Things to Do in Gangnam: Top 30

Last Updated on November 7, 2024 by Alex

If you had asked me what the best things to do in Gangnam are after my visit as a tourist, I would have probably suggested a couple of things. However, after living in Seoul for one year, I understood that Koreans see Gangnam as a whole region, not just a district.

Gangnam-gu (district) became famous thanks to PSY, the Korean artist who broke YouTube with his video back in 2012. Nevertheless, if you ask anyone in Seoul what to do in Gangnam, they would think of the whole area south of the Han River. That’s because “Gangnam” literally means “south of the river.”

For the sake of this post, I will try to focus mainly on the things to do and see in the district. But I cannot leave out areas such as Jamsil or Songpa, which are south of the river and near Gangnam district.

Thus, without further ado, here is everything I enjoyed doing on a day or so south of the river in Seoul.

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Table of Contents

Top things to do in Gangnam
Where to stay in Gangnam
Getting from Incheon to Gangnam
Do you need a visa to go to South Korea?
Getting around Seoul

Top things to do in Gangnam

COEX Mall Library

One of the main Instagram spots in Gangnam and Seoul, this public library is incredibly photogenic. It was built inside the COEX mall with precisely this in mind: to attract people to the shopping mall.

You cannot borrow or buy books; even if you could, they are all Korean. However, you can enjoy the atmosphere and read or look at the pictures in the magazines.

While here, why not allow yourself to get lost inside this impressive shopping mall? Who knows what you might find?

Or better yet, head for the next thing on the list.

Address: 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Visit COEX Aquarium

The largest aquarium in South Korea is inside a shopping mall! With around 40,000 sea creatures, this is the place to be for kids and adults alike. Why not spend a few fun hours learning about the incredible life of underwater creatures?

You’ll see sharks, penguins, a “mermaid performance” and more.

By booking online, you will not only save on the ticket price but also have the flexibility to cancel or change your booking.

You can use it with the Discover Seoul Pass or book it separately.

Address: 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Book your ticket here!

Have tea at Bongeunsa Temple

Bongeunsa Temple is within walking distance of the COEX mall and is one of the few Buddhist temples inside Seoul. In the past, many temples were moved outside the city, especially to the mountains, but Bongeunsa survived.

Visiting this temple has been one of my favorite things to do in Seoul and I loved it, especially when it was covered with colorful lampions.

Another reason I love going there is the small tea house hosted inside one of the temple houses. The interior and views are stunning, and you can enjoy an authentic Korean-style tea ceremony here.

During my first trip to Seoul, some ladies offered me traditional sweets while I was visiting the temple. For those interested in such activities, Bongeunsa also hosts Templestays, where you can stay and sleep inside the temple, learn about the Buddhist religion, and live like a monk.

Come during spring or summer, and you will enjoy the true beauty of the temple’s gardens.

Address: 531 Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

See the Samsung Display

This impressive display outside COEX Mall attracts tourists and locals, especially during football competitions.

The display changes now and then, depending on the season and what’s excellent at the time, but you will get to see not only K-Pop idols but also things that offer optical illusions, such as waves hitting the screen.

Some time ago, “the wave” went viral on social media, and they keep resurrecting it, so you might be lucky to catch it on display.

Address: 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Take a picture with the Gangnam Style Statue

Located right in front of Coex Mall, you should not miss the opportunity to take a picture with the famous Gangnam Style statue.

Address: 524 Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Have Korean BBQ at Heukdonga Samseng restaurant

After moving to Seoul, one of our local friends took us to this restaurant for our first Korean BBQ. They served Jeju black pig, and everything was delicious.

Address: 14 Bongeunsa-ro 86-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Luxury SPA treatment at Sulwhasso SPA

Who doesn’t like a little pampering, especially when it is done in the world’s beauty capital?

Sulwhasoo is one of the leading luxury K-beauty brands, and its ginseng line targets anti-aging and revitalization.

At their flagship store and SPA in Gangnam, you will find an impressive place where you can learn about the history of Korean beauty, shop for some of the best cosmetics, and pamper yourself with exclusive spa treatments.

