Myeongdong, Seoul

Myeong-dong is a must visit tourist spot with Korea's trendiest shopping area consisting of over 300,000 square meters of shops selling clothes, shoes, handbags, accessories, and cosmetics. Many department stores also have a major presence here. Apart from shopping, there are also a number of recommended restaurants and cafes here.

Great shopping spot with vibrant street scene. It is also about 15 mins walk from Insadong

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Myeongdong Cathedral is the most impressive Christian church in Seoul. It was completed in 1898 and has a 45 meter tall steeple. This Gothic church has a beautiful interior that attracts numerous visitors to see its stained glass, stone pillars, and pipe organ.

Myeongdong Cathedral has a famous Midnight Mass at Christmas.

As the name implies, it is located in the Myeongdong shopping district, north east of the subway station of the same name.

Christianity is the primary religion of about 21% of the South Korean population. Christian churches and cathedrals are common throughout the land. South Korea has the second highest rate of Christianity in eastern Asia, with the Philippines being first. Christianity in Korea is usually associated with modern reformist thinkers.

Buddhism, not surprisingly, comes in a close second in Korean religion with about 20% of the population. Buddhist temples are typically beautiful, secluded compounds high in the mountains, though a few are located within the cities. Buddhism is Korea is typically associated with conservative, old fashioned thinking.

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One of the things that my wife and I like to do is to visit the Catholic Churches when we travel to someplace new. We appreciate the churches both for their artistic breadth as well as for the chance to have some time for reverence.

Myung Dong stands atop a hill so get reading for a 2-3 minute hike as you go towards it's entrance.

The Seoul Cathedral (1898) stands out not because you can see the tower of 45 meters jutting out of the skyline of Myeongdong but because it's the only Gothic structure of red and gray bricks sitting on a little hill. Pink azaleas lined the courtyard where the figure of Christ stands in front of the church. The marker outside the church said the buildings form a cross when viewed on top but I didn't bother to confirm.

I attended the mass here and even if I don't understand Korean language, I felt at peace especially when the choir started singing. Notice the pipe organ on the 2/F and the ribbed vault roof. Each pillar has its own large TV monitor so you can see the priest even if you're seated along the aisle.

One peculiar thing I noticed is that the church-goers went to the altar during the offertory instead of the basket being passed around. I almost thought, the church goers are lining up for the eucharist.

Weekday: 6:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m. (mass), 6p.m., 7p.m.(No masses on Mondays 7p.m. )
Weekend: 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m.(mass for the youth), 9 p.m. - For the young- 10:30 a.m.(Elementary students), 12 p.m.(Middle/High School students)

Crowds of people, fashion boutiques, restaurants and coffee shops... that's what you can expect to find in Myeongdong, one of Seoul's busiest and most crowded place for shopping and leisure entertainment.

Man this is the place you must see.. May be to start with...

Before getting to Seoul, I have checked VT and some other sites, they were all talking about Namdaemun market area and Dondaemun market area.. The names were so weird in the beginnig but you get use to it..

While checking on the net, I have seen a description as " To reach Namdaemun market get off at Hoehyun Metro station of line four.. However I suggest to get off one stop later, which is Myeong Dong.. It is one of the most lively place you can see in seoul..

Myeung dong is an area where you can find all fashion brands, restaurants and nice places gathered all together in mostly pedestrainized streets.. This is where the youngs of seoul are gathering and strolling.. Myeung dong, besides many shops offers a nice street scenes..

Generally a nice palce to shop. Come here at night rather than in daytime, when you have to look out for traffic. The roads are closed to traffic at night. I was there at daytime on my 2nd trip, and I was hit by a auto-wheel chair. Sob!! Do remember to bargain. "Ka Ka Choo Say Yo" means, pls lower the price!!

I visited this church the first Sunday I was in Seoul and I find the mass very solemn. For non-Koreans, the mass is held at the 2nd floor of the big building at the right side of the main cathedral.

Info from Korea Travel Guide:
Completed in 1898, it is Korea's first Western-style brick building designed in a Neo-Renaissance style, with a 45-meter steeple.

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Myeong Dong Cathedral is the Cathedral Church of the Archdiocese of Seoul. It was also the first parish in Korea and remains a symbol of the Korean Church. In 1784 the first faith community gathered on this spot,
which was then known as Myeong-Nae-Bang. 1896.Fr. Poisnel, who succeeded Fr. Coste, completed the construction. In the 1970s and 1980s, Myeong Dong Cathedral became a focal point for the democracy govement in Korea an played and important role in social developments and the expansion of human rights.

For some free modern Asian-style entertainment, look no further than the Migliore shopping center stage in Myeongdong. (Usually Mondays are off, but sometimes other nights are also off depending on special events or time of year; for special festivals it seems the stage is on seven days a week!) Around 8 PM the karaoke begins, so if you're a brave soul, try singing to a crowd of complete strangers! They're appreciative and will applaud politely(especially if foreigners give it a try with a hit tune fromt he US); I have seen some truly horrendous people get up there and sing and get at least scattered applause, so chances are you'll be a hit, especially if you're lively. Around 9 PM local dance groups (high school, college and even some grad students), dance for the amusement of the crowd, a shot at stardom, some free publicity, or for a chance to get hired by the Migliore shopping center to hawk their wares. There are some regulars, some stars (MB crew breakdancers, a duo I like to call The House Dancers, and lots of girl groups), and occassionally some new blood. If you don't like an act, cruise on over the to Starbucks' next door and kill some time with a cup of java; you can still see the stage from the 2nd floor, and cruise on back out there when your favorite crew comes on. Soon, they'll be building another shopping center right across the walkway from Migliore, so you'll have an even better view of the stage.

If you get sleepy, there are some one-night hotels in the back alley near the Beer Plus Hof (which itself is tucked behind the Basic House), and the Hotel Savoy, located behind the California Fitness.

The subway (Exit 2) opens up right on top the the Migliore Stage for easy arrival and departure.