Visiting Seoul and want a taste of that Gangnam Style? Whether you’re a curious traveler, a K-pop fan, foodie, or shopaholic, Gangnam’s got you covered. Home to the city’s modern attractions like Lotte World Tower, COEX Mall, and more, we’ll cover each of this neighborhood’s iconic areas & must-do activities.
1. Visit Lotte World & Lotte World Tower
How to get there: Subway Line 2 – Jamsil Station
For the ultimate Gangnam adventure, start at Lotte World! This massive indoor and outdoor theme park is easily accessible directly from Jamsil Station, making it the go-to for thrill rides and fun, rain or shine. Although weekends can get wild (think hour-long waits), so try a weekday visit for fewer crowds & faster wait times.
[Read More About Lotte World]
Explore next-door Lotte World Mall for shopping, eats, and the Instagram-famous Lotte World Aquarium, which is home to 650+ species of marine life, including white beluga whales, Humboldt penguins, cownose rays, and Piranha across 15 different zones.
👉 Book Lotte World & Aquarium Combo Ticket here
[Read More About Lotte World Aquarium]
Finally, don’t miss Lotte World Tower, Korea’s tallest skyscraper with sky-high views, luxurious amenities, and epic photo ops at Seoul Sky Observatory. Enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of Seoul and the city’s beautiful skyline. You can even stand on the indoor glass floor to get an exhilarating feeling of floating in the sky, or be brave & sign up for an outdoor harness walk!
👉 Grab Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky Ticket here
[Read More About Seoul Sky]
[More Things to Do near Jamsil Station]
- Korean School Uniform Rental near Lotte World
- Everland + Lotte World 1 Day Tour (Lotte Duty Free Shopping included) – from Seoul
- Acrylic Painting Class with Drinks in Jamsil
- KidZania Seoul Discount Ticket
2. Shop COEX Mall
How to get there: 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 Station]
- VAUNCE Trampoline Park at Samseong Center
- K-pop Dance & Vocal Training 1 Day Class + Video Shooting Experience in Gangnam, Seoul
- K-pop Music Video Recording Experience (+ Dance Training) in Gangnam, Seoul
- Airport Limousine Bus (6103): Incheon Airport ↔ Gangnam COEX City Airport Terminal Discount Ticket
3. Stroll through Garosu-gil
How to get there: 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]
- Get Your Hair & Makeup Done Like a Korean Celebrity at Jenny House
- 1:1 Premium Scalp Head Spa Treatment in Gangnam (Moterra Scalp Head Spa)
- JUNO Hair Salon in Myeongdong/ Hongdae/ Gangnam/ Garosu-gil
4. Live it up in Apgujeong
How to get there: 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]
- Hair & Makeup/ Photoshoot/ 1 Day Class at Goshen Beauty Salon
- K-pop Idol Styling/Daily Styling for Women & Men at Lulu Beauty Salon
- Celebrity Hair & Makeup Experience (+ Instagram Hot Spots Tour option) in Apgujeong
- Style Floor Beauty Salon
5. Bargain Hunt in Gangnam Station
How to get there: 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.
[Recommended K-Beauty Services near Gangnam Station]
- Skin Treatments at Wooa Skin Clinic, Gangnam
- Lienjang Clinic Professional Beauty Consultation in Gangnam
- K-beauty 101: Skin Care & Make-up Class with a Korean TV Host (Private/Group)
- Scalp Care by Moclock in Gangnam: Premium Scalp & Hair Loss Treatment
6. Attend a Game at Jamsil Baseball Stadium
How to get there: 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).
You can watch baseball games from April to October and basketball games from November to March!
👉 Watch a Korean Baseball/Basketball Game at Seoul Sports Complex
7. Enjoy Banpo Han River Park
How to get there: 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) 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 you can check the operation hours below:
Monday to Sunday:
- Off-peak Season (April to June, September to October): 12:00, 19:30, 20:00, 20:30, 21:00
- Peak Season (July to August): 12:00, 19:30, 20:00, 20:30, 21:00, 21:30
*Every 20 minutes per session.
*The schedule is subject to change.
2) 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 the Han River Boat/Yacht
2) Han River Boat/Yacht Ride
Embark on a thrilling Tubester ride along the Hangang River for an unforgettable experience with friends or family. This unique motorboat adventure allows you to explore the stunning surroundings, including illuminated landmarks at night while enjoying snacks and beverages on board!
👉 Book your Tubester at Sevit Island here! (Arriving Soon)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Gangnam good for families?
Absolutely! From aquariums to parks and family-friendly restaurants, there’s plenty for all ages. - What’s the best way to get there?
The Seoul Metro (Line 2, Line 9, and Bundang Line) takes you straight to heart of Gangnam. Use your T-money card for easy travel. - Free or low-cost experiences?
People-watching in Garosu-gil, exploring the Starfield Library, or walking around Bongeunsa Temple are fantastic budget-friendly options.
For more of the 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
Official Seoul City 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