Must-Dos In Myeongdong | 2024 Edition

Myeongdong has become a must-visit location for many tourists. The infamous night market is what lures people to the area the most but what other things can you do there? Check out our list of 'Must-do's in Myeongdong' to get the most out of your trip!

Wait! Want to enhance your trip to Myeongdong?

Did you know that we have a pass that grants you extra perks like discounts and freebies to some of the best restaurants, cafes, shops, and activities in Myeongdong? Look forward to the Creatrip 'Myeongdong Pass' for Creatrip-exclusive deals to the hottest spots in Myeongdong!
(Open on Jan. 30)

Myeongdong Pass

Myeongdong Catholic Church 

Address: 서울 중구 명동길 
74 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Hours: 
Weekdays: 11:00 - 16:00 
Sunday: 13:00 - 15:00 (subject to change) 
English Mass: Every Sunday @ 09:00 - 15:00 
1898 Plus Plaza: 10:00 - 19:00 

Since its establishment in 1898, Myeongdong Catholic Church has a history of more than 100 years. It is the oldest catholic church in Korea. A symbol of faith for Korean Catholics, the church holds both historical and religious significance.

When the military dictator Jeon Doo Hwan named Noh Tae Woo as his successor in 1987, the student democratization movement swept through the nation. The intense conflict between the police and the people occurred everywhere, and students would flee to the Myeongdong Church to avoid the violence. The cardinal told the police that "you must step on me, the priests, and nuns in the church to take the students from us." The police could not break into the church to arrest the students.

In addition to the historical significance, Koreans place great importance on the Myeongdong sanctuary. During the Christmas season, many ceremonies are held at Myeongdong’s attraction: Myeongdong Church. When you visit Myeong-dong for shopping, why not take a walk around the church?

N. Seoul Tower 

Address: 서울 용산구 남산공원길 105 
105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 

Hours: Mon - Thurs 12:00-22:00; Fri - Sun/National Holidays: 11:00-22:30; You can enter the observatory up to 30 minutes before closing. 

You can't not mention the N Seoul Tower when you're in Seoul. The tower is located on the top of Namsan, in the center of Seoul. It is also called as "Namsan Tower." Because of its excellent location, N Seoul Tower became a must-visit place for viewing the scenery of Seoul. N Seoul Tower sends out broadcasting TV signals.

I've organized information on how to get to N Seoul Tower from Myeongdong for your convenience. You can get there by taking the cable car, or hiking a trail on the mountain, or taking a sightseeing bus.

How to Get to N. Seoul Tower

Take the elevator from the Namsan Tunnel No. 3 and walk to the cable car ticket office. The elevator operates daily from 09:00 to 23:00 (Monday from 09:00 to 13:00)

Of course, you can walk up to Namsan. However, I suggest you walk down the mountain. Some parts of Namsan are really steep.

You can find hundreds and thousands of love locks at the bottom of the N Seoul Tower. In addition to watching the night scenery of Seoul, you can promise your love and friendship at the N Seoul Tower. Legend has it that when lovers put a lock over the fence, their love between the two will remain forever until the lock is opened. So for many years, countless lovers have left their promises here. Isn't it so romantic?

Myeongdong N Seoul Tower will light in different colors according to Seoul's air quality every day. Red is for poor air quality, Green is for general or normal air quality, and Blue is for good air quality. When you come to Seoul next time, check the color of the N Seoul Tower. You will be able to tell the air quality of Seoul without checking your phone.

Get N Seoul Tower Observatory Tickets here! 

N Seoul Tower Observatory Tickets

N Seoul Tower Cable Car Tickets (for Weekdays)

Shopping for Souvenirs

The shopping in Myeongdong is on another level. From Korean fast fashion to knick-knack souvenir shops, they are all worth a visit! Here are some of the best souvenir shops we recommend: 

Butter (Myeongdong Branch, Myeongdong Central Branch) 

Get extra perks here with the Myeongdong Pass!

