A place story by Momo
About this place
Ninth most expensive shopping street in the world in 2023!? Myeongdong packs brand-name shops, department stores, and independent boutiques into a roughly 1-kilometer stretch from Myeongdong Station toward Euljiro and Lotte Department Store 😲 You can also continue to nearby Lotte Department Store or Shinsegae Department Store. What are you hoping to browse first?
The neighborhood’s names and role have changed over time. During the Joseon period, it was known as Myeongnyedong, Myeongnyebang, or Namchon; during Japanese rule, it developed as a commercial center called Myeongjeong 🕰️ Between the shops, you’ll find Myeongdong Cathedral and Myeongdong Theater, which opened after the former National Theater was restored.
There’s more to add to a shopping walk: Myeongdong Nanta Theater and Cartoon Street are here too 🎭 The area also has hair salons, banks, and other theaters, with subway access from City Hall, Euljiro 1-ga, and Euljiro 3-ga stations on Line 2, or Myeongdong Station on Line 4. Start at Myeongdong Station, walk toward Euljiro, and fit in a theater or the cathedral along the way—off you go 🚇
From Myeongdong Station to Euljiro
The main shopping stretch runs about 1 kilometer from Myeongdong Station toward Euljiro and Lotte Department Store 🚶 Brand-name shops, department stores, and independent boutiques line the route. For a wider-area wander, Myeongdong can also include nearby Sogong-dong, where Lotte Hotel and the main Lotte Department Store are located.
Sights between the shops
Myeongdong Cathedral, Myeongdong Theater, and Myeongdong Nanta Theater sit among the shopping streets, and there’s Cartoon Street too. Myeongdong Theater opened after the former National Theater was restored 🎭 Add one of these stops to your shopping walk and see another side of the neighborhood.
A neighborhood of changing names
During the Joseon period, the area was called Myeongnyedong, Myeongnyebang, or Namchon; during Japanese rule, it developed as a commercial center called Myeongjeong 🕰️ Keep those earlier names in mind as you explore the streets today.
TripNaru photos
Opening hours
- Closed days: Open year-round
