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District of Seoul, South Korea
Photo: kallerna, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Gangnam (강남) (formerly Kangnam) and Seocho (서초) are districts in Seoul. Gangnam and Seocho are the bustling centers of modern Seoul, which is famous for their luxurious shopping, vibrant night views, and major business headquarters. They represent a new and modern appearance south of the Han River. Gangnam is the central district of the southern half of the city. Though Jongno and Jung to the north may claim to be the center of Seoul, in many ways Gangnam is the true center, of both Seoul and the entire country. This district has become famous worldwide due to South Korean singer Psy's hit song "Gangnam Style". Fifty years ago this entire area was rice paddies and pear orchards. Everything you see here has been built since then, the construction mirroring South Korea's rapid economic rise. The other half of the Greater Gangnam Area is Seocho (서초), which is an upscale residential area and home to the Samsung headquarters, and the entertainment company Pinkfong, the creator of the children's song Baby Shark.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
봉은사, 奉恩寺
A Buddhist temple with a long history that was once located on the rural outskirts of Seoul. The surrounding area was transformed during the rapid development of Gangnam from the 1980s, and the temple is now surrounded by high-rise buildings and commercial districts. The grounds contain several Buddhist buildings and sculptures.
코엑스
This state-of-the-art complex combines a massive underground mall, luxury hotels, office towers, convention center, and international trade center. Parts of the mall have aged considerably since its debut, but it still features mid-to-upscale shopping, entertainment, and Korean and Western food options. Popular attractions here include Starfield Library with its towering bookshelves in central atrium, and K-POP Square outside the southeast corner of the mall (a huge digital billboard shows 3d animations every 30 minutes; these can be quite impressive and draw a crowd of spectators). Yearly conventions at the COEX include online gaming conventions (such as the popular Korean-originated MMORPG Lineage), anime conventions, and auto shows. It is possible to spend the entire day in this covered mall without setting foot outside, which can be a blessing if very bad weather hits outside.
예술의전당
700 Seocho-dong, Gangnam-gu, (line 3 Nambu Bus Terminal stn). This arts complex contains multiple performing arts and museum exhibition spaces, showcasing Korean traditional art as well as modern works.
On the southern end of Gangnam Street is this large public park featuring playgrounds, performance spaces, sculpture gardens, memorial monuments for the victims of the Sampoong Department Store disaster and the bombing of Korean Air flight 858, and over 106,600 trees. It's a very popular picnic spot for young students and photographers. A little out of the way, but accessible by commuter rail, and it's a nice way to escape the hustle and bustle of Gangnam.
선정릉
Tranquil park in the middle of Gangnam with the burial mounds of two kings and a queen from the Joseon dynasty.
반포한강공원
Section of the Han River Park near the Banpo Bridge. The double-decker bridge has become an attraction itself, with the lower deck opening bike and pedestrian access close to the water (sometimes shutting down to automobiles altogether) and the upper deck featuring LED-lit fountain shows in the evening. These shows can best be viewed from the riverbank, which also hosts bike rentals, a water taxi dock, picnic areas, and a night market in the warmer months. Three artificial floating islands called Sebitseom are on the west side of the bridge, containing exhibition spaces and dining options. A parking lot is available from 06:00 to 24:00.
도산 근린 공원
This park was created to commemorate Ahn Chang-ho's patriotism and educational spirit, and opened on November 9, 1973, the 95th anniversary of Ahn Chang-ho's birth.
세빛섬
It is a beautiful place in the Han River. There is a floating island called Sebit Dongdongseom Island, where you can enjoy various activities such as eating and boat experience.
