Gangnam, Seoul
Gangnam is a large, upscale district in Seoul
Several areas are hubs for trends and luxury fashion
It is a major corporate hub in the city
Chances are, you’ve heard “Gangnam Style” by Psy. Gangnam is a large district in Seoul, and features several of the most popular neighborhoods in the city.
The area solidified itself as a trendy destination before other Seoul neighborhoods like Seongsu or Mullae, and is still a premier hub for stylish Seoul.
Along with a few neighborhoods with shopping, cafes, clinics and sightseeing, there are several good places I’ve eaten at here, which I’ll share at the bottom.
How to get there
The closest station depends on where you’re going in Gangnam. Here are some of the popular destinations and the stations near to them:
Garosu-gil Street: Sinsa Station on Seoul Subway Line 3
Rodeo Street and K-Star Road: Apgujeong Rodeo Station on the Suin-Bundang Line
Hyundai Department Store: Apgujeong Station on Seoul Subway Line 3
COEX Convention & Exhibition Center (Starfield Library): Bongeunsa Station on Seoul Subway Line 9, Samseong (World Trade Center Seoul) Station on Seoul Subway Line 2
About Gangnam
The Gangnam district is large, and encompasses other wards and neighborhoods. While it wasn’t developed until the late 20th century, it’s become one of Seoul’s premiere districts. You’ll definitely feel this while walking down one of its wide streets lined with tall skyscrapers.
It’s also gained fame in tourism due to reasons like “Gangnam Style” by Psy, the first Korean pop song to achieve cult popularity globally.
I’ve been to the Gangnam district a few times during my several trips to Seoul, first visiting in 2018 and last visiting in 2024. I’ll share some places I’ve visited any ate at that I recommend below.
You can also see some of my 2024 visit in this video:
Where to go
Apgujeong
Apgujeong is basically synonymous with luxury, fashion, and trends in Seoul. As one of the premier areas in the Gangnam district, it’s home to high-end department stores, flagship boutiques, and upscale hotels.
Popular destinations in Apgujeong include the Rodeo Street area and the Hyundai Department Store (not to be confused with The Hyundai Seoul mall in the Yeouido area).
One of my favorite meals I’ve had in Seoul was in Apgujeong - see below.
Sinsa
A short walk away from Apgujeong is Sinsa, or Sinsa-dong. The main destination here is Garosu-gil, a street known for the ginko trees that line it. The smaller streets running parallel to it are known as Serosu-gil.
While this area was originally known for art studios and boutiques, it’s transformed into a major fashion hub, home to major retailers, including some flagship locations.
Having visited a couple times over the years, however, I did notice a decrease in its popularity. Areas like Seongsu may be taking some of its shine. Vacant store fronts were a common site during my visit in 2024.
On the day I visited, though, there happened to be a big event by Ralph Lauren with several celebrities coming by, including Kazuha of Le Sserafim, Ong Seong-wu, Nana, and Lee Seung-hyub.
Cheongnam
Located closer to the river is Cheongnam, or Cheongnam-gu. It features some of the most high-end stores, homes, and offices, and is known as one of the wealthy areas in Gangnam.
It is a bit of a hilly area, and being home to some of the richest in the country, it’s referred to as the “Beverly Hills of Seoul”.
I briefly explored this area and had lunch at a place that I’ll share below, but the hills combined with it being during the summer made it a little tiring.
Yeoksam
With a vibe that feels like a downtown where everyone works, the Yeoksam area features wide streets and tall, modern buildings. It exudes a business vibe, and is home to Google Korea, banks, airlines, and more.
Samseong
Just down the street from Yeoksam is Samseong, or Samseong-dong. While mainly a business district as well, it’s home to the Starfield Library at the COEX Convention & Exhibition Center.
Honestly, there didn’t seem to be a lot to do here as far as sightseeing at this center/mall, but the central atrium-like space are 13-meter tall bookshelves that serve as a popular photo spot. I visited during my first time to Seoul in 2018, however, I haven’t been back in my subsequent visits.
Outside are the two hands crossing at the wrists, a form made popular by Psy’s “Gangnam Style” dance.
Where to eat
Jikang / 지강한식당 압구정본점
Jikang (Apgujeong, Main Branch) is a must-visit. Their nakgopsae, a stewed hot pot of octopus, beef small intestines, and shrimp and more is insanely tasty.
The dish, which is from Busan, is packed with spicy, garlicky flavor. Scoop it out and eat it on a bowl of white rice, it’s perfect.
The restaurant has a slightly upscale feel, which fits the area, and your order everything on a touchscreen. If you’re in the mood, their yukhoe (beef tartare) is also amazing. I get cravings for this place and I’ll probably be back every time I’m in Seoul.
Area: Apgujeong
Daechi Jeong-Yug Sigdan / 대치정육식당
When a butcher shop runs its own Korean BBQ joint, it’s going to be delicious. This is the case with Daechi.
A 15-20 minute walk from COEX shopping mall, Daechi specializes in top grade Korean beef. The beef that they serve are Hanwoo beef and rated 1++ - the highest in the Beef Marbling Standard in Korea. We ordered beef to barbeque as well as yukke, slices of raw beef mixed with raw egg. So good.
Daechi is a bit hard to find - there’s an entrance near the meat shop and it’s down some stairs (last picture, to the right). If you’re around the COEX area, it’s worth checking out.
Area: Yeoksam
Yeongcheon Yeonghwa / 영천영화
Bibimbap is one of Korea’s famous dishes, and Yeongcheon Yeonghwa in the upscale Cheongdam area of Gangnam was highly rated and apparently visited by celebrities.
We went for lunch and despite the restaurant being on the larger side, it was full with some waiting. The bimbap had a delicious mix of raw beef and greens - tender and fresh - mixed with rice.
A lot of the bibimbap I’ve seen at food stalls didn’t have beef, so this was a nice chance to have some that did.
Area: Cheongdam
Sawee (Yeoksam Branch)
A chain that serve Busan’s popular nakgopsae dish. In this spicy, flavorful hot pot are octopus, beef intestines, and shrimp. Sawee’s signature sauce is said to use 17 ingredients, and is aged for 72 hours.
This is the second nakgopsae restaurant listed on this page (I love this dish!), and I’d recommend this one if you’re looking for a more casual spot. It does get crowded during lunch time on weekdays, but it’s a must if you like spicy, garlicky, seafood stews and hotpot. Delicious.
Area: Yeoksam
Baskin Robbins
Seoul is home to the best Baskin Robbins stores anywhere. Not only do they have flavors and dessert items not found elsewhere, they have impressive, concept flagship stores. These stores also have exclusive menu items as well.
While this location in Apgujeong recently changed and relocated, other concept flagships can be found around the city, including a few in the Gangnam district. There’s one in Starfield Coex Mall complex and another in Gangnam-daero featuring 100 flavors. Another, the Baskin Robbins Workshop, is equipped with a high tech kitchen where handcrafted gelato is made in front of customers.
Whether it’s a location in Gangnam or not, stopping by a Baskin Robbins in Seoul is a must.
Area: Apgujeong*
*This location has changed and relocated.
Keep in touch:
One of Seoul’s largest districts, Gangnam is a commercial and high-fashion core, featuring popular destinations like Apgujeong, Garosu-gil, and more.