Myeongdong Shopping Street
Myeongdong Shopping Street is a large pedestrian zone in downtown Seoul lined with fashion boutiques, cosmetics stores, restaurants, and street food vendors spread across multiple city blocks. Retail options range from international brands to local Korean beauty products, while food stalls throughout the area sell snacks like egg bread and cheesy corn dogs.
The area developed as a commercial center after the Korean War as Seoul was rebuilt, with the street gradually becoming a major trading hub. It has since established itself as one of Korea's leading shopping destinations over the following decades.
The street serves as a gathering place where both locals and tourists browse fashion, cosmetics, and street food in a single setting. Korean beauty brands have made this location their centerpiece, with shops like Laneige and Innisfree reflecting the country's reputation for skincare innovation and attracting visitors specifically interested in these products.
The location is easily accessible by subway, as Myeongdong Station is on Line 4 with exits leading directly into the shopping street. Most stores open around eleven in the morning and close around ten in the evening, while street vendors typically accept only cash, so it is helpful to carry Korean currency.
Several stores allow visitors to design their own souvenirs, such as at the Nike shop where T-shirts can be customized in about 20 minutes. Wappen House offers similar services with custom keychains and embroidered bags, adding a personal and creative element to shopping here.
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