In this third installment of our Seoul City Guide, Boxer Jess takes us to the bustling tourist spot of Myeongdong. Myeongdong is best known for its huge array of beauty stores and if you wanted to do a one-stop hop to get all your skincare products, this is the area you need to head to. Myeondong also houses some delicious cafes and food options, so read on to find out where you can get the best breakfast and gyozas in the city!

Directions to Myeongdong:

Take the green subway line to “Euljiro 1(il)-ga” Station (Line 2) or “Myeongdong” Station (Line 4).

Here’s a pinch of what this one stop K-beauty/shopping haven has to offer:

Bover Lounge

If you are looking to spoil yourself at any time of the day, this is the place to be. They’ve recently changed their opening hours, so you can get your pastry fix as early as 7:30am. Seasonal menus and breakfast promotions are updated regularly on their Facebook page, and be sure to check out one of their signatures, the omelette soufflé. Be warned that this spot is usually packed, but of course, the pretty interior and beautiful spreads are worth the visit.

More information:

Bover Lounge
Located at the ground floor of ‘State Tower Namsan’ building, 1-1 Hoehyeondong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
02-6020-5755
Daily : 07:30 ~01:30
Site: Bover Lounge

Innisfree Jeju House

This is the latest megastore in Myeongdong—a 3-storey Innisfree Green Store and Cafe. There are plenty of other Innisfree stores around Myeongdong itself but this is the flagship store where you’ll find an extensive range of products. If cosmetics aren’t what you are looking for, head up to their zen-inducing Innisfree Green Cafe for fresh juice and salads while taking a breather from the packed crowd outside. They even offer free luggage storage*, be sure to enquire within if you need that service.

More information:

Innisfree Green Store and Cafe
Myeongdong 15-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
02-776-0117
Daily : 09:00 – 23:00
Site: innisfree

Myeongdong Gyoza

Myeongdong Gyoza is a famous eatery both with the locals and foreigners and although they have two outlets in the same street, I would suggest going to the main outlet that is situated beside H&M. The queue can get lengthy but it moves pretty quickly. Food wise, order the “Kalguksu” (soup noodle) and “Mandu” (dumplings)—the free flow of extra garlicky kimchi is the star! This isn’t the best place for long conversations and catch ups, so make sure to hurry off once you are done eating, lest you get chased out.

More information:

Myeongdong Gyoza
25-2 2ga, Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
02-776-5348
Daily : 10:30 – 21:30
Site: myeongdong gyoza

Olive Young (Flagship)

Once your belly is filled, walk along the street and make a left turn and you’ll find this Olive Young flagship store that has almost everything, from cosmetics to yummy snacks. There is a coffee shop above as well, and the immediate tax-refund (for foreigners) is a great bonus and convenience if you are planning a major drugstore haul.

More information:

Olive Young (Flagship Myeongdong)
53, Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea
02-736-5290
Daily : 10:00 – 22:30
Site: oliveyoungshop

8seconds

8Seconds is a local Korean label, kind of like Gap of Korea. They are currently collaborating with K-pop star G-Dragon—here are some of his ‘Spring picks’ should you like to have a look.

More information:

8Seconds
32 Myeongdong-gil, Myeongdong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu
070-7090-2272
Daily : 11:00 – 20:00
Site: 8Seconds

ABC Mart

If you are looking for deals and steals on shoes, drop by ABC Mart. There are a few outlets around Myeongdong and products do vary from one store to another. Note that there are different discounts ongoing and if you are a foreigner, there might be some other tax-free specials as well. Brands from Adidas to Toms can be found here, with sizes catered for kids, juniors, and adults.

More information:

ABC-Mart
12 Myeongdong 8-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-776-7711
Daily : 10:30 – 22:30
Site: ABC-Mart

 

For more travel inspiration, check out our column City Guide for must-see spots in Paris, Japan and Korea.