Myeongdong, Seoul's Recommended Tourist Attraction

Myeongdong is a popular shopping district located in Seoul, which attracts both local and international tourists. It is a bustling area filled with various brand shops, restaurants, and cosmetics shops, running from Myeongdong Station on Subway Line 4 to Euljiro and Lotte Department Store. Here, visitors can find a wide variety of products such as clothing, shoes, and accessories from established brands. Myeongdong stands out from other shopping districts in Seoul like Namdaemun and Dongdaemun due to the presence of more established brands. Visitors can also find street stalls lined up on the streets, adding to the lively atmosphere of the area. With over two million people visiting daily, Myeongdong is considered Korea's number one tourist destination. Interestingly, Myeongdong was a residential area during the Joseon Dynasty, but it later transformed into a commercial district during the Japanese colonial period. The current commercial appearance of Myeongdong can be attributed to government-led reconstruction projects since the Korean War. Today, Myeongdong has become the hub of shopping culture in Seoul and is a favorite place for both locals and tourists. The area boasts a unique atmosphere with modern buildings from the early 1900s still standing, including the famous Myeongdong Cathedral, which serves as the headquarters of Korean Catholicism. Visitors can enjoy the contrasting scenes of the quiet and peaceful scenery around the cathedral and the colorful and bustling downtown area.

 

1. History of Myeongdong

Myeongdong, which was originally called Myeongryebang and Namchon during the Joseon Dynasty, was primarily a residential area inhabited by ordinary scholars. However, during the Japanese colonial rule, it was transformed into a commercial district with the establishment of Japanese residences. It was also called Meiji-cho after Meiji Denno and served as a gathering place for Japanese people. Today, visitors can still see traces of Chinese and Chinese culture with the presence of the Chinese Embassy in Korea and the Hansung Chinese School. Myeongdong also has a significant influence on the history of Korean religion, particularly Catholicism. The current site of Myeongdong Cathedral was once the home of Kim Bum-woo Thomas, the first Catholic martyr in Korea. Myeongdong played a pivotal role in the development of Catholicism in Joseon, as it was the site of Korea's first Catholic precedent. After Kim Bum-woo's martyrdom, the Catholic Archdiocese of Joseon purchased the site of his house on the hill of Myeongryebang and built a cathedral there, which is now known as Myeongdong Cathedral. This cathedral serves as a landmark in Myeongdong and has played a significant role in the history of the Korean pro-democracy movement since the 1970s.

 

Exit 2 of Myeongdong Station

2. Best Place to go on a short trip in Myeong-dong

Myeongdong is a shopping paradise where you can find various fashion and beauty products. It's a must-visit for foreign visitors as it's hard to find items they don't have here. Most shops have staff who speak foreign languages, and there are broadcasts that guide you in different languages. Since it's impossible to cover everything in one day, many tourists revisit shopping malls, department stores, restaurants, cafes, and stalls. On weekdays, focus on shopping on Jungang-ro or pedestrian alleys. Dongdaemun, which is nearby, also has many shopping malls worth visiting. When in Myeongdong, don't miss the landmark department stores: Lotte Department Store, Lotte Young Plaza, and Snow Square, where you can easily find popular brand stores like Nike and Uniqlo, as well as luxury brands like Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton available at duty-free shops.

 

 

3. Reason what Myeongdong is special.

Myeongdong Cathedral is a must-visit for those interested in history and culture. It was completed in 1898 and is the first main hall in Korea where the Korean church community was born. The cathedral has a deep historical significance and is decorated in a pure Gothic style. Inside, you can see colorful decorations and stained glass windows that create a solemn atmosphere. During the Joseon Dynasty, Catholicism was suppressed, but Myeongdong Cathedral was able to rebuild its status as a symbol of Catholicism in the 19th century. It's not only a religious site, but also a cultural heritage site designated as Historic Site No. 258. If you're interested in attending mass, there is a regular mass and an English mass held for foreign believers on Sundays at 9 a.m. Many Koreans also attend these masses. In addition to its religious significance, Myeongdong Cathedral played a key role in Korean society beyond religion. During the 1980s, it provided refuge to democratic fighters who resisted the dictatorship, and helped ignite the democratic movement during the "Spring of Seoul." Take a break from shopping and visit Myeongdong Cathedral to witness this important moment in Korean history. 

 

 

 

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