Myeongdong is one of Seoul’s main shopping districts featuring mid-to-high priced retail stores and international brand outlets, including Lacoste, Polo Ralph Lauren, Forever 21, Bulgari, Louis Vuitton and Nature Republic. It is a particularly popular area for young people and tourists as a center for fashion and sight-seeing.
Several large shopping centers and department stores are in the district including Lotte Department Store, Shinsegae Department Store, Migliore, M Plaza, and Noon Square. The floating population of Myeongdong is estimated to be around 2 million a day and in terms of floorspace rents, Myeongdong is one of the most expensive shopping districts in the world. Many hotels, restaurants, cinemas, theaters, and historical sites complete the diverse mixture of the area. {source}
As the sun sets, the streets of Myeongdong becomes more alive as each avenue transforms into one big market of dry goods and food carts. The crowd becomes thicker but security is tight.
We explored the streets while it was still a bit light outside.
But when it grew darker and colder (it was Spring time when we were there), we walked into the shops. My best shopping experience was at my favourite store: H&M.
I can live inside H&M! That's how much I love this shop. It took me about two hours to finish shopping and about 30 minutes just paying for our purchases. I made sure I bought all the clothes I will need from winter to summer. One thing I love about shopping in Asia is that the clothes fit me perfectly. I'm petite and it's so hard to find clothes in Sydney that fits me but in Seoul, it was sooooo easy. After our 2.5 hour stint in H&M, I left with a happy heart and a big heavy bag.
It was late when we went out but the streets were so alive even on a weekday. We were a bit hungry but we opted to hung out in the streets and eat from the food carts.
This hotdog waffle with potatoes were a favourite of mine. It was so yummy!
Other than the waffles, we also had a bit of their Pork BBQ. Another delightful treat fresh from the grill.
We loved Myeongdong so much that on the last day, instead of going to the Korean Village, we decided to just have relaxing day there...and to shop some more hehe.
We went inside different department stores. We spent time at Muji because I wanted to buy another pair of the boots I bought in Manila (that's how much I love it) but they didn't have it.
The Husband loved shopping at SPAO as he was able to find shirts and jackets he liked. SPAO is similar to Giordano and Uniqlo.
We also went underground and looked at camera shops.
We found this store for fans of KPOP and Korean dramas.
My Husband and I laughed when we saw this jacket and pants ensemble from the Korean Drama "Secret Garden". We actually saw kids wearing these.
Before we went home for Manila (our flight was scheduled that night), we had coffee at an Italian cafe. Can you see me in this photo?
To go to Myeongdong, take Subway Line 4 (Light Blue) and get off Myeongdong station.
