The true charm of traveling in Seoul is, of course, shopping! Especially, Myeongdong Underground Shopping has always been on my must-visit list. But I was worried about the weather—unexpected rain, scorching sunlight, or sometimes even freezing cold. There’s nothing more disappointing than having travel plans ruined by bad weather. So this time, while searching for the best hotel in Seoul Korea, I prioritized finding a hotel and route that would let me enjoy shopping without worrying about the weather.
To get to the point, the hotel I chose—The Plaza Hotel Seoul— was truly the perfect choice! The hotel’s excellent connection to the underground shopping space allowed me to fully enjoy Myeongdong Underground Shopping without being affected by the weather at all. Let me share my perfectly smooth journey with you!
The Plaza Hotel Seoul: The Perfect Starting Point for Weather-Proof Shopping!
The Plaza Hotel Seoul is located right in front of City Hall, the heart of Seoul. Its geographic advantage isn’t just about location—it’s about enabling shopping without any weather limitations.
From Hotel to Shopping World Through the Underground Passage!
One of the best things about The Plaza Hotel Seoul was that I didn’t even need to go outside to start shopping. From the lobby, I simply took the escalator down to B1, where there’s a direct connection to Exit 6 of City Hall Station—this passage continues all the way to Myeongdong Underground Shopping.
Walking through the passage, I first came across the Sogong Underground Shopping Center. On both sides were rows of tiny shops selling cute accessories, clothes, and phone cases— it felt like getting bonus shopping time! Multilingual signs in English, Chinese, and Japanese were well placed, making navigation easy for any tourist.
Rows of fashion, beauty, and K- pop merchandise shops welcomed me, marking the real start of my shopping spree. Most importantly, the entire route is climate-controlled, so even on rainy or hot days, it was perfectly comfortable.
Myeongdong Underground Shopping: A Treasure Hunt of Fun!
Myeongdong Underground Shopping was much bigger and more exciting than I expected. I genuinely felt the thrill of a “treasure hunt.”
Fashion Paradise:
There were countless fashion stores full of styles that reflect young Korean trends. From trendy t-shirts to skirts and pants, all were offered at reasonable prices. It’s the best place for stylish yet affordable fashion finds.
K-Pop Albums & Goods:
If you’re a K-Pop fan, don’t skip this place! Many shops were packed with K- pop albums, unofficial goods, and photo cards. I picked up a few mini badges of my favorite group as gifts for friends—it was such a delight to find them unexpectedly.
Accessories & Cute Finds:
I loved browsing stores with uniquely designed phone cases, hair accessories, socks, hats— fun items perfect for small souvenirs.
Beauty & Cosmetics:
Of course, there were plenty of K- beauty stores too. Unlike large beauty chains above ground, the underground shops had different deals and travel kits that were fun to explore.
One incredibly useful feature was the availability of lockers throughout the shopping area. With my hands full of bags, I could safely store my belongings and continue shopping comfortably. Many stores also sold luggage, so I could even transfer my haul directly into a new suitcase. No more lugging around exploding shopping bags!
Back at the Hotel: Happy Hour at The Lounge
After shopping, returning to the hotel felt just right. From 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, The Lounge on the lobby floor hosts Happy Hour—a must-try for hotel guests with a great menu and drinks at a reasonable price.
I chose the cheese fondue platter and seafood vongole pasta. Dipping vegetables and meat into warm, melted cheese was the perfect way to melt away the day’s fatigue. The pasta was light yet flavorful with generous clams— its aroma of garlic and olive oil paired perfectly with wine.
We opted for a bottle of red wine, and sipping it while gazing at City Hall’s evening lights through the windows made for a cinematic moment. The whole experience cost ₩90,000 for two— considering the food and wine quality, it was an incredible value.
If Myeongdong Underground Shopping was the highlight of my daytime adventure, The Lounge’s Happy Hour brought a graceful close to a perfect evening.
💡 Myeongdong Underground Shopping Tips!
Q. Any tips when shopping at Myeongdong Underground?
A. Some stores offer discounts for cash payments or allow negotiation. It’s smart to carry some cash. Try on clothes before purchasing, and check for quality. With so many shops, use the map or signs to navigate efficiently.
Q. Any good places to take a break while shopping?
A. Absolutely! There are snack stalls and small cafés throughout. Grab a quick bite—like fishcake skewers, ice cream, or a cold drink—and take a seat to recharge before diving back into shopping.
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