If you are planning a trip to Seoul, Myeongdong is probably number one on your list. It is the chaotic, neon-lit heart of K-Beauty and street food.
You will see thousands of tourists, endless cosmetic shops, and a river of food stalls. However, be careful. Myeongdong is also the easiest place to lose all your money on overpriced snacks.
Do you really want to pay $15 for a grilled lobster tail on the street? Probably not.
Welcome to Level 1. Let me tell you how I spent my entire budget on street food and missed the real legendary noodles.
The Level 1 Logs: The Lobster Trap
Flashback: 6 months ago. Myeongdong Main Street.
I arrived in Myeongdong hungry. The smell was amazing. First, I saw a stall selling grilled lobster with cheese. It looked fancy. I bought it without asking the price. It was 20,000 KRW (about $15). Then, I bought a Wagyu steak skewer. Another 15,000 KRW.
Within 20 minutes, I had spent $30 on two snacks. Unfortunately, I was still hungry. The lobster was chewy, and the steak was cold. I realized I had fallen into the “Tourist Trap.” I was eating food made for tourists, priced for tourists.
Enter “Ssam” (The Local Guide)
I met Ssam near the station. I was licking sauce off my fingers. “Ssam, street food is so expensive! Is this normal?”
Ssam shook his head. “Alice, you bought the ‘Instagram Food’. Locals don’t eat lobster on the street.”
He explained the Street Food Rule: “Street food should be cheap and simple. If it costs more than a proper meal, walk away. I will take you to a real restaurant.”
Level 3 Wisdom: How to Eat Like a Pro
Myeongdong is amazing if you know where to look. Ideally, follow this route.
1. The Real Street Food (Cheap & Tasty)
Skip the lobster. Look for these classic Korean snacks instead.
- Gyeran-ppang (Egg Bread): Sweet bread with a whole egg inside. Costs about 2,000 KRW.
- Hotteok: Sweet pancake filled with sugar and nuts.
- Eomuk (Fish Cake): Comes with free hot broth. Perfect for winter.
2. The Legend: Myeongdong Kyoja
Instead of spending $15 on a snack, go to Myeongdong Kyoja.
- What is it? A Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant famous for Kalguksu (Knife-cut noodles) and Mandu (Dumplings).
- The Taste: Rich chicken broth and silky noodles.
- Warning: Their Kimchi is incredibly spicy and garlicky. You will smell like garlic for 3 days. It is worth it.
3. Shopping: The 12-Story Daiso
After eating, you need to shop. Specifically, look for the Daiso Myeongdong Station Branch. It is 12 floors high. Yes, 12 floors. You can buy cute souvenirs, Korean snacks, and stationery for 1,000~5,000 KRW. It is the best place to buy gifts for your friends back home.
Level 4: The Deep Dive (Ssam’s Insight)
(Why is Myeongdong the center of tourism?)
The Face of Seoul
Myeongdong wasn’t always just for tourists. Historically, during the Joseon Dynasty, it was a residential area. In the 1970s and 80s, it was the center of culture, art, and fashion for cool Korean youth.
Today, it has transformed into a global shopping district. It represents the “K-Wave” (Hallyu). When you see the massive screens playing K-Pop videos and the rows of cosmetic shops, you are seeing the power of Korean soft power. It might be commercialized, but it is the most vibrant entry point to Korea.
Alice’s Bottom Line: Eat Noodles, Buy Masks
Go to Myeongdong. Soak in the energy. Buy a 10-pack of face masks. Visit the giant Daiso. But for dinner? Sit down at Myeongdong Kyoja.
Save the lobster money for a nice taxi ride home.
Survival Hangul: Myeongdong Edition
- “명동교자 어디예요? (Myeongdong Kyoja eodi-yeyo?)”
- Meaning: “Where is Myeongdong Kyoja?” (The most useful phrase here).
- “얼마예요? (Eol-ma-yeyo?)”
- Meaning: “How much is it?”
- “세일해요? (Sale-hae-yo?)”
- Meaning: “Is this on sale?” (Essential for cosmetic shopping).
Read This Next (Before You Make Another Mistake)
Planning your Seoul trip? Check out these guides.
- Going to the airport? Don’t forget the taxi rules. [Korean Taxi Guide: Why Red Light Means “Go” (and How to Use Kakao T)]
- Need a T-money card for the subway? It’s essential. [Ultimate Living in Korea Guide: 10 Survival Cheat Codes]
- Want more authentic food? Try K-BBQ. [Art of K-BBQ: Korean BBQ Etiquette Ssam Guide]