Joanna James
The undeniable retail heart of Seoul, Myeongdong is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore Korean culture, fashion, and beauty. For souvenir seekers, it offers countless options, from traditional Korean items to quirky keepsakes. Explore 5 of the best spots to find unforgettable souvenirs in Myeongdong, and bring home a piece of your holiday in Seoul.
For tea lovers, O’Sulloc Tea is a gem. This popular Korean tea brand is famous for its green tea, sourced from and grown on the volcanic soil of Jeju Island, giving it a unique flavour and quality. O’Sulloc offers various tea blends, from classic green tea to more exotic flavours like tangerine or citron. Their packaging is also designed beautifully, making the tea perfect for a gift, and for enjoying back at your Myeongdong hotel. Beyond the blends, O’Sulloc also sells green tea-flavoured sweets, skincare products, and other items infused with tea extracts.
Myeongdong’s night market is a lively hotspot that transforms the area into a food and shopping paradise as soon as the sun goes down. Located a 5-minute walk away from Travelodge Myeongdong City Hall, this lively market is lined with vendors selling Korean street food, such as hotteok (sweet pancakes), tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), and bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes). Alongside the food stalls, find vendors selling affordable wares and souvenirs, from handmade jewellery to trendy phone accessories and items featuring popular K-pop stars. Myeongdong's vibrant energy is evident at its night market, an excellent place to experience the essence of the neighbourhood while picking up unique, budget-friendly souvenirs.
This beloved Japanese chain store has a huge presence in Korea, and is a go-to destination for inexpensive yet high-quality souvenirs. The Myeongdong branch offers a wide variety of products, including stationery, home decor, skincare items, and kitchenware, all at affordable prices. Browse through a range of fun Korean-themed items, including bookmarks, magnets, and decorative miniatures. Its extensive collection of unique and practical items makes this shopping destination a great spot for those who want to bring back souvenirs without breaking the bank.
The Myeongdong Underground Shopping Center is an expansive area beneath Myeongdong Station, packed with vendors offering clothing, accessories, and souvenirs. Here, you can discover hidden gems, from Korean skincare products and affordable fashion pieces to K-pop merchandise and traditional crafts. The underground shopping centre is particularly popular among K-pop fans, with many stores carrying official and unofficial merchandise. The prices are often more reasonable compared to street-level shops, making it a great place to find affordable and unique items.
For a truly memorable souvenir, head to the Goguan Hanbok Photo Studio. Here, visitors can dress up in hanbok, the traditional Korean attire, and have professional photos taken. The studio is set up with traditional Korean backdrops, capturing the charm of Korean culture. The staff provides styling and photography services, making this experience all-inclusive and hassle-free. In addition to taking home the beautiful photos as souvenirs, many people purchase small hanbok-themed items at the studio’s gift shop, such as mini hanbok keychains and dolls.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