The building also has a rooftop terrace where you can sit back and relax. Book your treatment in advance and come in earlier to make the most of your time here.

Address: 18 Dosan-daero 45-gil, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Book your treatment here with a discount!

Have a coffee at one of the cool cafes around Dosan Park

Right next to Sulwhasoo SPA, you will find Dosan Park, a small green oasis in the middle of one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Seoul.

On the streets around the park, you will discover tons of cool cafes to choose from. Some have a more girly style, others are hipster heaven, while others care only for the coffee they serve.

Inside the Dear Dahlia flagship store, you will find one of the girliest cafes, while if you walk towards Gangnam Station, you will find more low-key cafes.

Here are a few of the prettiest and most famous cafes around Gangnam:

Antique Coffee is set in a pastel house with the Lotte Sky Tower in the background, and they have a beautiful flower display and Instagrammable cakes. It is located in Songpa-dong ( 송파동).

Address: South Korea, 서울 Songpa-gu, Baekjegobun-ro 41-gil, 21-16 KR 서울특별시 1층

Seoulism is another popular cafe in Seoul that has a view over the Lotte Sky Tower.

Address: 48-7 Songpa-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 송파구 송파동 48-7)

Mammamia 도산 – has been around for a while and is still one of the most popular cafes in Gangnam (and Seoul). The pink exterior attracts picture lovers, while their sweets look mouthwatering. It is on a street right next to Dosan Park. Address: 45 Apgujeong-ro 42-gil, Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Hermes Cafe is set inside the Hermes store in Gangnam, right across the street from Dosan Park. From my experience at the Dior Cafe (also in the area), going there is more about taking pictures than tasting the coffee and food.

Address: 7 Dosan-daero 45-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Shop for luxury brands on Garosu-gil Street or Apgujeong Rodeo Street

Even window shopping around Garosu-gil or Apgujeong Rodeo Street is an experience you should not skip. This is where you will find all the fancy stores, big luxury brands, and smaller and cooler local shops.

If you don’t feel like shopping at Chanel, Hermes, Dior, or other such brands, only a few minutes away, you will find colorful K-beauty stores or unique local brands such as Ader, a clothing store with an out-of-this-world interior design.

No matter what you are into and your shopping budget, you should explore this area for at least a few hours.

Dior Cafe

To be honest, before finding this place, I had no idea Dior also had cafes, and I thought this was a Seoul thing. However, I later found out you can enjoy a coffee with the famous fashion brand logo in other capitals worldwide, but since you will be in Seoul, why not try the one in Gangnam?

The cafe is on the last floor of a building, on top of the actual Dior store. If you go during the week, chances are you won’t need a reservation because most tables were empty when we were there, but people started coming towards lunchtime.

In my humble opinion, as a “coffee snob,” their coffee was one of the worst I’ve ever had, especially considering the price tag. However, I suggest you come here for afternoon tea; it might be better and more worth it.

Overall, the experience is worth considering, especially for the ‘gram.

Address: 464 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Plastic surgery world around Gangnam Station

You will see countless plastic surgery clinics everywhere you look around Gangnam Station and on Teheran Street. During normal times, in this area, you would see people wearing bandages entering or exiting these buildings.

If you didn’t know, South Korea is the number 1 country for plastic surgery, and Gangnam is the Silicon Valley of Seoul’s beauty industry.

Even clinics offer special packages for foreigners for an intense 1-2-3 days of rejuvenation. While most doctors don’t speak English, many such clinics have translators who will guide you through the process.

K Museum of Contemporary Art & Art Galleries

If you are into art, you should visit the K Museum of Contemporary Art or one of the many art galleries in Gangnam.

Address: 807 Seolleung-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Cosmetics Flagship Stores

If you don’t feel like going all the way with plastic surgery, there is always the world of cosmetics. And in Gangnam, you will find some of the coolest flagship stores.

Dear Klairs is a small building with a charming and tranquil interior design. Here, you can try some of their most popular products, take advantage of the offers, and get free samples.

Address: 44 Nonhyeon-ro 153-gil, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Read also: Where to buy skincare in Seoul

Stroll along the Han River

The Han River divided the city into 2 parts, and the whole area along the river, on both of its banks, has been transformed into a park.

