The capital city of the Republic of Korea (South Korea), Seoul is an enchanting destination, situated in the mid western region of the Korean Peninsula, on the Han River, close to the North Korean Border. With ancient as well as interesting history dating back to 18 BCE, Seoul boasts of a great number of significant attractions, such as, Gyeongbok Palace, the National Folk Museum, Changdeokgung Palace, and more.

No matter you are going to stay in Seoul for a day, a week, or a month, you should definitely visit Myeong Dong, one of the most vibrant areas in the city. Situated in the heart of Seoul, Korea, near the Mount Namsan, Myeong Dong is perhaps the most prominent as well as trendiest shopping district in Korea. A visit to Myeong Dong would be a great experience for those people who like action, crowd, noise, and liveliness.

Myeong Dong is much popular among the tourists and locals as the fashion center of Korea, and is sometimes compared to Japan’s one of the most famous shopping areas, Ginza. Myeong Dong’s main street is packed with outlets and boutiques selling quality, branded products. But, the shops within the side alleys of the area mostly deal with non branded items.

Since it the shops found in the area usually sell name brand items, the prices charged for the items sold here are relatively higher, in contrast to those sold in Seoul’s such shopping areas as Namdaemun and Dongdaemun. Most popular among the shopping areas in Myeong Dong are four large department stores such as Migliore, Lotte Department Store, Avatar, and High Harriet.

Opened its door in 2000 and located in the Myeong Dong Street (A), Migliore is a place to shop fashionable as well as designer clothing and other accessories. It is run by some excellent designers, and is complete with all facilities such as changing room, resting place, and cash dispenser. Lotte Department Store is an upscale mall, which includes Tiffany’s and Mikimoto and several other shops offering duty free shopping.

When comes to Avatar, it is much famed as an entertainment shopping mall and is situated in Central Street (D.) Its first floor boasts of more than 20 branded shops, while its second and third floors come with shops selling casual items. For shopping fashionable items, drop in the shops found in the 4th and 5th floors. When you feel tired after shopping, step into the food court in the seventh floor to taste some sumptuous specialties.

However, Myeong Dong’s glory not just as a shopping district. But, it is also a popular dining area, with an array of restaurants, each famed for its delicious cuisines and warm hospitality. Just few among the restaurants in the area are Gogung, Yeongyang Center, Myeongdong Tonkatsu, Myeongdong Gyoja, Ttaro-jip Sogogi-Gukpap, and Halmeoni Guksu. All of them offer a variety of tasty cuisines such as Jeonju bibimbap, tongdak, samgyetang, tonkatsu or Japanese pork cutlet, chopped noodles, and much more.

Aside these, Myeong Dong is home to an array of buildings reflecting the colonial era architecture, such as the Bank of Korea Museum, noted for its neo-Renaissance design, Korea First Bank, Shinsegae Department Store, and the Kepco Building. Also, when you visit Myeong Dong, don’t miss attractions such as Myeong Dong Cathedral – a beautiful gothic church built with bricks and shaped like a cross. It is the credited to be the first brick-laid Gothic structure ever built in the country.

The focal point of the church is a wonderful statue of Jesus in the front of the cathedral. A unique acute tower, measuring 45 meters, can also be found within the church. Other highlights of the church are superb stained glass windows, luxurious altar, splendid choir streets, and a pipe organ.

Above all, Myeong Dong is regarded as the financial center of the city, since it serves as the headquarters of many leading financial institutions including banks and securities brokers.

There are also a good number of hotels and other accommodation facilities in Myeong Dong. Many of them offer superb rooms attached with high-end amenities and comforts. Further, they make available almost all facilities in order to enjoy your vacation in Myeong Dong as well as Seoul. Browsing through the internet or leaning on such sources as travel magazines and reviews written by real users can help you find an accommodation in Seoul that go with your budget and requirements.
Sabung Ayam
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