Gangnam Station Area

This place is indescribable, a harmonious blend of technology, culinary delights, vibrant nightlife, diverse individuals, and dazzling neon lights.

The Gangnam Station Area sprawls across a vast expanse. It is not limited to a single street, extending in all four directions from the station intersection. Moreover, each main street is accompanied by parallel streets and alleys, creating an extensive network of wide boulevards and narrow passageways. Yet, most people consider the heart of the Gangnam Station Area to be the 750-meter stretch between Gangnam Station and ShinNonhyeon Station (distinct from the larger Gangnam Government District). In the image provided, this stretch is often referred to as the renowned 'ubiquitous street'.

Gangnam Government District, or more accurately known as Gangnam-gu, proves to be a challenge when it comes to accurate description. It constitutes one of the twenty-five districts comprising Seoul City. Located south of the Han River within Seoul, it boasts a population exceeding five hundred thousand inhabitants.

Then there is the Greater Gangnam Area, which encompasses two additional districts: Songpa and Seocho. Spanning considerable territory, this vast region constitutes approximately twenty percent of Seoul's total area. When Seoulites commonly utter the word 'Gangnam,' it is this district to which they are referring. The term itself signifies 'south of the river,' indicating its position south of the Han River. This entire area represents an emblem of contemporary Seoul, showcasing opulent real estate, towering skyscrapers, commercial influence, and the rise of the nouveau riche. Interestingly, this is the Gangnam in Psy's famous song, "Gangnam Style." Sounds perplexing, doesn't it?

The Gangnam Station Street is exemplified by the iconic Samsung Electronics Headquarters, located adjacent to the station. This colossal complex comprises three magnificent buildings, which house an array of shops and showrooms in their subterranean levels. Click on the provided link for a captivating video tour of Samsung Electronics' flagship store and showroom, known as Samsung d-light.

Another prominent landmark, and perhaps even more recognizable, is the vibrant red-bricked Kyobo Tower, situated at the end of the Gangnam Station stretch near ShinNonhyeon Station. Venture into the basement to discover what we believe to be the finest bookstore in Seoul. Access the bookstore through the side entrance of the building for an unforgettable experience.

Along the main street, you will encounter prestigious retail spaces that boast some of the most expensive shopping in Seoul, if not the entire world. It becomes evident that only renowned household brand names can afford the exorbitant rent in this area. Many companies perceive their presence along this street as essential for their reputation, leaning towards the idea that it serves as more of a marketing cost rather than a source of substantial sales. Take, for instance, 8 Seconds, a fashion brand owned by Samsung. This brand operates numerous floors right in the heart of the main street, showcasing their affluent style and allure.

On the side streets, you will discover an array of smaller establishments, consisting of individually owned stores, specialty shops, and smaller chain stores. These businesses come in diverse shapes and sizes, predominantly offering Korean and Japanese cuisine, as well as bars, beer pubs, nightclubs, boutiques, cafes, and karaoke establishments. One peculiarity that may differ from Western norms is the fact that each building's multiple floors provide a multitude of options for entertainment. From top to bottom, the captivating neon lights captivate your attention, making it increasingly challenging to decide where to indulge in delectable food and vibrant nightlife. In our opinion, it is in the side streets where the true excitement commences, an experience commonly shared by the majority of Seoulites. Most individuals initially traverse the main street until they venture into an enchanting alley, where they ultimately discover what they were seeking.

Now, let us explore the culinary delights within Gangnam Station Area. It seems that pork is an undeniably beloved delicacy amongst Seoulites, given the abundance of restaurants specializing in this delectable meat. Certain alleys are wholly dedicated to the art of preparing pork dishes. The image provided highlights one such venue located within a renowned pork alley. Even on a Tuesday evening in February, this fantastic establishment is bustling with customers. Their specialty lies in serving pork sourced from Jeju Island, where they raise black pigs, a variety of swine the Koreans hold dear and consider premium. You simply must seize the opportunity to try this tantalizing cuisine, best accompanied by a bottle of the much-adored local firewater, Soju.

The stresses of everyday life in Seoul often prompt Seoulites to seek solace. The competitive nature of society combined with long working hours necessitates an outlet for frustrations. Thus, it should come as no surprise that individuals require a means to release their pent-up emotions. This is where the punching bag machines in the image come into play, a common sight in bustling side streets brimming with people. We have personally tried this form of relaxation, and it indeed offers great amusement, albeit quickly turning into a competitive affair. Naturally, earning the highest score grants one with the well-deserved right to boast. Another thrilling spectacle to witness involves individuals adeptly smashing stacks of fake tiles, tallying the number broken in the process.

Unlike their Western counterparts, Seoulites typically do not leave their parents' homes to live independently at an early age. The high costs associated with renting or purchasing a place of their own, coupled with a cultural inclination to stay with family until marriage, explains this phenomenon. However, in recent times, the trend of single-person households has emerged as the societal norm.

In Seoul, intimate gatherings and spending time together predominantly occur outside the home. Couples can be spotted everywhere, enjoying one another's company through activities such as sharing meals and attending movies. Privacy for romantic encounters is usually sought in love motels or the newly fashioned theme-design motels. We highly recommend trying this experience, even if only for a single night, to revel in the novelty of the intricately designed rooms.

Street-side tented restaurants hold a special place in the hearts of Seoulites, evoking a deep sense of nostalgia. These tents, often adorned in vibrant orange hues, typically offer beloved street food delicacies accompanied by Korea's quintessential alcohol, Soju. In movies, these establishments serve as symbolic spaces where protagonists come to terms with their identities or confront reality. The profound emotional connections Seoulites harbor toward these tents is entirely understandable. Time and again, these modest settings manage to bring people from all walks of life together. The tents often serve as the final destination for individuals returning home after a night of revelry. However, they can also serve as a prime spot for a quick bite or the starting point of an evening, with small dishes to whet one's appetite. As shown in the image, these bustling street-side tents along the main street of Gangnam Station are consistently packed with patrons. Such tents can be found throughout Seoul, waiting for you to step inside and embark on an unpredictable encounter.

When it comes to essential possessions, Seoulites simply cannot live without their smartphones. The image displays a delivery man on his scooter, equipped with not one, but three smartphones. Gangnam Station Area represents the epitome of the future. With its towering billboards, multimedia poles featuring internet access, camera capabilities, and GPS navigation, alongside modern payment systems integrated into public transportation, this area is undeniably a vision of what lies ahead. All it takes is to open your eyes. Armed with the latest smartphone technology, there is virtually nothing you cannot find or do in Seoul!