Myeong-dong

Myeong-dong is a commercial district in central Seoul known for its densely packed streets of retail stores, beauty products, restaurants, and food stalls. Many pathways are pedestrian-only, allowing crowds to move freely between shops and street vendors.

During the Joseon period, the area was called Myeongnyebang before becoming Meiji-cho under Japanese rule. After the colonial era ended, it received its current name in 1946 and developed into a major commercial center.

The streets function mainly as pedestrian zones, where visitors stroll through long rows of shops and sample Korean snacks at small stands. Vendors in front of cosmetics stores offer free samples, and many signs are multilingual to welcome foreign guests.

Myeong-dong subway station connects multiple lines and provides direct access to the district. Currency exchange booths are scattered throughout, and many stores have staff who speak English.

In 2023, this shopping district ranked as the ninth most expensive retail street in the world, with rents similar to those in Paris or New York. Despite the high costs, both global brands and specialized Korean cosmetics shops stand side by side.