Gangnam and Sinsa
Temple, library and underground malls around two big stations
Gangnam is the office and shopping core south of the Han River, and most of what a visitor does here is around Gangnam, Samseong or Seolleung stations. A Seon temple and a pair of UNESCO royal tombs sit between the towers. Garosu-gil in Sinsa is the tree-lined side.
COEX is the centre of the Samseong area. Starfield COEX Mall is open 10:30 to 22:00 and links underground to Samseong Station, and the free Starfield Library on B1 is open the same hours. Ktown4u's store on floors 2 to 4 of the Artium sells K-pop albums, and the floors keep different hours.
Across Bongeunsa-ro, Bongeunsa Temple is open from 05:00 to 22:00 and is a minute from Bongeunsa Station on Line 9. Seonjeongneung Royal Tombs are at Seolleung Station (exit 10), where an adult ticket is ₩1,000 and the site is closed on Mondays.
Near Gangnam Station, the underground shopping arcade runs from 10:00 to 23:00, and Gangnam Square between exits 11 and 12 has a K-pop media wall that is better after dark. Garosu-gil starts at Sinsa Station exit 8 and is busiest in autumn when the leaves turn.
Getting there
Gangnam Station is on Line 2. Samseong (Line 2) is the stop for COEX, and Bongeunsa (Line 9) is next to the temple. Seolleung (Line 2, Suin-Bundang Line), exit 10, is the stop for the tombs. Sinsa (Line 3) serves Garosu-gil.
What to see
Plan around the clock. The temple and tombs are best in the morning, the mall and library can wait until the afternoon, and Gangnam Square is for evening. My Art Museum (10:00 to 20:00) and POSCO Art Museum (weekdays only) are indoor options near Samseong and Seolleung.
Taekwondo fans can see Kukkiwon, the world headquarters, but check its site for programmes before you go. Horim Museum Sinsa is open Tuesday to Saturday.
Where to eat and drink
Terarosa in the POSCO Center opens at 07:30 on weekdays. For a longer meal, check hours first, since restaurants keep their own and some close between lunch and dinner.
Nearby neighbourhoods
Apgujeong and Cheongdam Rodeo street, small galleries and K-pop agency blocks 
Seongsu-dong Converted factories, cafes and a big forest park 
Jamsil A tower observatory, a theme park and a lake loop in one district 
Itaewon and Hannam-dong Two big museums, a war memorial and late-night bars on Itaewon-ro The best of Gangnam and Sinsa
Things to do in Gangnam and Sinsa
What's on in Gangnam and Sinsa
Local events in the next 30 days, read from the ward, park and organiser pages each one links to.
Bongeunsa Zen tai chi (Tuesday, free) Activities
Tuesdays, 16 June to 29 December 2026. Next: Tue 3 Nov · Bongeunsa
A free day program of tai chi movement, motion meditation and seated meditation with a question-and-answer session, led by the monk Beopjeung. Booking is made on templestay.com up to one day ahead.
Free · 17:00 to 19:00 · Map · Source: Templestay (Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism) · 봉은사 선 태극권 [화요일]
Bongeunsa Seon meditation (Wednesday, free) Activities
Wednesdays, to 30 December 2026. Next: Wed 4 Nov · Bongeunsa
A free evening of Seon meditation (45 minutes) and walking meditation, then seated meditation and individual interviews with the monk in the tea room. A separate beginner session is offered. Booking is made on templestay.com up to two days ahead.
Free · 19:00 to 21:00 · Map · Source: Templestay (Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism) · 봉은사 선명상 수행 템플스테이 [수요일]
Bongeunsa regular templestay (Saturday to Sunday) Activities
Saturdays (stay runs to Sunday), to 27 December 2026. Next: Sat 7 Nov · Bongeunsa
One night, two days at Bongeunsa. Day 1 covers temple etiquette, a temple tour, a monastic meal, the evening service and self meditation. Day 2 has the dawn service, 108 bows, a monastic meal and tea time with a monk. Reservations open one month ahead.
120,000 KRW · 13:50 Saturday to 11:00 Sunday · Map · Source: Templestay (Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism) · 봉은사 정규 템플스테이
Doraemon Ocean Adventure at SEA LIFE COEX Aquarium Exhibition
On now, until 13 Dec · SEA LIFE COEX Aquarium
Held at SEA LIFE COEX Aquarium from 2026-10-28 to 2026-12-13. Admission as printed: 소인 26,000원~ (온라인), 33,000원~ (정상가), stamp book package.
Map · Source: SEA LIFE COEX Aquarium (official site) · 도라에몽과 떠나는 바다탐험
Horim Museum Special Exhibition: Sigan (Time) Exhibition
On now, until 12 Dec · Horim Museum Sinsa Branch
A special exhibition at the Horim Museum Sinsa Branch.
10:30 to 18:00 · Map · Source: Gangnam Foundation for Arts and Culture (Art Cube) · [호림박물관] 시時간間 특별전
58th Seoul International Educare and Kids Fair Exhibition
19 to 22 Nov · COEX, Hall A
Held at COEX, Hall A from 2026-11-19 to 2026-11-22. Hours: 10:00 to 18:00 (last entry 17:30). Admission as printed: 10,000 won (free with advance registration).
10,000 won (free with advance registration) · 10:00 to 18:00 (last entry 17:30) · Map · Source: COEX (venue operator event page) · 제58회 서울국제유아교육전
Global Baby Fair Exhibition
19 to 22 Nov · COEX, Hall B
Held at COEX, Hall B from 2026-11-19 to 2026-11-22. Hours: 10:00 to 18:00. Admission as printed: Free.
Free · 10:00 to 18:00 · Map · Source: COEX (venue operator event page) · 글로벌 베이비페어
Design Korea 2026 Exhibition
25 to 29 Nov · COEX, Hall B
Held at COEX, Hall B from 2026-11-25 to 2026-11-29. Hours: 10:30 to 18:30 (29 Nov 10:30 to 17:00). Admission as printed: 15,000 won.
15,000 won · 10:30 to 18:30 (29 Nov 10:30 to 17:00) · Map · Source: COEX (venue operator event page) · 디자인코리아 2026
Live music in Gangnam and Sinsa
- Seoul Arts Center 220 upcoming gigs
- National Gugak Center 72 upcoming gigs
- K-Arts Lee Kang-sook Hall (Korea National University of Arts, Seocho campus) 2 upcoming gigs
- Gangnam Theater 1 upcoming gig
From the blog
Stay in Gangnam and Sinsa
Browse live availability and compare prices around the neighbourhood.
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