신세계백화점 강남점
It is a popular shopping spot in Seoul that often hosts famous pop-up stores, always offering new experiences. It is a great place for gourmets as there are many delicious desserts and various restaurants. In addition, you can enjoy high-end brands, lifestyle products, and even cultural experiences in one place. However, as it is a department store, the price is rather high. It is easily accessible by subway and bus, and there is also a convenient parking facility
코엑스 아쿠아리움
There are various kinds of living things and indoor aquariums that are good to come with family or lovers
헌인릉
The Tomb of the King of Joseon in the past, which can be seen in Gangnam
세븐럭 카지노
Seven Luck Casino Gangnam COEX in the center of Gangnam, Seoul
It is a Korean-style casino with oriental atmosphere and state-of-the-art facilities.
It boasts a total of three floors (area 6,094㎡) and operates 78 table games (baccarat, blackjack, poker, roulette, etc.), 108 latest machine games, and 45 electronic tables
(코믹월드, Comic World)
Roughly every other month, the SETEC convention center hosts Seoul's World Comic con Festival. Admission is ₩4,000 but the inside is rather bland unless you are extremely familiar with Japanese and Korean anime. Your best bet is to go during convention hours and mingle with the crowds of Korean teenagers in elaborate cosplay costumes dressed as their favorite anime characters. Most are excited to see foreigners and very glad to have their pictures taken. As mentioned, this convention only takes place once every two months, so check the website (Korean only) to make sure it will be in session while you are in Seoul.
서리풀 공원
서래마을
Seorae Village is a small France in Seoul, where many French people live here, there are French cafes and bakeries, and there are many atmospheric restaurants.
피규어뮤지엄w
A figure museum that can be enjoyed by various ages, from adults to children who like figures
기아 360
It's Kia's brand experience space. The interior is 570 pyeong and consists of a brand & design zone consisting of New Journey, Inspiring Universe, and Opportunity United, an EV life zone where you can experience mobility life in the electrification era, and a customized consultation space for customers considering purchasing a vehicle.
365일 Fun&Fun 강남
Taekwondo A variety of street performances such as a demonstration of the national flag at the headquarters, and a gugak ensemble at a gugak high school, as well as a variety of audience-participating programs such as random play dance and dance challenge. Usually, the event runs from April to the end of October every year.
한우리
An upper-end Korean restaurant that specializes in the Korean version of Shabu-shabu, which is a boiling pot to which you throw in vegetables and very thin slices of meat. Their menu is extensive and while their atmosphere may not be cutting-edge, it is classy and clean.
삼원가든
One of the best places in Seoul for Korean-style grilled meat. Lunch menus are recommended for those meat lovers on budget. For dinners, make reservations to avoid disappointment.
브릭 오븐
One of the best if not the best place pizza place in Seoul. On the way up the hill you will see some Chicago-style places as well.
코텔라 by LGC
Korean-Mexican fusion. Kimchi burritos, Kimcheese Nachos, Galbi Tacos. The guys who run this place have created some interesting and delicious food, and you'll pay for it.
왓쇼이켄
The owner and staff are very friendly. It has a rich broth and a slightly salty taste.
오레노라멘 강남점
It has clean and savory taste without any gamey flavor from the meal. Noodles, soup, and rice are available for refill.
런던 베이글 뮤지엄
It is a very famous bagel bakery in Korea. Koreans wait for more than an hour to eat the bagels, too. You can taste various kinds of bagels, and there may already be a wait because they are well known to tourists. Chives pretzel bagels are the best in this bakery.
하이디라오 서초지점
A hot pot franchise that originated in China. It's known for its friendly staff, wide selection of hot pot ingredients, and overall cleanliness. Reservations are required to get in without waiting and a must for groups.
가배도 신논현점
Our Heterotopia is a small island with coffee in the city center.
모수 서울
Mosu is a fine-dining restaurant based in Seoul, South Korea and Hong Kong. The food served in the restaurant is a fusion of Korean and other culinary traditions and ingredients.
대봉집
It is a famous pork belly restaurant in Sinsa Station, and it is a pork belly restaurant that is cheap and delicious.
