Seoul - Myeongdong: N Seoul Tower, Hanbok & Gimbap

Myeong-dong (명동) is a shoppers' paradise for girls.

It is an area filled with young people and the latest trends in Korea. It is crowded with bill boards, cosmetics, restaurants and fashion goods. Here are 8 things to do in Myeongdong...

1. Buy Korean won

It is a great idea to drop by Myeong-dong on your first day of visit in Seoul. It is a popular tourist destination and a great place to exchange money.

Most of the forex shops are open 24 hours a day. Last time I checked, this shop near Chinese Embassy has the best money exchange rate. It is one of the best places to exchange money in Seoul.



대사관앞환전
Address: 26 Myeongdong 2-gil, Myeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul (google map)
Hours: 9:00 am to 9 pm

• Tip: You can estimate daily money exchange rate in this app!
• Check the forex shops nearby to compare rates

2. Try on Traditional Korean Costume (Hanbok) 

Hanbok is an important part of Korean culture and history. Free hanbok experience is available in Myeongdong in the Seoul Global Cultural Centre.

Tips:

• Maximum amount of people (per group) is 6
• Time limit: 10 minutes per group
• You can also try on traditional guard uniform!

Information: 

Seoul Global Cultural Center (서울글로벌문화체험센터)
Location: 5th floor of the M Plaza, Myeongdong
Address: 27 Myeongdong 8-gil, Myeongdong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul (google map)
Hours: 10:30-18:30 (Last admission:18:00)

3. Shop at Olive Young

 I would recommend shopping at Olive Young. Olive Young is the largest beauty store in Seoul. It has popular cosmetics, trendy face mask and health products. One of my personal favorites stores in Seoul!

Who doesn't love free samples? There are often free giveaways on the streets of Myeondong. Last time we got plenty of anti-wrinkle eye cream simply by presenting our passport.

The more you buy, the more samples they give you.



Information:

Olive Young (Myeongdong) 올리브영 (명동)
Address: 9-20 Myeongdong 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul (google map)
Hours: 10:00-22:30

4. Eat Good Local Food!

There are lots of Korean restaurants in Myeongdong. Korean beef and seafood restaurants can be quite expensive and is often crowded with tourists.

There are plenty of small restaurants in the alley that serves good food. For instance, there are restaurants that provide affordable local food.

Bibimbap is Korean mixed rice with vegetables and sesame oil. It is one of the healthier Korean food options that you can enjoy. Vegan options are available upon request.



Pajeon is Korean style savory green onion pancake. It goes well with Korean rice wine.

Read: Seoul - What to Do on a Rainy Day

Information:

Gogung - Myeongdong Branch (고궁 - 명동점)

Address: 27 Myeongdong 8ga-gil, Myeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul (google map)

Hours: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm

Jeonju Jungang Hoegwan (전주중앙회관)

Address: 21 Myeongdong 8na-gil, Myeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul (google map)

Hours: 9:30 am - 10:30 pm

5. Ride on the Namsan Cable Car

N Seoul Tower is the landmark of Seoul and a major tourist attraction.

There are 2 ways to get there from Myeongdong:

You can either walk up a flight of stairs to take the Namsan cable car, or use the Namsan Ohreumi inclined elevator, which runs between the front of the Namsan tunnel and the cable car platform. The Namsan cable car is transparent on all sides.




Information:

Namsan Cable Car (남산 케이블카)

• Hours: 10:00 to 23:00
• Fee for adults: 6,000 won for a single ticket (8,500 won for a return ticket)
• Fee for children: 3,500 won (5,500 for a return ticket)
• Fee for seniors (over 65): 3,500 won (5,500 for a return ticket)

6. Take Selfies at the "Trees of Love Padlocks"

The "Trees of Love Padlocks" are highly photogenic on a sunny day. It is also a popular filming location for many popular Korean drama, including the Legend of the Blue Sea.



If you're traveling with a lover, don't forget to attach a padlock on the fence. It symbolize ever lasting love and devotion.




N Seoul Tower
Address: 105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan 2(i)ga-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (google map)
Hours: 10 am - 11:00 pm

7. Watch the Sunset and Night View of N Seoul Tower

In the evening, slowly walk back to Myeongdong.

By that time, Myeongdong will be packed with people. Even more street stalls can be found. Time for some late night shopping!

8. Snack on Korean Seaweed Rice Roll 

Are you ready to call it a day at Myeongdong?

Don't forget to try one of these Korean sushi rolls (Kimbap / Gimbap) near the Myeongdong Subway Station. That lady makes the best Korean sushi in Seoul!

Information:

Address:  서울 중구 명동2가 55-3 (google map)
Hours: 9:00 - 22:30
Access: Exit 6, Myeongdong Subway Station. Walk for 5 minutes.