Travelodge Myeongdong Namsan

Myeongdong Shopping Street

One of Seoul's primary shopping districts, Myeongdong shopping street, is a hive of activity with tourists and locals flitting from store to store, bustling and buying. Bright neon signs beckon and call at all hours of the day in every season. It is a true shopping mecca.

Packed with shops featuring popular Korean brands, you can find every cosmetic product under the sun along this shopping street. The Korean beauty industry has now garnered worldwide fame, a trend reflected in store after store selling Korean skincare and cosmetic products. Other than beauty products, brand-name shops, and fashion apparel stores also line this street, making it impossible to come and leave empty-handed.

Food stalls also have their place in this shopping street. Local snacks such as spicy fried chicken, rice cakes, meatball skewers, omelette burgers, stir-fried noodles, and banana pancakes are served piping hot. Cool drinks and cold desserts are also widely available – perfect for a quick refreshment if you're there shopping on a warm summer's day.

Tips: While there are so many foods in Myeong Dong, you can’t miss local’s favorite Kalguksu, knife-cut noodles with rich broth.

Myeongdong Cathedral

A spiritual heartbeat in the heartbeat of Myeongdong, the Myeongdong Cathedral stands as a testament to faith and architectural grandeur in South Korea.

Standing with its Neo-Gothic structure, the cathedral's stunning spires and exquisite stained glass windows have made it not only a sanctuary for worshippers but also a favorite spot for tourists. Before its iconic status as Seoul’s spiritual center, Myeongdong Cathedral was the birthplace of the Roman Catholic Church community in Korea, having witnessed numerous historical events since its completion in 1898.

Within its sacred walls, you'll find a rich tapestry of history, faith, and art. The cathedral, with its peaceful ambiance, offers a stark contrast to the busy Myeongdong shopping district just outside its gates. As the sun sets, the cathedral is bathed in a warm, golden light, providing a picturesque view and a moment of serene reflection.

Tips: If visiting during a service, remember to maintain silence and respect the sanctity of the place. It's also a great spot to experience a traditional Korean Catholic mass.

Seoul N Tower

Seoul N Tower is a global landmark and symbol of Seoul.

Located 236 meters high and perched majestically on top of Namsan Mountain, the Tower vows to wow you with stunning 360 panoramic views of Seoul. Before becoming one of Seoul’s most popular tourist attractions, Seoul N Tower was initially a radio, television, broadcast, and communication tower. The building spreads over 4 floors and has three sections for everyone: N Lobby, N Plaza, and N Tower Seoul.

Find yourself fully immersed in attractions such as Observatory, Alive Museum, and a Children’s Theatre. Perhaps, you may also want to declare your love among the hundreds of locks of love or wish a wishing well at the Wishing Pond. However, nothing beats the brightly lit night view of Seoul from the observation deck, along with a digital showcase of Korea’s rich, 600-year history through 36 LCD Screens to end your visit.

Tips: Lovebirds can hang a love padlock with their initials to the fence around the plaza as a symbol of eternal love.

Namsangol Hanok Village

Tucked away at the foot of Namsan Mountain, Namsangol Hanok Village offers a picturesque escape to Korea's traditional roots amidst the sprawling urban jungle of Seoul.

This village, meticulously restored and preserved, showcases five traditional Korean houses from the Joseon Dynasty. These homes, varying in size and status, provide visitors with a glimpse of the daily life and architectural brilliance of ancient Korea. But the village is more than just houses; it's an immersive experience. Meander through the tranquil pond, the pavilion, and the time capsule plaza, and you'll feel like you've stepped back in time.

Craft workshops, traditional games, and performances further enrich the visitor's experience. Whether it's watching a traditional Korean wedding ceremony or trying your hand at archery, Namsangol Hanok Village promises a unique and culturally rich experience.

Tips: Don't miss the traditional tea ceremony, where you can savor the flavors and rituals that have been cherished for centuries.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Dongdaemun Design Plaza, or DDP, is a major urban landmark in Seoul. Designed by the world-renown Zaha Hadid, DDP has a distinctively neo-futuristic architectural style, characterized by sweeping, curving forms of elongated structures.

Dubbed the “largest three-dimensional atypical structure in the world,” this aluminum and concrete icon comprises galleries, event spaces, design shops, and manicured lawns that rise to the roof. The attached Dongdaemun History & Culture Park includes museums highlighting past uses of the Dongdaemun area, including a military camp in the 16th century.

Tips: Come in after sunset to see LED Rose Garden exhibition of more than 25,000 “rose lights” that illuminate automatically every day as the night settles in.