Start With A Daytime Stroll Through Myeongdong Street and Serene Beauty of Myeongdong Cathedral
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#historicallandmarks
Myeongdong Cathedral (Cathedral Church of the Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception)
Address:
74 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea  
Highlights:
• Korea’s very first Roman Catholic cathedral and the first Gothic-style building constructed in the country, completed in 1898 .
• Designed in Gothic Revival style using red and gray bricks, featuring a soaring 45 m steeple and stained-glass windows that depict biblical scenes .
• A culturally and historically significant site — designated as Historic Site No. 258 in 1977 .
• Acts as the national cathedral for the Archdiocese of Seoul and houses the relics of Korean martyrs in its crypt .
• Though primarily a religious site, it has played a key role in modern Korean history, serving as a sanctuary for pro-democracy movements during the 1970s and ’80s .
Opening Hours:
• General access: 6 AM – 10 PM (note: interior tours may be restricted during Mass times) .
• Trip.expert lists weekday hours as 9 AM – 7 PM, and Sunday 7 AM – 8 PM .
(Tip: If planning a visit, evenings on weekdays are a good bet for touring outside Mass.)
Entry Fee:
• Entry is typically free .
Myeongdong Shopping Street
Overview & Location:
Myeongdong (literally “Bright Neighborhood”) is a bustling and iconic shopping district in Jung-gu, Seoul, bounded by Chungmu-ro, Eulji-ro, and Namdaemun-ro .
Highlights:
• One of the most expensive and sought-after shopping streets in the world (ranked 9th globally) .
• A vibrant blend of modernity and tradition: layered with K‑beauty stores, global fashion brands, street food stalls, and neon-lit energy by night .
• Street food is a standout—expect tteokbokki, hotteok, skewers, and more; plus, notable department stores like Lotte and Shinsegae lend a high-end feel .
• A sensory hotspot suited for fashion lovers, beauty enthusiasts, and foodies alike  .
Opening Hours:
• Most shops operate between 10:30 AM – 10 PM .
• Department stores and duty‑free shops typically close earlier, around 8 PM .
• Street food vendors often begin serving from 4 PM and continue until about 11 PM .
Best Time to Visit:
• Evenings are especially magical when neon lights and food stalls light up the streets .
• To fully enjoy all there is—shopping, food, treats, and culture—plan at least 4–5 hours in the area