Gangnam is a fast-paced district with an extremely rich history. On one end, it is home to attractive skyscrapers, designer brands, and raving nightclubs. On the other, it houses the Bongeunsa Buddhist temple that dates back to the 8th century and traditional Korean art forms. Other popular attractions here are Starfield COEX Mall near Starfield Library and the colossal COEX Aquarium, as well as museums and theaters. The city has found itself right in the middle of pop culture trends while retaining its traditions and customs. In case you are planning your itinerary, then do check out these 10 best things to do in Gangnam, Seoul, that will surely make your trip unforgettable.
1. Groove to Psy's Gangnam Style song at Gangnam Station
The song ‘Gangnam Style’ was not just a viral video but it also became a global phenomenon. People of all ages and the quirky ones enjoyed the song’s signature dance steps. Right here in a public station at Gangnam, you will get a chance to actually dance your way into a tribute to this world popular song by South Korean singer Psy. Outside Gangnam Station Exit 5, you will find a stage with the song playing on loop. Locals as well as tourists even record themselves doing the signature steps of Psy’s famed song. So make sure you join in and show off your ‘Gangnam Style’ dance moves from this suburban train line in South Korea.
Gangnam Station Exit 5
Address: 1328-8 Seocho 2(i)-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea
2. Learn how to do the K-beauty signature look at Seocho District (from USD 46.0)
Imagine spending 90 minutes discussing makeup and skincare with experts while making new friends from around the world and taking endless selfies. Sounds like a blast? Then going for a session where you can learn to do the Korean beauty signature look is just what you must try. K-beauty has been raising eyebrows and winning hearts the world over. There is going to be a world of difference between just browsing the internet for Korean trends and actually learning from an expert who spent years perfecting the art of K-beauty. So gear up for an informal session in Seocho District, where you will learn about the best Korean cosmetics to use, the science behind K-beauty rituals, and doing your own ‘Gangnam Style’ makeup.
[K-BEAUTY 101] With a TV host
Duration: 1.5 hours
3. Tour around the gallery of K-pop stars at SMTOWN Museum
Whether you are a fan or not, K-pop has become a sensation across the world that no one can ignore. SMTOWN Museum offers a unique experience where you will get to witness and interact with the journey of K-pop and its artists up close and personal. With a mix of art and technology, the museum offers an interesting experience for visitors to enjoy knowing all about famous K-pop stars. The studio will let you record your own voice using a special application that is used by several SM Entertainment artists. When you visit, don’t forget to stop at the gift shop to buy yourself some artist-themed souvenirs to remember your K-pop exploration.
SMTOWN Museum
Address: 513 Yeongdong-daero, Samseong 1(il)-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening hours: 11:30am - 8:30pm (daily)
Price: 18,082 KRW (16.4 USD)
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4. Discover thousands of sea creatures at COEX Aquarium (from USD 20.3)
COEX Aquarium is everything you can imagine and more. As Seoul’s largest aquarium, it houses over 40,000 sea creatures and boasts 183 display tanks. The magnificence of the ocean is sure to make this an unforgettable trip for people of all age groups. You can visit live sharks, stingrays, electric eels, mesmerizing jellyfish, octopus, and even scary-looking piranhas. A unique mermaid performance and penguin feeding are the highlight exhibitions in this aquarium at the Gangnam District. There are also enough spots to rest on and you can take a moment to soak in the overwhelming beauty of the blue.
Coex Aquarium Admission Ticket - Seoul, Korea
5. Make your singing dreams come true at Samseong-dong (from USD 76.0)
If you are a fan of K-pop or are an amateur singer, enjoying a unique session with a vocal trainer is going to be a fabulous experience. You will get a chance to step into a real vocal training studio, learn voice training exercises, understand techniques, and know more about the K-pop industry with the help of a vocal coach in Samseong-dong. If this sounds exciting, then make sure to add a vocal training session to your itinerary when you are in Gangnam.
