1. What are some must-try dishes at the restaurants in Myeongdong Shopping Street?
Some must-try dishes at the restaurants in Myeongdong Shopping Street include:
1. Bibimbap – a popular Korean rice dish served with various vegetables, meat, and a flavorful sauce.
2. Kimchi jjigae – a spicy and sour stew made with kimchi, tofu, pork or seafood.
3. Samgyeopsal – grilled pork belly served with lettuce wraps and various side dishes.
4. Tteokbokki – spicy rice cakes cooked in a hot sauce.
5. Jjajangmyeon – noodles served in a black bean sauce usually topped with diced pork and various vegetables.
6. Dakgalbi – stir-fried marinated chicken mixed with vegetables, sweet potato, and rice cakes.
7. Gamjatang – spicy pork bone soup made with potatoes and other ingredients.
8. Hotteok – a traditional Korean street food made with sweet pancake dough filled with honey or brown sugar.
9. Haemul Pajeon – savory seafood pancake served with soy dipping sauce.
10. Bingsu – shaved ice dessert topped with fruits, red beans, condensed milk or other toppings.
2. Are there any popular local street food vendors in Myeongdong?
Yes, there are many popular local street food vendors in Myeongdong. Some of the most popular ones include:
1. Myeongdong Kyoja – known for their handmade dumplings and noodles.
2. Hadongkwan – a famous restaurant that serves traditional Korean dishes such as gomtang (beef bone soup) and bibimbap (mixed rice).
3. Isaac Toast – a beloved sandwich shop that offers a variety of fillings, including bacon and cheese, bulgogi, and chicken.
4. Pojangmacha stalls – these small tents serve various types of Korean street food such as tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), kimbap (seaweed rice rolls), and odeng (fish cakes on skewers).
5. Sulbing – this dessert shop is known for its bingsu (shaved ice topped with various toppings such as red bean, fruit, or chocolate).
6. Myeongdong Dakgalbi Alley – here you can find many restaurants serving the popular spicy chicken dish dakgalbi.
7. Good Morning Viet Nam – a Vietnamese food truck located near Lotte Department Store offering delicious banh mi sandwiches.
8. Chicken Mania – a popular stall selling deep-fried chicken with various flavors like soy garlic and spicy.
9. Egg Drop – famous for their egg sandwiches served on thick crusty bread.
10. Mandu House – specializes in steamed dumplings filled with vegetables, meat, or seafood. They also offer fried mandu as well as other Korean dishes like kimchi fried rice and bulgogi bibimbap.
3. Can you recommend a good Korean barbecue restaurant near Myeongdong?
Yes, I highly recommend Wangbijib Myeongdong Main Branch. They offer a wide variety of high-quality meats and side dishes, as well as great service and a convenient location in the heart of Myeongdong.
4. What is the average price range for meals at the restaurants in Myeongdong?
The average price range for meals at the restaurants in Myeongdong is $10-$20. However, there are also options for more expensive or budget-friendly meals depending on the type of restaurant and menu items chosen.
5. Is it easy to find vegetarian or vegan options at restaurants in Myeongdong?
It is relatively easy to find vegetarian options at restaurants in Myeongdong, but vegan options may be more limited. Some restaurants will have specific vegetarian or vegan dishes on their menus, while others may be able to accommodate requests for modified dishes. It is always best to communicate any dietary restrictions with the server or staff at the restaurant beforehand, to ensure that they are able to provide suitable options for you. There are also some vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants and cafes in the area around Myeongdong, so doing some research beforehand can help you find exactly what you are looking for.
6. Which restaurants offer traditional Korean cuisine in Myeongdong?
Some restaurants in Myeongdong known for traditional Korean cuisine include:1. Myeongdong Gyoja – known for their kalguksu (handmade knife-cut noodles) and mandu (dumplings)
2. Gogung – famous for their bibimbap (mixed rice dish) and other traditional Korean dishes
3. Punggyeong-Jeonja – specializes in samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup)
4. Yang Good – offers a variety of street food-style dishes, including tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and hotteok (pancakes filled with sweet syrup)
5. Tosokchon Samgyetang – another popular spot for samgyetang
6. Mukshidonna – known for their budae jjigae (a spicy stew with various ingredients such as sausage, ham, and kimchi)
7. Namsan Dolsotjib – famous for their dolsot bibimbap cooked in a stone pot.
8. Myeongdong Kyoja Seocho – a branch of the original Myeongdong Gyoja, also serving delicious kalguksu and mandu.
9. Jaha Sonmandu at Miguemaeul Garden Uncle’s Ttukbaegi – serves traditional sonmandu (steamed dumplings).
10. Chuncheon Dakgalbi Myeongdong Branch – specializes in Chuncheon-style dakgalbi (stir-fried chicken).
7. Are there any seafood restaurants in the area with fresh catches from the nearby Noryangjin Fish Market?
Yes, there are several seafood restaurants in the area that offer fresh catches from the Noryangjin Fish Market. Some popular options include:
1. Noryangjin Fisheries U
8. Do any of the restaurants in Myeongdong offer views of the city skyline while dining?
Yes, some restaurants in Myeongdong offer views of the city skyline while dining, such as:
1. N Grill at N Seoul Tower: This restaurant offers panoramic views of Seoul’s skyline from its location on top of Namsan Mountain.
