StayAreas

Gangnam

Seoul

The modern business and shopping district south of the Han River, around Gangnam station, Sinsa-dong's Garosu-gil and the COEX mall.

Best for Business · Upscale

Transport
4/5
Sights
2/5
Value
3/5
Quiet
3/5
Food
4/5

Typical mid-range hotel ~$145/night · 30 min to City Hall

See hotels in Gangnam

Gangnam on the map

Why stay here

  • Big, modern hotels
  • Upmarket shopping and restaurants
  • Close to offices and COEX

Who should stay here

  • Business travellers
  • Luxury and shopping trips
  • K-pop fans

Not ideal if…

  • You want to walk to the palaces
  • You want old-Seoul character
  • You want the quickest airport link

What it's like

Gangnam is Seoul's newer half: wide avenues of office towers, upmarket shopping and plastic-surgery clinics, with Garosu-gil's boutiques and Apgujeong's luxury brands to the north and the COEX mall, Starfield Library and Bongeunsa temple in Samseong. Many K-pop agencies are based here.

It's the natural base for business trips and for travellers who want big, modern hotels. The historic sights are 30 to 40 minutes away by subway, and it can feel corporate. Nightlife centres on Gangnam station and Sinsa.

Best streets and sub-areas

  • Gangnam station

    Busy hub of restaurants, bars and shopping.

  • Garosu-gil

    Tree-lined street of boutiques and cafés in Sinsa-dong.

  • Samseong & COEX

    Convention centre, mall and hotels.

Getting around

Nearest stations
Gangnam, Sinnonsa, Sinsa and Samseong stations on Lines 2, 3, 9 and the Sinbundang Line.
To City Hall
About 30 minutes
From Incheon International Airport
About 80 minutes: airport limousine bus, or AREX to Seoul Station and the subway.

Nearby attractions

  • Starfield Library

    Giant bookshelves inside the COEX mall.

  • Bongeunsa Temple

    Buddhist temple facing the COEX towers.

  • Garosu-gil

    Boutiques and cafés for an afternoon stroll.

Where to eat and drink

  • Gangnam station alleys

    Barbecue, fried chicken and bars.

  • Sinsa & Apgujeong

    Upmarket restaurants and cocktail bars.

Where to stay in Gangnam

A few hotels we'd book in this area, at different budgets.

Luxury pick

Josun Palace

Why we like it: Luxury hotel high in a Yeoksam tower near Gangnam station.

Typical luxury rate in Gangnam: ~$325/night

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Luxury pick

Park Hyatt Seoul

Why we like it: Glass tower opposite COEX with city views.

Typical luxury rate in Gangnam: ~$325/night

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Boutique pick

Hotel Cappuccino

Why we like it: Design hotel with a rooftop bar near Gangnam station.

Typical mid-range rate in Gangnam: ~$145/night

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Hotels in GangnamMid-range from ~$145/night

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