a cool girl's neighborhood guide to MYEONGDONG! street food & hidden speakeasy bars & cafes ✨

[@anna.lee_jy]

Try Lingopie for a 7 day free trial and 55% off: learn.lingopie.com/anna_lee Which neighborhood do you want to see next?? 😁

[@jimijin2020]

Hiii Ji Yun,, 1st time learning of yr Korean name. Shud use it more often, it's nice 😊

[@buttlebe]

Hi Anna! Enjoying ur honest posts + Inferno reviews lol! Love from Singapore! Can u do more neighbourhood posts with directions, especially those for tourists...food, shopping, hotel stays...eg dongdaenum? thank you in advance!

[@conviction777]

I'm Korean living in Seoul. Street food in Myeong Dong is overpriced like Anna mentioned. If you are a foreigner who is planning to come to Korea, please go to local restaurants. They have better service, you can sit down and enjoy food, price is more reasonable.

[@tomiw8272]

When you say please go to local restaurants, would you recommend some places to go and where they're located? That's much more helpful, thank you.

[@conviction777]

@@tomiw8272 If you visit Myeong dong, I would recommend you to go Miseong-og (famous for Seolleongtang = ox bone soup) Din Tai Fung Myeongdong (actually it's Chinese restaurant, famous for Xiaolongbao, they also have noodles, rice, wonton soup.) Owooga (famous for pork bulgogi) Actually it's not easy to find real "local" restaurants in Myeong dong because there are many tourists wherever you go in the area. if you want to experience local market, you can go Gwangjang Market or Dongdaemun Market. if you want to have some quality beef, you can go Majang Meat Market. You can google the names and you will find easily where they are located. I'm not sure what foreigners would like but I hope this helps.

[@michaelfung4629]

Recommendations? I’m staying in Myeongdong.where are the easy districts I can get to easily?

[@conviction777]

@@michaelfung4629 Please check my reply above and they are all located in Myeong Dong area. I don't know where you stay in exactly in Myeong Dong but I think you can go to those places I recommended 10-15 minutes maximum by walking.

[@salvatorecrescente4187]

Thank you. Do you have any restaurant Address to suggest?

[@bmsnow]

Absolutely love the way you construct these videos, with the history contextualization first and then showing us around. thank you Anna 🤗

[@muaowa]

I agree, you have a good formula here @Anna Lee

[@slavvalb3933]

Actually, I see S. Korea as such an advanced country . Beautiful, interesting , and versatile . S. Korea takes the world with it's charm of beauty, fashion, KPop, and technology . I often watch live of the tour of S. Korea and I am falling in love with this country. One day, I shall visit , definitely ❤️

[@davidk3422]

Actually ?

[@slavvalb3933]

@@davidk3422 please write complete sentences. Your question is abstract and meaningless

[@muaowa]

Where are you writing from? Did you get to visit South Korea yet?

[@slavvalb3933]

@@muaowa from U.S. I have not been to S. Korea , but planning to come soon !

[@mitzkt1679]

I loved that you shared the history of the area complete with the old video and photos. Thank you for taking the time to share with us all. Stay well.

[@melliott3681]

Love, love, loved your tour!! I especially loved Soohkee and half expected BTS's V to be sitting next to you ready to belt out his jazz rendition of Slow Dancing. Thank you Anna!! Seoul should make you an ambassador for promoting all things Seoul!! 💜

[@flowerlane7525]

I just love your Cool Girl Guide To Neighborhoods video series, and this video is no exception! It kept me interested and engaged all the way to the end, also love the historical perspective makes me feel like I learned something! Please keep doing this series, it’s very entertaining and interesting, full of fun facts! 👍

[@anna.lee_jy]

Aww yayy thank u 🫶

[@bluepeartree]

Thank you for doing this video! I'm visiting South Korea next week and starting off in Myeongdong, so your timing is perfect. Your cool girl's guides are really interesting. I love the historical perspective and I hope you continue to make these!

