How to Get to Lotte Department Store Myeongdong

Lotte Department Store Main Store in Myeongdong is conveniently connected to Exit 7 of Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station via an underground passage. If you’re coming from City Hall station, you can head toward Exit 6 of City Hall station and follow the signs toward The Plaza Hotel, which leads to Sogong Underground Shopping Center. This underground mall conveniently links Euljiro, Myeongdong and City Hall. To help you visualize I made an (oversimplified) mini map of the Sogong Underground Shopping Center:

Dining at Lotte Department Store Food Court

Table Delivery Service

Each stall has a counter where you place your order and receive a pager. If you dine in the central area, you’ll notice a small circle embedded in the table. Once seated, simply place your pager on the circle, and the staff will bring your food directly to your table—no need to leave your table to get your food. But it’s also important to note that not all stalls offer this table delivery service. If your table doesn’t have a sensor or the stall doesn’t participate in the delivery system, your pager will start to ring and vibrate—a sign that you’ll need to go back and pick up your food yourself.

Finding a Table

That said, the most challenging part about dining at this food court isn’t choosing what to eat—it’s finding a table. All the seating in the food court is first come, first served and during busy times, it becomes a silent battle as diners scan for signs of anyone about to leave. You’ll often see people hovering near tables, ready to claim an empty seat the second it opens up.

To avoid this table-hunting stress, I highly recommend avoiding peak lunch hours, especially between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM. The department store is located in a busy office district, so even on weekdays it’s always crowded with office workers. Also, don’t settle near the first few rows of tables you see—there are multiple seating zones spread out across the basement level. Some are tucked behind the dessert and bakery areas so take a moment to walk around and scout your options.

1.Donichi (돈이찌)

One of my favorite spots at the Lotte Department Store food court is Donichi, a stall that serves up Japanese-style rice bowls delicately layered with hearty ingredients like beef and eggs. Originally launched near Jamsil, the brand began with a small but passionate shop that earned recognition for delivering warm satisfying meals at an affordable price. While their very first store has since closed, Donichi continues to operate in multiple branches in major department stores and malls.

Gyudon (Japanese Beef Rice Bowl)

I went straight for their most beloved item: gyudon(₩15,000), a simple dish with tender marinated beef and egg yolk on a bowl of warm seasoned rice. The smokiness of the thinly sliced beef and onions pairs perfectly with the sweet-savory soy-based sauce that lingers with every bite. The raw egg adds creaminess, blending beautifully with the seasoned rice beneath.

One caveat: the donburi comes with wasabi and pickled ginger topped directly on the rice. While this does help cut through the richness of the meat, the wasabi here is incredibly spicy—far punchier than what you’d find in most Japanese restaurants. Even if you’re a wasabi enthusiast, I recommend mixing it in cautiously or setting some aside to avoid any unexpected attack.

2.Ttam Ttam (땀땀)

Ttam Ttam is a modern Vietnamese-Korean fusion brand best known for its authentic flavors and creative ingredients. With its flagship store in Gangnam, the brand name “Tam Tam” comes from the Vietnamese word for the number 88, symbolizing their ambition to build a brand as iconic and globally recognized as Vietnam’s famed Pho 88. Tam Tam’s signature broth is made by simmering oxtail, brisket, and beef bones for over 24 hours, offering a nourishing experience that has earned it the nickname “bo-yang (restorative) pho”. With generous portions and unlimited noodles & broth refills, Tam Tam aims to redefine Korean expectations of Vietnamese cuisine with its own authenticity.

Brisket Pho

At the Myeongdong branch, I always go for the Brisket Pho (양지쌀국수) priced at ₩12,000 (as of April 2025). The broth here is clear yet rich, infused with a herby aroma and rich umami from the long-simmered ox bone base. Just like the original Ttam Ttam store, this branch also follows the brand’s generous philosophy to offer free refills of rice, soup, and bean sprouts. On my visit I ordered extra bean sprouts in advance which almost made my pho overflow.

3.Hyun Udon (현우동)

From Michelin to Lotte Food Court

This newly opened udon stand has quickly become one of my favorite go-to spots. Originally opened near Sinsa Station, Hyun Udon has been recognized for 6 consecutive years by the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand, a designation reserved for restaurants offering exceptional food at moderate prices. This Lotte Department Store branch is the brand’s very first location inside a department store.

Hyun Udon‘s philosophy is in making the best udon noodles using traditional Japanese techniques that include double kneading and double resting of the dough. While the menu here has been simplified to suit the compact space, there is no compromise on quality. Tempura lovers can go for full sets like the Ebi-ten (fried shrimp) or Tori-ten (fried chicken) Set, while Mentaiko Kama Butter Udon (₩16,000) is another unique dish that features thick noodles mixed with raw egg, butter, and mentaiko (cod roe).

Ebiten Bukkake Udon

My personal favorite is the Ebiten Bukkake Udon (₩14,000). The hand-folded cold udon noodles are plated in a neat swirl, topped with freshly fried shrimp tempura and a wedge of lemon. A chilled, umami-rich tsuyu (soy-based broth) is served on the side in a sleek metal kettle, allowing you to pour it over and mix with the chewy udon.