A trip to Seoul starting from Myeongdong 🇰🇷
おむ
6 days ago
On my recent trips to Korea, I've been staying more often in the Myeongdong and Dongdaemun areas. I used to stay around Gangnam, but lately I feel my favorite shops for clothes, accessories, and food are concentrated a bit farther north, so I've started choosing hotels based on convenient access.
The one I picked this time is MIDCITY Hotel, within walking distance of Myeongdong Station!
I've been booking hotels around here more often lately.
Gangnam has many wide streets, a well-maintained cityscape with a luxurious feel, and plenty of clinics and beauty spots, so it's a very convenient area for trips with clear goals.
Lately I've been drawn more to areas like Seongsu, Hongdae, and Myeongdong, where you can feel the vibe of trendy shops and discoveries, and for convenience Myeongdong and Dongdaemun feel just right. The subway transfers are easy, and it’s simple to get to other neighborhoods from there.
This trip was 2 nights and 3 days. Because it was a short stay, I wanted to cut down on wasted travel time as much as possible. On the second day I took Seoul Subway Line 2 to Seongsu Station. Seongsu is an area that has become popular in recent years, with lots of warehouse-style renovated spaces and flagship stores with high ceilings and an open feel, so it’s a fun neighborhood to just walk around.
This time I was aiming for a brand flagship store I’d been curious about, and a bag shop I’d seen on social media. Visiting in person, I found the world they create is even more carefully crafted than in photos, and it was clear how appealing it is to feel each brand’s story and atmosphere. In an age when you can buy anything online, there’s still something special about seeing the real thing, touching it, and experiencing the whole space.
Seongsu has many cafes, and if you walk a bit you'll find stylish bakeries and gallery-like shops scattered around. During shopping, I love stopping at a cafe to sort out the next places I want to visit or to slowly look over my purchases, those moments are an important part of the trip for me. In the end I spent almost the whole day in Seongsu, and before I knew it I had walked a lot of distance. Still, I strangely didn't feel very tired, maybe because the overall vibe of the neighborhood is so pleasant.
Day 3 is the departure day. After checking out, I left my luggage at the hotel and made the most of the remaining time. Myeongdong really shines for both food and cosmetics, so it’s great for seeing a lot in a short time. I grabbed takeout from a shop I’d been curious about, enjoyed some last-minute shopping, stopped by a clinic, and savored Korea right up until the end.
This was my first time using Creatrip!
Previously, I wanted to do a cosmetics-making experience at a certain shop in Seongsu, but because it required a reservation I couldn’t try it, so I looked into how to reserve and found Creatrip.
Since you can choose treatments and services while still in Japan and complete payment in advance, the process on site is very smooth, you just check in and pick up what you paid for, or go straight into the treatment. For someone like me on a short trip with limited time, not having to waste time deciding locally is a huge advantage.
This time I used the toast (takeout) I was curious about in Myeongdong! The shop is always really crowded, so being able to save time was so appreciated.
I didn’t have to worry about language or spend time choosing items from the menu on the day, and it felt reassuring to be able to arrive knowing the details in advance. Travel schedules tend to get packed, so I found this kind of pre-arranged service really fits well. I think it’s great for people who want to move efficiently, and for those who are a bit nervous about using a clinic for the first time.
Even on a short 2-night, 3-day trip, I realized again that focusing on one area can make the trip much more satisfying. Just choosing where to stay wisely reduces travel stress, so you can spend more time enjoying experiences. From now on, I want to pick neighborhoods based on my plans and have fun choosing the area.
Next time, I want to try booking a makeup salon using Creatrip. Korean makeup feels trendy, yet it’s tailored to fit each person’s vibe, so I’m excited to see what I’ll look like in the hands of a pro.
Every trip to Korea brings new discoveries, and my favorite neighborhoods change little by little. I want to keep traveling in my own way, including those changes.