[@cliffordsantillan6046]

I love Myeongdong. I visit almost every week after work just to stroll and eat some street foods even though I live almost 2 hours away from Seoul. I have not been able to visit and eat 명동교자 because every time I pass by, there's always a lot of people. Have you tried the 갈비탕 and 갈비찜 at 강남면옥? They actually taste so good! Anyways, great video as always, Anna. I love South Korea and everything it has to offer. Work can be taxing (physically) at times, but, having the leverage of visiting amazing and beautiful places every weekend is such a treat and is also a great means to de-stress.

[@wolflionman9379]

Thank you Anna. Your videos are very entertaining. Also thanks for the subtitles I can only imagine how long it took you to go through the whole video. Thank you.

[@savage1510]

I love these videos so much Anna. As I said before, thank you for sharing your Korean culture, history and food with us. I look forward to more of your excursions

[@la_primavera]

I really like the input you give. That's not kind of showing and blogging its true content. Thank you very much!

[@carmelevangelista3446]

Your Cool Girl neighborhood guys are a godsend!! I’m taking my first trip to Seoul this December and have been feeling super overwhelmed about what to do, see, and eat. Your guides are spot on exactly what I’m looking to experience in Seoul, a mix of cool and local, modern and traditional. Thank you so much!!! A few Questions: Could you do a neighborhood guide to Insadong? Also are there any neighborhoods where you can find art galleries and artist studios? Finally, can you do a video on your beauty products? Dying to know what lip product you’re using ❤

[@tomiw8272]

I'm enjoying your Cool Girl series! Well done, informative, and love the historical facts!

[@allisonB123]

Loved this, thank you Anna - you really have such a knack of making me feel like I’m in Seoul 🙏💜🤗

[@snowtaems]

I've been there in September 2016, actually my guesthouse was on hill near Pacific Hotel. The memories, I miss Myeongdong so much! That Nature Republic is never leaving from there, I can see it still exists 😆 Hopefully I can visit Korea again in 2024 😭

[@anna.lee_jy]

Hope you can come again!!

[@deanflet973]

Wow this cool your video popped up on my wall and started to and realized that you are in is my birth place Myeong-dong so thank you for showing this beautiful city because I'll be visiting it next year with family. My uncle is in soul for business that he owns and probably visit other family around Korea.🇺🇲🇰🇷🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@gefelice]

I just came back from my trip to Seoul and we were actually really glad to have street food available in Myeongdong! It can be overwhelming to find some place to eat because you can't read all the signs or just don't know what all the food is, so having so many choices readily available in Myeongdong really saved us on some days :)

[@SL-lz9jr]

I just got back from Taiwan and my friend there taught me this tip. Just take a good photo of the signs or menus. Use Google lens to search the photo. Instead of searching for the photo, there’s an option to translate. The translation isn’t always accurate but it’s enough to get by. Like, I was able to read a sign that instructed me to order at the window before sitting down. Sometimes the translation on menus is really bad if the text is smushed together, so the translator cannot distinguish between two lines of text. Usually I just order what makes sense in English. Obviously you can translate to whatever language you need. Hope this helps for future travel! Made it so much easier to get around.

[@wadenobisemartuccianimatio8366]

Those Restaurants that weren't shown before they look very authentic and very unique 😮 I love it

[@kuenoklee543]

I really enjoyed the episode - perfect for the information I was looking for - particularly appreciated your personal input.

