Gangnam, Seoul – 32 Things To Do Guide + Photos 2026

Gangnam style! Although arguably most famous outside of Seoul as the title of Psy’s global K-pop hit, Gangnam in Seoul (South Korea) has a unique identity of its own.

This trendy neighbourhood is an urban utopia of high-end shopping malls, traditional temples, K-Beauty treatments and choice cultural spots.

There are lots of things to do in Gangnam but if you are looking for luxury goods, Gangnam is your one stop shop for handbags, shoes and all your fine fashion, including Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo and Cartier.

From the beautiful teddy bears of K-pop Avenue to the traditional temple of Bongeunsa temple, there are a multitude of activities in Gangnam (including a huge Psy / Gangnam Hands statue).

So on your next visit to Seoul, these are the top things to do in Gangnam, South Korea in 2026. We last stayed in Gangnam at April 2026 at Hotel Cappuccino.

This article was originally published on cktravels.com on 1 February 2023.

CLICK TO SKIP TO THINGS TO DO IN GANGNAM >

Check out our full guide to the best hotels in Gangnam >

To get to Gangnam from the Incheon International airport, take a Seoul Airport Limousine bus using a T-Money card.

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And yes, we and several other bystanders during our visit felt it only appropriate to recreate Psy’s iconic dance in front of the giant pair of hands.

Unveiled in 2015, the Statue of Gangnam style is the ultimate tribute to Psy and his global ‘Gangnam Style’ hit (part of Psy’s Gangnam Style video was filmed in Gangnam). The song also plays from a speaker next to the statue.

Fact fans – Psy’s legendary dance moves were partly filmed outside exit 5 of Gangnam Station.

You might like: Discover the Korean Wave in Gangnam private tour >

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2. Starfield COEX Mall

For us, Starfield COEX Mall (map) is definitely one of our favourite shopping experiences in Seoul and this retail nirvana is one of the best shopping malls in Seoul; especially due to the presence of the incredible Starfield Library (map) in the centre of the complex (more on this later).

A good mix of fashion, culture, food and entertainment, Starfield COEX Mall is located over several levels and could easily be a day trip in itself if you take your shopping seriously. Flagship stores at Starfield Coex Mall include Zara, H&M and ABC Mart.

Starfield Mall has over 200 stores plus just under 100 eating establishments and dining options to choose from. What we really liked about Starfield COEX Mall is that they had clearly marked ‘food alleys’ on the map meaning you could easily find something to eat.

Read about the best shopping malls and shopping centres in Seoul here >

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3. Bongeunsa Temple

Easily one of the most beautiful temples in Seoul, Bongeunsa (map) is a Buddhist temple that originally dates from the 8th century – although most of the current site dates back from the 20th century as much of it was destroyed during the wars.

It has a huge complex of memorials, places to worship plus even has its own home stay in a temple scheme.

Bongeunsa temple is free to visit (donations are appreciated) and we were blown away by how big this place of worship is.

One of the many highlights was the serene hillside location whereby  a huge 100ft stone statue of Maitreya, the Future Buddha looks out over Gangnam-su.

Just below it, there is a square with thousands of smaller versions of the Buddha; an incredible site.

4. K Star Road (AKA GangnamDol bears)

A complete contrast to the aforementioned serene Bongeunsa temple, one of the most frequently visited things to do in Gangnam are the brightly coloured K-pop bears of K-Star Road (map).

These ‘GangnamDols’ (brightly coloured bear dolls) line a 1 km stretch of road with around 20 big bears representing the cream of K-pop talent and famous K-pop dolls.

As you’d expect, the ‘star’ of K Star Road is a huge Psy bear / GangnamDol (near Apgujeong Rodeo Station exit 2), but other bears include Girl’s Generation, Miss A and 4Minute – and yes, the BTS Gangnam-su bear is incredibly popular.

Check out our guide to the best K-pop things to do in Seoul >

Planning a trip to Japan?

We also run a Japan travel website – planmyjapan.com, and a Japan Travel Facebook group – click here to join >

5. Garosu-gil shopping street

Garosu-gil (map) is a tree-lined avenue in Gangnam renowned for its shopping and retail stores, which has Gingko trees dotted along the street that bloom into bright colours during the Autumn months.