2. Terra at The Westin Chosun Hotel: Located on the 27th floor of the hotel, this restaurant offers stunning views of the city.
3. La Cuisine at Lotte Hotel: This French restaurant boasts floor-to-ceiling windows with beautiful views of the cityscape.
4. Sky Garden at Hotel Prince Seoul: This rooftop garden restaurant has a terrace for outdoor dining with fantastic views of downtown Seoul.
5. Popcorn Shopping Center 9F Food Court: This food court has a large outdoor terrace where you can dine while enjoying views of Myeongdong and beyond.
9. What is the best time of day to visit Myeongdong for a variety of food options?
The best time to visit Myeongdong for a variety of food options is in the evening, around 6-8pm. This is when most restaurants and street food vendors are open and the area is bustling with food options. Additionally, some restaurants may offer specials or discounts during this time as it is a popular dining hour.
10. Are there any Michelin-starred restaurants in or near Myeongdong?
Yes, there are two Michelin-starred restaurants in Myeongdong:– Kwon Sook Soo (1 Michelin star): This restaurant serves modern Korean cuisine in a traditional hanok house.
– Jin Jin Rice House (1 Michelin star): Specializing in porridge and rice dishes, this restaurant offers a refined dining experience.
11. Where can I find some delicious Korean desserts near Myeongdong Shopping Street?
Here are some options for delicious Korean desserts near Myeongdong Shopping Street:
1. Sulbing Dessert Café: Located in the heart of Myeongdong, Sulbing offers a variety of traditional Korean shaved ice desserts called “bingsu”. Some popular flavors include green tea, mango, and red bean.
2. Cafe Comma: This trendy café offers unique and photogenic desserts such as rainbow cheesecake, matcha tiramisu, and honey toast.
3. Milkcow: Known for their soft-serve ice cream with a generous layer of honeycomb on top, Milkcow is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
4. C27 Cheesecake & Halal Kitchen: As the name suggests, this dessert spot specializes in creamy and indulgent cheesecakes in various flavors like blueberry and strawberry.
5. MiMi Smoothie: For a lighter option, head to MiMi Smoothie for refreshing fruit smoothies topped with cheese foam or boba pearls.
6. Little Mermaid Bakery: This cute bakery offers traditional Korean pastries including “hoddeok”, a sweet pancake filled with brown sugar and nuts.
7. Sweet Monster: Offering an array of adorable monster-shaped waffles and ice cream cones filled with cotton candy, Sweet Monster is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.
12. Are there any popular rooftop bars or restaurants with outdoor seating in Myeongdong?
Some popular rooftop bars and restaurants with outdoor seating in Myeongdong include:– Red Sun Bar & Grill
– Fabric Pub & Restaurant
– Hidden Cellar Rooftop Bar
– Ryunique Rooftop Bar
– Hanwha Galleria Duty Free Store Rooftop Garden
– Terrace 9 Café and Bar at Hotel President
– La Terrazza Rooftop Lounge at Lotte City Hotel Myeongdong
– O’ KITCHEN, O’ TERRACE at Nine Tree Premier Hotel Myeongdong II
– JIL’Z rooftop bar at Courtyard by Marriott Seoul Namdaemun.
13. Can you suggest a good place to try traditional Korean tea or coffee around Myeongdong?
Some popular places to try traditional Korean tea or coffee in Myeongdong are:1. Osulloc Tea House: This tea house specializes in green tea and offers a wide variety of traditional Korean teas, including matcha, sejak, and hwangchae. They also have a small café area where you can enjoy their teas with some traditional Korean sweets.
2. O’sulloc Tea Museum: This museum features a large selection of traditional Korean teas, as well as a café where you can try them along with some tasty snacks.
3. Insadong Ssamziegil: Located near Myeongdong, this cultural complex has several traditional tea houses and cafes where you can try various types of Korean tea and coffee.
4. Gyeongbokgung Palace: The palace grounds have several traditional teahouses where you can relax and enjoy some delicious teas while taking in the beautiful surroundings.
5. Cafe Zero One: This modern cafe serves up traditional Korean coffees such as yuja (citron) latte and misugaru (multi-grain) latte, as well as other specialty drinks like sweet potato latte.
Remember to check for any dietary restrictions before ordering your drinks, such as milk allergies or vegetarian/vegan options. Additionally, keep in mind that many traditional teahouses may not accept credit cards, so it’s best to bring cash.
14. Are there any famous food markets within walking distance of Myeongdong Shopping Street?
Yes, the Nandaemun Market and Gwangjang Market are both within walking distance of Myeongdong Shopping Street. Nandaemun Market is known for its traditional Korean street food and souvenirs, while Gwangjang Market is famous for its authentic Korean snacks and fresh seafood. Both markets offer a unique shopping and dining experience within walking distance of Myeongdong Shopping Street.
