Expensive, exclusive, and elite are the most appropriate words to describe Seoul’s Gangnam district. It’s indeed a place to see and be seen, filled with high-end real estate, luxury boutiques, and glimmering skyscrapers. But fifty years ago, this area was nothing more than a vast countryside; home to rice paddies and pear farms. And everything you see today has been built since then.
Literally means “South of the River”, Gangnam is a wealthy neighborhood that lies along the southern bank of the Han River. Since PSY’s song “Gangnam Style” went viral in 2012, people all over the world have heard this name. But before receiving international attention, Gangnam has always been the desire of many Koreans. Some might say it’s the true center of Seoul because all the big-name and big-money live here.
Brief History of Gangnam
Gangnam didn’t always look like this. In 1967, the area to the south of Han River was farmlands, full of orchards and rice paddies. But it turned into a bustling business district in the 1970s thanks to various urban development projects. The banks and tech giants were the first moved here, followed by the rich and the famous. And to accommodate the needs of Seoul’s most affluent citizens, luxury boutiques, upscale restaurants, and high-end residential areas were built. Today, Gangnam is the epitome of opulence, and “Gangnam Style” referred to the lavish lifestyle associated with Seoul’s elites. In many ways, the construction of Gangnam mirrors the economic rise of South Korea – from a war-torn country in the 1950s to the fourth-largest economy in Asia.
1. Starfield Library
Although Gangnam seems like a place where the money talks, there are still things that you can enjoy without breaking the bank account. One of them is the public library in COEX Mall, the Starfield Library. Within a spacious area of 2800 m², visitors can freely sit down and browse through a wide selection of books
From romantic novels to scientific publications, you can find nearly every genre in three massive bookshelves that are as tall as two-story buildings. The library also boasts Korea’s largest collection of magazines of over 600 different titles, including the latest editions of many international magazines.
2. Bongeunsa Temple
Another place to unwind from the hustle of Gangnam is the Bongeunsa Temple. Constructed in 794 during the reign of King Wonseong of Silla, this Zen temple appears like a spiritual oasis at the heart of a bustling district.
Its wooden architecture offers a stark contrast to the modern surrounding, creating an interesting mix of old and new. The highlight of the temple is the giant statue of Maitreya – the Future Buddha. At the height of 23 meters, he seems to look over all of Seoul’s inhabitants, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
Tips for visiting Gangnam District
- Starfield Library is located in the southern part of the gigantic COEX Mall. To go there take Subway line 2 to Samseong Station, Exit 5 or 6. The mall is also accessible by subway line 9 (Bongeunsa Station, Exit 7). From there, it’s about 15 minutes walk to the library.
- The temple of Bongeunsa is just a short walking distance from COEX Mall’s north entrance. To go there take the subway line 9 to Bongeunsa Station, Exit 1.
What a great article. That library is amazing – very smart of them to place it in the mall.
Really enjoyed the image of old and new – really transported me to the place and allowed me to get a deeper sense of the beautiful contrast this city seems to provide. Thanks for sharing.
My pleasure! I am glad that you like this post 🙂
Such a vibrant clash of colours and culture! You have captured them really well. Those windows are gorgeous… 🤩
Thank you, Jolene! 🙂
I love that library, Gangnam has a real style for sure! 😉
Indeed. Even the library has its own style 😉
Starfield Library is so instagramable. I wonder how to reach those books high up.
A good question 🙂 I think you would need a lift, or an extra-tall library steps. A real challenge for the librarians.
The library is truly beautiful!
Thank you! The library was the main reason that drives me to this mall 🙂
Lucky you! 🙂
The library is pretty special. Loving the gardens too.
It’s indeed extrarodinary 🙂 Thanks for your compliment!
Wow I’d love to go see that area one day! The photos from the temples are stunning – with all that autumn scenery. There are not that many high-rise buildings or rich areas in the city where I live in Poland so I am always attracted to skyscrapers, glitz and lights hehe.
Haha we share similar taste, Pooja 🙂 Some people might argue those glitz and lights cause light-polluted. But the evening sky would be boring (even fearful) without them. I visited Hong Kong last month and I think the city would be nothing if they turn off all the neon-signs.
Ah, now I get the idea behind the title… ‘Gangnam Style’. Makes sense looking at its glitzy veneer. The Lotte World Tower is impressive!
Thanks for taking me to parts of Seoul I didn’t have enough time to visit when I went to the city in April last year. Gangnam looks more interesting than I thought! That library looks like a really nice place to read books, or just to wind down.
You welcome, Bama! The library is truly a unique place! But it is a bit noisy, especially at mid-day. So it might not be suitable for studying 🙂
Thanks for sharing Len. Hope to visit the temple and maybe check out the bookstore if I finally make it to Seoul in the near future 🙂
I’m glad that you enjoyed the post! The library is indeed a perfect place to chill, especially if you love reading 😉
This library is a dream come true! Amazing post and photos – thank for sharing this great piece of content about Gangnam district 🙂
My pleasure 🙂
Your lead photo shows the perfect contrast between old and new Gangnam. (Nice photos by the way.) Korea’s economic rise from the destruction left by the Korean War in the 1950’s is no small miracle and Gangnam highlights it.
No doubt!
Absolutely gorgeous photos Len. I’d love to go to Gangnam just to see that library and the view from the temple. I’ve never been to Korea. A trip to Taiwan and Korea is likely to be our next adventure, though we have no idea when that will be possible. Next year maybe. We’ll see.
Alison
Hopefully next year! Or better, the end of this year *keep my fingers crossed* 🙂 Both countries look awesome in late autumn.
Here in Vietnam the gov already mulls over Vaccine Passport. They attempt to re-open this year for vaccinated travellers. Let’s see how this unfold.