Myeongdong is primarily popular as Seoul's premier shopping, beauty, and street food hub, known for its dense concentration of mid-to-high priced retail, international brands, and countless K-beauty cosmetic shops. It is a vibrant, tourist-friendly district featuring a bustling night market with diverse street food, large department stores like Lotte Department Store, and is a key destination for fashion.
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.
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.
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.
Pickpocketing and petty theft are uncommon, and many locals feel comfortable leaving their belongings unattended in cafes and restaurants. Walking at Night: Many women report feeling safe walking alone at night in most areas of Seoul, particularly in busy districts like Myeongdong, Hongdae, and Gangnam.
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.
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 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).
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.
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.
Myeongdong is not only Seoul's shopping mecca, it is also a street food paradise for food lovers. The pedestrian-friendly streets are lined with rows of fabulous korean street food. You may need a few visits (and cash only) to try out most of the popular street food at Myeongdong.
Avoid Seoul's major holidays if you can. Cherry blossom season, Chuseok, and winter holidays mean packed streets and fully booked hotels. Visiting just before or after those dates gives you great weather and lighter crowds.
If you're visiting Seoul for the first time — Myeongdong remains my top recommendation for first-time visitors. Its central location puts you within walking distance of palaces, shopping, and countless restaurants, while its extensive subway connections make exploring the entire city effortless.
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SEOUL, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- Cancer, heart disease and pneumonia were South Korea's top three causes of death in 2024, statistical office data showed Thursday. Cancer caused 174.3 deaths per 100,000 South Koreans in 2024, up from 166.7 deaths in the previous year, according to Statistics 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 ...
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.
Therefore, it is crucial to be mindful of these cultural norms to avoid unintentionally offending people. Besides that, if you are dating in Korea, do note that showing a public display of affection or PDA is frowned upon. While holding hands is acceptable, kissing in public may attract judgmental eyes.
