Is Myeongdong Worth Visiting? My Honest Review on The Most Popular Neighborhood in Seoul 2026

You literally won’t find a Seoul itinerary on the internet that doesn’t mention Myeongdong. It’s the most popular neighborhood. Right in the middle of the city, packed with shops, glowing signs, street food everywhere, and a busy energy.

But when I started researching my trip, I kept seeing people absolutely dragging it online. Blogs, TikToks, Instagram reels, everyone saying it was way too crowded, a total tourist trap, overpriced, not authentic, blah blah blah. So of course, I had to see for myself. And not only did I visit, Oliver and I actually spent a few nights right in the city center.

And honestly? Yes, it’s touristy. But I also think it’s worth it. I mean… I am a tourist, and I’m guessing if you’re reading this, you are too. Unless you’re the kind of person who refuses to step foot anywhere popular because you “only travel off the beaten path,” then Myeongdong is absolutely worth visiting at least once.

And if you’re still asking yourself, “Is Myeongdong worth visiting?”, don’t worry, I’ll break down the real pros and cons so you can decide for yourself.

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Is Myeongdong Worth Visiting? My Honest Review on The Most Popular Neighborhood in Seoul

Is Myeongdong Worth It? My Experience

So our time in Seoul was actually split up a bit. We did a bigger South Korea trip, in and out of Seoul, so we had a few days in the city at the beginning and then came back again at the end.

At first, we stayed in Mangwon, which I loved. It’s super local and cool, but honestly… it’s far from a lot of the main sights. So when we came back for our last few nights, we decided to stay right in Myeongdong instead. It’s extremely central, close to the Myeongdong station, and just makes life so easy, especially for first-time visitors.

There are restaurants and shops everywhere, most of the streets are closed off to cars, so walking around is actually enjoyable, and because it’s such a tourist hub, English is pretty common, which isn’t always the case in Korea.

We stayed at Hotel 28 and it was such a good experience. The rooms felt really chic, it was right in the middle of everything but still somehow quiet, and it was just… easy. I loved being able to walk out the door and be steps away from literally anything I needed.

It also definitely made spending money easier, lol. Having an Olive Young basically outside my front door is a dangerous situation.

And yes, of course it’s touristy. Of course it’s a little more expensive. But it was genuinely a fantastic experience. I was able to shop, try so much street food, and one night, I even made cute little keychains when we had nothing else planned.

One of the best comparisons I’ve seen is that if you go to Taipei, you still visit Ximending. It’s busy, it’s popular, it’s full of tourists… but it’s fun, and it shows a certain side of the city. And I really think Myeongdong is the exact same for first-time visitors to Seoul.

What is Myeongdong Known For?

Myeongdong is best known as Seoul’s most famous shopping district and street food neighborhood. It’s right in the city center, packed with skincare stores, fashion shops, and endless places to grab a quick bite.

At night, the main streets turn into a full-on food market with vendors selling everything from Korean corn dogs to hotteok and fish-shaped pastries. It’s also super convenient, with easy subway access and lots of hotels nearby, which is why it’s such a popular area for first-time visitors.

Things to Do in Myeongdong

If you aren’t staying in Myeongdong, I still think it’s 100% worth a visit. Because it’s so central, it’s really easy to tie into other things to do in Seoul that I know are already on your itinerary. To make Myeongdong actually worth it, I recommend coming in the late afternoon or early evening, right before the sun goes down and everything starts to light up.

The first time we visited, we came straight after a morning at Namsan Park and N Seoul Tower, which is honestly the perfect combo. We started with a late lunch at Myeongdong Kyoja Main Restaurant, a super popular Michelin-rated spot. Going outside of peak hours helped us avoid the crazy line, and then we spent the rest of the evening working our way through this list of the best things to do in Myeongdong.

Visit Myeongdong Cathedral

Right in the middle of the busy streets, Myeongdong Cathedral is such a peaceful surprise. It’s one of the most historic churches in Seoul, and even if you’re not visiting for religious reasons, it’s worth stopping by for the beautiful architecture.

Go Korean skincare shopping

I have truly never seen so many skincare stores in one place. If you already know what beauty products you want, then shopping in Myeongdong is great because you can compare prices easily. And if one store is sold out, you can literally walk a minute and find another one nearby. Make sure to bring your passport as a lot of the shops can give you a tax refund on the shop.

Walk around the shopping streets

The main walking streets in Myeongdong are perfect for wandering. There are so many shops packed together, and it’s a really fun area to explore. Some of the best things to buy here are jewelry, perfume, socks, and small accessories.

Eat at the Myeongdong Night Market

A lot of Seoul’s markets close earlier in the evening, but Myeongdong street food market stays open late, with stalls running until around 1 am. It’s one of the best places for late-night snacks like popular Korean corn dogs, kimbap, fried chicken, and desserts. (I also share more in my full Seoul market guide if you want food recommendations.)

Look for unique souvenirs

Myeongdong has some really fun souvenir options that feel a bit more special, like photo booths, caricature drawings, and custom keychains. It’s a great place to pick up something memorable from your trip.