Address: 
(Myeongdong Branch) Taeheung Building, 55 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
서울 중구 명동길 55 태흥빌딩 1층 버터샵
(Myeongdong Central Branch) 5 Myeongdong8ga-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 중구 명동8가길 5 1층 버터샵

Hours: (All branches) Everyday 10:00-23:00 

Korea's love for adorable knick-knacks is unmatched, and Butter stands out as a prime destination for these charming finds. Catering specifically to single-person households, Butter offers an array of cute lifestyle products. Whether you're looking for delightful plates and cutlery or the softest plushies, they've got you covered!

The Butter in Myeongdong takes your shopping experience to the next level with its multi-level store, each floor brimming with delightful items. Don't forget to bring your Myeongdong Pass when you visit – it's your ticket to a host of exciting freebies!

Korea Mart

Get extra perks here with the Myeongdong Pass!

Address: Ewha Building (A), 11 Myeongdong 8ga-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
서울 중구 명동8가길 11 명동 이화빌딩(A동)

Hours: Mon-Sun 08:00-24:00

Before you head to the airport, make sure to visit Korea Mart in Myeongdong for all your souvenir needs. This tourist-friendly supermarket offers a wide selection of Korean snacks and unique items, available in bulk or individually. 

Plus, with your Myeongdong Pass, you'll receive a complimentary pack of BT21 Almonds. It's the ideal spot to grab those last-minute gifts and treats!

Wappen House (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th Branch)

Get extra perks here with the Myeongdong Pass!

Address: 
(1st Branch) 11 Myeongdong 8-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea (Next to Korea Mart)
서울 중구 명동8가길 11 이화빌딩
(2nd Branch) 19 Myeongdong 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 중구 명동4길 19
(3rd Branch) 10 Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 중구 명동10길 10
(4th Branch) 22 Myeongdong 8-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 중구 명동8길 22

Hours:
(1st Branch) Mon-Sun 09:00-24:00
(2nd Branch) Mon-Sun 10:00-24:00
(3rd Branch) Mon-Sun 10:00-23:00
(4th Branch) Mon-Sun 09:00-24:00

Creating your own memorabilia adds a special touch to the trip of a lifetime. At Wappen House, bring your adventures in Korea to life by designing your own luggage tags and decorating tote bags. 

Choose from a variety of unique patches for your tag, and let the friendly staff iron it on for you. Don't forget to swing by Wappen House with your Myeongdong Pass to receive a complimentary patch. It's a fun, creative way to capture your Korean journey!

Did you know that we have a pass that grants you extra perks like discounts and freebies to some of these shops? Look forward to the Creatrip 'Myeongdong Pass' for Creatrip-exclusive deals to the hottest spots in Myeongdong!
(Open on Jan. 30)

Myeongdong Pass

Namsan Hanok Village 

Address: 서울 중구 퇴계로 34길 28
28 Togye-ro 34-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul 

Namsan Hanok Village is located near Chungmuro and Myeongdong. It's a great attraction for those who want to experience Korean culture near Myeongdong. If you don’t want to go to Gyeongbokgung (maybe because it is super touristy), I would suggest that you visit Namsan Hanok Village instead. Compared to Gyeongbokgung, Namsan Hanok Village has a lot less tourists.

Stop by Namsan Hanok Village during the day and night. Come and check out this village in every season. On your every visit, you will get different impressions. Capture the beauty of Namsan Hanok Village with your own eyes!

Namsan Hanok Village is a place where Koreans and foreign tourists love to visit all-year-round. In the summer, you can check out a Night Market.

With the growing popularity of the Namsan Hanok Village, more and more people are coming to visit every year. In addition to the general Hanok visit, there are many events held in public holidays at Namsan Hanok Village, such as the Lunar New Year. If you are lucky, you can watch the traditional mask dance.

In addition, you can rent a Hanbok in Hanok Village in Myeongdong. Many tourists love to experience Hanbok. If you don't want to wear hanbok in Gyeongbokgung, try renting one from Myeongdong and Chungmuro. You can enjoy your time in a more relaxing environment at Namsan Hanok Village.

