People are attracted to visit parts of Seoul for many reasons. For some, they are due to modernized, large shopping malls. For others, Seoul may be a social hub where they can meet their friends or loved ones and make cherished memories. In this episode of Seoul Spotlight, you will be introduced to a loved place in South Korea that has easily been the top hub of art, music, and fashion: Myeongdong.
Photo by Newsis via thescoop
Myeongdong is located in the heart of Jung-gu district, with a nearby subway station at Line 4. It has many important buildings and historical spots of South Korea, including the Myeongdong Cathedral, the national cathedral in Seoul, and the Daehan Theater, which was built in 1958 and played in numerous famous American films back in the mid-1900s, when Korea was not yet urbanized and was an agrarian, developing country.
The history of Myeongdong dates back to the 1920s when the Joseon Dynasty was under Japanese rule. During this time, Japan made legislation to urbanize Chungmuro Road, which is adjacent to Myeongdong. Gradually, Myeongdong’s urbanization spread along with Chungmuro’s urbanization and rapid development. After Korea’s liberation from Japan, Myeongdong became a significant place. At that time, people had various mixed emotions - from relief and joy of liberation to exhaustion and despair from both emotional and physical damages done by the War. During such a period of instability, people found themselves drawn toward social hubs called ‘Da Bang’ and shared their thoughts and stories just for the sake of relieving themselves from heavy emotions; Myeongdong was the right place for Koreans who needed a sense of relief.
Photo by Oh, Saehoon via "내 손안에 서울"
In the modern days, Myeongdong is especially known for its iconic ‘Myeongdong Street’. This street has many shops and stores, large and small, and small food trucks that sell enjoyable snacks and beverages. Some Koreans visit this street to buy clothing, footwear, or cosmetics. However, in all honesty, most people often take a trip to Myeongdong Street solely to enjoy the busy atmosphere.
As discussed earlier, the town is a fusion of tradition and art culture. Many hints of development in the past (especially in the mid-1900s) are still seen in the places of Myeongdong. One place to visit could be the Daehan Theater, which was created by 20th Century Fox. Unfortunately, the Daehan Theater closed in September this year, after standing nearly seven decades at the heart of Seoul. You could still take a visit to where it was and take a glimpse at one of Korea’s oldest theaters.
Photo by PMC Production co. via Nanta
If you get to come to Myeongdong with your children or friends, another attraction you could visit might be the Nanta Theater. The Nanta performance comprises of several skilled percussion players who play drum beats with percussion-like everyday tools. It is similar to the famous STOMP performance back in the 2010s. Drummers play ‘instruments’ like the frying pan or large drum containers in scenarios such as cooking, and mopping, among others. It is a fun performance to see especially if you visit Myeongdong with other people you want to make great, fun memories with.
As Christmas is just about a month left, visits to Myeongdong are especially increasing - and there is a reason for that trend. Though some of those visits are affected by the diverse number of shops and attractions to visit during the Christmas season, many Koreans pick the Shinsaegae Mall as the place one must visit when going to Myeongdong. Shinsaegae is one of the largest department store franchises (could be thought of as the Macy’s of Korea), and Myeongdong harbors the first store. Every Christmas, Shinsaegae Myeongdong decorates their outer walls with Christmas-themed displays. Out of all types of decorations, attractions, or trees celebrating Christmas in Seoul, Shinsaegae Myeongdong easily beats the other options.
If you take a trip to Seoul and want to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Seoul, Myeongdong is the best bet for you. It has everything, from warm urban atmospheres to decorated streets to iconic historical attractions of Korea. Make sure Myeongdong is on one of your lists of locations to visit on your next trip to South Korea.
Works Cited
Kim, Miran. “명동의 두 얼굴… 골목 안은 아직 ‘유령도시’ 같았다” 더스쿠프. https://www.thescoop.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=57665.
Oh, Saehun. “[사진] 차분하지만 화려한 명동의 밤” 내 손 안에 서울. https://mediahub.seoul.go.kr/archives/1504541.
“Nanta Home Page” Nanta. https://www.nanta.co.kr:452/
“2024 신세계, 현대백화점 크리스마스 미디어파사드 언제부터? (+명동, 본점, 주차, 명당, 데이트)” 월급쟁이부자들. https://weolbu.com/community/1865427.