Myeongdong Shopping StreetMyeongdong 42
Photo: KTOThe streets between Myeongdong and Euljiro 1-ga stations form Seoul's best-known shopping district, packed with Korean cosmetics brands, duty-free stores and cafés. Step one block off the main road and you will find dozens of smaller shops too.
In the late afternoon, food stalls set up down the middle of the street selling tteokbokki, hotteok, grilled squid and fruit skewers. Money changers cluster here as well, which is why many travellers make Myeongdong their first stop.
Key information
| Hours | Varies by shop (mostly around 10:00–22:00). Street food from late afternoon |
|---|---|
| Admission | Free to stroll |
| Time needed | about 1.5 hours |
| Nearest station | Myeongdong Stn (Line 4) / Euljiro 1-ga Stn (Line 2) |
| Area | Myeongdong |
Hours and fees are estimates as of 2026-10 and may change. Please check official sources before you go.
Discounts on the same cosmetics vary from shop to shop. Some stalls take cash only, so keep a little won on hand.
Plan a trip with Myeongdong Shopping Street
Getting there
| From | Route | Time | Fare (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incheon Airport | AREX all-stop train → change at Seoul Station → Line 4 | ~72 min | 6,300 KRW |
| Gimpo Airport | AREX (all-stop) → Line 4 | ~33 min | 1,750 KRW |
| Seoul Station | Line 4 | ~5 min | 1,550 KRW |
Times are to the Myeongdong area's nearest station; walk from there.
Nearby spots
Photo: KTO
Myeongdong CathedralMyeongdong · ~200 mKorea's first Gothic-style cathedral. Keep quiet during Mass.Photo: KTO
Photo: KTO
N Seoul Tower (Namsan)Myeongdong · ~1.4 kmObservation tower atop Namsan, reached by cable car or shuttle bus. Popular at night.Photo: KTO
Cheonggyecheon StreamIkseon-dong · Insadong · ~900 mA downtown streamside walkway, beautifully lit at night.Photo: KTO
Insadong-gil & SsamziegilIkseon-dong · Insadong · ~1.2 kmTraditional crafts, hanji paper and tea houses — great for souvenirs.Photo: KTO
Gwanghwamun SquareGyeongbokgung · Bukchon · ~1.2 kmStatues of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-sin, in front of the palace gate.
FAQ
What are the opening hours of Myeongdong Shopping Street?
Varies by shop (mostly around 10:00–22:00). Street food from late afternoon. Please check the official website for the latest information.
How much does Myeongdong Shopping Street cost?
Free to stroll.
How do I get to Myeongdong Shopping Street?
The nearest station is Myeongdong Stn (Line 4) / Euljiro 1-ga Stn (Line 2). From Incheon Airport it takes about 72 minutes and costs around ₩6,300.