[@stefheathcote6123]

I’m the first one to watch this one woo-hoo! How can I miss it - we stayed in the area when we were in Seoul about a year ago. I can’t agree more about the places you and we went to, but it seems we missed a few good places to 😂 There is a corner place to eat, we discovered, run by an elderly couple which serves divine chicken soup&mandu!! It’s not a tourist spot, and the locals looked at us a lot, but it didn’t matter! I will be now checking all the links in your video - thank you, Anna! I loved it - it brought me back to Seoul ❤❤❤

[@anna.lee_jy]

Glad you found a local spot!! 🫶

[@melissamaemedina]

Thank you! I have added everything to my Map for my trip in two weeks! Perhaps I'll run into you out and about for the next one 💜💜💜

[@geokent]

I just got back from a few weeks in S. Korea and for sure the street food in Myeongdong is overpriced, but it's nice to "window shop" and see what you can try in other parts of the city for a cheaper price! Also, don't miss the kalguksu at MD Kyoja. I actually went around 11am and the line was not yet out the door, so like Anna mentioned go before or after the regular lunch hours. Also there is another MD Kyoja right down the street that is always less busy!

[@annette_164]

Anna! These cool girl guides are quite literally, SO cool! Love the vlog! Love the vibe! Love the everything! 🥰

[@mkoose]

Thank your for taking us to Myeongdong. When I eventually come to Korea I might stay there once.

[@lorrainehorrigan686]

Anna, thank you again for such an excellent video ❤. I thoroughly enjoyed your day in Myeondong, these are the videos I really like. ❤

[@nicoletan7056]

Myeongdong Kyoja has really good dumplings and noodles! Thankfully it was not as bad when I visited back in May. Yesss I love those tasting samples of the HBAF almond snacks!!

[@Lubsana86]

Ohhh I love Myeongdong! I did not stay there but would sometimes stroll around in the evenings and have dinner there. And yes I was aware it is touristy and overpriced, but that is not necessarily bad when you are a tourist. Also, you meet and connect with other tourists as usually, they sit you next to each other if the restaurant is very busy. There are 2 Kyoja restaurants not far from each other in Myeongdong and if one is too busy you can always try the other one, but aside from that there is also a street with fried chicken restaurants and many other options. And yes they probably are mediocre at best compared to spots for the same type of food that Koreans would go to, but it's all in the same area and is very convenient to experience a lot of things if you do not have local friends or have not done a good research. I personally had a great time exploring it and would definitely visit it next time I'm in Seoul for some next-level Michelin Kalguksu and garlicky kimchi ( btw I believe that their kimchi's spiciness comes not from the gochugaru, but rather it is a result of the insane amount of garlic in it as it is different type of spiciness altogether)

[@Sal-os4tw]

Thanks Anna for this amazing video showing the bustling Myeongdong. Me & my family are flying to Seoul next week and we are staying in Myeongdong!Your video comes at a good time. Must be tired for you walking around filming and carrying all your equipments in your ka-bang. Btw Anna, to me your complexion is fair like a k-beauty👍🫰

[@느림보라이더]

안나 명동을 함축적으로 잘 짚어서 영상을 보여주네요 처음 명동을 보는사람이나 여전에 온적있는 분들조차 매우 간결하게 안내 소개를 해주니 관심을 한층더 갖게 해주는 영상 너무좋네요 어쩌면 유쾌하고 아름다운 민간 외교사절입니다 좋은영상 잘 봤어요 감사요~

[@latenightwithedmoney956]

Love the videos and think you are adorable in them. Keep up the good work and look forward to seeing in the next one! Well done!

[@PeterH-be1xe]

We didn't stay in Myeong Dong, but went absolutely nuts in the skincare stores. If you're into K-beauty, prepare for transport to heaven.

[@liz97ade8]

This is wholesome! Im going to Seoul in a month and I’m definitely adding myeongdong to my list!

[@slavvalb3933]

Thanks for this video Anna . As always one get a chance to travel virtually to all those wonders of S. Korea with the amazing tour guide, Anna. I always enjoying when u speak with British accent ❤️. Especially when u say " water". Will u ever travel to Europe ? Have u ever been to Switzerland ? Hope to see your vlogs in the future . ❤️

[@anna.lee_jy]

I love Switzerland, it was just crazy expensive lol

[@mrj7225]

Last month I stayed in Myeongdong for 6 nights at the stay classic hotel, the country is clean and organized and the people are polite, their English is ok and the tourists guides helpful, you will see them in pairs dressed in red jackets and sun hats, my highlight was viewing city from the Seoul tower.

