Gangnam is a vibrant neighbourhood and it is blessed with numerous shopping malls namely – Starfield COEX Mall, Lotte Tower-World Mall and The Express Bus Terminal (aka, Shinsegae Central City)- alongside a wealth of coffee shops, restaurants, art galleries and so much more!
Not to forget the iconic aquariums and in this blog, we will take a peak at the aquarium at Starfield COEX.
Starfield Library (Byeolmadang) by Simon Williams-Im
Starfield COEX is not only home to a fantastic array of shops – international and domestic brands are certainly going to get your wallet busy!
Take the opportunity to explore the famous Hyundai Department Store (we do suggest you check out the newest branch in Seoul in Yeouido).
The talk of the town is the Starfield Library (Byeolmadang) which changed the game for the mall when it was renovated in 2014. The amazing new ‘library’ created a dynamic public space that made a space for a range of performances and exhibitions alongside access to a wide range of reading material.
Photos by Simon Williams-Im
COEX Aquarium
The COEX Aquarium can be found inside Starfield COEX mall and houses over 40,000 animals in 90 exhibition tanks.
Take the opportunity to meet a wide range of fish, sharks and sea turtles – and – if you visit during Christmas. Santa might be spotted in a tank or two!!
Location: Aquarium at The COEX 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, 서울특별시 South Korea
Also visit Lotte Aquarium
Art Around Gangnam
Unlike many cities around the world where street art falls victim to graffiti. Seoul has embraced public art opportunities and as you explore Seoul – there are plenty of sculptures waiting for you to find.
A famous and obvious find in the heart of Gangnam is ‘Gangnam Style‘ inspired by the South Korean sensation – Psy.
As you explore Gangnam, the artwork outside the rather large POSCO building, no doubt you will be curious. Don’t worry – it isn’t just an office building – head in, enjoy the art gallery and retail floor ont he lower ground!
City Airport Terminal at Starfield COEX
It is important to remember that Starfield COEX also offers a direct bus to Incheon and Gimpo airport, including check-in desks for numerous airlines.
CALT website with the InterContinental Hotel is only a short walk (check it out here) or take a short taxi ride to the nearby Express Bus Terminal for the trendy JW Marriott.
AREX at Seoul Station offers a check-in counter service for some airlines – visit here to learn more.
Photos by Simon Williams-Im
The ever-growing mix of artworks around Seoul should give you a hint that Seoul is fast becoming a global art leader. Take the opportunity to check out the annual KIAF and future Frieze Art Fairs.
The COEX is home to the ASEM Tower which houses a number of global brands from Apple to L’Oreal.
Good reads:
Don’t forget to gain some inspiration from these popular magazines and this blog!
Seoul Magazine, Seoul Selection and Morning Calm by Korean Air.
Take a look around Starfield COEX.
Seoulthejourney won’t stop here, we have a few more ideas and thoughts for this blog!
Hold tight!
Convenience is the magic of Seoul and South Korea, the popularity of the convenience store has made the experience into a whole new art form – if you are comparing it to say a British or Canadian convenience store that frequently lacks that sense of (urmm..) convenience!
Below – Emart24!
Take note, there is a plethora of stores waiting for you to discover an easier way of living!
Ikseon-Dong (in Jongno)
After a morning of shopping and mooching, I would be tempted to suggest jumping into a cab, a bus or the metro and heading north to Ikseon-dong in Jongno.
Ikseon-dong is the essential alternative to the modern mall and is a must-see!
Discover unique coffee shops, restaurants and stores waiting to take your breath away.
Unlike the modern mall, Ikseon-dong offers over 100 years of history and a uniquely Korean taste!
Only a short walk from major tourist locations and the famous Myeon-dong shopping area.
Location: Area of Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 수표로28길 일대)
Another hidden gem is Mr. Healing Cafe which can be found across Seoul.
Take time to end the day of tourism to jump in a massage chair and breathe in clean air!
Check the website in the title!
Photos by Simon Williams-Im
With Christmas in a few months (at the time of writing) we are going to give you a few more ideas as an extra gift!
Above – Christmas at Paris Baguette.
Bricka
With a new Legoland in South Korea – SeoulTheJourney must push the light onto the fantastic and spacious ‘Bricka’ coffee shop (back in Gangnam) that sits opposite the Lotte Tower. The coffee shop managed to even act as a film set!
Bricka Facebook and Bricka in a blog.
Above – photos by Simon Williams-Im
Location: JEI, Seokchon-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul, South Korea
For your ease, Google Maps image
Google Images
Finally, it is time to head back to the hotel so we suggest a visit to the beautiful Seokchon Lake and Lotte World Mall.
Don’t forget to get a treat for later!
We suggest HoopHoop Bagel (instagram)
Tell us about your adventure – for more ideas in Jamsil or for a little adventure (with wine!).
See you next time!