Gangnam District

"Eh-Sexy Lady, Oppa is Gangnam style” I’m sure you can sing the rest and dance the ‘suggestive’ horse dance too! Thanks to South Korea’s most successful international music artist, Psy, who has released a comedic video in July 2012. He’s blown South Korea into a whole new level of proportions. The video has provided great publicity for South Korea’s tourism industry which in reality, is not the easiest to sell to North American travelers. Aside the outrageous scenes and bump and grind of the video, lies the word, “Gangnam”. To most outsiders of South Korea, this unrelated word sung by viewers conveys the introduction to “South Korea’s richest neighbourhoods".



Let me ask you a question. Have you heard of the words “Gangnam District”? Maybe or maybe not. Before 2012, the word “Gangnam” was a highly unrecognizable word among the foreign citizens of the world. Given, there are few exceptions. Therefore, many non-Koreans are very receptive to the song’s comedic video but are confused of the word “Gangnam” themselves. The single word “Gangnam” is seeping into the minds of other countries from around the world. Not surprisingly, the eyes have been on South Korea for a  certain time now and will continually be in the future.

Here are the "FAQs" of South Korea's wealthiest area:

What is Gangnam? Where's the Gangnam district located?

Gangnam is not a person, a thing, a dance, nor a slang word. It’s a place meaning the "south (nam) of the river (gang)" in Korean. Most likely, it is regarded as a place where rich, attractive people reside, dine, shop, and receive their highly privileged education from. It could easily be identified as New York’s Upper East Side or Beverly Hills.

Gangnam District is one of the 25 “gu” or local government districts that make up the capital city of Seoul. Being the fourth most populated district in Seoul, Gangnam is certainly the richest and most affluent of all while Seocho District and Songpa District run in second and third. In general, for the same living arrangement, real estate prices are higher in Gangnam-gu than in other Seoul districts. Many of South Korea’s largest businesses are located in Gangnam including Samsung and Hyundai. Gangnam, also the capital’s financial center, concentrates 7% of the nation’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product).



As depicted in the drama Giant, Gangnam saw rapid development in the 1970s, and the value of its land soared several hundred of a thousand-fold. Just a few decades ago, this land where calves once roamed became the stage for an unprecedented level of development and growth.

Gangnam district is overall strikingly beautiful with its massive sky towers and looming apartment complexes. If the district doesn’t make you feel small in comparison to tall buildings, check out Gangnam’s crowds of people. During peak hours, Gangnam sidewalks are treacherous to walk through.

Home to the largest underground shopping mall, COEX Mall provides hundreds of shops and services where you’ll pay a hefty price for the luxurious, brand items that you’ll see and are worn by celebrities from around the world.

Since this place grew into an expensive, fast-paced, and high profile district within South Korea, many foreigners imagine what South Korea looks to be while viewing Psy’s mega-hit.

I've seen the drama, Cheongdamdong Alice. Isn't Cheongdam one of Gangnam's districts?

It sure is. Cheongdam is one of the 22 “dong” or neighbourhoods composed within Gangnam’s district. In addition, it’s known as “Cheongdamdong’s Fashion Street” or “Celebrity Street”. This specific area is the headquarters of K-Pop Entertainment Management companies such as JYP, LOENT, SM, FNC, Mnet, and Cube entertainment.
Cheongdam carries the world’s major luxury brands that are lined up throughout the streets in order to suit your shopping needs, such as Louis Vuitton, Prada, Burberry, and Cartier. Excellent service and hospitality is all that Cheongdam offers for the luxury experience. It also identifies for its cluster of hair and beauty salons such as “Seoulite” makeovers, nails, body massages, and more! What's famous about it is where Korean celebrities come to get their makeover. High-end restaurants and galleries are other features that Cheongdam has to suggest along with upscale residential areas.


I Live In Cheongdam Dong                                     Fortune Salon                        That Winter the Wind Blows

Along with the Asian media arrives the Asian dramas/movies. Examples include: That Winter the Wind Blows, I Live in Cheongdam Dong, Fortune Salon, and most famously, Cheongdamdong Alice. All of these shows have surprisingly been filmed in Cheongdam.

What are other neighborhoods within Gangnam district that Korean dramas have filmed in?

Besides Cheongdam, Seongbuk-dong, also known “old money neighborhood”, filmed The Quiz to Change the World. When singer Jang Yoon Ju and Park Hung Lim dressed in their hanboks for the Lunar New Year, one of the other guests commented that Jang Yoon Ju’s purple hanbok gave her the aura of a “Seongbuk-dong madam”.

Apgujeong-dong is another filming location for the 2011 Korean drama, Beautiful Days. The Big Hand and Han Jung-won’s family were Pyeongchang-dong neighbors in Twinkle Twinkle...





Without K-Pop and social media, Gangnam District would not be as well-known as an icon to the world as South Korea’s wealthiest, high profile district. This video puts Gangnam district on the map for the world. Though many Koreans strive to work, live, and party in South Korea’s district, this is not a place for everyone.

To find out more about Gangnam District, check out this Youtube video from Korea Today.