Along Garousil gil, you’ll find a raft of retail and international clothing chains like Levis and Arket, plus iconic global brands like Apple (the Apple store in Gangnam is one of the biggest in South Korea).

You’ll also fine lots of nice cafes and gourmet goodie shops along here – look out for the gorgeous ‘gift-wrapped’ Godiva Gangnam chocolate store along here.

This has led to Garosu-gil street becoming one of the most popular daytime activities in Gangnam as well as a popular filming location for Korean TV series and teen dramas.

Given the aesthetics and design led nature of the businesses in and around Gangnam’s Garosu-gil street, it also goes by the local nickname of ‘Artist’s Street’.

You might like these Seoul neighbourhood guides:
Dongdaemun
Euljiro
Gangnam
Hannam-dong
Hongdae
Ikseon-dong 
Insadong
Itaewon
Myeong-dong
Seongsu-dong
Sindang

Or check out our best neighbourhoods in Seoul Guide >

6. Starfield Library at COEX Mall

As well as shopping at Starfield COEX Mall, you’ll also see Starfield Library (map), one of the most memorable and aesthetically pleasing spaces we’ve ever encountered in a Seoul shopping mall.

Surely this has to be the best looking and most accessible library in the world? So much so that it can be hard to get a book from the shelves with all the posing and photography going on (for real).

Unlike other libraries, you don’t need to be a registered user to read the books, and several cafes and coffee shops are ‘hidden’ amongst the gigantic bookshelves. Read our guide to both Starfield Library in Seoul AND Suwon – the world’s most beautiful libraries >

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You might like: Best things to do in Seoul at night >

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7. Ediya Coffee Lab Gangnam

The luxurious Ediya Coffee Lab 이디야 커피랩 (map) is the flagship branch of the Korean Ediya Coffee café chain.

This epic cafe is located in the company’s headquarters building in Gangnam and is a more upscale and premium branch of  Ediya Coffee that is open until 1am every day!

It is a massive multi-floor space with an industrial-modern interior, a coffee tasting area and a bakery (complete with a bread timetable that shows when fresh bakery items come out).

We totally recommend the crème brûlée latte, the canales and the mozzarella/pesto bread. We enjoyed the food so much we visited twice during our stay in Gangnam!

8. SEA LIFE COEX

Located within the COEX Mall, this awesome aquatic adventure is a welcome respite from the shops and boutique stores that surround it.

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With 16 themed zones and a huge number of sea species (including sharks), the COEX Aquarium (map) is the largest aquarium in Seoul. Highlights include a ‘real-life’ mermaid, a parade of penguins plus jelly-fish galore.

Prices start from 35,000 Won per adult as of August 2026 or from 26,500 Won when booked in advance online.

Book SEA LIFE COEX on Klook >

Tip – SEA LIFE COEX admission is now included as part of the Discover Seoul Pass >

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You might like: things to do in Myeongdong, Seoul

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9. Apgujeong Rodeo Street / Cheongdam Fashion Street

A firm fashion favourite on the Seoul shopping scene, Apgujeong Rodeo Street (map) is a trendy treasure trove of boutique stores and bling (putting the ‘style’ into ‘Gangnam style’).

It is also signposted by a ‘I <heart> Rodeo’ golden statue man (they love interesting statues in Gangnam, eh).

As well as independent and artisan stores, you’ll find the famous Galleria Department Store and iconic luxury brands like Prada, Gucci and Armani.

We were surprised too by the sheer number of luxury sports cars and cabriolet cars driving along Apgujeong Rodeo Street when we visited; kinda reminiscent of Knightsbridge in London.

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You might like – Things to do in Busan, South Korea >

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10. Megabox Cinema Gangnam

The best place to catch the latest South Korean movie or Hollywood thriller is at the Megabox Cinema (map) in Gangnam, located in the basement area of COEX Mall.

