Myeong-dong is an administrative neighborhood located in Jung-gu, Seoul. During the Joseon Dynasty, it was part of Nambu Myeongryebang (명례방, 明禮坊) in Hanseongbu and was called Myeongryebanggol or Jonghyeon (종현, 鍾峴). During the Japanese occupation, it transformed into a commercial district, becoming a bustling area representing Seoul. After the Korean War, Myeong-dong became a cultural and artistic hub with modern buildings like the National Theater and Myeong-dong Cathedral, attracting writers and artists in music, art, literature, photography, and theater. In the 1970s, it evolved into a center of consumer culture and entertainment, driven by economic growth. However, with the development of Gangnam and the growth of secondary city centers like Yeongdong, Banpo, and Yeouido, Myeong-dong experienced significant decline.
Myeong-dong (명동, 明洞) is a bustling area and neighborhood in Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea. The combined area of Myeong-dong 1-ga (명동1가) and Myeong-dong 2-ga (명동2가) is 0.91 square kilometers.
It includes the legal districts of Myeong-dong 1-ga and 2-ga, Chungmuro 1-ga and 2-ga (충무로1가, 충무로2가), and Euljiro 1-ga and 2-ga (을지로1가, 을지로2가).
History
During the Joseon Dynasty, Myeong-dong (명동, 明洞) was known as Myeongrye-dong (명례동, 明禮洞) or Myeongrye-bang, and ‘Namchon,’ meaning ‘southern village.’ It was primarily a residential area where poor scholars lived. However, during the Japanese colonial period, it developed into a commercial hub known as Meiji Town (명치정, 明治町, 메이지초).
Meiji Town 1-chome (명치정1정목, 明治町一丁目, 메이지초잇초메) and Meiji Town 2-chome (명치정2정목, 明治町二丁目, 메이지초니초메) were organized under the jurisdiction of Jung-gu (중구) on June 10, 1943.
Before the 1970s, Myeong-dong was the financial center of South Korea, home to many securities companies. Even today, the legal districts of Dadong (다동) and Samgak-dong (삼각동) under the administrative district of Myeong-dong are known for their high concentration of banks, maintaining its reputation as a financial hub in the heart of Seoul.
Formation and Changes
In the Joseon Dynasty, this area was a densely populated residential area. During the Japanese occupation, Myeong-dong (명동, 明洞) gradually transformed into a commercial district as the nearby Chungmu-ro (충무로) area was developed for commerce. After 1923, Myeong-dong became one of Seoul’s busiest districts. Despite the hardships of the Korean War, Myeong-dong remained a center for culture and arts in Seoul. Artists and intellectuals gathered in the cafes and bars of Myeong-dong, discussing art and life and finding solace during those tough times.
The area began to take its modern form right after the Korean War, when the government designated it as a special zone for post-war reconstruction and land planning. From 1956 onwards, high-rise buildings started to appear, along with luxury boutiques, shoe stores, jewelry shops, large department stores, various offices, the headquarters of financial institutions, shopping centers, and specialty retail stores. This made Myeong-dong a popular shopping destination for both locals and foreigners.
During this period, significant buildings such as the National Theater, Myeong-dong Cathedral (명동성당), the Chinese Embassy, and the Central Post Office were established. Cafes where writers gathered became stages for music, art, literature, photography, and theater. As South Korea’s economy grew remarkably, Myeong-dong gradually evolved into a center of consumer culture and nightlife.
Up until the 1970s, Myeong-dong was Seoul’s most famous commercial district. In 1976, the construction of the 3·1 Overpass expanded the road from Jeo-dong 1-ga to Chungmu-ro 2-ga from 5 meters to 15 meters, giving Myeong-dong its current urban structure. However, with the subsequent development of Gangnam and the rise of new sub-centers such as Yeongdong (영동), Banpo (반포), and Yeouido (여의도), many financial institutions moved to Yeouido. New large department stores and commercial buildings sprang up in these areas, leading to a significant decline in Myeong-dong’s commercial influence. Especially with Apgujeong-dong emerging as a new fashion hub, Myeong-dong’s role as a trendsetter started to fade.
Current Status
In today’s postmodern society, the cultural and traditional aspects of a place are recognized as its ‘identity’ and are often utilized as key elements in regional development. This trend has highlighted the tradition and historical significance of Myeong-dong (명동, 明洞). The city of Seoul has designated Myeong-dong as a special tourist zone as part of its core urban regeneration project. The plan aims to create a high-tech cultural and tourism street linking Insadong (인사동), Samgak-dong (삼각동), and Myeong-dong, turning this area into an international hub for tourism, shopping, and culture.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism has emphasized that Myeong-dong has been a cultural center since the modern era due to the presence of the ‘former National Theater’. The government plans to purchase and restore the building of the former National Theater, not only to preserve the cultural heritage of Myeong-dong but also to use it actively as a modern cultural infrastructure, offering high-quality performances. The former National Theater, originally known as ‘Meijiza (명치좌, 明治座)’ when it first opened in 1934, is significant both in cultural and architectural history. In 2009, this Baroque-style building was reborn as the ‘Myeongdong Theater (명동예술극장)’.
Recognizing the layers of history formed over time as the cultural capital of the area, Myeong-dong has re-emerged as an attractive destination for both local and international tourists, blending culture and shopping.
Surrounding Streets and Attractions
Myeong-dong (명동, 明洞) has long been one of the busiest and most popular districts in Seoul’s old downtown and a major tourist destination. It is known for attracting visitors from all over the world, including Japan and China. Apart from the Chinese Embassy, Myeong-dong Cathedral (명동성당), and the Catholic Hall, most of the area is a hub for shopping, culture, and commerce.
No matter the season or weather, Myeong-dong is always bustling with tourists of various nationalities and ages. It is one of Seoul’s top tourist spots, known for having the highest pedestrian traffic in the city.
Myeong-dong is also considered the most expensive area for real estate in South Korea. While it has a significant number of Chinese restaurants and a Chinese school, making it a popular area for the Chinese community, it does not quite fit the definition of a “Chinatown.”
To the south, Myeong-dong is adjacent to Namdaemun Market (남대문시장), and to the west, it connects to Seoul Plaza (서울광장), increasing the inflow of people.
- Lotte Department Store Main Branch (롯데백화점 본점): One of the largest and most famous department stores in South Korea, offering a wide range of products and luxury brands.
- Lotte Duty Free (롯데면세점): A popular destination for international shoppers looking for tax-free shopping on various goods, from cosmetics to luxury items.
- Shinsegae Department Store Main Branch (신세계백화점 본점): Another prominent department store known for its high-end products and services.
- Bank of Korea (한국은행): The central bank of South Korea, located in the heart of Myeong-dong.
- Myeong-dong Theater (명동예술극장): A historic theater offering various performances, including plays and musicals.
- Korea Tourism Organization Seoul Center (한국관광공사 서울센터): A center providing information and services for tourists exploring Seoul and South Korea.
- Myeong-dong Cathedral (명동성당): A significant Catholic church and a historic landmark in Myeong-dong, known for its beautiful architecture and cultural significance.