Myeongdong Cathedral is the principal church of the Archdiocese of Seoul in the Catholic Church, an architectural masterpiece constructed in the Neo-Gothic style. The hill in Myeongdong where the cathedral stands was once known as ‘Myeongrye-bang,’ the site of the residence of Thomas Kim Beom-woo, the first pilgrim of the Catholic faith in Korea. This area witnessed the first Catholic liturgy in Korea.
In the 21st century, Myeongdong Cathedral is undergoing redevelopment. With the completion of the first-phase plans, an underground shopping mall has been established around Myeongdong Cathedral. Here, you can find various shops such as cafes, restaurants, bookstores, and gift shops.
“Seoul Myeongdong Cathedral Gift Shop, 1898+”
Upon entering the underground space near the entrance to Myeongdong Cathedral, you’ll notice various shops, and among them is a gift shop named ‘1898+.’
True to its name, it’s a space dedicated to selling souvenirs related to the cathedral and Myeongdong Cathedral. You can find badges shaped like Myeongdong Cathedral, along with a variety of products that Catholic believers may find appealing as keepsakes.
While it’s a gift shop, its scale is quite extensive. It sells not only pure souvenirs but also a diverse range of items, including daily necessities, clothing, jewelry, and more.
For Catholic believers, it’s undoubtedly a place worth visiting, offering an array of items suitable for purchase as souvenirs. Even for non-believers, it’s a decent place to explore, perhaps buying a fitting memento during a visit.
“Seoul Myeongdong, Myeongdong Cathedral 1898+”
- Address: B1F, 80 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul