Myeongdong
Bustling shopping paradise with K-beauty galore
Seoul's premier shopping and beauty district, packed with cosmetics stores, street food, and international brands.
Highlights
Cafe FINES
A hidden gem cafe offering spectacular panoramic views of Myeongdong Cathedral and Namsan Tower. Located on the 3rd floor of a building next to the iconic cathedral, this cafe features terrace seating with some of the best cathedral views in Seoul. The combination of historic architecture and modern cityscape creates perfect photo opportunities, especially during Christmas season when the cathedral is beautifully illuminated.
Korea House
An elegant cultural complex offering authentic royal court cuisine (gungjung yori) and traditional Korean performances in a beautiful traditional hanok setting. Recognized with three ribbons in the 2025 Blue Ribbon Survey, Korea House serves Hanjeongsik table d'hote featuring seasonal ingredients and historic royal tribute foods, presenting traditional Korean culinary arts with exceptional refinement and grace.
La Yeon
One of only two restaurants in Korea to hold three Michelin stars, La Yeon represents the pinnacle of modern Korean fine dining. Perched on the 23rd floor of The Shilla Hotel Seoul, this elegant restaurant offers exquisite royal court cuisine reimagined with contemporary techniques, paired with breathtaking panoramic views of Namsan and the city.
Myeongdong Cathedral
Korea's first brick Gothic church, a historic landmark that played a significant role in Korea's democratization movement.
Myeongdong Cosmetics Street
The ultimate destination for K-beauty lovers, with flagship stores of major Korean cosmetics brands offering exclusive products and free samples.
Namdaemun Market
Korea's largest and most historic traditional market with over 600 years of history, named after the nearby Namdaemun (Great South Gate). This sprawling marketplace covers an area of 42,000 square meters with over 10,000 vendors selling virtually everything - from clothing, accessories, and home goods to ginseng, dried seafood, traditional crafts, and electronics, all at competitive wholesale prices.
Piknic
An urban retreat in Hoehyeon-dong where art, music, literature, and food converge. Opened in 2018 by exhibition planning company Glint, this multi-layered cultural complex combines an exhibition hall, cafe, restaurant, bar, and design shop in a beautifully renovated building on the hill connecting Seoullo and Namsan. The space offers intellectual experiences through rotating art exhibitions and cultural events, making it a sophisticated escape from the bustling Myeongdong area just minutes away.
Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town
The birthplace of Seoul's instant tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), this legendary food alley has been serving Korea's favorite street food since the 1950s. Home to Mabokrim Halmeoni Tteokbokki, the original restaurant that started in 1953, the street features over 15 tteokbokki restaurants offering various styles of this iconic Korean dish.
Sparex Dongdaemun
Seoul's largest and most popular jjimjilbang (Korean spa), offering an authentic 24-hour Korean wellness experience in the heart of Dongdaemun. Located in the basement of Good Morning City mall, Sparex combines traditional Korean sauna culture with modern facilities, creating the perfect escape for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Tips
Visit in the evening for more street food options. You can also get lots of free cosmetics samples!