Introduction – Why Gangnam Is the Heart of Seoul
K-pop’s “Gangnam Style” may have put the name on the world map, but Gangnam is far more than a viral song. The name itself means “south of the Han River” — Gang for river, Nam for south. Seoul is naturally divided into Gangbuk (north of the river) and Gangnam (south). Today, Gangnam is a hub for education, culture, arts, shopping, K-pop, and K-beauty trends.
If you visit Seoul, Gangnam is a must-see destination. It’s packed with experiences for every traveler — from luxury fashion streets to hidden coffee shops, and from historic temples to cutting-edge entertainment.
Quick Navigation
- Top 5 Attractions
- Top 5 Shopping Areas
- Top 5 Restaurants
- Suggested Itineraries
- Budget Guide
- Local Tips
- FAQ
Top 5 Attractions
1) COEX Mall & Starfield Library
Asia’s largest underground mall, home to fashion, K-beauty, and lifestyle brands. At its heart lies the iconic Starfield Library, famous for its towering bookshelves that surround you on all sides, creating an awe-inspiring atmosphere. Around the library, cozy cafés invite visitors to sip tea or coffee while reading a book or capturing the beauty of the space in photos. For social media enthusiasts, it’s a true hotspot—especially when riding the escalators up and down, which offer unique angles and a dynamic sense of space, adding a distinctive charm to the experience. From Gangnam, this spot is only two stops away by subway, making it a quick and convenient trip.
💡 Pro Tip: Visit on a weekday morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful coffee at one of the nearby cafés. Riding the escalator here gives you a panoramic view perfect for photos.
- All-weather shopping and dining. Even Oliveyoung is in the mall!
- Famous photo zone inside the library
☝️Starfield Library. This is a beautiful photo spot for your SNS!
2) Bongeunsa Temple
A peaceful Buddhist temple across from COEX, offering a calm escape from the city. Temple Stay programs let visitors experience Korean Buddhist culture firsthand. Being in the heart of Seoul’s bustling business district might feel oddly out of place at first, but that contrast makes the tranquillity here even more special. Uniquely, this temple is not only popular among tourists but also easily accessible to office workers in the Gangnam area and local residents, making it a beloved spot for both visitors and the community.
💡 Traveller’s Note: Even office workers drop by during lunch breaks, making this temple part of the community’s daily life.
- Free entry
- Traditional architecture in the middle of the city
- Smaller than temples outside Seoul
- Busy on major Buddhist holidays
📷 Video Source : [Templestay] Bongeunsa 봉은사 템플스테이 by “템플스테이 Korean Templestay”
3) Seonjeongneung Royal Tombs (UNESCO)
A UNESCO-listed site where Joseon Dynasty royalty are buried, surrounded by greenery.
💡 Best Season: Spring cherry blossoms or autumn foliage for scenic walks.
- Historic site in a modern business district
- Shaded walking paths
- Limited facilities (bring water)
- English tours not always available
4) Apgujeong Rodeo Street
Known as the “Beverly Hills of Seoul,” this area is home to luxury boutiques, flagship stores, and stylish cafés, with major K-pop agency buildings nearby. Apgujeong is also known for having many celebrities living in the area, and it’s not uncommon to spot a famous face. Thanks to this glamorous environment, the neighborhood has also gained a strong reputation as a fashion hotspot.
- High-end shopping and celebrity spotting potential
- Trendy cafés
- Expensive
- Few budget dining options
5) K-Star Road
A short street lined with giant “GangnamDol” statues representing K-pop groups.
💡 Photo Tip: Best visited in the late afternoon for softer lighting in pictures.
- Fun photo spot for K-pop fans
- Easy to combine with nearby shopping streets
- Short walking route
- Some statues may be under maintenance
Top 5 Shopping Areas
- COEX Mall – Fashion, beauty, and lifestyle under one roof
- Garosu-gil (Sinsa) – Trendy street fashion and brunch cafés
- Apgujeong Rodeo – Luxury brands and flagship stores
- Gangnam Underground Shopping Centre – Affordable fashion under Gangnam Station
- Cheongdam Luxury Street – Designer boutiques and celebrity-favourite salons
Top 5 Restaurants
- Samwon Garden – Premium Korean BBQ, open since 1976
- Jungsik – Michelin 2-star modern Korean fine dining
- Gaon – Michelin 3-star traditional Korean course meals
- Mad for Garlic (COEX) – Italian fusion in a stylish setting
- School Food (Gangnam) – Trendy versions of Korean street food classics
Suggested Itineraries
Half-Day (Culture + Shopping)
COEX Mall → Starfield Library → Bongeunsa Temple → Dinner at Samwon Garden
Full Day (Trendy Route)
Morning: Café-hopping in Garosu-gil
Afternoon: Apgujeong Rodeo & K-Star Road
Evening: Nightlife near Gangnam Station
Budget Guide (Per Person)
| Item | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Coffee | ₩6,000–8,000 |
| Street Snacks | ₩5,000–8,000 |
| Casual Meal | ₩12,000–18,000 |
| Korean BBQ | ₩25,000–40,000+ |
| Shopping | ₩10,000 ~ unlimited |
Local Tips
- Best Seasons: Spring and autumn for walking; summer/winter focus on indoor attractions like COEX
- Transport: Gangnam Station (Line 2 & Shinbundang), Samseong Station (COEX), Apgujeong Rodeo Station
- Etiquette: Ask before filming inside shops or cafés
- Safety: Generally safe, but be alert in nightlife areas late at night
- Language: Many staff speak basic English; translation apps are helpful in small eateries
FAQ
Q1. Is Gangnam expensive?
Apgujeong and Cheongdam are premium, but Gangnam Station’s underground mall offers budget-friendly options.
Q2. Where can I see K-pop attractions?
Walk K-Star Road, visit Apgujeong Rodeo, and check out the areas near entertainment agency HQs.
Q3. Is Gangnam fun on a rainy day?
Yes — spend time at COEX Mall, Starfield Library, and Bongeunsa Temple.