Forget Shopping for a Moment: 4 Hidden Wellness Gems in Myeongdong

Myeongdong is famous for its bustling streets and endless shopping, but did you know it’s also a hub for healing and beauty?

The Seoul Metropolitan Government recently released the "2025 Seoul Beauty Wellness 100," a curated list of the best spots to find rest, taste, and style in the city. Out of that list, I’ve picked the top 4 spots in Myeongdong where you can recharge your body and soul.

From a quiet cathedral to a K-Beauty playground, here is how to enjoy a different side of Myeongdong!

1. Myeongdong Cathedral: A Sanctuary of Peace

Standing quietly on a hill, Myeongdong Cathedral is the first Catholic church in Korea. With its beautiful Gothic red bricks and towering spire, it offers a stunning contrast to the modern city around it.

Despite being in the middle of Seoul's busiest district, time seems to stop here. It is solemn, peaceful, and the perfect place to escape the noise. Take a moment to walk around the grounds, meditate, and find your inner calm.

• Location: 74 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul.
• Getting There: Subway Lines 2 & 3, Euljiro 3-ga Station (Exit 12), approx. 10 min walk.

2. Beauty Play: The Ultimate K-Beauty Playground

Want to try the latest K-Beauty trends for free? Beauty Play is an open experience center supported by the government. It’s a complex cultural space where you can discover new cosmetic brands, get a skin diagnosis, and even find your "personal color."

It serves as an open platform for anyone—domestic or international—to experience the forefront of Korean beauty culture without the pressure to buy.

• Location: 3F, 73 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul.
• Getting There: Subway Line 4, Myeongdong Station (Exit 8), approx. 7 min walk.

3. Myeongdong Beauty: Healing with a Sky View

After a long day of walking, your feet deserve a treat. Myeongdong Beauty is a unique therapy spot where you can enjoy a relaxing foot bath while looking out at the open sky and the vibrant streets below.

Located on the 7th floor, this spot specializes in relieving travel fatigue. It heals both the body and mind, offering high-quality therapy services that leave you feeling refreshed and ready for your next adventure.

• Location: 7F, 32 Myeongdong 8-ga-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul.
• Hours: Daily 10:00 – 22:30.
• Getting There: Subway Line 4, Myeongdong Station (Exit 9), 1 min walk.

4. L7 Myeongdong by Lotte: Chill with a Namsan View

If you are looking for a place to stay that offers more than just a bed, L7 Myeongdong is the lifestyle hub you need. Located right between the main street of Myeongdong and Namsan Mountain, it captures both the city vibes and nature views.

It’s trendy, yellow-themed, and incredibly comfortable. You can relieve your fatigue while gazing at Namsan Tower from the heart of the city. It’s the perfect basecamp for a "Wellness" trip.

• Location: 137 Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul.
• Getting There: Subway Line 4, Myeongdong Station (Exit 9), right in front of the station.

Traveler's Note

Seoul is changing. It's no longer just about busy sightseeing; it's about finding "Rest" and "Style" in your daily travels. These four spots in Myeongdong prove that you can find peace and beauty even in the most energetic parts of the city.

Next time you are in Myeongdong, take a break from the shopping bags and treat yourself to one of these wellness experiences!

Source: Seoul newsletter