15. Which neighborhoods surrounding Myeongdong have diverse and unique food scenes worth exploring?
Some popular neighborhoods surrounding Myeongdong with diverse food scenes worth exploring include:1. Hongdae: This vibrant university area is known for its trendy cafes, street food stalls, and fusion restaurants.
2. Insadong: This neighborhood is famous for traditional Korean foods such as Bibimbap, Gimbap, and Jjajangmyeon, as well as street food like hotteok (Korean sweet pancakes).
3. Itaewon: Itaewon is a melting pot of cultures, and you can find a wide range of international cuisines here, from Mexican to Turkish to Indian.
4. Gangnam: Known for its high-end restaurants and hip cafes, Gangnam also has a thriving street food scene along the famous Garosu-gil Avenue.
5. Namdaemun Market: This bustling traditional market offers an array of Korean street food favorites at affordable prices.
6. Gwangjang Market: Another popular traditional market with a vast variety of Korean dishes, especially famous for its bindaetteok (mung bean pancake).
7. Bukchon Hanok Village: This historic neighborhood offers traditional tea houses and unique hanok cafes serving traditional Korean snacks like sikhye (sweet rice drink) and jeon (savory pan-fried pancakes).
16. Are there any themed cafes or unique dining experiences available in or near Myeongdong?
Some themed cafes and unique dining experiences available in or near Myeongdong include: 1. Hello Kitty Cafe – a popular cafe with pink, Hello Kitty-themed decor and menu items
2. Poop Cafe – a quirky cafe with poop-shaped snacks and drinks
3. Perverted Cookie Monster Restaurant – a fun and playful restaurant with cookie monster-inspired food and decor
4. Style Nanda Pink Pool Cafe – a pool-themed rooftop cafe with pink decor and views of the city
5. VR ZONE at Lotte World Tower – a virtual reality attraction with interactive games and experiences
6. Robot Cook Korean BBQ Restaurant – a futuristic dining experience where robots serve your food
7. Moomin Cafe– a cozy cafe inspired by the beloved Finnish cartoon characters, serving Scandinavian snacks and desserts
8. Dog Games Cafe– an interactive cafe where you can play with dogs while enjoying your meal or drink
9. Alice in Wonderland Cafe – a whimsical cafe with Alice in Wonderland-inspired decor and menu items
10. Deck Kitchen Alice – Mocchi Mocchi Bunny Cafe – another Alice in Wonderland-themed cafe, but with cute bunny rabbits to interact with as well.
17. Can I find international cuisine, such as Italian, Chinese, or Indian, in addition to traditional Korean fare around Myeongdong?
Yes, Myeongdong is a popular tourist destination and is known for its variety of restaurants and street food. You can easily find international cuisine such as Italian, Chinese, Indian, and more in addition to traditional Korean fare. Many restaurants also offer fusion dishes that combine Korean and other cuisine styles. Some popular international food options in Myeongdong include pasta dishes, pizza, dumplings, curries, and more.
18. How accessible is street food and dining for handicapped individuals around this area?
There are a range of accessibility options for handicapped individuals in terms of street food and dining around this area. Many street food vendors have sidewalk ramps or accessible seating options available. Some restaurants also have accessible entrances and restrooms for wheelchair users.
However, it is worth noting that due to the busy nature of street food markets, it may be more difficult to navigate with a wheelchair or other mobility aid. Additionally, some small street food vendors may not have accessible options available.
Overall, there are options for handicapped individuals to enjoy street food and dining in this area, but it may require some extra research or assistance.
19.Myeoneu café is an iconic landmark within this shopping district, do you know if they also serve good meals and what dish you would recommend?
Yes, Myeoneu café is known for its delicious meals in addition to its coffee and desserts. One dish that I would highly recommend is the kimchi fried rice with bulgogi (marinated beef) topping. It has the perfect combination of spicy, savory, and umami flavors that will leave you wanting more. Other popular dishes at Myeoneu café include kimchi jjigae (spicy kimchi stew), bibimbap (mixed rice bowl), and tteokbokki (spicy stir-fried rice cakes). So if you’re looking for a tasty meal while shopping in this district, definitely check out Myeoneu café!
20. Are there any budget-friendly restaurants or eateries in Myeongdong that offer tasty local options at a reasonable price?
Yes, there are many budget-friendly restaurants and eateries in Myeongdong that offer tasty local options at a reasonable price. Some popular choices include:
1. Gwangjang Market – known for its affordable and delicious street food such as bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes).
2. Myeongdong Kyoja – famous for their kalguksu (handmade noodles) and mandu (dumplings), with most dishes priced under 10,000 won.
3. Dakgalbi Alley – a street lined with restaurants serving dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken) at an affordable price.
4. Kim Bab Chunguk – a popular spot for Korean-style sushi rolls with various fillings, all priced under 5,000 won.
5. Street food stands in Myeongdong – look out for stalls selling hotteok (sweet pancakes), grilled meat skewers, gimbap (seaweed rice rolls), and other tasty snacks at reasonable prices.