This good-looking Gangnam movie theater has 17 screens plus one hell of a beautiful coffee shop in its lobby. Megabox COEX cinema screens a variety of movies including arthouse fare and occasional live streams of events.

11. BTS restaurant – Yoojung Sikdang

The beloved BTS restaurant in Gangnam (map) where the K-Pop band used to dine before they were superstars, Yoojung Sikdang has now become the ultimate K-Pop pilgrimage in Seoul (and tasty too).

Yoojung Sikdang a cosy cafe located in Gangnam’s sidestreets which is literally covered in posters and BTS merchandise – like there isn’t a single surface spared.

We visited Yoojung Sikdang one weekday lunch-time, and even managed to sit in BTS’s favourite table!

Busy with locals and international tourists of all ages, the food here was good and still very reasonably priced (the bibimbap was particularly good).

The BTS boys have been back here several times since to film videos or segments – so who knows when BTS might pop up?

12. GOTO Mall Underground Shopping Mall

One of the largest underground shopping centers in Seoul, GOTO mall (map) is an underground shopping centre and a hive of hundreds of subterranean stalls located in the basement of Express Bus Terminal Station.

Packed with shoppers every day of the week, GOTO mall is the place to goto (ahem!) for cheap clothes or ‘bags’ of inexpensive accessories, luggage and backpacks.

Also referred to as ‘Gangnam Terminal Underground Shopping Center’, there are around 600 stores spread out over two parallel corridors.

When we visited GOTO mall, we were surprised at how busy it was; people were literally fighting over half price hats and the like.

13. Naduke Sinsa Gangnam (now closed)

2026 update – Naduke Sinsa Gangnam is now permanently closed

Gangnam’s Naduke Sinsa is likely the craziest / cutest croissant shop you’ll ever come across.

Join the eager queue outside before being let in by staff wearing baguette trousers and look in awe at the huge giant croissant that greets you inside (talk about an Instagram moment).

Naduke is a patisserie and coffee shop from Gentle Monster, famed for their fabulous flaky creations like onigiri style cream croissants (Oniwassants). The croissant theming continues throughout, something we’d describe as pastry pastiche.

Fun but also incredibly tasty, other signature creations at Naduke Sinsa Gangnam include a Croitteok (a croissant hotteok mix) and the epic (and expensive) Peak Cake (squid ink and matcha mix dessert). Go for the experience, stay for the oh la la Oniwassants.

14. Artmonster Samsung Station, Gangnam (아트몬스터삼성역점)

How best to describe Artmonster Samsung Station (map)? A neon nirvana of brightly lit signs, copious craft beer and self pour technology – perhaps the Bladerunner of breweries in Seoul? Your experience begins as you first enter via the frontage chock full of Hong Kong style neon street signs to entice you in.

Thankfully it isn’t just style over substance as Artmonster’s beer range delivers, with a veritable treasure trove of beer styles, both their core range and seasonal offerings and collaborations.

Best of all, if you so wish, you can pour beers yourself using a smart bit of technology. Just tap a wristband against the beer of your choice – the electronic screen above each craft beer pump tells you how much you’ve poured and the cost.

Artmonster are famous for their fried chicken, pepperoni tteokbokki plus their signature Artmonster pizza. A ‘slice’ of heaven as you can easily order this from a special kiosk in the bar using your wristband.

15. Daiso Gangnam Express Bus Terminal

Regular readers will know we are big fans of Daiso in Korea, especially the 12 storey Daiso in Myeongdong.

From BTS dolls to badminton rackets, K Beauty to inexpensive bling, Daiso stores in are superb for all your Seoul shopping needs.

One of the biggest Daiso stores in Seoul is Daiso Gangnam Express Bus Terminal (map) and many of our South Korea Travel Tips and Planning Facebook group rate this store at the best – they prefer the layout to the 12 storey one as it is easier to find things.

We went to Daiso Gangnam Express Bus Terminal and stocked up on 1,000 Won Vaseline K-beauty facemasks, plus even bought a miniature LEGO style Daiso store for only 5,000 Won.

Be sure to take an empty suitcase to Seoul so you can stock it up – or just buy a cheap suitcase here at Daiso!

16. Maison Kitsuné Cafe and Clothing Shop

Hidden in the back-streets of Gangnam down an unassuming leafy lane-way, one of the best looking clothing shops with an equally gorgeous cafe is Maison Kitsuné (map) – where coffee meets couture!

A cute cafe is located on the ground floor as you enter, with views of a wooded courtyard (lit up by fairy lights at night). Maison Kitsuné’s fine ‘foxy’ fashion can be found on the upper level and in another studio downstairs next to the cafe.

Maison Kitsuné is a French-Japanese lifestyle brand that has branches in several countries plus also runs a record label – so a suitable set up for some real ‘Gangnam style’ shopping and sweet treats.

17. Gangnam Korean Photo Booths

Selfie booths and Korean photo booths are a super big business in Korea…one of the newest things to do in Gangnam (and most popular) which seems to have cropped up a lot more in recent years, to easily replace shops and restaurants that closed down during COVID-19.

The selfie kiosks in Gangnam are generally located around the West Gangnam neighbourhood.

The Korean photo booths are usually brightly painted with enticing neon signs and are often unmanned. Once inside, you can borrow clothes and all sorts of fun props and then pose for selfies or take photos in booths for a small fee (using an electronic kiosk).

Often the photo booths in these selfie booths in Gangnam allow you to print out stickers as a souvenir to take home or share with friends. We noticed how popular selfies booths are in Myeongdong too.

Some of the most popular booths in the West Gangnam area are Photoism, Photo drink and Photomatic. We also spotted a few limited edition photo booths on our last visit to Gangnam.

For instance, there was a limited edition pop up ‘Slam Dunk’ photo-booth with a high queue lining up to use the booth (where you could pose in a kiosk and add the Slam Dunk comic book character).

Read more in our guide to Korean photo booths >

18. Gentle Monster Gangnam Flagship Store Sinsa

Gangnam never fails to surprise us in terms of how extravagant and epic some of the fashion stores are – this is proven none more so than at the Gentle Monster Gangnam Flagship Store Sinsa (map) which is part art gallery, part glasses and optical wear shop.

Most of the Gentle Monster Gangnam shop interior is white in colour and each floor has a centrepiece installation that the eye is drawn – for instance, there is a literal ‘elephant in the room’ on the first floor.

Yes, Gentle Monster in Gangnam has a huge upside down model elephant hanging from a harness next to some Roman columns – not your typical eyewear store.

Gentle Monster is one of the best known Korean optical brands famed for its oversized glasses with low bridge noses which help create a smaller face effect. Gentle Monster glasses are often worn by K Pop artists and Korean celebrities.

19. Hyundai Motorstudio Seoul

Even if you aren’t into your sport cars or classic cabriolets, Hyundai Motorsport Museum in Gangnam (map) is well worth a visit – old and new Hyundai cars are on display over several floors with free admission.

The staff here are very warm and welcoming and greeted us in perfect English explaining about the history of Hyundai.

They led us over to the Hyundai PONY car on the ground floor, explaining how it was this car that took Hyundai onto the world-stage and became so popular in Korea in the 70s and 80s.

You are free to wander between floors admiring the cars – it is also their flagship Hyundai showroom in Seoul so you can view the latest models (and potentially buy one if you are feeling flush!)

20. K-Beauty Treatments

Gangnam is the epicenter of Korean beauty treatments, with salons for everything from skin tests to scalp treatments (and colour analysis too).

And if you don’t want to treat yo-self in a salon, there are lots of K Beauty stores in Gangnam including Olive Young, Innisfree and Nature Republic.

Check out these beauty treatments in Gangnam:

Book your scalp treatment with the Lee Moon Won Clinic via Klook (over 2k sold) >

Moclock Premium Scalp and Hair Loss Treatment Center >

Lulu Korean Premium K-Pop Idol Hair Salon >

Personal Color Analysis and Makeup by Color Signal (over 1k sold) >

K-Style Make-up and Hairstyling Experience at Normalshop >

Get Your Hair and Makeup Done Like a Korean Celebrity at Jenny House >

K-beauty 101: Skin Care & Make-up Class with a Korean TV Host, Gangnam >

Seoul / Make Your Own Perfume with professional guide >

21. Baskin Robbins Ice-Cream 100 Flavours

There are several Gangnam Baskin Robbins stores with 100 flavours to choose from in Gangnam including Starfield COEX mall (map) and another near Sinnonhyeon MRT (map).

