As one would expect from the revenue they generate, most popular K-pop stars are wealthy enough to buy expensive mansions. Many of them live in luxurious villas located in the Gangnam area, the Beverly Hills of South Korea. Gangnam is a glitzy and glamorous place made famous not only by the celebrities who choose to live there but also by the famous catchy song "Gangnam Style". Gangnam is known for its lovely residential atmosphere as well as its famous inhabitants. But before you pack your bags and call the movers to relocate to Gangnam, here are some facts about it that may arouse your interest.
The word Gangnam means "South part of the river." Seoul city is split across by a river called Han River, and hence the southeast end of Seoul is known as "Gangnam." Gangnam has become a bit of a status symbol representing high-class Korean culture, and because of this reason alone, home prices in Gangnam are significantly higher than other parts of Seoul. Because of the prices only a certain social class of people can afford to buy property there. It has become a symbol of success, and k-pop stars prefer to live in the Gangnam area, specifically the neighbourhoods of Cheongdam-dong and Apgujeong-dong.
The Gangnam district is an economic hub as some of the most dominant international companies including Google, IBM, and Toyota, have their main offices set up here. The Gangnam neighbourhoods of Cheongdam and Apgujeong are also full of luxury fashion houses, plastic-surgery clinics, high-end real estate, and the homes of many Korean celebrities. A large portion of the modern Korean culture has come to be plastic surgery this culture is particularly more rampant in wealthy Gangnam. By some estimates, there are more than 500 clinics in Gangnam district alone and nearly 1 million procedures are done every year.
There are many things to do and see in Gangnam. Here are a few to get your list started.
Dance to 'Gangnam Style'. If you use Seoul's sleek subway to go to Gangnam Station, you can dance with tourists and locals on a stage outside Gangnam Station Exit 5.
Go clubbing. Gangnam has some pretty extensive nightlife options. Most clubs play EDM or hip-hop music, but may also have separate spaces for different genres.
Retail therapy. Gangnam has many department stores, malls, and underground shopping centres. You can find almost all of the top brands readily available.
Visit the Bongeunsa Buddhist Temple. Experience first-hand the stark contrast between the old and new South Korea by visiting the Bongeunsa Buddhist Temple. Bongeunsa is a Temple for Buddhists right amid all the hustle-bustle of a Gangnam. The place is serene and beautiful, and you have the option of spending the night at Buddhist temple overnight to learn about the Buddha's teachings.
Visit JYP, Seoul, South Korea. You may visit some of Korea's largest entertainment companies. Many people just visit the company studios and headquarters in the hopes of catching a glimpse of a K-pop star.
Samneung Park is a historical place. It has tombs and mounds of King Seongjong, ninth king of Joseon dynasty, his wife Queen Jeonghyeon, and King Jungjong, and the 11th king of the Joseon dynasty. The tombs are designated UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Seoul Olympic Park is absolutely massive. With many different cafés, restaurants, a K-pop museum, convenience stores, basketball courts, skating arenas, and multiple fitness centres, you will never be spoilt for choice.
Seoul is the capital of Korea; Gangnam is the capital of Seoul. It is such an expensive place to live that it is worth almost 10% of the land value of the entire country. Only the ridiculously rich can afford to live in Gangnam, although many young people hang around the huge malls, dressed in the latest styles. The whole point of Gangnam is to be seen there, so whether you want to shop for the latest fashion in some swanky boutiques, go fine dining, party to K-pop in cool clubs and bars or enjoy the peace and tranquillity in Samneung Park, or go for a historical outing, Gangnam has something for everyone.
