It's January 1st, and many of you reading my blog are likely still celebrating the New Year with tables full of various salads and snacks. Today, I’d like to touch on a gastronomic topic. This time, I won’t be talking about the history of landmarks but will instead show you what Myeong-dong Street in Seoul looks like—something of interest to anyone who wants to explore South Korea’s street food culture.
Myeong-dong: A Shopping District in the Heart of Seoul
Myeong-dong is the name of an entire district in Seoul, and guidebooks often mention that it’s a place to shop for clothes, shoes, and accessories. Unlike some other shopping areas in the city, Myeong-dong is home to luxury brand stores. During my walk, however, I was only interested in a stretch of the street with stalls selling unique Korean food.
I’ve mentioned my impressions of Korean cuisine in a review article about my trip to Seoul. The biggest revelation for me was that Korean dishes aren’t as spicy as many of us imagine. One of the interesting differences I noticed between local establishments and eateries in other countries I’ve visited is the unlimited and free snacks and drinking water offered to guests.
In many cafes and restaurants in Seoul, you can cook your own food. For example, we grilled meat and made Korean soup. I’ve heard that it’s common here to order or prepare large dishes meant to be shared by the whole group. I also came across information that some places have special chairs with drawers where you can store your things to keep them from absorbing food smells, but I didn’t pay much attention to such details myself.
Myeong-dong Street: How to Get There
My itinerary that day went like this: first, I visited the Deoksugung Palace, then walked along the Seoullo 7017 elevated walkway, and finally headed to Myeong-dong Street. Nearby, you can find the subway stations Euljiro 1-ga and Myeongdong. To plan walking routes in the city, I use the Naver app, and for public transportation routes and schedules, I find the Subway app very convenient.
I walked a short section of the street from the LOTTE Department Store Main Store. There, I found many street food vendors. The stalls sell local snacks and salads, seafood, ice cream, and sweets.
My walk ended about 400 meters from the department store, where there was a small market selling vegetables and greens. Next to it stands the Myeongdong Cathedral.
Have a nice trip!
