Gangnam Station is one of Seoul’s most dynamic districts, a true hub of trends and activity. Known for its extensive underground shopping mall, it is a prime destination for shoppers, while also serving as a major business center filled with office workers during the day. In the evening, the area transforms, drawing a young crowd eager to experience its vibrant nightlife. This is the very “Gangnam” made famous by Psy’s global hit “Gangnam Style.” With excellent transportation access and a wide range of attractions, Gangnam Station is a charming destination for anyone exploring Seoul.
Area around Gangnam Station
Gangnam Station is home to some of the best shopping spots, especially with its abundance of SPA brand stores. Global fashion brands like Uniqlo, Zara, and 8Seconds line the streets, while numerous cosmetics brands found in street-level stores and trendy boutiques offer a wide range of stylish shopping options. Gangnam Station is a haven for fashion lovers, making it the perfect destination for anyone looking to stay on top of the latest trends.
In addition, the area around Gangnam Station is filled with dessert cafes and rooftop cafes, making it an ideal place to unwind and relax. Whether you are enjoying a cup of coffee while chatting with friends or reading a book alone in a peaceful setting, there are plenty of cozy spots to enjoy some downtime. If you are looking for hidden cafes or eateries, you can easily discover them using Naver Maps, KakaoMap, or Instagram hashtags.
Moreover, Gangnam Station is surrounded by indoor activity spaces such as VR cafes, board game cafes, and escape rooms, offering a wide variety of entertainment options regardless of the weather. Whether you are with friends or family, these fun spots provide great indoor experiences for everyone to enjoy.
Gangnam Station’s underground shopping mall
Gangnam Station’s underground shopping mall is one of Seoul’s hidden shopping gems, loved by many. Located beneath the bustling streets of Gangnam, it provides a convenient and pleasant shopping experience, away from the hectic traffic above. The mall has various shops and food stalls, attracting numerous visitors daily. It features a wide range of stores selling clothing, accessories, and beauty products, making it especially popular for those seeking trendy items. The affordable prices also make it an attractive destination for younger shoppers.
The underground mall is particularly popular on rainy days or during the hot summer, as it offers a comfortable shopping environment regardless of the weather. It is also easily accessible by subway, with excellent transportation links. With its unique atmosphere and affordable prices, Gangnam Station’s underground shopping mall is not only a great place to shop but also a spot where you can enjoy a variety of cultural experiences.
However, with around 200 stores, the mall is like a maze, so visitors should be cautious not to get lost. The mall operates year-round, except for certain holidays, from 10 A.M. to 10 P.M. The passageways through the station are open 24 hours, providing easy access at any time.
Gangnam is just a 30-minute subway ride from Dongguk University, with only one transfer. The Dongguk Post highly recommends visiting this dynamic district to enjoy various experiences.
Subway Travel Tips
• Avoiding Rush Hours: Gangnam Station gets extremely crowded with office workers during peak hours (7~9 A.M. and 6~8 P.M.), so it is best to plan your visit accordingly.
• Navigation Apps: Using Naver Maps or KakaoMap while traveling in Seoul, especially in Korea, will make your journey more convenient.
• Climate Card: For cheaper travel around Seoul, use the Climate Card, available for purchase at subway stations. Make sure to check the routes carefully because it does not work out of Seoul.
• Using the Ticket Gate: To enter through the ticket gate, place your card on the right side of the reader.
• Gate Issues: If there is an issue with the gate, you can press the button next to the gate at the end to ask a staff member for assistance. Speak calmly, then they will help you resolve the issue.
• Line Colors and Direction: Pay attention to the line colors and directions (terminus stations or the next stations) to make your journey easier.
• Transfer: If you are on the same line, exiting the station and re-entering within 15 minutes allows you to transfer for free.
• Lost Items: If you lose something on the subway, you can contact the lost and found center to recover your belongings or visit the information center in the station for help
• Clean Restrooms: Subway restrooms in Korea are generally clean and can be useful in emergencies.
• Walking Might Be Faster: Sometimes walking can be faster than taking the subway.