I have written about my love of Seoul many times in the past. But, no matter how hard I try, I always end up focusing most of my time discussing the most stylish and affluent district in Seoul. Gangnam. A district that was made world famous back in 2012 with the release of the song ‘Gangnam Style.’ That song was an ode to the lavish lifestyle that typifies Gangnam.
Gangnam is the third largest district in Seoul and is where most of the wealth in the city is amassed. The house prices here are almost double that of the rest of Seoul. But those prices are attached to some of the most luxurious homes money can buy. Gangnam’s skyline is filled with beautifully designed skyscrapers. But, nestled in between the modern architecture are small pockets of historical monuments and verdant greenery.
Words often don’t do Gangnam enough justice. It is one of those places you need to see with your own eyes to truly grasp how magnificent it is! This guide will be taking a look at everything worth seeing while you are there!
K-Pop Square
K-Pop tourism makes up a huge percentage of South Korea’s tourism earnings every year. With about 30% of all visitors to South Korea coming because of K-Pop related reasons. Even if you’re not into K-Pop you will definitely want to check out K-Pop Square.
Located in the centre of Gangnam, this park is a monument to everything K-Pop. The main feature is the giant LED screen that is constantly highlighting different K-Pop artists. The entire park is filled with different multimedia displays and art installations paying homage to one of the most popular musical genres on the planet.
The atmosphere here is always lively. With hundreds of K-Pop tourists and locals flocking to enjoy the beautiful scenery and music. Everywhere you go in K-Pop square you will be serenaded by the most popular K-Pop tracks. It is also an ideal spot for taking photos for your social media accounts. And there is also every chance you might bump into a K-Pop start or two!
Gangnam Full Salon
Gangnam is home to a number of luxurious spas and salons. But none quite capture the spirit of the district more than Gangnam Full salon. Located in the heart of the district, this salon offers everything you could ever want from a luxury salon experience. Gangnam salons are a bit different to what you’re used to in the west. They combine many different entertainment venues under one roof. So you will be spoilt for choice on what to do while there.
Jacuzzis, swimming pools, steam rooms, private whisky and beer tastings. All of this is managed by a team of welcoming and friendly staff. You will be treated like royalty during your time here. And they also offer a luxury sedan pickup service too. So you can travel there in style!
Starfield COEX Mall
As we said before, Gangnam is the most affluent district in Seoul. And where you have such a high concentration of money you will naturally have a high concentration of shops too. The Starfield COEX Mall is the ultimate retail therapy location! The entire mall is underground. And, fun fact, it is the largest underground shopping mall in the world. At a whopping 1,660,000 square feet.
The mall is split into five distinct plazas. Each focusing on a different shopping experience. Central Plaza, Live Plaza, Airport Plaza, Millennium Plaza, and Asem Plaza. The mall is also home to a massive aquarium and a sprawling bookstore that would put some of the world’s greatest libraries to shame!
The mall also features a space for live gaming tournaments to be filmed. So gaming fans should definitely check this out if they want to see some Esports action. The mall is home to all the big name brands you would expect. As well as many stores unique to South Korea. This is also another great place to do some celebrity hunting!
Bongeunsa Temple
Earlier on we mentioned that Gangnam features a few historical areas nestled in between the skyscrapers. Bongeunsa Temple is one such area. And, undoubtedly, the most fascinating. This Buddhist temple was founded way back in 794. Although much of it has been destroyed over the centuries. But, through painstaking restoration efforts, it has been brought back to its former glory!
There are a number of different tours available to you. Where you will learn about the fascinating history of the temple and get an insight into what life was like for the monks who called it home!