Bicycle lanes go along pedestrian lanes, and you can basically walk (or bike) from one end of the city to the other.

The Gangnam area is also pretty nice because you will get a beautiful view over Namsan Tower and Hannam-Dong, which have colorful buildings perched on the hill.

You can grab a drink from one of the convenience stores along the river and bring a blanket to sit on the grass and enjoy a beautiful sunny day.

Lotte World

Lotte World is the most popular adventure park in South Korea, set in the middle of Seokchon Lake next to the famous Lotte World Tower.

Whether you are traveling with kids or you simply want to feel like a child again, spending one day at the amusement park should be on your Seoul bucket list. You can also go there at night for a great show and view.

Choose a Fast Pass when you don’t want to wait in line at any of the rides, or get the combo ticket and visit the Aquarium as well.

Address: 240 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Book your ticket here!

Lotte Sky Tower

This is South Korea’s tallest building, seen almost anywhere in Seoul. You can climb to the highest floors and admire the city from the top of its 117th to 123rd floors.

Now and then, a unique exhibition is organized, and they hold various Korean entertainment programs.

The building has one of the fastest elevators in the world, and you will be surprised at how fast you can reach the top of Seoul.

Address: 300 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Book your Sky admission ticket here!

Visit Seoul Olympic Park

Within walking distance to Lotte World and Lotte Sky Tower, you can get to one of the most beautiful parks in Seoul: Olympic Park.

People usually come here looking for the most photogenic tree in the city, but a stroll along the beautiful lanes is worth it.

Olympic Park should not be missed if you are visiting the city during spring or fall.

Address: 424 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Starbucks river cafe

While I’m not a huge Starbucks fan (let’s say I like other types of coffee), I couldn’t skip this cool place set on the Han River.

Seoul Wave is a relatively new addition to the river and to the list of Instagrammable places in Seoul. It can be easily reached from Gangnam.

The building hosts a cafe and has yoga studios and other cool places. However, Starbucks coffee is the most popular place inside the building, mainly because of the beautiful view you get from the inside.

It is not an ample space, so if you are going during the weekend, you might find it challenging to find a table on the ground floor.

Address: 145-35 Jamwon-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Hangang River cruise

A river cruise is an excellent idea if you would rather see the city from the river, especially during and after sunset. The city will shine bright, and you will even see the colorful Bampo Bridge.

When you book a tour, once the cruise is over, the guide will take you to one of the most popular local markets, where you can taste some delicious regional dishes. You will feel like part of that popular Netflix show!

Another tour option involves a picnic in Hangang Park, where you can taste traditional Korean fried chicken and a local rice liquor called Makgeolli.

Book your tour here!

Book the river cruise with Hangang Park picnic here!

Party until you drop

Yes, the “Gangnam Style” was about partying like the people in this district do. You will find here some of the coolest and most exclusive restaurants and bars in town, where people come to have fun (and, of course, to show off).

Learn about the young Korean generation

June, a local historian will take you around Gangnam and help you understand why Korea has today the highest suicide rate, the lowest birthrate, intense education, what lies behind the plastic surgery culture, and more.

He chose Gangnam because it is the most developed part of the city (and country) but also symbolizes the “unhappiest country in the world.”

See more about the tour here!

Go and see a celebrity hairstylist

You might not come to Seoul to have your hair done, but you might consider it once you know about this option.

Jenny House styles over 500 celebrities and is located in the heart of the Gangnam district. To take advantage of discounts, I strongly encourage you to book online ahead of time.

Make an appointment here!

Choose a Beauty Tour: Cosmetic & Medical Consultations in Gangnam

An English-speaking guide and translator will take you to some of Gangnam’s most famous beauty clinics.

She will help you better understand beauty procedure options, have consultations with specialists, and finish your tour with a beauty plan.

From experience, I know it is almost impossible to really have an English consultation in Gangnam, so if this is on your list, a guide is worth paying for.

Book your Beauty Tour here!

