Seoul is divided along the Han River (Hangang), which splits the city into two halves, with Gangbuk in the north and Gangnam in the south of the river. While Gangbuk is more of an old city including the center of Seoul, Gangnam is home to the city’s modern attractions such as Lotte World Tower, COEX Mall, and skyscrapers in the Gangnam area.
In this post, we will take you through the best things to do while in Gangnam. If you want to make the most of your time in Gangnam, be sure to read on!
1. Jamsil Lotte World
Subway Line 2 – Jamsil Station
Lotte World Theme Park is directly attached to Jamsil Station. Be warned that weekends are busy and you might have to wait more than 1 hour for the popular rides. However, if you get Magic Pass Premium (express pass) on Trazy, you can skip the long lines at the popular attractions. It’s much quieter if you visit Lotte World on weekdays, except when there are school trips on random days.
👉 Get Lotte World Ticket & Magic Pass Premium here
Lotte World Mall is located on a different side of Jamsil Station. Just follow the signs carefully! Inside the mall, you could easily spend a few hours. At Lotte World Aquarium, you can see more than 650 different species, including white beluga whales, Humboldt penguins, cownose rays, and Piranha in 15 different zones.
👉 Book Lotte World & Aquarium Combo Ticket here
👉 Gangnam 1 Day Tour: Starfield Library + Lotte Aquarium + Seoul Sky Observatory & more
Lotte World Tower is the tallest building in South Korea, stretching 123 stories and 555 meters high. Seoul Sky Observatory is located on the top of the building, where you can witness a 360-degree panoramic view of Seoul and the city’s beautiful skyline without any obstacles in your way. You can also stand on the indoor glass floor to get an exhilarating feeling of floating in the sky!
👉 Grab Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky Ticket here
👉 Gangnam 1 Day Tour: Starfield Library + Lotte Aquarium + Seoul Sky Observatory & more
Behind Lotte World Mall, there is Seokchon Lake and Park, where you can relax and just enjoy being outside. There are many hipster and trendy cafes and restaurants at Songnidan-gil street, which is near Seokchon Lake Park.
[More Things to Do near Jamsil Station]
- Korean School Uniform Rental near Lotte World
- Traditional Korean Beverages Tasting & Drawing Class in Jamsil
- Korean Traditional Dessert Making Class in Jamsil
2. COEX Mall
Subway Line 9 – Bongeunsa Station Exit 1 OR Subway Line 2 – Samseong Station Exit 6
If you’re not interested in going to Jamsil, you can spend the afternoon at Bongeunsa Temple and COEX Mall. The temple is quick and painless, and you can be in and out in 30 minutes or even faster. COEX is literally right across the street!
COEX is also home to Korea’s largest Aquarium. You’ll get to explore the best aquarium that boasts world-class facilities with 40,000 sea creatures from 650 species!
👉 Get Coex Aquarium Discount Ticket here
If you love to enjoy shopping, COEX Mall is a perfect place to be since it is huge and filled with various brands! You can also visit the iconic Starfield Library and take Instagrammable photos.
[More Things to Do near Samseong Staion]
3. Garosu-gil Street
Subway Line 3 – Sinsa Station Exit 8
For those who want to be out on the street instead of the mall, head over to Garosu-gil for your shopping, lunch, and cafes! All kinds of brands both big and small, Korean and global can be found here. If you want to check out the K Pop Road, walk maybe 30 minutes or so, or just hop in a taxi (3-4,000W).
[More Things to Do near Sinsa Station]
- Traditional Korean Gold Leaf Art Painting Class in Gangnam
- Professional Makeup Service by Korean Celebrities’ Makeup Artists & Basic Hair Styling at Jenny House Primo
- Get Your Hair Done Like a Korean Celebrity at Jenny House Primo
- Premium Scalp / Hair Treatment at Jenny House Cheongdam Hill
4. Apgujeong
Subway Suin Bundang Line – Apgujeong Rodeo Station Exit 5
Apgujeong is another popular shopping district that is close to Garosu-gil. You can find many high-end fashion brands and famous K-beauty shops in Apgujeong. If you want to get professional make-up services for hairstyling, head to Apgujeong! You’ll get styled by designers who style top K-pop, K-drama, and movie stars. Don’t forget to take photoshoots at the photo booth, “Life Four Cuts”, a famous selfie photo booth chain in Korea!