[@Charm3d192]

Love your neighborhood guides Anna, I'm coming to Seoul in December and I'm excited to go to that speakeasy

[@danielleA18]

Came to SK for the first time 2 years ago, we stayed in MD for the exact reasons you mentioned. It was amazing for our first time! But we haven't stayed there since. Also it seems the area is a lot more crowded now! We came just after the pandemic. Thank you Anna ❤

[@anna.lee_jy]

Come again! :)

[@danielleA18]

@@anna.lee_jy 💯 xx from 🇬🇧

[@egoeimi333]

I love your videos giving an insider's view of Korea. LOVE IT and to have such an intelligent,knowledgeable, beautiful, charming guide who speaks English with such a charming English accent is the chef's kiss.

[@XOut4This]

loved the video! I just shared it to my friend. She's been to Korea a few times and in Spring 2024, we are planning a trip together! It will be my first time (since I was adopted). I can't wait!

[@anna.lee_jy]

Yayy happy planning!!

[@Amiraj777]

Thank you for taking us on this tour Anna.... I really enjoyed it. ❤

[@melissarooney9388]

Thank you for the video! My family and I are visiting for the first time soon and staying in Myeongdong. This was super helpful and love the instagram- worthy locations!

[@Jay.swizzle]

Thank you as always for amazing reviews. I wonder why things are so expensive there? Can't wait until your next live!! 💕 Be safe!

[@chaneymom]

Great video! We head to Seoul for the first time in a few days and this was one of the most helpful videos I have seen. Thank you so much!

[@antonioperez2623]

I really enjoy your cool videos when visiting your neighborhoods in Seoul. I hope to visit Sukui during my trip next month. Thanks

[@cynthiah28]

Hi Anna, I love your neighbourhood vlogs! We stayed in MD when we visited end of May to celebrate my bday. Went to MD Kyoja and enjoyed it. We also visted Gwangjang market and managed to find the fantastic Tuna Gimbap and fishcake soup you recommended. I got lip balm and eyeliner which you recommended in this video from Olive Young and it's really good! Looking forward to more great content from you. C

[@anna.lee_jy]

Ooh hope you enjoy!!

[@elia_07]

Thanks for another great video, Anna! My family and I are super excited to visit SK in 2024, and your guide videos are definitely helping me to plan our trip/itinerary 😊

[@irenesinglikerene3968]

Anna! Winter is coming!! Any winter clothings you could recommend us in your shopping site ?? Can you also do a winter layering advice and outfits 🫶🏻

[@downtoearth5108]

Annyeonghaseo. Excellent tour guide Anna. We have Korea people here in New Zealand. I like the Korea food. Korea people very nice manners, easy going. Can't wait to come to Korea. Keep up the great tours Anna. Kamsahamnida.

[@phyllo2694]

Really enjoyed this video and when I finally get to Seoul will be following your tour 💜

[@marieg2g]

should have known your youtube before i went to Korea. I just came back and stayed in Myeongdong and i thought there is nothing much in there but after watching your video, i realised, i missed quite a lot of nice places.

[@bellecja-cj4yx]

If you travel to Korea, you should definitely visit the shopping mall on the second floor of the building immediately to the left as you exit Myeongdong Station from Exit 6. It features a collection of popular Korean brands.(구 명동 밀리오레 건물이 새롭게 리뉴얼 되어서 엄청 핫해서 댓글 달았습니다♡)

[@bookoffholicbookwart5945]

Such an amazing video. You never disappoint.

[@anna.lee_jy]

🥹🫶

[@bookoffholicbookwart5945]

@@anna.lee_jy always

[@dazuotv]

Thank you for the wonderful video of the hidden bar and cafe 👍

[@himanshuarya2704]

My favorite guide & friend is back with another amazing vlog..

