Gangnam [강남]: Seoul’s most luxurious district. Gangnam literally means “South of the River”.

In Gangnam, the core of Hallyu is portrayed within the various entertainment companies that have been founded in the district. However, the Korean wave is not solely limited to these talent agencies.

Aside from the planned visit to Bighit, I happened to enjoy a few more Hallyu activities in the area, much to my delight.

Today, I’m going to share with you a snippet of Gangnam’s charm.

G+ Star Zone

As you take the subway to Apgujeong Rodeo station, your Hallyu adventure will start before you even step outside the station.

You will find a colorful Hallyu-themed cultural space called G+Star Zone, where Hallyu stars are chosen as goodwill ambassadors every year to help raise money for the underpriviliged.

These stars are portrayed through stages, photo zones, screen zones … So you can experience a virtual idol-fan moment by taking pictures with the standees of your faves, and enjoying the ambience in general.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BeWFlMvlXDv/?taken-by=esmeegoeshallyu

Hallyu K-Star Road

As you leave Apgujeong Rodeo station (exit 2), you will locate the starting point of the K-Star road, thanks to a huge GangnamDol representing none other than the legendary PSY.

Once you walk down this path, you will come across 17 GangnamDols featuring the most popular idols in the industry, and hopefully one of your faves!

No matter how tempted you are by the idea of kidnapping these cute bear dolls, their human size does not allow it. Luckily, there is a shop called GangnamDol Haus near exit 7 of Apgujeong Rodeo station, where you can purchase your own miniature GangnamDol as a souvenir.

The Min’s

Almost every ARMY knows this café! The Min’s belongs to Homme’s Lee Changmin, and his parents run the business. A fair share of idols stop by with autographed copies of their CDs, but BTS are undoubtedly the shop’s regular clients.

The place can easily pass for an ARMY’s safe haven, as many memories of the boys fill the store as well as all of their signed albums up to their latest releases. There is also a special Bangtan drink called “5-Berry Juice” that the boys order every time they come by the Min’s.

That’s all for today! Feel free to contact me if you have any questions, and stay tuned for more Hallyu gems. Until I see you next time, thank you for reading me.