Quick Recap of Key Stats
- 15.8 million visitors in 2019, 11.4 million in 2022
- 45% international visitors (2019), with a strong recovery in 2022
- 100,000 visitors on Saturdays, the peak day for foot traffic
Myeongdong is not only famous for its shopping and food—it’s also one of the most visited areas in Seoul by both locals and tourists. The bustling district draws millions of visitors each year. Let’s take a look at some interesting statistics that reveal how popular Myeongdong truly is.
Overall Visitor Numbers in Myeongdong
Myeongdong consistently ranks as one of the most visited areas in Seoul, attracting both domestic and international tourists. According to recent data:
| Year | Number of Visitors (in millions) | Percentage of International Visitors |
| 2018 | 15.2 | 43% |
| 2019 | 15.8 | 45% |
| 2020 (Pandemic) | 6.3 | 32% |
| 2021 | 7.8 | 35% |
| 2022 | 11.4 | 39% |
- Pre-pandemic peak: In 2019, over 15.8 million people visited Myeongdong, with almost 45% of them being international tourists.
- Impact of COVID-19: Like many places around the world, visitor numbers dropped significantly in 2020 due to the pandemic, with only 6.3 million visitors.
- Recovery in 2022: As travel restrictions eased, Myeongdong started seeing more foot traffic, with numbers rising to 11.4 million in 2022.
Visitor Trends Over Time
Myeongdong has seen fluctuating trends over the years, driven by tourism, shopping habits, and world events. Below is a summary of the visitor trends:
| Trend | Observation |
| Pre-COVID Growth | Visitor numbers steadily increased from 2017-2019, peaking in 2019 with nearly 16 million visitors. |
| Pandemic Decline | Due to travel bans and reduced foot traffic, 2020 saw a dramatic drop. Local visitors made up most of the remaining traffic. |
| Post-Pandemic Recovery | From 2021 onwards, the number of visitors steadily increased as international travel resumed. 2022 showed strong signs of recovery. |
| 2023 Forecast | Projections estimate 13-14 million visitors, as international tourism rebounds to pre-pandemic levels. |
Where Are the Visitors From?
International visitors are a huge part of Myeongdong's tourism appeal. The top countries contributing to foot traffic include:
| Country | Percentage of International Visitors (2019) |
| China | 34% |
| Japan | 24% |
| USA | 10% |
| Southeast Asia | 15% |
| Others | 17% |
- Chinese tourists made up a significant portion of Myeongdong’s international visitors in 2019, followed closely by Japanese tourists.
- Southeast Asia saw a surge in tourists visiting Myeongdong, making up 15% of international traffic.
Peak Times for Visiting Myeongdong
Tourist data shows that weekends and holidays are the busiest times for visitors. Here’s a breakdown of when Myeongdong sees the most foot traffic:
| Day of the Week | Average Daily Visitors |
| Monday – Thursday | 40,000 – 50,000 |
| Friday | 60,000 |
| Saturday | 100,000 |
| Sunday | 85,000 |
- Saturday is by far the busiest day, with nearly 100,000 visitors flocking to the area, while weekdays see smaller but still substantial numbers.
Conclusion
Myeongdong’s visitor statistics show just how essential this area is for both domestic and international tourists. From its pre-pandemic highs to its ongoing recovery, Myeongdong remains the heart of Seoul’s tourism industry. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to enjoy its lively streets, these numbers reflect why Myeongdong is Seoul’s No.1 travel spot.