Seoul Searching | Mad about Myeongdong.

Ahhh, Myeongdong - Seoul's shopping haven, the mecca of makeup lovers, and now one of my favorite places in the world. I went to Myeongdong twice during my two-week stay in South Korea, unaccompanied on both instances.

Walking along the streets of Myeongdong - my favorite exercise. Lol!

On my first shopping trip, I came home with seven (or was that eight?) shopping bags, much to the horror of my husband. On my second shopping trip, my husband was practically begging our son to accompany me because 'delikado iwanan si Mommy sa Myeongdong, ang daming binibili pag nag-iisa,' he said. (It's big trouble if Mommy goes to Myeongdong alone because she spends a lot!) But Yue just wouldn't budge. The odds were in my favor. Haha!

Anyway, allow me to walk you through the streets of Myeongdong and let me show you what to see, buy, and eat while you're there. :)

Let the shopping begin!

Myeongdong, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways!
For starters, there's makeup. Lots and lots of Korean makeup brands, with stores sitting side by side. There's practically an Etude House, Missha, and Tony Moly branch in every block!

Banila Co. and Song Ji Hyo. 

Beyond and Kim Soo Hyun.

Beyond's Alice in Wonderland makeup line! *squeals*

Cathy Cat Code and Moomin.

Nature Republic and EXO.

About Me and Sistar.

Club Clio and Gong Hyo Jin.

Inside Innisfree, where I bought quite a handful of skincare items.

A'Pieu and Doraemon.

Laneige is love.

What I love about shopping for makeup/skincare in Myeongdong is how generous they are with freebies! Some stores even offer a tax-refund, which you can claim before your departure at the Incheon International Airport.

There are also a handful of souvenir shops in Myeongdong, which sell not just the usual keychains and fridge magnets, but Kpop merchandise as well.

This souvenir shop right beside Beyond is my favorite.

Everything Kpop!

Brand name shops like Lacoste, Cath Kidston, Tommy Hilfiger, Forever 21, H&M, and Uniqlo can also be found in Myeondong. There are a few department stores in the area as well, including the Lotte Young Plaza and the Shinsegae Department Store.

Lotte Young Plaza.

Cath Kidston with its crazy end-of-season sale.

H&M with four massive floors.

The huge Uniqlo store.

Can you guess which store I loved the most?

My love, Onitsuka Tiger!

The one with the Tiger, of course. I'd take these over Air Max and Yeezy any day. :)

Bruce Lee x BAIT x Onitsuka Tiger Collection.

I made it a point to drop by Myeongdong Cathedral while I was there. I went inside to pray and thank God for all the blessings that my family has received (e.g. this trip to Korea), but chose not to take photos of the Cathedral's interiors. I took photos of the outside instead.

Myeongdong Cathedral (it's right across the Cath Kidston store, you can't miss it).

When you don't have a selfie stick...

The huge tree beside the Cathedral.

I took a break from all the shopping and walking at the nearby Holly's Coffee. There are a few other coffee shops in the area, like Starbucks and The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. 

Song Jae Rim! :)

Lasagna and Mint Chocolate Latte.

Surprise, there's a Christmas tree in my coffee!

If you're into cutesy stuff, drop by Hello Kitty Cafe or the Line Friends Store and Cafe for some really kawaii cookies and macarons, and even collector's items, too.

Inside the Line Friends Store and Cafe.

Thank you to the two Korean schoolgirls who took this photo of me with Brown. :)

Hello Kitty Cafe!

Family restaurants, fast food outlets, and food stalls are other dining options. I went for the latter on my second trip to Myeongdong; I bought a Gamja Hotdog (hotdogs covered with french fries) and a Hweori Gamja (tornado potato). Both were deeeelish! :)

Because Korean street food is best enjoyed in Korea. :)

Tornado Potatoes!

And as customary, I swung by the nearest doughnut shop before heading home. Because you know I have a doughnut monster for a son. JCo, my son's favorite doughnut brand, is not available in Korea so I settled for good ol' Dunkin' Donuts instead. No complaints with these Gaspard and Lisa doughnuts!

Gaspard et Lisa.

So how to get to Myeongdong, you may ask.

You can take the Subway, line 4 Myeongdong Station exit 6.

Or if you're coming from the Incheon Airport, you can take the Limousine Bus No. 6001 or 6015.

If you're unsure, just take a cab and say, "Myeongdong kase-yo?" which is what I did. Haha! 

Taxis in Korea are equipped with GPS and dashboard cameras. The drivers are very friendly, too.
One cab driver even gave me an 800-won discount because he found out I'm a Filipino and we share the same Catholic faith. Thank you, kind ahjussi! I hope to ride on your cab again when I come back! :)