Gangnam District

Gangnam means "south of the river" and this district in the Korean capital is located along the banks of the Han River. Ever since PSY's international hit "Gangnam Style" in 2012, people all over the world have heard the name of the wealthiest district in Seoul. While the county is the economic hub for some of the most powerful companies globally, including Google, IBM, and Toyota, the real heart of Gangnam is the residential areas, where the down payment to rent a house costs as much as 10 years salary for the average Korean.

Living in Gangnam – and more specifically, living in the Cheongdam-dong neighborhoods of Gangnam – is a status symbol that many Koreans aspire to. Cheongdam-dong and Apgujeong-dong are home to many Korean stars, actors and idols, long lines of luxury retailers, lively nightlife and the largest entertainment companies in Korea.

In addition to luxury fashion stores, plastic surgery clinics, high-end real estate and the homes of many famous Koreans, the Gangnam district also has many unique attractions.

- Samsung D'light Museum (Address: 11 Seocho-daero 74-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul): An exhibition space introducing the latest technology founded by Samsung. This is a great choice for electronics enthusiasts, as visitors to the museum can interact with some of the technology on display.

- SM, JYP, or CUBE : Gangnam is home to some of the biggest entertainment companies in Korea. Fan club members and journalists often gather here in the hope of seeing a famous Korean idol walking or driving to and from the building. There are often large groups of fans and broadcasters gathered around the entrances to wait for members of popular groups, actors or singers.

- Samneung Park (Address: 1 Samneung Park, Seolleung-ro 100-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul): The park is steeped in history. It has several mounds of graves, including the burial ground of King Jungjong. There are three tombs at this site: King Seongjong - the ninth king of the Joseon Dynasty, Queen Jeonghyeon - the wife of King Seongjong, and King Jungjong - the 11th king of the Joseon Dynasty. The surrounding forest offers a green alternative to the dense urban area in which it is located, making it a popular spot for strolling and relaxing. The Tomb of the Two Kings is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as are all Joseon Dynasty tombs.

- Seoul Olympic Park (Address: 424 Olympic Park, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul): a very large park. It has seven different cafes, three restaurants, a convenience store, a K-Pop museum, multiple fitness centers, a basketball court and an ice rink. The landscape of the park is stunning and is the perfect place to get away from all the traffic or the polluted air of a crowded city. There are bicycles, kitesurfing, soccer and ice skates, all of which can be rented for cheap.

- COEX (Address: 513 Yeongdong-daero, Samseong 1(il)-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul) The shopping mall located below Korea World Trade Center, is the largest underground shopping mall in Korea. It has international brand stores, a concert hall, a library, an extensive food court and restaurants. COEX even has an aquarium, movie theater, video games and a kimchi museum.

- Bongeunsa Temple (Address: 531 Bongeunsa-ro, Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul): a Buddhist temple in the center of Gangnam. This is a place displaying Korea's traditional past placed right in the middle of a bustling urban area. Visitors move from the hustle and bustle of the city to the serenity of Buddhist mantras and peaceful landscapes in a matter of moments. The temple even allows you to stay overnight at the Buddhist temple to learn about the Buddha's teachings.