Walk around Seokchon Lake (during spring or fall)

Of course, you can go there anytime, but the lake is surrounded by cherry trees, which makes it a scenic walk, especially during those two seasons.

Address: 잠실6동 Songpa-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Go shopping at the Lotte World Mall or Lotte Department Store Castle Plaza

The two huge shopping malls are right next to one another and you can choose the one you want to explore depending on your budget.

Also, come here for the Instagrammable stairs in the Lotte Department Store or their stunning Christmas displays during winter.

Address: 240 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain

People gather on the Han River’s banks to watch the show of lights, colors, and water at Banpo Bridge.

Address: South Korea, Seoul, Seocho-gu, 반포2동

Samneung Park

Go for a stroll and see the Seolleung (Tomb of King Seongjong) and the Tomb of Queen Jeonghyeon.

Address: 1 Seolleung-ro 100-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Take a picture at Art Monster

This place is not so special since we lived in Hong Kong for one year and a half before moving to Seoul. However, if you haven’t been, it is worth going at least for a picture.

Address: 28-3 Teheran-ro 1-gil, Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Entertainment companies for K-pop lovers

Like Digital Media City, Gangnam is home to many essential Korean entertainment companies. If you are a K-Pop fan, don’t miss

SMTOWN – 83-21, Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul

JYP – 205, Gangdong-daero, Gangdong-gu, Seoul

Sip a glass of tea at Basilur or TWG Tea

TWG Tea might be one of the best teas in the world, and you can taste it in the Lotte Department Store.

Basilur, on the other hand, comes from Sri Lanka and, in addition to delicious teas, has a great picture-perfect location.

Templestay at Bongeunsa Temple

Do you want to learn more about the Buddhist religion? Did you know you can stay at a temple while in South Korea?

Bongeunsa Temple has such a program. You can stay at the temple for two days, learn about the art of meditation, take part in a tea ceremony, wake up with the monks, and more.

K-Star Road

Look for the road between Apgujeong Rodeo Station exit 2 and the Cheongdam crossroads. That’s where you will find the famous K-Star Road.

Here, you will find various idol dolls – some large bear dolls with idol images printed. Some of them have even been signed by famous entertainers themselves.

Gangnam Station Underground Shopping Center
(강남역 지하도상가)

If you want to do some budget shopping, this is the place to go. Over 200 trendy shops offer the latest K-fashion items.

Where to stay in Gangnam

Luxury hotels in Gangnam

InterContinental Seoul COEX is set right next to the COEX Mall, famous for its impressive library. You will also be steps away from a subway stop and one of the most beautiful temples in town: Bongeunsa Temple.

You can access an internal swimming pool and rooms with breathtaking city views.

Book your stay here!

Mid-range hotels in Gangnam

L7 Gangnam by Lotte is a 4–star fancy hotel set in the business area, with rooms boasting incredible city views. It is close to subway line 2, which will take you anywhere in town. The interior design is luxurious, and on the 10th floor, you’ll find an Italian restaurant and bar.

Book your stay here!

Budget-friendly hotels in Gangnam

Princess Hotel—While this hotel is set in the most expensive area—Apgujeong—it is still a budget hotel without much interior design or facilities. However, it is close to many restaurants and stores, and the rooms are clean and comfortable.

Book your stay here!

Getting from Incheon to Gangnam

Looking at Seoul’s map, you will see the popular district set in the southeastern part of the city. While Hongdae or Myeongdong are much more easily accessible from Incheon Airport, you will find it easy to get to Gangnam as well.

Before you go, get your T-Money Card + Data SIM

Take the Airport Railway train to Hongik University Station and switch to the green line number 2 to Gangnam Station. Check out timetables and routes here.

With only one transfer and a cost of 4950 won, this is pretty ok, in my opinion.

Another option would be to book your private transfer directly from the airport to your Gangnam hotel.

Do you need a visa to go to South Korea?

Generally, South Korea requires visas for most visitors, but the specific requirements depend on your nationality and the purpose and duration of your stay.

South Korea has a visa exemption agreement with many countries, allowing their citizens to enter for short stays without a visa. However, the duration of visa-free stays and the conditions for entry can vary.

Check your Visa requirements here!