Gangnam, Seoul: COEX, Bongeunsa, Garosu-gil and Things to Do (2026 Guide)
Last updated: October 2026 · Written by the Seoul Travel Tips team, based in Seoul
Gangnam (강남) means “south of the river”, and it’s the face of modern Seoul: glass towers, department stores, K-beauty clinics, entertainment agencies and late-night restaurants. Psy’s 2012 hit “Gangnam Style” made the name famous worldwide. It’s not one sight but a large district, so the trick is to pick an area. This guide covers the four parts most visitors enjoy, and how to combine them.
Gangnam at a Glance
| Area | Known for | Station |
|---|---|---|
| COEX and Starfield Library | Huge underground mall, the giant bookshelf library | Samseong (Line 2), Exits 5–6 |
| Bongeunsa Temple | 1,200-year-old Buddhist temple among skyscrapers | Bongeunsa (Line 9), Exit 1 |
| Gangnam Station area | Busy streets, restaurants, nightlife | Gangnam (Line 2, Shinbundang) |
| Sinsa / Garosu-gil | Tree-lined boutique and cafe street | Sinsa (Line 3, Shinbundang), Exit 8 |
| Apgujeong / Cheongdam | Luxury fashion, K-pop agencies | Apgujeong Rodeo (Suin-Bundang Line) |
COEX Mall and Starfield Library
COEX is one of Asia’s largest underground malls, with hundreds of shops, restaurants, a cinema and the COEX Aquarium. At its center is Starfield Library, a two-story open library with 13-meter-high bookshelves holding tens of thousands of books and magazines. It’s free, open daily, and one of Seoul’s most photographed indoor spots. Visitors can sit and read anything on the shelves.
COEX is ideal on rainy or very hot days. Outside, the Gangnam Style stage sculpture of crossed wrists marks the spot for fan photos. → COEX and Starfield Library guide
Bongeunsa Temple
Just across the road from COEX, Bongeunsa is a working Buddhist temple founded in the 8th century. Its giant standing Maitreya Buddha statue, painted halls and wooded paths are a striking contrast to the towers around it. Entry is free. The temple also offers Templestay programs, including short experiences with tea and meditation. → Bongeunsa Temple guide
Garosu-gil (Sinsa-dong)
“Garosu-gil” means tree-lined street. This ginkgo-shaded road and the alleys around it are full of boutiques, beauty brands, cafes and dessert shops. It’s especially pretty in late autumn when the ginkgo leaves turn gold. Some big brand flagships have replaced older independent stores, but the side streets are still good for browsing.
Apgujeong and Cheongdam
The upscale end of Gangnam: luxury boutiques along Apgujeong Rodeo Street and Cheongdam-dong’s “luxury street”, plus K-beauty salons and the offices of several K-pop agencies. Even if you’re not shopping, it’s interesting for a walk and some people-watching.
Gangnam Station at Night
The streets around Gangnam Station are some of Seoul’s busiest after dark, packed with Korean BBQ, chicken-and-beer spots, karaoke rooms and bars. Come here for dinner and the city-at-night atmosphere.
A One-Day Gangnam Route
| Time | Stop |
|---|---|
| 10:00 | Bongeunsa Temple — quietest in the morning |
| 11:00 | Cross to COEX; Starfield Library and the mall |
| 13:00 | Lunch at COEX |
| 15:00 | Subway to Sinsa; stroll Garosu-gil |
| 17:00 | Walk to Apgujeong Rodeo and Cheongdam |
| 19:00 | Dinner and nightlife around Gangnam Station |
Getting There
Gangnam is south of the Han River, about 30–40 minutes by subway from the palaces in the north. Line 2 links Gangnam, Samseong (COEX) and Seongsu; Line 9 stops at Bongeunsa; the Shinbundang Line connects Gangnam and Sinsa. → Seoul Subway Route Finder
From Incheon Airport: airport limousine buses run to major Gangnam hotels and COEX, or take a taxi. → Incheon Airport to Seoul
Practical Tips
- Group by area. Gangnam is spread out; don’t zigzag between Samseong and Sinsa.
- Tax refunds are available at most department stores and big shops. → Tax refund guide
- Considering a cosmetic or skin procedure? Research clinics carefully, check credentials and reviews, and understand the price and aftercare before booking.
- Staying here? Gangnam suits business travelers and repeat visitors, but it’s a long ride to the palaces. → Where to stay in Seoul
Related Guides
→ Shopping in Seoul · Seongsu-dong guide · Things to do in Seoul with kids
Shops and opening hours change. Please check details for specific places before visiting.
A Local’s Note
Here are a few more places worth visiting near Gangnam Station. The underground shopping center at Gangnam Station is worth a look. It has lots of shops and restaurants where you can try Korean food.
If the weather isn’t great, look around the Gangnam underground shopping center, then take Line 2 straight to COEX and explore there. You can do this whole course indoors.
The area around Gangnam Station and Teheran-ro is full of offices, so there are plenty of casual restaurants and nice cafes where you can easily enjoy modern Korean culture. I think it’s a great area for visitors traveling as couples or with family.
Gangnam Station and COEX are both on Line 2. If you want to head to Gangbuk, take the same Line 2 to City Hall Station and explore the Jongno area.
For reference, the Gangnam underground shopping center is open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day of the year (except major holidays), and the passageways are open 24 hours. It’s right outside the ticket gates, so it’s easy to find.