Myeongdong

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Myeongdong
Hangul:	명동
Hanja:	明洞
Revised Romanization:	Myeongdong
McCune-Reischauer:	Myŏngdong

Myeongdong or Myongdong (명동) is a mid- to high-priced shopping district in Seoul. Myeongdong is well known for its shops that offer mid to high-priced trendy fashions and fashion accessories. Myeongdong has four large department stores: Migliore, Lotte Department Store, Avatar, and High Harriet.

Myeongdong is also the center of several major financial services and securities. Various insurance, financial services companies, and investment firms are located and headquartered in Myeongdong. Some of the larger companies in the vicinity include: Citibank, SK Corporation, Kookmin Bank, Korea Exchange Bank, Lone Star Funds, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, AIG Korea Insurance, Hana Bank, and HSBC.

Several trendy restaurants, street-side vendors, and five-star accommodations are located in the area as well. There are many restaurants that offer a broad range of Korean as well as international cuisine.

In addition to its shopping and financial services, Myeongdong is also the site of Myeongdong Cathedral; the oldest Catholic cathedral in Korea. It is here where political demonstrations can sometimes be seen.[1]

In many respects, Myeongdong is perhaps one the most crowded and congested areas in the city of Seoul. On any given weekend or holiday the streets of Myeongdong are packed with young people in their teens to twenties. A major area for couples on dates as well as to observe the latest fashion trends in the Republic of Korea.