Enjoy the fancy and secret places in Gangnam!
I’m sure you’re familiar with Gangnam. You know, the hit song titled “Gangnam Style” by the South Korean artist Psy? It’s right there.
To explain it to you more, Gangnam is a district located in the southeastern part of Seoul. It is known for its affluent reputation, high-end shopping areas, trendy nightclubs, and upscale lifestyle. In this blog, we’re taking you there to introduce to you 5 places you need to visit!
Bongeunsa Temple
Situated at the heart of Gangnam, Bongeunsa is a Buddhist Temple originally known as Gyeongseongsa when it was established in 794 under King Wonseong.
You can have the unique opportunity to partake in a temple stay, allowing you to immerse yourself in the monastic way of life for either a one or two-day stay. This experience offers a profound insight into tradition while providing a means to purify the mind and body.
During the stay, guests can engage in a variety of activities, including learning about Buddha’s teachings, participating in ceremonial rituals to honor Buddha, meditation sessions, tea ceremonies, and prostrations.
Bongeunsa Temple is open year-round and welcomes visitors free of charge. It is easily accessible via Bongeunsa Station (Line 9, exit 1).
Samneung Park
Samneung Park was named after the three royal tombs it houses and features the burial mounds of King Jungjong, the 11th King of the Joseon dynasty, King Seongjong, the 9th King of the Joseon Dynasty, and his wife Queen Jeonghyeon.
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, particularly renowned as the final resting place of King Seojong since 2009, this royal mausoleum bears witness to history, having endured damage from Japanese soldiers during invasions yet meticulously preserved over time.
Operating hours span from Tuesday to Sunday, welcoming visitors from 9 am to 6 pm. Admission fees vary: from 400 KRW to 1,000 KRW.
It is located just a 5-minute walk from Seolleung Station.
& Other Stories is a brand that operates as part of the H&M group and is widely recognized for its fashion and personal care products, from Sweden.
The clothing lines are meticulously crafted in design studios located in Paris, Stockholm, and Los Angeles, each infused with vibrant colors. These design ateliers distinctively capture the signature styles of their respective cities.
Their stores offer a diverse range of products, including clothing, footwear, handbags, beauty items (perfumes, bath products, cosmetics), accessories, jewelry, swimwear, and lingerie.
In Seoul, the brand boasts three locations:
- Gangnam: 524 Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul / 강남구 봉은사로 524
- Apgujeong: 342 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul / 강남구 압구정로 342
- Yeouido: IFC mall, 10 Gukjegeumyung-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul / 영등포구 국제금융로 10 IFC몰
London Bagel Museum
London Bagel Museum is a bakery café that specializes in bagels and features a charming interior inspired by London. Offering a wide array of flavors ranging from sweet to savory, they also provide an extensive selection of cream cheese toppings. Their menu includes a variety of bagels, both stuffed and plain.
You can visit either the Anguk store located in Bukchon Hanok Village at Jongno-gu or the Dosan store situated in Gangnam-gu, depending on which location is more convenient for you.
Sinsajeon (Honeycomb Makgeolli)
Sinsajeon is an establishment renowned for its delightful honeycomb makgeolli, which comes with an additional $4 charge per cup. They also offer delicious cheese potato pancakes and a variety of savory pancakes.
As it tends to get busy by 5 PM, it’s better to arrive early to secure a table. Additionally, they strictly enforce ID checks to ensure legal drinking age compliance for those enjoying alcohol, particularly the makgeolli.
It is located 300 meters away from Sinsa Station, exit 4 of subway line 3.
Now that you’re all set up on our top 5 places to visit in Gangnam, we hope you can enjoy them!
By Alice DUPLACIEUX & Tya BÉRAMICE-DRACAN