Sing like a star with a vocal coach
Duration: 1 hour
6. Experience Korea's traditional music and culture at Jongno (from USD 76.0)
There is a lot about Korean culture that has become a hit worldwide and coveted by people across the globe. However, there are still softer aspects of Korean culture that remain undiluted and little known. Gugak, a piece of traditional Korean music, is one such. Traditionally, Korean musicians used to play music with nature as a friend. If exploring the beauty of Korea’s traditional music interests you, then make sure to attend an intimate session where you enjoy a private concert complemented with musical commentary and artist stories. Get ready to lose yourself to the purity of traditional Korean music and culture in Seoul’s Jongno District.
Chill with the Scent of Korea Music
Duration: 1 hour
7. Enjoy a Korean vegan cuisine in Gangnam (from USD 44.0)
Healthy eating and vegan style of living are increasingly popular across the globe. If healthy Korean vegan cuisine excites you, then make sure to enjoy a brunch session with a chef and learn more about it. You will get a chance to learn interesting recipes for a Korean vegan meal such as curries, noodles as well as a raw vegan cheesecake. Do try and find time to visit a luxury supermarket to also explore native Korean food ingredients. This experience is not only going to change the way you look at vegan dishes but also give your tastebuds an experience of a lifetime!
Plant-based vegan brunch with a chef
Duration: 1.5 hours
8. Have a peaceful visit at Bongeunsa Buddhist Temple
Right in the middle of Gangnam’s bustling metropolitan area is a peaceful retreat in the form of Bongeunsa Buddhist Temple. This depicts Korea’s traditional past as opposed to its current fast-paced life. Once you are inside, the peaceful landscape, calming mantras, and rejuvenating vibes are almost unreal. The temple is home to 3,479 Buddhist scriptures. If you are interested to learn more about Buddha’s teachings, the temple also offers an overnight stay. An absolutely reviving experience that also lets you understand the traditional past of Korea, this visit is sure to stay in your memory forever.
Bongeunsa Buddhist Temple
Address: 531 Bongeunsa-ro, Samseong 1(il)-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Website: Bongeunsa Buddhist Temple
9. Be a bookworm at the famous Starfield Library
If you have time on your hands or are a true bibliophile, then Starfield Library is just the right place to visit. Located right in the middle of COEX Mall, Starfield Library is an open public library that welcomes everyone to take a break and lose themselves in the world of books. The place is towering with endless book-filled shelves. Apart from just books, the place is also a hub of events like poetry reading, concerts, lectures, as well as author meetings. So plan to walk into this mammoth haven of books and literary experiences that will leave you yearning for more.
Starfield Library
Address: 955-9 Daechi-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)
10. Create your inlaid plate masterpiece in Yeoksam-dong (from USD 46.0)
Still not widely known, Najeon Chilgi is a traditional Korean art that involves wooden lacquerware inlaid with mother-of-pearl. When in Gangnam, do take the time out to try out this unique artistic process in Yeoksam-dong. The workshop lasts for two hours and is specially designed for beginners. Apart from trying your hand at creating your very own masterpiece, you will also get a chance to learn about the history of Najeon Chilgi. You will be required to use the shining part of mother-of-pearl to cut and carefully decorate on a wooden plate to form creative designs. If the joy of creating your masterpiece was not enough, you will also get to take your creation home as a souvenir to show off to your loved ones and to keep forever.
Create a mother-of-pearl inlaid plate
Duration: 2.5 hours
Go all out at Gangnam District
When you are in Gangnam, the best thing to do is go all out and try every unique experience that the district has to offer. Right from visiting calming sea creatures to dancing your heart out to the ‘Gangnam Style’ song, your trip is sure to be filled with memories you will keep with you forever. Whatever your interests and passions are, exploring the Korean culture and letting yourself try something for the first time is sure to leave you wanting to extend your stay. So when you are visiting South Korea, make sure to check off these 10 best things to do in Gangnam, Seoul, to ensure you have made the most of your holiday.
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