Welcome to the second neighborhood in our ongoing blog series entitled Districts of Seoul. Now, I’ll be featuring the Jung District, commonly called Myeongdong, in central Seoul. This area is hard to miss in your itinerary! This is where you can find the famous symbols of Korea such as the N Seoul Tower, DDP, shopping districts, among many others. Shoppers, city dwellers, foodies, and architectural buff will love it here. Let’s discover Jung-gu, the center of modern culture and arts in Seoul, and its famous landmarks in South Korea.

Jung District: The Center of Everything

Jung-gu is a small district in Seoul known as the center of modern arts and culture, and a historic neighborhood with Jongno-gu, its neighboring district.

Jung, which means ‘central,’ is the middle point of every transportation, trends, and touristic activities in Seoul. You may find yourself within the area several times as many transits happen here, may it be changing of subway lines, bus stops, or meeting up for a scheduled tour. Many first-time visitors choose Myeongdong as their primary place to stay because of its accessibility. It’s much alive through day and night, with lots of activities that you can include in your next visit.   

READ MORE: WHERE TO STAY IN SEOUL? 5 BEST NEIGHBORHOODS FOR FIRST-TIME VISITORS.

Jung District Highlights in Seoul

N Seoul Tower (Namsan)

We know the famous Namsan Seoul Tower as one symbol of Seoul that attracts many tourists and travelers each year. The prime location of the tower will enable you to get a surreal view of the Seoul city skyline. The tower is at the Namsan Mountain, where you can witness the breathtaking view of the Seoul city skyline. It is a common romantic or intimate spot for couples, family, and friends.

READ MORE: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU VISIT THE N SEOUL TOWER

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

If you’re a fan of architectural structures, include the Dongdaemun Design Plaza. DDP is one highlight of the architectural achievements of South Korea. It is the epitome of South Korea’s architectural culmination. Besides its industrial design that many people admire, it holds a significant role in promoting the modern arts, culture, and trends through exhibitions, galleries, and events. I can say that visiting the DDP is one of my favorites among the other attractions during our trip.

Myeongdong Shopping Street

It is almost impossible to miss Myeongdong when you visit Seoul. Not only that, it is one of the heavily touristic areas, people often use it to call the Jung District because of its popularity. It is the most popular shopping district in Seoul, known for its shop until you drop culture. You will see a lot of cosmetics stores, clothing brands, and street foods! Plus, there are plenty of price markdowns, sales, and great deals that you could score. You can expect a vibrant environment and lots of activities to do here, especially for shopaholic and foodies!

Nanta Theatre

Nanta Theater is the longest-running show in South Korea where you can enjoy watching non-verbal live performances.

Namdaemun Market

Next on our list is the Namdaemun Market. It is a common attraction to go to when in Jung District, together with the Dongdaemun Market and large department stores such as the Doota Mall and Migliore.

Seoullo 7017

Seoullo 7017 is a Sky Garden in central Seoul. It is an elevated leisure attraction that features several attractions in different walkways. The park is a pedestrianized structure that aims to bring a space that promotes a greener and attractive Seoul.

Other Attractions You Can Visit

• Namsangol Hanok Village
• National Theatre of Korea
• Sindang-dong (Tteokbokki Town)
• Culture Station
• Seoul Museum of Art
• Bughaksan Mountain Trail
• Namsan Park
• Dongdaemun History and Culture Park
• Sungnyemun Gate
• Deoksugung Palace

Jung District is another wonderful neighborhood to consider on your itinerary. You’ll love the food, culture, and activities it offers! Next week, we’ll cover the things you can do and must try in Jung District, especially in Myeongdong.

Up next:

• Things to do in Jung District and Myeongdong
• Districts of Seoul: Seodaemun-gu, Mapo-gu

Read the previous blog series about the Jongno District:

Districts of Seoul: Jongno-gu as the Heart of Seoul
Iconic Landmarks and Must-visit Cultural Sites in Jongno-gu (Part two)
Must-visit Sites and Points of Interest in Jongno-gu (Part three)
11 Best Things to Do in Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea