable selections. For those looking for unique items, keep an eye out for smaller boutiques and independent designers.
While the sheer volume of shops can be exhilarating, some travelers note that prices can be slightly inflated due to its popularity with tourists. It's advisable to compare prices across different stores and be aware of ongoing promotions. The Nike by You store offers a unique customization experience, allowing you to design your own sneakers and apparel with exclusive Korean-themed stickers.
A Culinary Adventure: Myeongdong Street Food
While the variety is impressive, some reviews suggest that the street food here can be geared towards tourists, with quality and taste sometimes being described as 'mid' or less authentic compared to local markets. Nevertheless, the experience of navigating the crowded stalls, the enticing aromas, and the vibrant atmosphere are undeniable draws. It's a fantastic place to sample a wide range of Korean street food in one location.
When exploring the food stalls, be mindful of the numerous cables powering the vendors, which can create tripping hazards. For those seeking a more authentic culinary experience, consider visiting the food court at Lotte Department Store or venturing to other local markets in Seoul.
Navigating Myeongdong: Tips for a Smooth Visit
For those interested in K-beauty, don't be discouraged by crowded stores like Olive Young. There are numerous other cosmetic shops within close proximity, so take your time to explore and compare prices. Some travelers recommend looking in side alleys for potentially better deals.
When it comes to street food, while it's a must-try experience, be aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye out for the power cables on the ground, and consider trying a variety of snacks to get a good feel for the offerings. If you're looking for specific items or a more curated shopping experience, planning your route or focusing on particular streets can be helpful.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit