Gangnam-gu unveils a range of weekly themes, extending invitations to explore diverse aspects of Gangnam’s lifestyle from culture, history, rejuvenation to latest trends. By offering immersive, small-group experiences and crafting lifestyle-centric content, Gangnam-gu is nurturing a distinctive and sustainable tourism culture that is truly one-of-a-kind in Gangnam. Let’s journey through its history while enjoying the vibrant urban lifestyle, where variety enhances the experience!
Gangnam ~ Where Dreams Converge, Future Unfolds
A place that transforms envisioned futures into reality
YOU N Every Experience in Gangnam (UNEEG Tour)
Let’s experience Gangnam like never before with the YOU N Every Experience in Gangnam (UNEEG Tour). The Gangnam UNEEG Tour offers a unique experience exclusively available in Gangnam, allowing you to immerse yourself in the latest trends, enjoy soothing natural stories and explore distinctive cultures in historically rich locations.
A Fall Foliage Adventure in Gangnam
2023
Bongeunsa Temple & Seolleung Royal Tomb Cultural Healing Tour
Date: 16th October 2023
Time: 2pm (14:00)
Location: Bongeunsa Temple and Seonjeongneung Royal Tomb
Embark on a soul-enriching expedition at Bongeunsa Temple, an iconic urban thousand-year-old Korean temple, and explore the rich Confucian culture of the Joseon Dynasty at Seolleung Royal Tomb. Witness how these two traditions continue to shape modern life.
2023
Art Exploration
Explore the art galleries of Art City Gangnam at a leisurely pace, accompanied by experts, for an immersive experience within the world of art exhibitions.
2023
K-Pop Star Immersion
Date: 24th November 2023
Time: 2pm (14:00)
Location: Coex Ktown4u
The world of K-Pop idols awaits you in Gangnam. Explore your passion, learn the moves, and step into the spotlight of this vibrant cultural phenomenon
2023
A Historical Journey Through Past
Date: 10th November 2023
Time: 2pm (14:00)
Location: Apgujeong Hyundai Apartment, Hannam Bridge, Eunma Apartment, and Eunma Market
Discover Gangnam’s transformation from fields to a modern marvel. Explore its history, from the 1970s real estate boom to thriving education. Stroll through Daechi-dong, Eunma Shopping Street, and savor culinary delights at Eunma Market.
2023
A Joy of Nighttime Run
Date: 3rd November 2023
Time: 6.30pm (18:30)
Location: Dosan Park or Samseong Station Area
Exercising as a group enhances the sense of joy and energy, providing a liberating escape from the challenges of daily life. Why not embark on the Gangnam City Run amidst the vibrant lights of Gangnam and savour the invigorating autumn breeze as you navigate the urban landscape during your run?
Bongeunsa Temple
~ The Fusion of Mysterious History and Natural Beauty ~
Bongeunsa Temple, nestled to the north of the COEX building in Samseong-dong, is set against the backdrop of the Gangnam’s modern skyline featuring towering skyscrapers and vibrant lights. It exudes a serene and alluring charm as an archetypal traditional Buddhist sanctuary.
The temple’s history can be traced back to the 10th year of Shilla King Weongseong’s reign in 794. In 1498, Queen Jeonghyeon renovated the Gyeonseongsa Temple, situated to the east of King Seongjong’s royal mausoleum, and renamed it Bongeunsa. With a history spanning over 1,200 years, Bongeunsa Temple boasts a rich historical legacy and preserves a diverse array of enduring Buddhist cultural treasures, including a collection of 3,479 Buddhist scriptures, which includes works byKim Jeonghee. Immerse yourself in the depths of this history and embrace traditional Buddhist culture through a variety of engaging programmes.
The Bongeunsa Temple Life programme offers an immersive journey into the realm of traditional Korean Buddhist culture through a diverse range of activities, comprising temple visits, tea ceremonies, Zen meditation, and moments of contemplation. This programme enables participants to explore the intricate details of the temple’s architectural marvels, as well as the sculptures and crafts that carry the deep-rooted history of Bongeunsa. By participating, you can gain insight into the wisdom of Buddha’s teachings, appreciate the timeless beauty of traditional temples, and engage in the practices of Buddhism.
Enveloped by lush forests and tranquil pathways, Bongeunsa Temple is renowned not only for its spiritual significance but also for its breathtaking natural surroundings, which encompass the Gwangneung forest area designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Visitors whose choose the exceptional temple stay programme have exclusive access to this forest, providing them with the opportunity to unwind and learn techniques for controlling their mind and body from Bongeunsa’s resident monks. Let’s take a break from the bustling city and escape the stress and hectic routines of modern society to rejuvenate your spirit and seek inner tranquility at Bongeunsa.
Every 9th September in the lunar calendar, Bongeunsa Temple hosts a significant Buddhist ceremony known as Jeongdaebulsa. During this event, monks march while carrying the scriptures on their heads and recite the Beopseongge (Buddhist rites).
Seolleung and Jeongneung Royal Tombs
~ UNESCO World Heritage Site in Gangnam ~
Seolleung and Jeongneung Royal Tombs, collectively known as Samneung Park, encompass a trio of burial sites as below:
- Seolleung Royal Tomb: Tombs of King Seongjong (1469-1494), the 9th king of the Joseon dynasty (1392 -1910) and his wife Queen Jeonghyeon Yun
- Jeongneung Royal Tomb: Tomb of King Jungjong (1506-1544), the 11th king of the Joseon dynasty (1392 -1910)
Despite being damaged during the Japanese invasions of Korea, these tombs have been well preserved and gained recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009. The scenery is graced with gentle hills covered in clusters of trees, forming a seamless transition between the enigmatic tranquility of the royal tombs and the vibrant energy of downtown Seoul. Surrounded by a dense forest, Seonjeongneung provides a serene retreat for residents, and the pathway is thoughtfully furnished with benches, creating an idyllic environment for leisurely walks along the rocky wall path.
