🇰🇷 Korean Lesson #11: Come shopping with me at Myeongdong! 🛍️

[VISIT] Come shopping with me at 명동! 🛍️

안녕하세요 여러분 👋

Today I’m taking you to discover one of Seoul’s most vibrant districts: 명동 (Myeongdong). 🛍️ This area is great because it’s not only a must-visit spot but also a perfect place to practice your Korean!

The key to effective practice is not to be shy, and to speak even if you make a lot of mistakes! Trust me, you will never see the same vendors again, and there are so many tourists that they will probably not remember you… haha 😉

🎞️ 명동 has a rich history that reflects the dynamic changes that Seoul has experienced over the centuries. Originally, this area was a residential neighborhood during the Joseon Dynasty, known as 명례방 (Myeongryebang). The name evolved to its current form, Myeongdong, composed of two hanja meaning “bright neighborhood”:

• 명 (明, myeong), meaning bright or clear.

• 동 (洞, dong), meaning neighborhood or district.

Myeongdong began to transform significantly during the Japanese occupation of Korea in the early 20th century, evolving into a commercial district. After Korea gained independence in 1945, Myeongdong continued to grow as a center for commerce and culture.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Myeongdong became a fashion, finance, and politics hub. The area was home to several major banks and corporations, as well as theaters and cinemas, making it a cultural hotspot.

Today, Myeongdong is renowned for its shopping and culinary delights and its historical and cultural significance.

Myeongdong is THE place to be for shoppers, with its stores ranging from global brands to unique local ones. Here are some key Korean phrases to help you navigate the shops:

• 얼마예요? (eolma-yeyo?) – How much is this?

• 이거 주세요 (igeo juseyo) – Please give me this.

• 할인 되나요? (halin doenayo?) – Is there a discount?

🛒 Shop Recommendation 1: HBAF Almond Store (바프)

As you stroll through Myeongdong, make it a habit to read signs and practice your Korean reading skills. Notice the names of shops, menus, and advertisements. This will help reinforce your vocabulary and understanding of Korean script!

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