Tips for Visiting Myeongdong During Christmas
Justin Edshard
6 days ago
If you’re planning to visit Myeongdong during Christmas and want cute holiday photos, here’s my honest advice: don’t go to the big, viral shopping malls you see all over social media. They’re beautiful, yes but they’re also crowded. I tried a few in my last trip and it was almost impossible to take a nice photo without someone walking into the frame.
I ended up wandering around Myeongdong and found a few quieter local places that still feel festive but aren’t packed with people. Honestly, it was much easier to take photos there without waiting forever.
1. Pines Cafe
73 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
I stopped by Pines Cafe right before sunset, and it turned out to be the perfect timing. From the window seats, you get a clear, wide view of Myeongdong Cathedral and during Christmas season, the whole cathedral is covered in warm golden lights. It honestly felt like I was looking at a postcard.
The café itself is quite spacious, so even though it was weekend, I didn’t feel rushed or crowded. I had enough room to take photos from different angles, especially near the windows. If you want clean, bright shots, try sitting on the second floor the lighting is surprisingly good. I ordered a latte, and while the drink was pretty standard, the view alone made the stop worth it.
Tip: Go around 4–5 PM to catch the lights outside while still having natural daylight inside for photos.
2. Les Parisiens Cafe
6-1 Myeongdong 6-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
This one really felt like a hidden gem. It’s tucked into a quieter alley, so the atmosphere is much calmer than the main Myeongdong streets. When I walked in, the warm lighting and French style interior immediately made me want to stay longer than planned.
There weren’t many customers when I visited, so I had plenty of time to take photos without feeling awkward. The Christmas tree inside is beautifully decorated not overly flashy, but elegant and it became my favorite indoor photo spot on this trip. I tried their vanilla latte and cheesecake, and both were surprisingly good.
Tip: The window seats get the best natural light for portraits or close-up café shots.
3. Hazzys SpaceH
28 Myeongdong 8-ga-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
I initially stopped by because they offer free luggage storage for tourists, which was super convenient while shopping in the area. But I ended up staying longer because I discovered a small Christmas-themed photo corner inside. It’s decorated in a cute, modern style, simple but very aesthetic. The lighting there is soft and flattering, so you don’t need any additional filters.
What really stood out to me was the staff. They were incredibly kind and even offered to help take my photos. If you're traveling with luggage or looking for a quiet indoor spot to rest for a bit, this place is honestly perfect.
Tip: If your hands are full with shopping bags, the staff doesn’t mind helping you store them temporarily !
Here are the local spots I discovered hope they help if you’re looking for simple, cozy Christmas photo locations in Myeongdong.
