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🌟 Top Places to Visit in Gangnam – Local Picks with Insider Tips
📚 1) Starfield COEX Mall & Starfield Library
Why you’ll love it:
One of Asia’s biggest underground malls packed with global brands, skincare stores, a cinema, and endless places to eat. The Starfield Library in the middle is free and super Insta-worthy with its huge 13-meter bookshelves – perfect for chilling and people-watching.
🚇 How to get there:
Line 2 — Samseong Station, Exit 5 or 6, directly connected underground.
Sophia (Germany): “The library is like a piece of art. I grabbed a coffee, read a book, and honestly lost track of time!”
🐠 2) COEX Aquarium
Why you’ll love it:
Inside COEX Mall, this huge aquarium is home to 40,000+ sea creatures. There’s a shark tunnel, jellyfish zones, and a mini rainforest vibe – perfect for kids or couples.
🚇 How to get there:
Same as COEX: Line 2, Samseong Station, direct underground access.
Liam (Australia): “My kids LOVED the shark tunnel. It was such a fun break while shopping!”
🕍 3) Bongeunsa Temple
Why you’ll love it:
A 1,200-year-old Buddhist temple right across from COEX – wooden halls, giant Buddha statues, and peaceful gardens surrounded by skyscrapers. Join a short meditation or temple stay program (reserve ahead!).
🚇 How to get there:
Line 2 — Samseong Station, Exit 6 (3 min walk) or Line 9 — Bongeunsa Station, Exit 1.
Emma (UK): “It’s amazing to find such calm between glass towers. Meditating here was so refreshing!”
🌿 4) Seolleung & Jeongneung Royal Tombs
Why you’ll love it:
A UNESCO World Heritage site – Korean kings and queens are buried here under beautiful old trees. It feels like a hidden forest in the middle of the city and is perfect for a peaceful stroll.
🚇 How to get there:
Line 2 — Seolleung Station, Exit 10, 5 min walk.
Isabella (Canada): “So calm and peaceful — didn’t expect to find this much green in Gangnam!”
💃 5) Gangnam Station Street & Gangnam Style Statue
Why you’ll love it:
Outside Gangnam Station you’ll find K-pop merch shops, beauty stores, and the famous Gangnam Style horse-dance statue. This place is iconic for selfies! By night, it turns into a buzzing area with bars and clubs.
🚇 How to get there:
Line 2 — Gangnam Station, Exit 11, about 2 min walk.
Alex (USA): “Had to do the dance and snap a pic! The K-pop shops were a fangirl dream.”
🚗 6) Hyundai Motorstudio Seoul
Why you’ll love it:
A stylish showroom featuring real cars, concept cars, and futuristic mobility tech. Take a VR tour, see the design lab, and explore interactive exhibits — car lover or not, it’s super interesting.
🚇 How to get there:
Line 3 — Sinsa Station, Exit 1 → Bus 145, 440, or 4212 → Get off at ‘Jeil Bank / Horim Art Center’.
Or Line 7 — Hakdong Station, Exit 10 → 10 min walk.
Daniel (USA): “If you love cars, you HAVE to visit. Seeing concept cars up close was so cool!”
🎠 7) Smurfs Magic Forest Gangnam
Why you’ll love it:
Near Gangnam Station, this is the world’s first Smurfs-themed escape room + café + gift shop. Solve puzzles in Papa Smurf’s lab, grab adorable merch, and snap pics in the cutest café ever!
🚇 How to get there:
Line 2 — Gangnam Station, Exit 11 (10 min walk) or Line 9 — Sinnonhyeon Station, Exit 6 (5 min walk).
Emily (Australia): “Took my niece and nephew — they were obsessed! So many cute photo spots, too.”
📌 Suggested 1-Day Gangnam Itinerary
- Morning: COEX Mall & Library → COEX Aquarium
- Lunch: Grab Korean BBQ or eat at COEX food court
- Afternoon: Bongeunsa Temple → Hyundai Motorstudio
- Evening: Stroll Seolleung & Jeongneung → Shop around Gangnam Station & snap that Gangnam Style pic
- Bonus: Add Smurfs Magic Forest if you’re with kids or want something super cute!
✨ Extra Tips
- Subway Lines 2, 3, and 9 connect you to all these spots easily.
- T-money card + Kakao T taxi app + Papago for quick translations = travel essentials.
- Most places have free Wi-Fi.
- Cards are accepted everywhere — no stress.
- COEX is perfect for a rainy day, too!
If you’re planning to explore more of Seoul like a local, check out my full guide on how to use public transportation in Korea — super handy for first-timers! 🚇✨
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