Art Exploration
Art-Enhanced Discoveries in Gangnam
Gangnam showcases a hub of galleries, ranging from grand institutions to cosy corners, within its Apgujeong-dong and Cheongdam-dong neighbourhoods. Surprisingly, even the district extending from Gangnam Station to Samsung Station, often characterised by its bustling offices, presents unexpected pockets of artistic encounters.
K-Star Road is a one-kilometer-long themed street that stretches from Apgujeong Rodeo Station to Cheongdam Intersection.
Established in 2014, this street was created to offer a diverse range of entertainment options for both local and international visitors, as global interest in hallyu (Korean Pop culture) continues to grow. Along this vibrant street, you will find entertainment agencies like SM Entertainment, Cube, and FNC, which are considered the birthplace of hallyu. In addition, you can immerse yourself in the lifestyles of your favourite stars by exploring fashion boutiques, cozy cafes, delectable restaurants, and captivating art galleries. Don’t miss the chance to capture memorable moments in front of the charming “Gangnamdol” art installations featuring famous celebrities.
K-Pop Star Immersion
The global phenomenon of K-Pop, epitomised by PSY’s Gangnam Style, took the world by storm when it was released in late 2012. The popularity of K-Pop artists primarily hinges on their exceptional vocal talents, captivating stage presence, and flawlessly choreographed dance performances, among other factors. For a dedicated K-Pop enthusiast, mastering the art of dancing to K-Pop music is an exhilarating pursuit. Immerse yourself in the heart of K-Pop culture in Gangnam, where you can participate in dance classes and makeup workshops, unveiling the glamour and dedication that underlie the world of K-Pop idols.
Today, You Shine Bright as a K-pop Star!
Immerse yourself in the lively world of K-pop training at Ktown4u Academy. Here, you can learn the latest and most popular K-pop dance routines, mastering the skills to move your body in sync with your favourite K-pop tracks, just like your idols, and transform your passion into remarkable dancing abilities. Additionally, engage in hands-on idol makeup artistry and bask in the allure of the glamorous stage and the electrifying energy behind the scenes.
A Historical Journey Through Past
~ Gangnam’ District and Vibrant South Korea! ~
Uncover Gangnam’s Past: Once Vast Fields Until the 1970s, Now a Modern Marvel
Step back in time and observe the transformation of the Gangnam district, characterised by its real estate boom in the 1970s and a thriving educational ethos. Starting from the construction of the Hannam Bridge and the rapid expansion of Seoul to the fascinating stories and intricacies surrounding the apartment complexes that now define South Korean living, immerse yourself in the authentic narrative of Gangnam. Take a leisurely stroll through the academies of Daechi-dong and meander along Eunma Shopping Street to truly experience the essence of life in Gangnam. And, of course, don’t miss the opportunity to savour the culinary delights that await you at Eunma Market
A Joy of Nighttime Run
Enjoy Gangnam City Run to the Fullest
The City Run Tour and Gangnam UNEEG Tour are tailored to all levels of experience, whether you are new to running, aiming to improve your skills or seeking new routes. Knowledgeable instructors will lead participants through warm-up sessions and the course, ensuring it is suitable for beginners. Let’s enjoy a wonderful autumn evening running party together in Gangnam!
Dosan Park – Energetic Urban Park
Dosan Park, established in 1973 to honour the patriotic and educational legacy of Teacher Ahn Chang-ho. It was created by relocating Teacher Ahn Chang-ho’s resting place from Manguri Cemetery and merging it with that of his wife, Lady Lee Hye-ryeon. For five decades, Dosan Park has not only provided an urban oasis but has also evolved into a central location where various Gangnam attractions, such as fashion, beauty and dining, converge. City Run participants convene at the park, engage in collective stretching and warm-up exercises and subsequently divide into groups to commence their run.
Gangnam Festival
Lively Cultural Celebration
Join the Celebration, Feel the Rhythm and Dive into the Gangnam Vibe
Date: Early October Each Year
The Gangnam Festival is an annual event scheduled for the early October each year since 2012 in Seoul’s K-Pop hub, Gangnam. This vibrant culture and arts festival features a wide range of activities, including a fashion show, K-Pop performances and a multitude of food trucks strategically placed throughout Seoul’s southern Gangnam area, ensuring everyone who visits Gangnam can fully experience the fall celebration.
Among the diverse array of events, the Gangnam Festival’s Yeongdong-daero K-Pop Concert truly shines. It is renowned for its impressive lineup of K-pop stars and is hailed as one of the premier events in the Korean entertainment industry, drawing fans from across the globe. This annual musical celebration embraces culture, music, and entertainment, recognised for presenting awe-inspiring performances by some of the most prominent K-Pop acts since its inauguration in 2012. Typically held along Yeongdong-daero, a prominent street in the Gangnam district, this event transcends the boundaries of a typical concert; it is a festivity commemorating how Hallyu has enriched the world through K-Pop!
As a programme that offers the opportunity to explore not only K-Pop performances but also various aspects of K-culture, the festival strives to establish itself as a significant cultural event for the Korean Wave in Seoul. Be sure to have a glimpse on the 2023 Gangnam Festival and remember to mark your calendar for this annual event in the years to come!
Grab the opportunity to be a part of these extraordinary tours and explore every aspect of the lively lifestyle of Gangnam! To apply for a tour, kindly visit www.visitgangnam.net.
