Gangnam

The Gangnam District (Korean: 강남구; Hanja: 江南區, also anglicized as Kangnam, is one of the 25 local government districts which make up the city of Seoul, South Korea. Gangnam literally means "South of the River". Gangnam District is the third largest district in Seoul, with an area of 39.5 km2 (15.3 sq mi).

Both the Greater Gangnam Area and Gangnam itself are widely known for its heavily concentrated wealth and very high standard of living, which has been compared to cities such as Beverly Hills, California.

ATTRACTIONS

The important business district around Teheranno (Tehran Street) runs east-west from Gangnam Station to Samseong Station and the COEX Convention & Exhibition Center-Korean World Trade Center complex.

Several popular shopping and entertainment areas are located in Gangnam District, including Apgujeong, the COEX Mall and the area around Gangnam Station and Garosugil. Cheongdam-dong is notable as an upmarket shopping area, with stores of global and local luxury brands.

The area has a large concentration of vegetarian and other upscale restaurants that serve Korean cuisine with a modern twist, namely on the main street from Bongeun Temple to Park Hyatt Hotel in Samseong-dong.

Galleria Department Store
Seolleung and Jeongneung tombs
Trade Tower
Apgujeong Rodeo street
Sinsa Garosugil
COEX Mall
COEX Aquarium
Kukkiwon (World Taekwondo Headquarters)

FESTIVALS

International Peace Marathon Festival in October
Gangnam Fashion Festival in October
Sports Festival for residents in Gangnam Distinct in May
Daemosan Festival

POP CULTURE

The 2012 K-pop song "Gangnam Style" by South Korean entertainer Psy was inspired by and its music video was shot in, the Gangnam District. The song and video's popularity increased international awareness of the district. In the music video, Psy can be seen dancing on top of the ASEM Tower with the Trade Tower in the background. The two buildings are part of World Trade Center Seoul (WTC Seoul), also known as COEX.