주신당 강남
Along with the luxurious interior, there are 12 animals signature cocktails and dining menus using traditional liquor.
알베르
As a complex cultural space, there are seats and outdoor terrace, and outdoor terrestrial terrestrial terrestrial terrace.The plant wall and high wind table that can feel cozy and healing atmosphere that can provide cozy and healing atmosphere.
한화담 블랙 강남 n타워
A restaurant where you can eat delicious Korean beef
용가회전훠궈 강남점
This is a Chinese restaurant, an innovative brand where you can enjoy about 100 kinds of ingredients in your seat without having to wait in line at the self-bar. Based on one bowl per person, you can enjoy a variety of broths, from spicy Sacheon-style malatang to light white soup to deeply brewed mushroom soup. This place has a fascinating system that train robots bring when you sit down.
후추포인트
It is a popular Western restaurant located in Gangnam. Chodang corn gnocchi and Toowoomba pasta are especially loved by many customers, and classic lasagna and pepper steak are also popular dishes. The atmosphere here is modern yet warm, making it suitable for dates and gatherings. Menu prices are reasonable compared to the Gangnam area.
메르밀진미집 논현직영점
This is a buckwheat specialty restaurant with a 60-year history. It has been running for three generations, and it is a historic place with always many customers.
대도식당 강남대로점
This place has a 60-year-old tradition. It is Korea's representative sirloin restaurant that started in the back alley of Wangsimni, a region famous for its fresh beef in 1964.
라모따
This is a popular restaurant in Sinsa-dong, which serves Italian-style sliced pizza.
You can enjoy Italian dishes such as truffle mushroom soup and meatballs along with a variety of pizza menus such as Margherita, Porqueta, and Putanesca
강남돼지상회 본점
Pig Company is a pork-focused all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ spot that started in Gangnam, known for cauldron lid grilling and crispy Korean fried chicken made fresh in-house. Built for sharing at the table.
수락이오냉면 노원본점
Popular local restaurant specializing in spicy cold noodles (naengmyeon) and king pork cutlets near Suraksan.
쇼토
This is Apgujeong's cake restaurant run by Patissche from the Shilla Sweet Park. Strawberry Shotto and Choco Strawberry Shotto are especially popular, with soft cake sheets and rich in fresh fruits.
플링크 압구정점
This is a cafe where bakeries and coffee are delicious. A variety of bakery menus such as croissants and pain au chocolat are popular, especially pain au chocolat, which is rich in chocolate, goes well with coffee.
클럽 앤써
House music club with regular events and famous Djs.
우드스탁
Woodstock Gangnam is a Korean-style music pub (i.e. offering music selection by customers) that specializes in 1960s & 70s rock and blues. It's a nice bar, unchanged for ages, with huge Vinyl and drink selection, laid back and down to earth, unlike any other place in the area. But it's a hidden gem, a bit hard to find.
도쿄째즈
A cozy jazz club on the second floor with live piano and vocal music every night and a jazz combo Thursday and Friday nights 9-12 or later if the club is full. Famous for staying open until the last customer leaves.
더제이제이
It is a specialty shop for world beers. With over 20 years of experience, the chef, who has a background in hotel kitchens, offers homemade chicken, craft beer, and dishes that go well with soju, featuring rich and savory flavors. Private rooms are available for groups of 10 or more, and the venue can accommodate group meals for over 100 people.
케씨펍
Over 100 different types of dazzling cocktails and more than 50 varieties are offered. Inside the store, music videos are played, and dart-playing is available.
왕스펍
It's a sports pub in Gangnam. There are screens everywhere, so you can drink beer while watching sports such as the Premier League.
블루보틀 역삼점
It is a world-famous cafe and you can taste it in Korea
이치서울
This is Sinsa Station Cafe, which features a unique dessert made with mugwort and figs. Figs. Earl Grey Parfait and Mugwort Fig Box are well received by visitors for their freshness and harmonious taste of the ingredients
스탠다드브레드 도산
It is a bakery cafe where you can enjoy a variety of bread and drinks in a spacious and pleasant space. The popular combination of Salted Butter Raw Bread and Caymak is popular, and we also recommend the new menu, matcha chocolate french toast and pistachio french toast.
