Buzz
Myeongdong stands as one of Seoul's premier shopping destinations. Drawing over a million visitors daily, Myeongdong offers a spectrum of shopping, from high-end boutiques to street-side vendors. With endless choices, you might feel overwhelmed stepping into this shopping paradise for the first time. Klook's guide highlights the must-visit places: Korean beauty shops, food stalls, and attractions in Myeongdong.
Korean Beauty Products
Most Korean beauty brands have at least one store in Myeongdong. The Korean beauty industry has swept the world, introducing the latest beauty trends and cutting-edge makeup technology. In this bustling shopping district, you can find discounted beauty products compared to imported prices. Here are some of the most popular Korean beauty brands and their highly praised products.
1. Holika Holika
Established in 2010, Holika Holika captivates young customers with adorable and charming beauty products. The name is derived from the suffix 'holic' in English, meaning 'Addict.' Holika Holika's products are reasonably priced and address the practical beauty needs of the younger generation.
Golden Monkey Glamour Lip 3-Step Kit (₩3,000) (3-Step Lip Mask)
Image Source: Holika Hoika
Who knew lips could also enjoy a face mask? This product will hydrate your lips in 3 steps: an exfoliating pad to cleanse and nourish dry skin, a hydro-gel lip mask with super-hydrating serum, and a honey oil layer for irresistibly luscious lips. With this kit, your lips will always maintain a plump and kissable look.
Aqua Petit Jelly Ice Cooling BB (₩18,900)
Image Source: Holika Holika
BB cream suddenly became a sensation a few years ago. Holika Holika's Aqua Petit Jelly BB cream continues to be a top seller due to its unique jelly-like texture, making it easy to apply and keeping your skin always smooth and radiant.
The latest version comes with a cooling feature, capable of making your skin cool up to 5 degrees Celsius. This product is designed to combat the heat of summer and can also protect your skin under the sun (SPF50+ PA+++).
Address: 22-10 Chungmuro 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
2. Nature Republic
Founded in 2009, Nature Republic embraces the 'Healthy Life' message with beauty products inspired by natural ingredients. The brand follows a cheerful philosophy, taking customers on a journey back to nature.
Soothing and Moisture Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel (₩4,400) (Gel to soften and moisturize the skin with 92% aloe vera)
Image Source: Nature Republic
With over 30 million units sold, this skin-softening gel has won numerous awards, becoming a flagship product for the brand. Nature Republic uses organic aloe vera from California to ensure freshness and nourishment. This versatile product can be used on the face, body, and even your hair, with ultra-fast absorption.
Argan Essential Deep Care Hair Pack (₩8,800) (Essential care pack for Argan hair)
Image Source: Nature Republic
Additionally, Nature Republic is renowned for hair care products. Argan, a golden kernel in Morocco, grows in the desert and has moisturizing properties. This hair care pack restores damaged hair strands due to blow-drying and other hair treatments. You can use this product on your hair once a week for healthy and beautiful locks.
Address: 24-2 Chungmuro 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
3. Tony Moly
Tony Moly
embarked in 2006 as a cosmetics brand endorsing street culture and urban beauty lifestyle. The brand's philosophy, 'Creating joyful beauty for customers,' somewhat introduced the brand's beauty approach.
Egg Blackhead Steam Balm (₩8,800) (Blackhead treatment egg)
Image Source: Tony Moly
This Tony Moly egg is renowned for being the nemesis of blackheads. The product warms your skin to relax pores. Then, salt crystals, charcoal, and egg white work to cleanse and care for your pores.
Magic Food Golden Mushroom Sleeping Pack (₩9,900) (Sleeping pack for radiant skin)
Image Source: Tony Moly
This product is not only packaged super cute but also contains extracts from mushrooms. This sleeping mask is one of the 3 mushroom products in Tony Moly's Mushroom Skincare Set. Used as the final step in your beauty routine, this night mask will add radiance and elasticity to your skin. Its adorable appearance makes it a perfect gift for any girl.
Address: 66-23 Chungmuro 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
4. Innisfree
Established in 2000, Innisfree is Korea's natural cosmetics store. Innisfree's philosophy is linked to environmentally friendly products and ethical consumerism. 'Innis' means 'island,' indicating the brand's origin from Jeju Island.
Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam (₩12,000) (Pore cleansing foam)
Image Source: Innisfree
Daily cleansing plays a crucial role in maintaining the beauty of your skin. Innisfree's volcanic foam gently removes impurities from your skin. Its main ingredient, volcanic clusters from Jeju Island, is a completely natural element that helps control excess oil. With a pH level close to your body's, the alkaline substance in the product suits all skin types and will delight every beauty queen.
Green Tea Seed Serum (₩22,000) (Green Tea Seed Serum)
Image Source: Innisfree
This green tea seed serum is beloved by the community and has won numerous awards. Organic green tea seeds from Jeju Island effectively moisturize the skin due to their high concentration of antioxidants. This serum keeps your skin fresh, non-sticky, and enhances its elasticity.
