7 Things To Try At Gangnam!

With all the Gangnam style hype, I can't stop to think of sharing things that you must do if you are at Gangnam-gu! If you would like to feel the posh in Seoul, visit Gangnam-gu! Itself is a huge district and is one of the richest city in Seoul! I personally been down to the Gangnam district a few times when I was at Korea and I really love that area for it's blend of traditional culture and modern upscale lifestyle.

Just 40 years ago, this was nothing but rice paddies.
Picture Credit: Robert Koehler

People will recommend you to visit Coex or check out Apgujeong if you hit Gangnam but there are also other things to do.

7  things you can try when you are at Gangnam:

1. Walk and shop through the "Europe of Seoul" - Garosu gil (가로수 길)

Garosugil which means "tree lined street"
Picture Credit: Google

It's famous for trees which line the both sides of the roads up to 700m long! Best time here is during August when all the leaves turned golden red. Walk along the streets to a beautiful scene of art galleries in the 80s, cosy cafes, and fashionable boutique shops - perfect for girls or a date! Stay up till night and you get to enjoy live bands at open bars or even some clubs. Or if you are lucky, you might spot MBLAQ’s Lee Joon shopping there again like how he did last few weeks!

How to get there:

Exit 8 of Sinsa Station, Line 3

2. Stay at Bongeunsa Temple for one night

Something different - Temple overlooking the city
Credit: Korea Sparkling

Although Christianity is South Korea's largest religion, there are still quite some temple stays in Korea especially for travellers. Bongeunsa Temple stores about 3,479 Buddhist scriptures!Try catching Jeongdaebulsa, a ceremony where monks march and carry scriptures on their heads and recite Buddists rites. This happens every September 9th of the lunar calendar. A one night temple stay would be around USD 70. Email bongeunsa@templestay.com for more details! 

How to get there:

Exit 6 of Samsung Station Line 2, walk 100m toward Asem Tower, turn left and take a 10 minutes walk through the Bongeunsa Temple trail. Bongeunsa Temple will be on your right.

3. 10,000 won heaven at Gangnam Terminal underground shopping arcade

The Gangnam Underground Shopping Arcade might be a girl's heaven for pretty bargains
credit: hellomotherland

Flowers, fashion wear, shoes, bags, food, whatever you name it - you'll find it here! The good news is the things are as cheap as 10,000 won, at times you might even find a hidden gem for 5,000 won only! We're always fed with the Myeong Dong and Dong Dae Mun shopping heaven news; but hey you might have just missed out one of the best shopping place in Korea!

How to get there:

Get off at Express Bus Terminal Station (line 3 or 7) and follow the Gangnam Terminal Underground Shopping Center sign

4. Try getting a hair treatment in CCA (pronounced as Kka) hair saloon!

Getting your hair steamed while you relax with a cup of coffee or wine
credits: wonder woman

Hair salons in Seoul are known to be a wonderful place to spend your time. Kka has a vintage design, free internet, great drinks and awesome hairstylists. Situated at Yeoksam-dong, this pretty place to pamper your hair is accessible via buses at Gangnam station - no.402,440,470,420,441,471! 

5. Check out the twisting pines at the Gangnam's green patch - Samneung Park

A peaceful place in the heart of the busy district
credits: UNESCO

The park's name actually means "three royal tombs", which have been protecting the sleep of King Sonjeong, Queen Jeonghyeon and their second son, King Jeongjong. Travel back in time with Korean statues, tombstones and also the twisting pine trees. I hope they are still there. 

Feels like travelling back to Joseon Dynasty hahaha
credit: Discovering Korea

How to get there:

Exit 8 at Seolleung Station Line 2

6. Snap pictures with Media Pole

Along the streets sometimes you can find Media Poles, it's a place for you to snap picture and send it to your mail! Cool stuff to play with if you don't mind people watching you doing silly poses! :)

7. Wait for your Kpop artists if you have the time! I know you want to do this!

Wonder Girls Yeeun and Sohee caught crossing the roads near JYP
Credits: ohitsning

It was said that sometimes you can spot Girl's Generation Yoona at some coffee shops near Apgujeong too, as per my Korean friends. Apgujeong is the house of SM Entertainment. However there are so many more other entertainment companies in Gangnam-gu for example, JYP, DSP, CUBE etc. Stroll around their company who knows you'll be able to bump into your fave Kpop artists?

There are so many bustling cities in Korea and every city give a different feeling; every district surprise you with a special experience; and every province brings you a different memory :) If ever you are at Gangnam-gu, perhaps you would like to try out these 6 things! :)

Happy travelling!

SUBWAY:

Line 2

Exit 8 at Seolleung Station