Butter Shop Myeongdong: One Of The Cutest Stores In Seoul (+ Where Else To Find One)
Last Updated on August 5, 2026
Walk down the streets of Seoul and you’ll find all kinds of lifestyle stores and stationary shops and one of the cutest ones to find is absolutely Butter Shop (버터샵). The store’s iconic feature, a grandiose cat doll stationed at the entrance, serves as an endearing mascot, beckoning visitors to a world of cutesy wonder.
Now, most of the Butter Shops aren’t so done up though still offer the cutest of souvenirs and lifestyle goods, but if you want one that’s got photo-zones and all of the goods, definitely visit the Butter Shop in Myeongdong. You, and the kids you might be toting along, will love it!
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Butter Shop Myeongdong
Address: 55 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (서울 중구 명동길 55)
Getting there: The closest subway stop to Butter Shop Myeongdong is actually Euljiro 1-ga Station (Line 2), Exit 5, about a 5-minute walk, even though the shop is branded as the “Myeongdong” location. Myeongdong Station (Line 4), Exit 6 also gets you there and might be the more familiar option if you’re already exploring Myeongdong’s main shopping street.
Hours: Every day: 10:00am ~ 11:00pm
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Find The Cutest Lifestyle Shop Around
Beyond its charming mascot, Butter offers a treasure trove of Korean daily necessities, making it a one-stop destination for a diverse range of items. It’s not just your standard stationary store, there are toys, household essentials like toothbrushes, 3C accessories, home appliances, kitchenware, travel supplies, suitcases, and even stylish T-shirts and pajamas. Basically, you can find all kinds of cute things inside.
For enthusiasts of unique dolls, Butter has quite the collection. My daughter was stuck on the keychain doll collection for a good 20 minutes selecting some for herself and her friends. It’s a great option to stop in if you’re looking for some cute souvenirs from Korea to send to friends and family, and they’re quite budget friendly as well.
In addition to its extensive range of products, Butter distinguishes itself with its affordability and accessibility. This innovative chain store was created by Modern House, E-Land Group’s home lifestyle brand, as its in-house fancy and stationery line, and it shows: the prices stay approachable while the design keeps up with what’s trending.
That’s one thing I love about shopping in Korea, there are quite a few brands devoted to keeping the cutest of things budget friendly for everyone. My daughter can always find something she likes within her “pocket money” threshold. And honestly, I’m the same way with a different obsession: my daughter is completely hooked on Sonny Angels, so I check the Sonny Angel shelf every single time I pass a Butter Shop, wherever in Seoul I happen to be.
Step inside Butter Shop Myeongdong, and first look out for the little TV screen with a camera. You can take a photo of yourself and your friends and it’ll print out a little keepsake for you! Walk around to find the cute items, but also look out for the photo-zones to take some pics, because what good Korean store doesn’t have photo-zones?
The store houses hundreds of items, so plan to spend some time looking closely at them because they’re not all what you perceive them to be. Whether you’re drawn to minimalistic designs or crave the novelty of innovative products like a toothpaste-shaped pencil case or shopping cart-shaped storage baskets, Butter’s got some adorable bits and bobs.
One perk I appreciate as someone who’s lived here since 2006: Butter Shop offers tax refunds, and they issue the receipt every single time, I’ve even had them hand it to me automatically as a local resident, without asking. Just look for the tax refund sign posted at the register.
Butter keeps its inventory fresh and exciting, introducing seasonal decorations year-round. If you’ve got kids looking for the plushy dolls and cute accessories, definitely stop in, you can pick up some of the everyday essentials while they hunt for the adorable dolls and toys.
More Than One Butter Shop in Myeongdong
Like I said above, this particular branch is only one floor, but it’s not the only Butter Shop in the neighborhood. There’s a second, taller and narrower location elsewhere in Myeongdong that I’ve also visited. I personally like the one floor option, the entrance is photo-worthy but also after walking all over the place, I prefer not walking up and down a bunch of stairs between floors when I have an option to find everything on one floor.
And Butter has grown well beyond Myeongdong. This branch was reportedly the chain’s 23rd store when it opened, and today you’ll find Butter Shops tucked into department stores and malls all over Seoul and Korea, COEX Mall, Hongdae, Apgujeong’s Hyundai Department Store, and more. If you’re not near Myeongdong, search “버터” (Butter) or “Butter Shop” on your favorite GPS app and see which one is closest, the goods and the cute factor stay consistent even if the size and layout change branch to branch.
FAQ
What is Butter Shop in Korea?
Butter (버터) is a lifestyle and stationery brand created by Modern House, part of the E-Land Group. Expect dolls, stationery, kitchenware, and home goods, all with an affordable, cutesy design.
Is Butter Shop Myeongdong tax-refund eligible?
Yes, there’s a sign at the register, and I’ve personally been issued the tax refund receipt on every visit, even as a Korean resident.
What subway station is closest to Butter Shop Myeongdong?
Euljiro 1-ga Station (Line 2), Exit 5, is the technically closest stop at about a 5-minute walk, though Myeongdong Station (Line 4), Exit 6 is a familiar alternative if you’re already in the area.
Is there more than one Butter Shop in Myeongdong?
Yes, this article covers the one-floor location at 55 Myeongdong-gil, but there’s also a taller, narrower branch elsewhere in Myeondong. Personally, I like the larger one floor one better.
Is Butter Shop good for kids?
Yes, between the keychain dolls, plushies, the free photo souvenir screen, and (if you’ve got a Sonny Angel fan like I do) the blind-box toy shelves, it’s an easy, low-stakes stop with kids in tow.
At the end of the day, Butter Shop is one of those places I never plan to visit, I just end up there anyway, because it always seems to be exactly where I need a break from Myeongdong’s crowds (and exactly where my daughter’s Sonny Angel radar goes off). Whether you make it to this one-floor Myeongdong branch or stumble into a different Butter somewhere else in Seoul, you’re going to walk out with something cute, something cheap, and probably a few extra photos you didn’t plan on taking. That’s just how it goes with this place.
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