Exploring Seoul, South Korea I 2025 I 4K I Part 22 : Gangnam

Gangnam District showcases a cross-section of Korea's modern history, marked by compressed growth. The development of Gangnam, which began in earnest in the 1970s, gained momentum with the opening of Subway Line 2, which runs through the district. With the opening of Gangnam Station on Line 2 in December 1982, development of Gangnam road and Teheran road, centered around this area, intensified. The commercial district also expanded.

The area around Gangnam Station (Exit 11 to Exit 5 of Sinnonhyeon Station) is being transformed into a new, pedestrian-friendly destination. Gangnam-gu has been promoting the "Gangnam-road Landmark Street Creation Project" since 2023. With the completion of the two-year project, the area has been reborn as a hip, representative street of Seoul. The approximately 760-meter section connecting Gangnam Station and Sinnonhyeon Station is a major draw for both domestic and international tourists.

Gangnam Square, which has been reborn as a new space with a large media wall that continuously broadcasts K-POP videos and the ‘I love gangnam style’ sculpture symbolizing ‘the exciting and thrilling Gangnam Station,’ operates as a permanent K-culture performance hall, providing a variety of attractions to those visiting Gangnam Station.

Mario Botta is one of Switzerland's leading architects. Kyobo Tower, a landmark in Gangnam, is one of his signature works. Completed in 2003, this skyscraper, towering over 100 meters, is notable for its brick exterior. Its striking contrast with the glass and steel skyscrapers that typify modern metropolises is striking. Using brick in a high-rise building was a significant challenge at the time, considering the construction technology available. The Tower's influence may have even led to the construction of high-rise brick buildings in Korea, making it a technically remarkable building.

Ediya Coffee Lab, located in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, opened in 2016. As the predecessor, which had been located in Gayang-dong since 2010, it focuses on coffee research and cultural exchange rather than product sales or promotion.

Selected Nick’s is a large café near Gangnam Station offers a variety of seating arrangements on each floor. The café occupies the basement, third, eighth, and rooftop floors. Tiramisu, made fresh daily, is its signature dessert. The rooftop offers breathtaking views of Gangnam City.

Located on Gangnam road, teum is a multi-cultural space and communication community opened by LG U+ in September 2020. It regularly hosts special exhibitions with new themes. It has been used as a venue for various brand pop-up stores. It has gained popularity among the 2030 generation, also known as the MZ generation.

First Coffee Lab is a large café near shin-non-hyun Station that features media art. Upon entering, you'll be greeted by a media art piece depicting waves crashing onto the floor.

Alver is a large multi-purpose cultural space and café, designed like an urban garden. Its spacious, high ceilings create a comfortable atmosphere, and seating is available across multiple floors.

Tellers 9.5, a café by day and a bar by night, boasts unobstructed city views from its location on the 19th floor of the Anteroom hotel. The cozy rooftop is a great place to admire the panoramic view of Seoul, offering views of Namsan Tower, the Han River, and the Gangnam area.

The moment you approach JM COFFEE, the entire building captivates your attention like a sculpture. The unique terrace structure of Garosu-gil was vertically extended to create a unique space resembling a "coffee performance hall." This is more than just a store; it's a stage for experiencing coffee, a spatial language that embodies the brand's philosophy.

Baskin-Robbins' elegantly curved ceiling design, reinterpreted with a sensibility, is presented in signature pink and wood tones, creating a new atmosphere. The high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows offer a view of the tree-lined street. From the tables to the props, the store's stylish design stands out, and photo zones abound.

Garosu-gil refers to the approximately 650m section from Exit 8 of Sinsa Station to Hyundai High School. The name was created to express the appearance of a long street lined with trees, but as many people became aware of this place as 'Garosu-gil', the street address also became Garosu-gil in June 2020.