For around 17,000 Won, you can try 10 flavours of ice-cream served in tiny scoops on an ice-platter. From the mundane mint choc chip to more exotic flavours like ‘sweet potato and rice cake’ or ‘rainbow sherbert’, this is our kind of pick and mix!

There are lots of Baskin Robbins ice-cream shops and parlours all over Seoul but only a select few offer the full 100 flavours.

Also new for 2026, the Baskin Robbins Workshop inside the SPC headquarters building in Gangnam, where you try new flavors and work in progress treats before they are rolled out nationwide.

22. Starbucks Seoul Wave Art Center

Time to get your caffeine fix at Starbucks Seoul Wave Art Center (map).

Floating on the River Han in Jamwon Hangang Riverside Park, Starbucks Seoul Wave Art Center is a floating coffee shop on the ground floor of a cultural centre located on a barge.

Given the location of the boat / barge and its large glass windows, Starbucks Seoul Wave Art Center offers panoramic views (270 degrees) of the River Han plus such landmarks such as the N Seoul Tower.

For the ultimate brews with river views, read our guide visiting the unique Starbucks Seoul Wave Art Center in Gangnam >

This Seoul Starbucks branch also has a big selection of South Korea Starbucks mugs, if you are a collector.

You might also like our guide to Seoul’s most beautiful Starbucks stores including Starbucks Gyeongdong 1960.

With a huge indoor amusement centre and outdoor Magic Island, Lotte World is fun for all ages and also includes various entertainment like daily parades and live music shows.

We once visited Lotte World in December and so much of the park was themed with Christmas activities (read more about Seoul Christmas lights and Christmas events).

Note that Lotte World gets incredibly busy after school with students visiting in large groups making some of the ride queue times hours long – so try and arrive at Lotte World early to tackle the bigger rides.

Tip – if you have a Discover Seoul Pass, Lotte World is the best value / biggest discount attraction featured on the pass so make sure you include it as part of your Discover Seoul Pass itinerary. Read our review of the Discover Seoul Pass here >

24. Banpo Rainbow Bridge Fountain

This flipping huge fountain is in the Guinness Book of World Records as the “…world’s longest bridge fountain”.

The Seoul Banpo Rainbow Bridge Fountain in Gangnam on the River Han is a free Seoul attraction and has almost 400 water jets that light up and spout around five to six nights a week between April to October.

It is one of the most colourful and unique attractions in Seoul (although we thought it was a bit overrated to be honest).

More free things to do in Seoul >

25. Sinsa Thousand Coffee and Pie Shop

Sinsa Thousand coffee shop (map) is a compact but cute cafe serving up dozens of different flavours of sweet American style pies.

Slices of pie all cost between 7,000 to 7,500 Won per slice with flavours like banana cream, lemon and lime, sweet potato, Boston or blueberry.

A little slice of American pie in Gangnam, Thousands also serve up pretty damn fine coffee plus merchandise and cook-books are also available to buy.

26. Shinsegae Central City

A massive Seoul mall in Gangnam, Shinsegae Central City (map) comprises dozens of big food and fashion brands plus other shopping complexes including Shinsegae Duty Free, Shinsegae Department Stall and the Famille Station and Garden.

One of our favourite places to visit at Gangnam’s Shinsegae Central City is the Starbucks Famille Park branch.

A very unique Starbucks in Gangnam, this special Korean themed Starbucks opened to mark 15 years of Starbucks being in South Korea – there are ‘flying birds’ on the ceiling and the dome represents a forest setting.

27. Hyundai Department Store Apgujeong Main Store

Giving off Roman Colosseum vibes from its exterior (check out the arch main entrance), the Hyundai Department Store Apgujeong Main Store (map) is a mainstay of shopping in the Gangnam neighbourhood and one of the biggest malls here.

