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Renowned as one of the most popular districts of Seoul, Gangnam has everything sought after by wanderers, with an exciting list of the best places to visit in the city. The district gained international fame with the release of Psy’s global hit “Gangnam Style” in 2012, a satirical take on the lavish lifestyles associated with this part of Seoul.
Gangnam, in actuality, means “South Of The River”, giving you a glimpse of modern Korean style. If you have made up your mind to travel to Gangnam, then for sure, you will not get bored even for a minute. Here we have compiled a list of the top places to visit in Gangnam.
Today, Gangnam is not just a pop culture icon—it’s a symbol of South Korea’s rapid modernization and global influence. Visitors flock here to experience its dynamic blend of luxury, entertainment, tradition, and innovation, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring Seoul. Whether you want to shop for products from the latest brand or relish Korean food, Gangnam is a party destination. It is home to some of the coolest bars, clubs, food outlets, and a swanky lifestyle.
A Short Breakdown of Gangnam Neighborhoods
Gangnam isn’t a single attraction. It’s a diverse district comprising several unique neighborhoods, each offering a distinct slice of urban life. Here’s a quick guide to help you explore its most iconic areas:
1. Apgujeong & Cheongdam-dong
Nicknamed the “Beverly Hills of Seoul,” this upscale area is known for its luxury shopping streets, designer flagship stores, and cosmetic surgery clinics. It’s also home to major K-pop entertainment companies like SM Entertainment. You can expect to see high fashion and celebrity sightings are common.
2. Sinsa-dong (Garosu-gil)
Garosu-gil, meaning “tree-lined street,” is a favorite among younger crowds and influencers. Lined with ginkgo trees, the area features indie boutiques, quirky cafes, and stylish galleries. It’s perfect for an afternoon stroll, shopping, and people-watching.
3. Samseong-dong
This bustling business hub is where you’ll find the massive COEX Mall, convention centers, and the iconic Starfield Library. Samseong is ideal for those looking to combine shopping, culture, and food all in one place.
4. Nonhyeon-dong
Known for its vibrant nightlife and dining scene, Nonhyeon-dong offers a diverse range of options, from traditional Korean BBQ joints to late-night bars and clubs. It’s a great area to wind down or turn up after a day of sightseeing.
Each of these neighborhoods gives you a different taste of Gangnam’s identity, whether it is chic, modern, or luxurious, but always full of energy.
Best Places to Visit in Gangnam for Fun, Thrill, and Relaxation
There are numerous things to do and places to visit once you arrive in Gangnam. It’s home to soaring skyscrapers, shops, and restaurants that serve delicious food. If you need a break from the monotonous life, don’t forget to visit Gangnam and enjoy this enthralling place. Let’s begin with the list without any ado.
Bongeunsa Temple
Why not start your journey by visiting the popular Bongeunsa Temple first? Bongeunsa is a famous Buddhist temple located in the heart of Gangnam. It was established in 794 and initially known as the Gyeongseong temple.
It depicts Korea’s Traditional past, and it is away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Chant here, serene Buddhist mantras, and you can feel the peace engulfing you. You can even stay here for a night to learn more in-depth about Buddhist teachings.
Horim Museum
It is a hidden gem featuring traditional Korean art, ceramics, and Buddhist relics in a beautifully designed modern space. The Horim Museum was established in 1982 by Yun Jang-seob, a private collector and chairman of the Sungbo Cultural Foundation. The museum’s mission is to preserve and promote traditional Korean art and heritage.
The Daechi-dong branch in Gangnam (sometimes called the Horim Art Center) is located in a sleek, modern building and houses rotating exhibitions, while also showcasing selections from its permanent collection of over 15,000 artifacts.
SMTOWN Museum / K-Star Road
You can learn about K-pop history and idols at SMTOWN’s interactive exhibits. K-Star Road in Apgujeong has celebrity-themed statues and is near many entertainment company HQs, so celebrity sighting is common.
Cheongdam Fashion Street
Cheongdam Fashion Street is one of the most upscale and stylish areas in Seoul, often compared to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Located in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam, this street is a luxury fashion mecca, attracting celebrities, fashionistas, and high-end shoppers from around the world.
