hotels in myeongdong
Myeongdong night shopping+food!
Seoul at Night,
Completed by Shopping and Street Food!
From the very first moment I arrived in Seoul, I was captivated by the city's night vibes. I had heard countless stories about Myeongdong night shopping — how the streets light up with neon signs and buzz with energy after sundown. Since I value both quality accommodations and convenient access to local spots, I chose The PLAZA Seoul among many hotels in Myeongdong. It turned out to be the perfect basecamp for my night shopping and foodie adventures.
Night in Myeongdong:
Walking Through the Beating Heart of the City
Located right in front of City Hall, The PLAZA Seoul puts you just minutes away from Myeongdong’s vibrant nightlife. I didn’t need to force myself out the door after a long day — the short walk to Myeongdong made it easy and exciting to head out again after a quick rest.
From Hotel to Myeongdong in Minutes
After a little break, I left the hotel around sunset. Just a 10-minute stroll brought me to Myeongdong Cathedral, glowing under the evening sky. It was a quiet, peaceful moment before diving into the lively shopping streets. The scene quickly changed — neon lights, upbeat K-POP music, and crowds created an electrifying atmosphere. That’s when my Myeongdong night shopping truly began!
Photo Tip: Take a photo straight from the cathedral's front yard, then walk around the side for a shot that captures both the cathedral and the neon-lit streets — perfect for capturing Seoul's nighttime vibe.
Shopping Paradise That Never Sleeps
Myeongdong is a shopping wonderland. From K-beauty stores and trendy fashion brands to cute character goods and stationery shops — everything stays open late into the night.
I especially enjoyed browsing casual wear stores like SPAO and ALAND, and quirky lifestyle shops like ARTBOX. I found so many unique items I hadn’t seen during the day. Prices were reasonable, so I didn’t feel guilty filling up my shopping bag.
Late-Night Food Stops: Refuel While You Shop!
Of course, shopping burns energy! Whenever I got hungry, I followed the delicious aromas around me and discovered some new favorites:
Grilled Chicken Skewers: Big chunks of chicken grilled over fire, glazed in sweet and spicy sauce. One bite, and the juicy flavors exploded — pure Korean street food heaven!
Grilled Lobster with Cheese: Watching fresh lobster grilled and topped with cheese right on the street? It felt like a gourmet experience in the middle of a shopping spree!
Garlic Bread with Cream Cheese: Crunchy on the outside, soft and creamy inside. It was the perfect sweet-and-savory snack to recharge my energy.
These nighttime streets of Myeongdong felt like a five-senses party — a festival of flavor, light, and sound.
Back to the Hotel: Relaxing After the Adventure
With shopping bags in hand and a smile on my face, I made my way back to the hotel. Being only 10 minutes away, The PLAZA Seoul allowed me to enjoy the excitement of Myeongdong and return quickly to the peace of my room. That contrast made the whole night feel even more perfect.
Night Shopping Tips for Travelers:
Q. Are there other shopping areas near Myeongdong?
A. Absolutely! Staying at The PLAZA Seoul means you’re right near Seoul’s top three shopping districts. Myeongdong is within walking distance, while Namdaemun Market and Dongdaemun Fashion Town are easily accessible by subway. Myeongdong is perfect for K-beauty and fashion, Namdaemun offers a local market vibe, and Dongdaemun is ideal for late-night fashion shopping.
Q. What if I buy too much while shopping at night?
A. Since the hotel is just 10 minutes away, you can always return to drop off your bags before heading back out. Major malls and department stores also have coin lockers available. For valuables, use the safe in your hotel room.