[@구루구루-w7j]

If there's something different from before, it's that the Chinese government has restricted group tourism from South Korea. As a result, many Chinese travelers now visit individually, whereas in the past, Chinese tourists used to make up the majority. However, at present, tourists from various countries are coming to Myeongdong for sightseeing As a Korean, it's enjoyable to experience the festive atmosphere when you visit Myeongdong.

[@thebroadlife]

I've planned my trip to Seoul and Myeongdong will be a good start for sure! Your video really gives me a lot of info for my trip.

[@정사계]

You have manner and fact. Respect your mind 😊😊😊

[@woodwinds101]

Just getting a chance to see this. Awesome video and I enjoyed your insight into MyeongDong. I appreciate the effort into putting this out. Thank you!

[@PatiNagy]

Thank you, this was so helpful! Going to Seoul in a week, definitely made some notes! :)

[@ツLewisHD]

One of your best videos anna :)

[@nakoonk]

love your reaction to the flower room, cute cute!

[@robertwilkinson8421]

Love that slight English accent and you are pretty easy on the eyes also.

[@alejandroabellera]

Thanks for sharing your home city experience in Myeondong Anna as tourist. I was there few weeks ago but I was not able visit all the district in MD. I hope I can go back again someday. Am from the Philippines Philippines.

[@FaveFive1]

Im in Insadong right now and it was jam packed this week probably because of Chuseok but it was wild here

[@cindypoole6792]

I'm living vicariously through you. Thanks for taking us on another wonderful outing. Yes, AT LEAST one drink. Can you give us an idea on how much your day cost, in USD? Yes, it's touristy, but many people watching you, would be tourists. Great day.

[@anna.lee_jy]

I think around $30 with my almond snack included!

[@cindypoole6792]

Wow! Only $30.

[@MichaelF75]

I was there recently, to be exact 7/22/23 for about 6 days prior to going to Japan. I was also there briefly back in August of 2019, right before the COVID hit the following year. You’re right about the price! I didn’t realize the prices of the street foods have gone up. Let me ask you something. My family (women), went in to one of the beauty shops (I think it was Olive). They spent $4500 (US $) for make up products. I sure think it was way way overpriced but they felt as it was okay given what they got and they were offered some sort of coupons (their strategy to get the customers to buy their products). Was it a ripped off Anna? 🤦‍♂️

[@giselagarza6293]

Very entertaining. The cafe with photo opps was nice and 😮 with that speakeasy bar jaja Makes you wonder how many of those places idols go to lol

[@ebony3063]

I love the video and I will definitely come to Seoul Korea to visit MyeongDong.

[@xcalm_himex]

I loved the hidden bar you have visited, the cocktails look so nice 😍

[@elizabethwelch4307]

In 2019 my daughters and I took a trip to Seoul and had the time of our lives. We are desperate to go back. I heard a lot changed in Myeondong since then.

[@matt007]

I’m heading to Seoul in a few days. Can’t wait to check it out!

[@weshammermeister9044]

Really enjoy your street vlogs. Hope to make it there one day

[@veramonettepalen5471]

currently at Myeongdong and super excited to try all these!❤

[@taesbandanashitdown6038]

Thank you for this video, I’m visiting Seoul soon and I will be staying in Myeongdong so this video is very helpful

[@sharlanefenton6213]

You need your own travel guide show. Thank you!

[@Luuminous_Luu]

❤❤❤❤ amazing!!! I am staying in Myeongdong this Xmas!!! Can’t wait!!!

[@cestmoieric5172]

Very informative from a local! Thanks Anna! Very very cool tidbit about your name (I was an altar boy haha). I’ll be in Seoul the end of the month. 😇

[@travelcouple12]

Anna, I’m visiting this January for 4 days, what area do you recommend to stay for convenience and local food if I don’t stay in Myeongdong?

