Seoul — Neighborhood Guide
South of the Han River, Gangnam is Seoul's luxury heartland — a district of gleaming skyscrapers, designer boutiques on Apgujeong Rodeo Street, world-class spas, and the headquarters of Korea's biggest chaebols.
Quick Answer
South of the Han River, Gangnam is Seoul's luxury heartland — a district of gleaming skyscrapers, designer boutiques on Apgujeong Rodeo Street, world-class spas, and the headquarters of Korea's biggest chaebols.
3 hotels reviewed · Price range: $$$$, $$$ · Last updated March 2026
About This Guide
Gangnam's transformation from paddy fields to global luxury district has been one of the world's fastest urban stories. COEX Mall, Bongeunsa Temple in its tower-shadowed compound, and the Garosu-gil café-and-boutique strip all sit within a short walk. Hotels here skew towards ultra-modern towers with skyline pools and Michelin-density dining.
Insider Tips
Garosu-gil (Tree-lined Street) in Sinsa-dong is one of Seoul's most photogenic and café-dense streets — perfect for a slow morning.
Bongeunsa Temple in the shadow of the COEX complex is an extraordinary counterpoint — free entry, open at dawn.
The Apgujeong Rodeo District is Korea's luxury fashion epicentre with flagship boutiques of every global maison.
Our Picks
3 hotels · Updated February 2026
Gangnam
Occupying the top floors of the COEX Tower in Gangnam, Park Hyatt Seoul is defined by its vast windows framing city panoramas, minimalist interiors by Super Potato, and an infinity pool that hovers at cloud level. A perennial design hotel benchmark.
Gangnam
The crown jewel of Korea's Josun Hotel Group, this 254-room Gangnam flagship opened in 2021 to immediate acclaim — its Louis Vuitton flagship on premises, palatial lobby, Michelin-starred Bar & Grill, and genuinely rare warm service in a neighbourhood that usually skews corporate.
Gangnam
Glad Live's striking angular tower and rooftop open-air cinema have made it Gangnam's most talked-about mid-range option — bright, design-forward rooms, a buzzy restaurant scene, and excellent subway access at a price that undercuts its neighbours significantly.
Common Questions
Gangnam is the best base for business travellers, luxury shoppers, and anyone wanting the most polished, contemporary face of Seoul.
Gangnam is known worldwide via its cultural export, but locally it's the centre of Korean luxury — cosmetic surgery clinics, designer showrooms, rooftop restaurants, and the COEX convention complex.
Incheon Airport to Gangnam takes approximately 75 minutes by Airport Express to Seoul Station, then subway — or 60–90 minutes by taxi depending on traffic.
More Destinations
Prices and availability change daily. Lock in the best rate by booking early — most of our top picks offer free cancellation.
View All Seoul Hotels