Seoul's affluent southern district, famous worldwide from PSY's hit song and known for upscale shopping, K-pop entertainment, and nightlife.

About Gangnam

Gangnam (meaning "south of the river") is Seoul's wealthiest and most glamorous district, thrust into global fame by PSY's 2012 hit "Gangnam Style." The area south of the Han River is Seoul's Beverly Hills—home to luxury apartments, designer boutiques along Apgujeong Rodeo Street, the COEX Mall (one of Asia's largest underground shopping centers), and some of the city's most exclusive restaurants and clubs.

Gangnam is also the heart of Korea's entertainment industry, with the headquarters of SM Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, and other K-pop agencies located in the district. The Gangnam Station intersection is one of Seoul's busiest, and the underground shopping arcades here are vast. Bongeunsa Temple, a 1,200-year-old Buddhist temple, provides unexpected tranquility amid the high-rises.

The COEX complex includes the Starfield Library (a stunning open-plan library with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves), an aquarium, a cinema, and the COEX Convention Center. The trendy Garosugil tree-lined street in Sinsa-dong is known for indie fashion, brunch cafes, and art galleries.

Nearby Landmarks

COEX Mall Starfield Library Gangnam Station Bongeunsa Temple Apgujeong Rodeo Street

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost ₩75,000-95,000 (~$58-73 USD)
Time 70-100 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Train (AREX + Seoul Metro Line 1/2)

Cost ₩11,000
Time 80 minutes
Frequency Bus every 25-30 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

Take AREX express from ICN to Seoul Station (43 min). Transfer to subway Line 4 to Chungmuro, then Line 3 to Gyodae, then Line 2 to Gangnam. Or take Airport Limousine Bus 6020 directly to Gangnam (80-120 min).

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi ₩75,000-95,000 (~$58-73 USD) 70-100 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Train ₩11,000 80 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

AREX and subway run until midnight. After midnight, night bus N13 serves the Gangnam area. A taxi from ICN to Gangnam costs ₩80,000-110,000 ($58-80) at night. Gangnam's clubs and bars operate until 5-6 AM, particularly along Club Street near Gangnam Station.

Luggage Tips

AREX express has luggage racks. The subway transfer requires changing lines (AREX → Line 1 or 4 → Line 2 to Gangnam). Elevators are available at transfer stations but the journey involves some walking. Gangnam Station has lockers (₩2,000-5,000). A direct airport limousine bus to Gangnam avoids transfers.

Accessibility

AREX and Seoul Metro are wheelchair accessible. Gangnam Station is one of Seoul's most accessible, with multiple elevators. The COEX Mall is fully accessible. Garosugil's narrow sidewalks can be challenging. Accessible taxis available via Kakao T app.