Lotte World Theme Park (Just outside Gangnam)
If you are looking for a place for kids to enjoy and witness the breathtaking Seoul at night, pay a visit to Lotte World Theme Park. It is one of the best places in Gangnam. It’s packed with everything needed, like a shopping mall, play area, movie theaters, aquarium, amusement park, and restaurants, all in one place.
To experience Korean culture up close, be sure to visit the nearby Korean Folk Museum. Another is Seoul Sky, which offers a fantastic view of the landscape. The one-day pass costs KRW 57,000, and after evening it costs KRW 44,000.
COEX Mall
It is one of the best places to be if you’re looking for fun and want to savor Korean food. The COEX shopping mall, located beneath the Korea World Trade Center, is one of the largest underground shopping centers in South Korea. It is one of Asia’s largest underground shopping malls with hundreds of shops, a food court, aquarium, cinema, and the iconic Starfield Library.
It contains international brand name stores, a concert hall, an extensive food court and restaurants. It even has a full aquarium, movie theatre, arcade, and kimchi museum.
Starfield Library
Located right in the stunning and unique COEX Mall, Starfield Library is a tall two-story building. It is around 2800 square meters wide and has nearly 40000 books related to different genres. Right from science to fiction to nonfiction, you will find plenty of exciting books to read here.
Starfield library has books written by foreign authors and renowned novels; you may come across a copy of Harry Potter here. No matter which type of reader you are, you will for sure find something worth reading.
Apgujeong Rodeo Street
Apgujeong and Cheongdam are two major shopping areas that were featured in a TV show called Cheongdam Alice, which aired in the past. The show was based on a poor girl who wishes to shop for her favorite brands and do nothing else. You will not regret shopping at Apgujeong Rodeo Street, which is also renowned as one of the trendiest places. You can buy everything here, from clothes to chic accessories and a variety of other sought-after items.
Looking for affordable and high-quality clothes that make you feel luxurious? Then it’s worth visiting. Head straight to it to have some fun while shopping. This is the Cheongdam-dong Fashion Area, featuring almost every famous brand, from beauty shops to studios.
Garosu-Gil
It is the best place to relish exotic cafes, enjoy the excellent ambiance, and savor Korean food. In the Korean language, Garosu-Gil means “the line of trees in the street,” and the area appears to be the same as what it means.
It is located right between the popular Sinsa and Apgujeong Station. The entire area is ideal for those who want to experience both indoor and outdoor shopping.
Banpo Han River National Park
The Han River is the major river of Seoul, and Gangnam also got its name from it. Along the banks of the river, you will see several parks. Among others, the most famous one is Banpo Han River Park. The park features a night market, an elegant rainbow fountain, and offers yacht and riverboat rides to travelers.
The night market opens to visitors from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. You can purchase elegant, handmade products and savor delicious food at the market. The best time to visit the park is in the evening when it’s dark. Witness the beautiful rainbow fountain spreading its radiant colors around.
Here our list ends, and we hope you have already decided from where to begin your journey. Every place listed above in Gangnam is worth visiting. You will feel something different at every place, as each one is unique in its way.
Travel Tips and Etiquette in Gangnam
To make the most of your visit to Gangnam—and to navigate it respectfully—here are some practical tips and cultural pointers:
Basic Travel Tips
- Language: While English is spoken at major establishments, knowing a few Korean phrases like “안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo)” for hello and “감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida)” for thank you can go a long way.
- Navigation: Gangnam is well-connected by Seoul’s extensive subway system. The Green Line (Line 2) and Bundang Line are particularly useful.
- Payment: Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s good to carry some cash (KRW) for small shops and markets.
Cultural Etiquette
- Respect Personal Space: Koreans value personal space and quiet in public, especially on public transport. Avoid talking loudly.
- Dining Etiquette: Wait to be seated, and don’t start eating until the eldest person at the table begins. Saying “잘 먹겠습니다 (jal meokgetseumnida)” before eating is polite.
- Dress Code: Gangnam locals tend to dress fashionably. While casual wear is fine, dressing neatly is encouraged, especially when visiting high-end areas.
Safety and Courtesy
- Safety: Gangnam is generally very safe, even at night. However, watch for pickpockets in crowded areas.
- Emergency Numbers: Dial 112 for police and 119 for fire or medical emergencies.
Being mindful of local customs while enjoying everything Gangnam has to offer will ensure a more immersive and respectful travel experience.
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