컴프리마
Come Prima is a café offering a selection of coffee and beverages. The venue provides an indoor seating environment suitable for casual visits and small gatherings. It operates on a regular schedule, with exceptions applied on specific designated days of the month.
전가
A decent makgeolli bar, with about 8 kinds of makgeolli and very good anju (side dishes for alcohol drinking), including tofu kimchi (dubu kimchi) and "Korean pancake" (전). Very good prices. You can't find it on Google maps, but it's there, next to beauty shop (이철헤어커커 대치점).
껠끄쇼즈
It is a famous dessert restaurant nationwide. There are many luxurious desserts and they are all famous for their deliciousness.
야코리아 호스텔 강남
An affordable and well-traveled hostel
k그랜드 호스텔 강남
Hostel close to the subway station and reasonably priced
강남 세븐 호스텔
Gangnam seven hostel is an inexpensive and well-located hostel
이비스 스타일 앰배서더 강남
Convenient for international travellers as it is very close to the check-in and limousine server at KCAT, Korea Air City Terminal, next to the COEX. Free shuttle to KCAT and free wired Internet.
조선 팰리스 서울 강남
5-star hotel. The swimming pool operates on different schedules depending on weekdays, weekends, and holidays. The pepperoni pizza is delicious when ordered through room service. For parking, valet service is available at a fee of 30,000 won.
노보텔 앰배서더 서울 강남
5-star hotel. The buffet is delicious, and the apple mango shaved ice, which can be enjoyed in the lounge, is a particular specialty.
임페리얼 팰리스 호텔
Luxury hotel in Gangnam. Shuttle buses from and to Incheon international airport. Very nice spa. A local favourite.
JW 메리어트 호텔 서울
Rooms are stylish and fully-equipped. Spa, gym, sauna, indoor running track complex covers 2 floors in the basement. Olympic-size pool, climbing wall and golf driving range and Maska's cigar shop selling Cubans.
파크 하얏트 서울 호텔
Upscale hotel that is right across from the COEX shopping complex and host to The Timber House featuring live jazz music.
그랜드 인터컨티넨탈 서울 파르나스
5-star hotel. The steak at the buffet is very delicious. The desserts are also very luxurious, and among them, the mango shaved ice can be considered a specialty.
신라 스테이
Main store of well-known department store chain.
갤러리아
A very popular upscale department store. Just several blocks away from Hyundai Department Store.
고투몰
It's a huge underground shopping mall where you can buy a lot of clothes and things
신세계 백화점 강남점
It is one of the most luxurious department stores in Korea with a variety of high-end brands
By bus
The Express Bus Terminal is a sprawling transit complex on the north side of Seocho-gu.
By metro
Gangnam-gu and Seocho-gu are well-served by dozens of subway stations and multiple lines: 2, 3, 7, 9, Shin-Bundang, and Suin-Bundang.
By train
Suseo station (lines 3 and Suin-Bundang), in the southeast corner of Gangnam-gu, provides high-speed rail service via the SRT train to major cities throughout the country, including Busan, Gwangju,…
By car
The Gyeongbu expressway enters Seoul at the south end of Seocho-gu, with access at multiple interchanges and exits as it passes between Seocho-gu and Gangnam-gu up to where it meets the Han River.
By subway
This area is served by several key lines:
By bus
Buses are useful for reaching specific destinations not directly on a subway line (like inner Garosu-gil or Seorae Village).
By taxi
Taxis are everywhere, but be prepared for traffic.
On foot
Gangnam-Seocho is too large to explore entirely on foot. However, specific districts are best explored by walking:
By bicycle
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
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