Shop at the major department stores

If you want a more classic shopping experience, there are also big department stores nearby. It’s a nice mix alongside the street shopping, especially if you’re looking for Korean brands or something a bit more high-end. In Lotte World Department store there is a whole floor for tax free shopping.

Is Myeongdong a Tourist Trap?

If you talk to most locals, they’ll probably tell you they avoid Myeongdong at all costs. It’s busy, packed with tourists, and just not somewhere you’d want to hang out all the time if you actually lived in Seoul.

It’s kind of like a New Yorker going to Times Square. Maybe they go once in a while, but it’s definitely not their ideal spot in the city.

But if you meet someone visiting New York for the first time, you can guarantee they’re heading to Times Square, and honestly… why not? It’s iconic, it’s fun, and it’s exciting for first timers. To me, Myeongdong is the exact same thing.

So is it a tourist trap? I mean… it is for tourists. The stores are a little more expensive, street food costs a bit more than it would in a quieter neighborhood, and hotels can definitely be pricey.

But I don’t think you’ll go and feel like you got scammed. I never once felt that way.

Unless you’re the kind of traveler who only wants the most off-the-beaten-path, local-only spots, then sure, you might call it a tourist trap and skip it. But if you only have a couple of days in Seoul and you want to experience one of the most energetic, exciting parts of the city, then I’d say it’s worth paying a few extra dollars for a street food snack and just enjoying it.

Is Myeongdong a Good Place to Stay?

For me, this is a 100% yes.

Even if you don’t love Myeongdong as a place to hang out all day, it’s honestly one of the easiest neighborhoods to stay in. It has the biggest selection of hotels in all of Seoul, and it’s incredibly simple to navigate, especially for first timers.

You’ll find a huge range of budgets here, from affordable options to more boutique, stylish stays, which makes it a great choice no matter what kind of trip you’re planning.

And something I don’t think people realize before visiting Seoul (I definitely didn’t) is just how massive the city is. Staying in the wrong area can easily have you spending more time on the subway than actually exploring. Trust me, that’s exactly what happened to us during our first few nights.

Staying in Myeongdong gives you such an easy home base. You can get pretty much anywhere in the city quickly, and it makes the whole trip feel a lot more manageable.

Here are my favorite hotels in Myeongdong that are genuinely worth staying at:

$$$ Hotel28 — This is a chic boutique stay right in the heart of Myeongdong that still feels quiet and tucked away, perfect if you want something a little upscale with easy access to everything.

$$ Ibis Ambassador — A reliable, no-fuss option with a great location just off the busy main streets, ideal if you want comfort and convenience without spending too much.

$ ARA125 — A budget-friendly stay that still feels bright, stylish, and comfortable, with room options that work really well for solo travelers, couples, or families.

FAQ: Myeongdong Seoul

Is Myeongdong safe?

Yes, Myeongdong is very safe. Seoul in general is one of the safest major cities I’ve ever visited, and Myeongdong is busy, well-lit, and full of people at all hours. Even at night, it feels more lively than sketchy. Like any tourist-heavy area, just keep an eye on your belongings, but overall it’s a very comfortable place to walk around.

Should I stay in Myeongdong or Gangnam?

It depends on what kind of trip you want.
Myeongdong is better for first-timers because it’s central, walkable, and close to a lot of the main sights like Namsan Tower, markets, and shopping streets.

Gangnam feels more modern and business-y, with upscale malls and a more local daily-life vibe. Personally, for your first trip to Seoul, I’d choose Myeongdong for convenience.

Is Myeongdong shopping street worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like shopping even a little bit. The skincare stores alone are an experience, and it’s one of the easiest places in Seoul to browse, compare prices, and just wander. Even if you don’t buy much, it’s fun to walk through and take it all in.

Is Myeongdong really that bad?

Honestly… no. It’s definitely touristy and crowded, but I think people online love to exaggerate. It’s not some horrible place you need to avoid, it’s just not a hidden local secret.

Think of it like Times Square. Locals might not hang out there, but for visitors, it’s exciting and worth seeing at least once.

Is staying in Myeongdong worth it?

For me, yes, 100%. The location makes everything easier, especially in a city as huge as Seoul. There are tons of hotel options, the subway access is great, and you can walk out the door and immediately have food, shopping, and nightlife around you.

Even if you don’t spend all your time there, it’s an excellent home base.

Final Verdict: Is Myeongdong Worth It?

If this is your first time in Seoul and you’re debating whether Myeongdong is worth visiting, just trust me and go. It’s not out of the way at all, and if you get there and decide it’s not your vibe, you can literally walk a few blocks and you’re onto something else. At the very least, you can say you saw it.

For me, I don’t think Myeongdong is the most charming or local part of the city, but I do think it’s an amazing spot for first-time visitors, especially as a place to stay. The location is unbeatable, the people-watching is honestly so fun (the face mask shopping alone is an experience), and some of my favorite Korean BBQ meals in Seoul were actually around this area.

Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, you might pay a couple dollars more for things. But I never once felt like I was getting scammed or that it wasn’t worth it. At the end of the day, I fully recommend visiting Myeongdong at least once while you’re in Seoul. It’s a classic for a reason.