5. Etude House
Being the oldest brand on this list, Etude House was established in 1985. Etude House believes every woman is a princess and aims to make makeup a playful occasion for young girls. The store is designed as a playground to invite customers to realize their pink dreams.
Precious Mineral Magic Any Cushion (₩18,000) (Mineral Cushion)
Image Source: Etude House
These compact cushion cases have revolutionized the makeup routine, making foundation application easier than ever. Etude House's cushion combines 6 functions – moisturizing, whitening, acne control, sun protection, foundation, and cooling. For your convenience, each cushion case comes with a small puff. The product comes in pink, mint, and peach tones to match various light, medium, or dark skin tones.
Therapy Air Mask (₩1,000)
Image Source: Etude House
Feeling tired of your old face mask? Etude House offers 15 different types of face masks, each made from a special ingredient with a specific purpose. These ultra-thin masks, only 0.2mm thick, provide comfort and incredible air permeability. There are also some peculiar allergy-resistant masks, including a lotus mask to reduce stress, a snail mask for skin firming, and a lemon mask with skin-whitening properties.
Address: 53-9 Myeongdong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Korean Cuisine
Shopping can be quite exhausting, but worry not. In Myeongdong, there's an abundance of eateries to refuel your energy for the massive sales. Here are 3 Klook recommendations for food in Myeongdong.
1. Myeongdong Kyoja
Image Source: Foolsuna
When in the Kyoja district, make sure to dine at Myeongdong Kyoja, renowned for its dumplings and traditional Korean noodles. Dishes like Kalguksu, hand-cut noodles with exquisite tenderness, become perfect when enjoyed with chicken broth.
Wrapped in a delicate translucent layer, these exquisite dumplings (known as mandu) have become the flagship dish of this renowned eatery. Each delectable mandu features high-quality pork and homemade sesame oil. Celebrated by numerous magazines and culinary reviews, this dining spot is a must-visit in Myeongdong.
Address: 25-2 Myeongdong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
2. Cat Playground
Image Source: Cat Playground
Do you like cats? Even if you're not a cat lover, this cat cafe has gone to great lengths to offer a memorable dining choice for you. It sparked the cat cafe trend, and many cat cafes have since opened throughout Seoul.
Located in the Myeongdong area, Cat Playground is a cat cafe frequently visited by tourists from around the world. After paying an entrance fee of around ₩8,000 per person, you can enjoy a complimentary beverage and play with the cats here. The cats at Cat Playground will eagerly engage in playful interactions with you, welcoming you with joy.
Address: 66-4 Jung-gu, Myeongdong, Seoul, South Korea
3. Street Food Delights
Image Source: Sujay25
On the streets of Myeongdong, you'll find a variety of street food stalls, each offering unique delights. These street eats provide a deeper understanding of local culture, and more importantly, they come at reasonable prices.
If you want to try traditional dishes, indulge in a light snack like Tteobokki, a soft rice cake from Korea served with spicy sauce, and grilled squid.
For those who want to capture Instagram-worthy food, visit Milky Bee for rose-shaped ice cream and cotton candy treats in vibrant rainbow colors.
Attractions
Before you leave Myeongdong, explore the Myeongdong Cathedral. With historical significance, consecrated in 1898, this parish stands as a symbol of Catholicism in Korea.
Additionally, there's another must-visit spot in Myeongdong – Show NANTA. This kitchen-themed show combines acrobatics, martial arts, music, and culinary arts for entertaining the audience. Tickets for Class A are priced at ₩40,000.
Get Discounted Tickets Here
Klook Tips
Travelers to Korea for less than 6 months can receive tax refunds at selected stores. Look for the sign “Tax Refund” while shopping, and to qualify for a refund, make sure your purchase exceeds ₩30,000 per store. When paying, remember to request a receipt from the cashier.
At the airport, obtain your boarding pass in advance and skip luggage check; instead, proceed to the tax refund counter with your receipt and passport for a refund.
Getting to Myeongdong
Image Source: Kirakirameister
You can easily reach Myeongdong using public transportation. If taking the bus, alight at the Myeongdong Bus Stop, a well-served stop. If using the subway, walk from Myeongdong Station on Seoul Subway Line 4.
From Incheon Airport
Apart from taking a taxi, you can use the Airport Railroad Express (AREX) from Incheon Airport to downtown Seoul. Then, transfer at Seoul Station to the subway, heading to Myeongdong Station. Pre-book your tickets online for convenience.
Additionally, the Airport Limousine Bus 6015 also stops at the Ibis Ambassador Myeongdong Hotel. Tickets are ₩10,000 per person and allow for luggage.
Heading to Nami Island
The quickest way to reach Nami Island is by taking a bus from Jamsil Station directly to this beautiful island on the outskirts of Seoul. From Myeongdong Station, pass through 3 stops to Dongdaemun, then transfer to Line 2. You'll find the bus stop at Exit 4 of Jamsil Station.
Journey to Hongdae
Easily explore Hongdae, Seoul's Hipster neighborhood. From Myeongdong, stroll 10 minutes to Euljiro 1-ga Station on Line 2. After 5 stops, you'll reach Hongik University Station, leading you straight to the heart of Hongdae.