[More Things to Do near Apgujeong Station]
- Haircut + Styling + Makeup at Style Floor in Apgujeong
- Lash Lift & Eyebrow Shaping at Style Floor in Apgujeong
- Spa Cut, Hair Styling & Makeup at Mimm in Apgujeong
- Hair Care, Haircut & Coloring at SOONSOO in Apgujeong
5. Gangnam Station
Subway Line 2 – Gangnam Station Exit 9-12 OR Subway Line 9 – Sinnonhyeon Station Exit 5-6
After spending your day around Gangnam, head to soak in the crowds and hustle and bustle of the Gangnam Station area. Explore the underground shopping at Gangnam Station. More cafes and snacks abound all around Gangnam Station, including major shops like the Kakao Friends Flagship Store.
In addition to participating in DIY classes in Gangnam, joining Neon Sign Making Class is highly recommended. You can make your very own neon light sign with your favorite shape or words, which will turn out as a special decoration for your room!
👉 Join the Neon Sign Making Class here
There is actually very good nightlife in Gangnam, but not much information online. Also, without speaking Korean, it can be tough as some places only have menus in Korean. If you want to experience amazing nightlife in Gangnam like locals, check out our local host Michael’s tour which will take you to the hidden gems of Gangnam.
👉 Meet our Local Host Michael and Enjoy a Night Out
[Recommended K-Beauty Services near Gangnam Station]
- Laser Hair Removal in Gangnam
- Oligio Lifting/Shurink Universe/Rejuran at Wooa Skin Clinic, Gangnam
- Lienjang Professional Facial Acne & Blackhead Care in Gangnam
- Lienjang Clinic Whitening / V-Line in Gangnam
- Lienjang Clinic Skin Rejuvenation / Lifting / Pore Care in Gangnam
- Lienjang Clinic Professional Beauty Consultation in Gangnam
6. Jamsil Baseball Stadium
Subway Line 9, 2 – Sports Complex Station Exit 5-6.
Baseball is one of the popular sports among Koreans and people love to watch games at the stadium to join the baseball chants and cheers! There are so many games at Jamsil Baseball Stadium since it’s the home of two teams – Doosan Bears and LG Twins. Buying tickets in advance for the good seats close to the field is always recommended. Try your best to be on the lower section near the 1st base (home team) or 3rd base (visiting team).
7. Banpo Han River Park
Subway Line 3, 7, 9 – Express Bus Terminal Station Exit 8-1
The Han River flows across the city of Seoul and there are multiple parks you can find near the edge of the river where you can relax and enjoy the river breeze. Out of all the parks, we recommend Banpo Han River Park as there are multiple attractions within the park that you can take advantage of. Here are some things you should check out when you’re at Banpo Han River Park!
1) Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market
Taking evening walks around Han River Park can be a great way to enjoy the city of Seoul as you can watch the city lights glisten on the water. When you add delicious food to the mix, your evening will for sure become perfect! To experience this delight, visit the Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market, which opens every Friday and Saturday from 6:00pm to 11:00pm. You can find food trucks that sell all sorts of food, from churros to steak. The Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market also sells beautiful handmade products, such as jewelry and leather goods, and features live music of various genres. Satisfy your eyes, ears, and taste buds all at once!
Seoul Bandokkaebi Night Market happens in multiple locations throughout Seoul like Yeouido Han River Park, Dongdaemun Design Plaza, and Cheonggyecheon Stream Plaza, so make sure to check out these locations as well!
2) Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain
Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain is a fountain installed along the Banpo Bridge, the bridge that can be found above the Banpo Han River Park. It adds dynamic energy to the calm Han River by using colorful and intense lighting and music that complements the fountain show. Watch the river become rich with color as you walk along the Banpo Han River Park!
It operates daily from April to October and happens once at noon and then every 30 minutes from 7:30pm to 9:00pm (April, May, June, September, October) / 9:30pm (July, August).
👉 Join Seoul Night Hiking Tour
3) Han River Boat/Yacht Ride
While the beauty of the Han River can be enjoyed on land, it is also a fantastic idea to get on water through the boat and yacht rides that are offered near the Han River. You will see a different side of Seoul every minute as you drift down the river that stretches through the city.
To enjoy the aforementioned Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain on the river, make sure to get on the boat in the evening. You will get to feel the romantic vibe as the fountain pours luminous water in front of you!
👉 Book Han River Boat/Yacht here
For more latest, trendiest, and newest things to do in South Korea, check out Trazy.com, Korea’s #1 Travel Shop!
[Photo Credits]
Seoul Sky Observatory Official Website
Seoul City Official Facebook Page
Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market Official Website
Very nicely written article. Gangnam is a very beautiful place and it offers many things to do as mentioned in the article. Keep enlighten us with your information