What is Myeongdong popular for?

Myeongdong is primarily popular as Seoul's premier shopping and fashion mecca, renowned for its overwhelming concentration of K-beauty skincare brands, trendy apparel shops, and bustling street food stalls. It is a major tourist destination featuring flagship stores, large department stores like Lotte, and late-night shopping, making it a vibrant center for culture and commerce.

What is Myeongdong known for?

Myeongdong is Korea's famous shopping, fashion and dining district in Seoul. Many local, international brands and department stores lined the streets and alleys, selling everything from cosmetics, clothes, shoes to accessories.

What not to miss in Myeongdong?

Destination List

• Myeongdong Cathedral 명동성당 Myeongdong Cathedral, the first Western-style brick building in Korea, was completed in May 1898. ...
• Olive Young (Myeongdong) 올리브영 (명동) ...
• Geumgang Seokkeojjigae 금강 섞어찌개 ...
• Ha Dong Kwan 하동관 ...
• SM TOWN Pop Up Store. ...
• Korea Shooting Club 코리아슈팅클럽 ...
• Cafe Coin 카페 코인 ...
• Myeongdong Kyoja 명동교자

Is the Myeongdong Market a tourist trap?

But if you'd rather avoid tourist traps, I'd suggest skipping Myeongdong, Gwangjang Market, and Gangnam. 1. Myeongdong sounds amazing if you're looking for convenience or visiting for the first time. But what Myeongdong offers is overpriced street food that's not even Korean.

Is it safe to walk around Myeongdong at night?

Myeongdong is pretty safe overall and is one of the liveliest spots in Seoul, packed with shops, restaurants, and lots of action. Like any busy area, it's a good idea to stay aware of your surroundings, especially late at night when the crowds thin out.

15 Best Things to Do in Myeongdong Street [명동길거리] Seoul, South Korea Travel Guide

Do and don'ts in Seoul, Korea?

Common Korean Etiquette

1) Take your shoes off at the door when entering any residence, temple, or guesthouse. 2) Greet people you meet with a short bow—essentially a nod—and soft handshake using both hands. 3) Give and receive any object using both hands.

What is the biggest tourist trap in the world?

Still, the biggest of all is Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, California, which counts more 'tourist trap' mentions (1,049) than any other attraction in the world. Situated on the northern waterfront of San Francisco, the Fisherman's Wharf neighborhood is home to souvenir shops, restaurants and attractions.

Why is deodorant hard to find in Korea?

Why Deodorant Is Hard to Find in Korea Nearly all Koreans lack the ABCC11 gene, which is linked to body odor production. As a result, most people in Korea simply don't need deodorant—and many stores don't even stock it.

What are the unspoken rules in Korea?

Here are the most famous unspoken rules in Seoul, the ones locals follow and visitors quickly notice: Give & receive with two hands 🙇‍♂️ Don't pour your own drink 🍶 (refill others, they'll refill yours) Turn your head away when drinking with elders 🍻🙈

What is a must buy in Korea?

Skincare, K-beauty products, K-pop merchandise, traditional Korean snacks, and Korean socks are some of the best things to buy in Korea.

Is 2000 USD a lot in Korea?

What salary is needed to live comfortably in South Korea? To live comfortably in South Korea, especially in big cities like Seoul, you should aim for a monthly salary between 2.5 and 3 million Korean won (about 2,000 to 2,400 USD).

What does Myeongdong mean in Korean?

Myeong-dong (Korean: 명동; lit. 'bright neighborhood') is a dong (neighborhood) in Jung District, Seoul, South Korea. It is between Chungmu-ro, Eulji-ro, and Namdaemun-ro. Myeongdong is known for being one of Seoul's main shopping, parade route, and tourism districts.

Is it better to stay in Seoul or Myeongdong?

When it comes to where to stay in Seoul, I still see Myeongdong and Bukchon Hanok Village (or nearby Insadong/Ikseon-dong) as the two best options. Both of these locations put you within footsteps of major sights, great food, and things to do. This cuts down on having to transfer everywhere.

What should you not miss in Seoul?

Don't miss Seoul's blend of ancient and modern: explore grand Joseon palaces like Gyeongbokgung (catch the guard change) and Changdeokgung, wander traditional Bukchon Hanok Village, shop 'til you drop in Myeongdong, hike or see city views from N Seoul Tower, and delve into street food at Gwangjang Market; experience vibrant youth culture in Hongdae, find modern art at DDP, stroll the Cheonggyecheon Stream, and perhaps take a day trip to the DMZ.
 

What not to do in Korea as a foreigner?

What Not to Do in Seoul on Your 1st Visit

• Only staying in Myeongdong or Dongdaemun.
• Skipping Seoul's natural attractions.
• Talking loudly on public transportation.
• Using one hand to receive/give something.
• Sitting on subway seats reserved for the elderly/pregnant women.
• Wearing shoes inside someone's home.

What is considered impolite in Korea?

Social Customs in Korea

Koreans consider it rude to look someone directly in the eye, cross your arms or legs, or have your hands in their pocket when you are speaking to them. Koreans usually focus their eyes on the lower neck of the person they are talking to and try to avoid staring.

Is it okay to fold Korean won?

No person shall damage coins by melting, pulverizing, or compressing them or by any other means without permission by the Bank of Korea, in order to use coins for other purposes in the pursuit of making profit.

What is the yellow rule in Korea?

On August 24, 2025, South Korea's National Assembly voted to approve amendments to the Trade Union and Labour Relations Adjustment Act (the “Act”), also known as the “Yellow Envelope Act.” The reform, long resisted by prior governments and business groups, expands the scope of who qualifies as an “employer,” broadens ...

What is the 4B rule in South Korea?

The 4B movement is a lifestyle choice for women, rejecting four traditional expectations: marriage, childbirth, dating, and sex with men. The 4B ideology first emerged in South Korea around 2015, following the rise of 'Megalia', a radical feminist online community.

What are some strict rules in South Korea?

Tourists in South Korea are subject to the same laws as locals. Some important laws to be aware of include the strict anti-drug policy, with severe penalties for possession or use of illegal substances. Smoking is prohibited in many public places, including restaurants, bars, and public transportation.