In 2012, the singer Psy had a runaway success with his song "Gangnam Style" on the Youtube platform, exceeding billions of views. Today, in the post-Psy era, no tourist to Seoul can avoid the Gangnam district. For some, Gangnam is to Seoul what Beverly Hills is to Los Angeles. The district itself is a long, wide boulevard of around 1km, flanked by skyscrapers and is probably** the most glamorous area in Seoul**. As the city's business centre, the area is a landmark of symmetrical buildings and high-end hotels. During the day, Gangnam looks a bit like our La Défense district in Paris. It's mostly businessmen in suits and ties. At night, the atmosphere is completely different... The district becomes chic and trendy with its various bars and nightclubs. Locals and tourists mix and enjoy the nightlife and above all the restaurants specialising in traditional Korean barbecues from the region.
Gangnam is clearly Seoul's luxury district. The contrast with the other districts is quickly apparent.
Although the cost of living is a little higher, Gangnam offers a multitude of affordable activities. This area is well worth exploring (day or night), simply because of its proximity to the beautiful Han River.
The Gangnam style statue in front of the COEX shopping mall.
- © ARTYOORAN / ShutterstockIf you only have one day free to visit Gangnam, the best thing to do is take a stroll through Han River Park. In Seoul, you can order food anywhere, at any time of the day or night. We advise you to order a picnic and enjoy the park before exploring the urban areas.
There are numerous footpaths in the park, allowing you to wander and escape by the river, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Getting around the city is fairly simple and convenient, using the metro or taking a taxi if necessary. This makes it easy to see all the area's sights and explore a few hidden gems. Of course, a day in the Gangnam district wouldn't be complete without a proper Korean barbecue dinner, cocktails and karaoke in a bar to end the day on a high.
Bongeunsa temple in springtime, Seoul.
- © sayan uranan / ShutterstockBongeunsa is a magnificent Buddhist temple in the Samseong-dong district of Gangnam. The temple was founded in 794, making it a historic site not to be missed.
Another stop to add to your list is the United Gallery on the first floor of the United Culture Foundation building in Nonhyeon-dong. United Gallerysupports young artists and showcases both modern and traditional art.
Koreans are no joke when it comes to barbecue. Grilled pork or beef (beef is a little more expensive) served alongside kimchi and rice can be enjoyed in any part of the city.
One of Seoul's favourite places is Seorae Galmaegi right in the centre of Gangnam. Another recommendation is Saemaeul Sikdang Nonhyeon, a franchise restaurant with a popular branch in the Gangnam area. Once again: affordable prices, excellent service, fresh produce and a 100% Korean culinary experience!
Traditional Korean barbecue cuisine
- © photohwan / ShutterstockYou should also try shabu-shabu, a hotspot dish that actually originated in Japan, but has made its way to many Asian countries. It's a simple but very healthy meal - a mix of vegetables and meat to suit your taste. Shabu-shabu is very affordable and is available in most restaurants!
Ensemble complet de viande de bœuf et de porc préparé pour le grill sur cuisinière servi avec des légumes, de la soupe et du riz.
- © Foto by KKK / ShutterstockIf you want to splurge and discover a gastronomic experience, Mingles has been awarded a Michelin star and chef Mingoo Kang serves a wide variety of modern and traditional Korean dishes.
The best hotel in Gangnam is the Parc Hyatt. This ultra-high-tech property rivals the W Hotel as Seoul's best boutique hotel, but offers a much more convenient location, just south of COEX, a shopping mall spread over an area of around 154,000 square metres. It claims to be the largest underground shopping mall in Asia.
Huge rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, wooden floors and an urban spa make this hotel the pinnacle of luxury. Rates start from 350,000 won (around 260 euros a night) for a 42 m2 Park King room.
Gangnam is full of shops, great shopping centres and bargains. Korean cosmetics are of the highest quality, so it's a great place to stock up on beauty products. You can find everything you want at the COEX Mall. As well as hundreds of fashion shops, you'll also find an area with several restaurants, a giant cinema, an aquarium, the Kimchi Museum and the huge ASEM Plaza and Event Court, which regularly host concerts and other shows.
COEX, Korea's "Times Square Mall".
- © Niyazz / ShutterstockIf you're looking for a more authentic experience, we recommend the underground markets that pop up in metro stations all over the city. These markets sell anything from clothes to jewellery to food, and you're guaranteed to find a few unique items at bargain prices. Remember: vendors only accept cash.
