A trip to Seoul isn’t complete without a visit to the Myeong-dong district. Known globally for its shopping and dining options, the unique vibe found here is hard to describe to someone who hasn’t been there. You have to experience it to understand what makes it so great.
According to the Korea Tourism Organization, one million people visited Myeong-dong daily before the outbreak of COVID-19. Perhaps the district’s most distinct features are the shophouses and alleys that seemingly contain something amazing at every turn. Duplicating this would certainly be a challenge.
However, that hasn’t stopped one project in Vietnam from trying. Metro Star unveiled an ambitious plan that aims to recreate the joy of Myeong-dong in suburban Ho Chi Minh City. This isn’t some cheap knock off either.
The project’s developer enlisted leading experts who worked on several international-standard shopping streets to assist with the design. This painstaking process focused on a detailed layout and space arrangement that feels like wandering around Myeong-dong. Methodical planning ensures shopping, food and street art areas are closely linked to create a bustling hub of activity.
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Additionally, the project will be connected to Ho Chi Minh City’s nascent metro line similar to how its South Korean counterpart is served by Seoul’s public transit system. No retailers or eateries have been announced just yet, but Metro Star is expected to have a full range of brands, including beauty shops which are the biggest draw for many visitors.
Of course, there will be some differences between Myeong-dong and Metro Star. For example, Vietnam can’t offer the variation in weather that South Korea can. There is also a historical aspect to consider. There is a lot of history in Myeong-dong while everything in suburban Ho Chi Minh City is quite new.
All things considered, this is an extremely interesting project that will be cool to see once open. While there have been attempts to build Koreatown-style projects, such as Show DC in Bangkok, these tend to be themed malls. Metro Star is bringing a unique approach to this, and the developer deserves a lot of credit for trying something different.
The project is expected to open in 2022.