Myeongdong Caricature

Get extra perks here with the Myeongdong Pass!

Address: 40 Myeongdong 10-gul, Jung-gu, Seoul
서울 중구 명동10길 40

Hours: Mon-Sun 10:00-23:00

Fast caricature drawings are all the rage on social media, and Myeongdong is part of this exciting trend! Here, skilled artists quickly capture your likeness, playfully exaggerating your facial features to create a charming and adorable souvenir

 It's a fun, unique way to remember your visit, and you'll have a delightful drawing to take home and share. Don't miss out on this popular and entertaining experience in Myeongdong! With the Myeongdong Pass, you can get 1,000 KRW off if you pay over 30,000 KRW!

Ring University Myeongdong 

Address: 서울 중구 명동2길 52 4F
4F, Myeongdong2gil 52, Jung-gu, Seoul

Hours: 10:30 - 21:00 (Closed in Wednesdays) 

Ring University is a place where you can make your own personal souvenirs! This is a unique experience you can't get anywhere else!  

You can make your own personal 99.99 sterling silver rings here. Why don't you envelop your memories of your trip to Korea in the form of a ring! 

Even if you aren't a dexterous person, the expert workers will teach you each step in detail, so you don't have to worry. 

Click on the button below for more information and to reserve a session at Ring University. 

Ring University

Cat Playground

Address: 서울 중구 명동8길 37-14 3F
Myeongdong8gil 37-14 3F, Jung-gu, Seoul 

Hours: 12:00 - 23:00

Price: Adults - 12,000 KRW; Children - 9,000 KRW 

A cat cafe and playground with a whopping number of 52 cats that welcome you!

First, at the entrance, please take off your shoes and change into the slippers displayed for use. 

When I entered the cafe, the clerk carefully explained the rules and regulations of the cafe. The admission fee includes a complimentary drink, so order a drink off the menu. This is the counter; try to count how many cats are in just this one photo. 

All 52 cats have different personalities; a sleepy cat, friendly cat, lively cat, and more! It is such a relaxing experience to be among all these cute furballs. When I was looking for the workers and they weren't responding, I look over and saw that they were cleaning the cats' ears. They were being bombarded with love by an army of cats. 

There are a variety of drinks such as coffee, tea, and juice, and they all come in cute cups! It's a must-visit for cat lovers. 

Beauty Play 

Address: 서울 중구 명동길73 3F
Myeongdonggil 73 3F, Jung-gu, Seoul

Hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 - 19:00
Closed on Sundays 

Beauty play is an open beauty experience space run by the Korea Cosmetics Industry Research Institute with the support of the Ministry of Health and Welfare!

They also offer Korean cosmetics exhibitions, hair styling, and makeup services. Even if you cannot speak Korean, if you show photos of what hairstyle or makeup look you want, they will try their best to replicate it. 

For more information, check out the official website for event announcements and one-day lesson reservations. 

Once your hair and makeup are done, don't forget to take a commemorative photo at the photo zone!

Bank of Korea Money Museum

Address: 서울 중구 남대문로 39
Namdaemun-ro 39, Jung-gu, Seoul

Hours: 10:00 - 17:00 
Closed on Mondays

The Bank of Korea Money Museum is located right in front of the Shinsegae Department Store Myeongdong.

Learn about the history of the Korean currency from the Goryeo era to the present day in an old-fashioned, grand building, that has a chandelier on its high ceilings. 

There is also an exhibition where you can learn about coins not only from Korea but all over the world. When you touch a coin, a projector beams a note from the same country! There are other games like this that are perfect for both adult and children to enjoy.

There is so much more to do in Myeongdong besides shopping! Although the shopping in Myeongdong is also so much fun, these are some other things that you can do while you are in the area! If you have any questions, please leave a comment below, or send us an email at help@creatrip.com! You can also follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to stay updated on all things Korea!