Based across seven floors (with restaurants on the 6th floor and a Sky Garden on the top floor), luxury boutiques located in Gangnam’s Hyundai store include Gucci, Chanel, Hermes and Tiffany & Co.

28. Seoul Sky Observatory at Lotte World Tower (in Jamsil)

Get high in Seoul – well, kind of, Lotte World Tower (map) is the tallest tower in South Korea (and the sixth tallest in the world) and is located not too far from Gangnam in nearby Jamsil. It opened to great fanfare in 2017 and offers incredible panoramic views of the Seoul skyline.

The observation deck area is called ‘Seoul Sky’ which is spread across several floors (levels 117 to 123). At the tip, you’ll find a glass floor walkway (not for the faint hearted), plus a posh lounge,  a couple of cafes and a sky terrace.

Lotte World Tower is open daily from 10.30am until 10pm (last admission to Seoul Sky is at 9pm).

Discounted Lotte World Tower tickets can be bought in advance from Klook >

29. Catch a baseball game (in Jamsil)

South Korea’s most popular sport is baseball so after a day of exploring Gangnam, why not catch a game of baseball at the nearby Jamsil baseball ground (map).

The baseball season in South Korea runs approximately from April to September every year and Seoul is fortunate enough to have two home baseball teams – the Doosan Bears and the LG Twins. There will often be several baseball games a week played at Jamsil stadium (it is a huge stadium, holding 25,000 spectators).

You may ask – ‘How do I get baseball tickets in Seoul If I’m visiting from overseas? It is actually surprisingly easy.

We went to the Jamsil baseball stadium one week night and bought tickets from the box office just before the baseball game started – the Jamsil stadium box office for baseball tickets opens 90 minutes before the game.

Foreigners can buy Seoul baseball tickets at Jamsil stadium for as little as 9,000 Won.

We went to see the Doosan Bears take on the Samsung Lions at Jamsil Stadium and bought tickets on the gate for 13,000 Won sitting in the navy section – such incredible value and one of the cheapest activities and things to do in the Gangnam area of Seoul.

Click here to read our guide on how to buy Seoul baseball tickets >

30. Take a guided tour around Gangnam

Our final thing to do in Gangnam, South Korea – hopefully we’ve given you all the insights and tools you need to see all these things to do in Gangnam and do a self guided tour.

However, if you are short on time and would prefer some additional local insights and knowledge, there are several Gangnam guided tours and trips you can take, some of which include food and drink tasting options.

Gangnam in Seoul guided tours and street food trips start from around £30 ($37) and include:

• Essential Gangnam Tour (Including dinner)
• Gangnam Highlight City Tour in Seoul (including Lunch)
• Seoul: 4-Hour Gangnam Walking Tour With Customized Itinerary
• Seoul: Gangnam Tour on Youth and Society in South Korea
• Seoul Idol Selfie Pictorial and Gangnam City Tour

31. Cheongdam Food Street

Handily signposted along K Star Road, Cheongdam Food Street is a Gangnam gourmet delight with over 50 restaurants located along it or very near it.

From the healthy fare of Granology (a premium granola eatery – how Gangnam!) to Japanese style Izakayas and coffee shops galore, you can get your foodie fix along Cheongdam’s Food street.

32. Drunken Bean Cafe (closed)

2026 update – Drunken Bean Cafe is now permanently closed

Seoul is never short on themed cafes but Drunken Bean 드렁큰빈 in Gangnam has to be one of our top 5 cafe experiences – it is an awesome NYC subway themed basement cafe hidden away in the backstreets of Gangnam.

The attention to detail is incredible – and the coffee isn’t bad either! As soon as you arrive, the entrance looks like a genuine entrance to the New York Subway, even down to authentic American style ‘garbage bins’ – you walk down the steps of the Metro through the turnstiles.

The coffee shop wouldn’t look out of place in a movie but the star of the show has to be the recreation of Subway carriage exterior – it was a popular photo spot and it feels like you are drinking on the actual platform.

Gangnam Drunken Bean 드렁큰빈 is located here >

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