[@LaylaH-qv5go]

Every time I’m in Korea I ALWAYS go to Myeondong!

[@Cchandla]

Thank you for your video as I’m doing researching as I’m planning a trip to Seoul next year!

[@cassie7thomson]

Even though was at the end, that bar looks cool. Love the jazz feel atmosphere. I know in Korea there's a thing about number four, so surprised it was even on the floor plan/ lift button (since heard some miss it out or just have F) so thought that's why it's not listed or mb just increase the mystery of the place

[@ELTExperiences]

It's been a while since I have been to Myeongdong. 18 years to be precise. Where should I visit in Seoul in the winter months?

[@anna.lee_jy]

Like I said in the video, Myeongdong is the best just before Christmas!

[@ELTExperiences]

@@anna.lee_jy I’ll have to visit before Christmas with family then. How about outside Seoul? Any recommendations? 😊

[@downtoearth5108]

Annyeonghaseo. Nice I just saw Lingo Pie to learn languages. I'll do that so I can learn Korea language. I started following Korea about 10 years ago, following the Ice Queen Kim Yuna. Then I started following the many video of the children in Korea. The children are so much fun and a good way to see Korea. Kamsahamnida. Noho ora mai (be well) Anna. Nga mihi (Thank you) Korea.

[@my.business]

*I loved your church experience & what you said coming out* (Nice to see the cute eater is back.lol)

[@buttlebe]

Hi Anna! Enjoying ur honest posts + Inferno reviews lol! Love from Singapore! Can u do more neighbourhood posts with directions, especially those for tourists...food, shopping, hotel stays...eg dongdaenum? thank you in advance!

[@losangelesnomad]

Just heard "Unforgiven" by Le Sserafim at 11:39, that was awesome lol. Thanks for this video! So excited to go to Seoul in October! ☺

[@황태자-o8n]

The best shopping district in the world 🎉

[@ponnuduraimathivani7116]

Hi Anna...just started watching yr videos and they are awesome...thankyoo❤

[@IsalandiaIsalina]

Every single place in MD is a must see, must try, must be there! But that Urban plant 🌱 Cafe it’s a must Must Must visit🥹🥹🥹👌🏾💖

[@jomincheol9613]

한국인 인데 영어 공부하려고 보고 있어요 ㅎㅎ 많은 도움이 되네요~

[@MyAccountForCommenting]

Great stuff! I'm saving this for my trip. There was a tong in the bowl for you to pick up the candy with but you just stuck your hand in the bowl. 😮 I guess your other hand was occupied. 🤳

[@lokeshbogati8257]

Ok it appears it isnt that cold in Seoul right now. I'm visiting Seoul next month, is it ideal to carry warm clothes? I ask cause i heard it can get really cold in November.

[@andrewcollier3495]

I'm here at the moment and I'm freezing my butt off 😂❄️❄️❄️

[@GFCastro]

just tried the soohkee and myeongdong kyoja bacause of your vlog. thank you. i enjoyed both.

[@AlexSaide]

not been to myeongdong in soooo long ! will have to visit later this month 😍

[@LaiSanMak]

Anna, I just watched your 2 videos, Myeongdong and Gwangjang market cos I will visit Seoul on Oct 29. I will definitely check out the places you recommended. Just curious was it early Oct you were there? You only wore a sweatshirt and seems like weather is not cold at all and no puffy coat needed. I was wondering if it will be similar warm when I visit end Oct???

[@Demizpt]

Anna is so gorgeous

[@jaysonlabarrete9121]

thank you Anna, I am currently eating at the restau you recommended now

[@gle7isa]

I bloody love those butter almonds. My passion I developed in South Korea 😋

[@kevinfitzpatrick8532]

Very interesting, thanks for the tour Anna.😍❤️🌹👍

[@josiasnffloriano7517]

Well done!! thanks for sharring, I'll be in Seoul by 25/04.. and this video is too usefull.