Common Ground
Composed of over 200 industrial-style blue containers, Common Ground is actually a trendy cultural shopping center in Seoul. It gathers various independent designer brands, physical stores of online shops, and popular small merchandise stores in Seoul. The avant-garde design style also attracted the girl group 'SISTAR' to shoot their MV here. Now, Common Ground has become a popular photo spot in Seoul.
Zapangi
This is a place where you can't help but want to take a photo before even entering. A gray wall, a pink vending machine, a pink toy dog, and a half-floor-to-ceiling window make up the entire exterior of this shop. The door? That's right, this pink vending machine is the entrance to this café and a must-visit photo spot before entering. Besides this door, the interior decoration is also very distinctive, with randomly placed tables and chairs, walls full of neon lights, and cushions scattered in the corners. It seems that everything is related to pink, ready to explode your girlish heart at any moment.
Skinfood
SKINFOOD is one of the earliest affordable cosmetic brands in South Korea. This store is the only conceptual cosmetic café in South Korea, located on a tree-lined avenue. The entire store is decorated in a retro lemon yellow tone. The most iconic feature is the yellow van at the entrance, which, combined with the cream-colored brick wall background, makes every photo look like it has a vintage filter.
Haneul Park
Haneul Park offers different sceneries throughout the year, especially during the silver grass season from October to November, when vast fields of silver grass sway gently in the wind, providing the best interpretation of autumn. In fact, this place used to be Seoul's largest landfill. To improve the ecological environment, the Seoul government transformed the landfill into four hills, planting silver grass, dandelions, violets, and clover, and releasing over 30,000 butterflies. Today, it has become a popular tourist destination.
Ihwa Village is a small village built on the eastern side of Naksan Park. The steps up and down and the walls on both sides are painted with various patterns by artists. You will see the chibi version of the Avengers at the entrance, a series of flowers on the steps, the famous internet-famous wings, and more. It is a great place for creative photo shoots, so let your imagination run wild! These interesting murals have also attracted many Korean drama crews to shoot here. In 'Rooftop Prince,' the Crown Prince dates Park Ha on the mural steps here, making it a must-visit spot for K-drama fans. Additionally, Naksan Park, where the village is located, is an excellent viewing spot to overlook Seoul Tower and the night view of Seoul.
Bukchon Hanok Village is a cluster of upper-class buildings from the Joseon Dynasty. Amidst the grand palace buildings, these traditional hanoks and countless small alleys have preserved their original appearance, perfectly showcasing the charming scenery from 600 years ago. Rent a set of hanbok and stroll through the quaint streets, taking photos as you go. Some hidden craft workshops in the alleys make for excellent photo backgrounds. While taking photos, you can also collect some Korean-themed souvenirs or choose a Korean dish you love to reward your taste buds. It is worth mentioning that the Hanok Village now offers wedding photography services. The collision of white wedding dresses with wooden walls and blue tiles creates a unique charm.
If you have watched the Korean drama 'I Hear Your Voice', you surely won't forget the most heart-wrenching scene where Lee Jong-suk oppa shares a heartfelt farewell kiss in the aquarium tunnel. This romantic underwater tunnel is located inside the COEX Aquarium. The entire aquarium exhibition hall is designed with the theme 'Fantasy Underwater Journey', consisting of 14 themes. The underwater tunnel is just one of them; others include the Coral Museum, Amazon World, Penguin Playground, Korean Garden, and more, showcasing unique species from Korea's native waters and aquatic creatures from around the world.
Starfield Library
Starfield Library is also located in COEX Mall and has recently become a popular cultural spot among Koreans and a new social media landmark. The open library space is themed around 'rest, encounter, and books,' featuring 13-meter-high wooden bookshelves spanning three floors. The central area is designed as an open atrium, allowing sunlight to pour over the books. Visitors can bask in the sunlight while reading, feeling as if they are in a European library, making reading a delightful experience. This charm compels everyone passing by Starfield Library to instinctively take out their phones and capture the enchanting moment. The library houses over 50,000 books and magazines, all available for free reading. It frequently hosts various free performances and cultural lectures, making it a great place to enjoy artistic and cultural vibes while shopping. The reading area is equipped with long tables, personal desks, reading chairs, sofa areas, and tiered seating, ensuring that visitors can always find a comfortable corner to enjoy a peaceful, personal reading time.
When it comes to traditional Korean culture, many people think of the beautiful hanbok. However, experiencing temple stays in Korea is also a great option! Among the temples in Seoul where you can have such an experience, the most representative one is Bongeunsa Temple, located on the north side of COEX. Built in the late 8th century during the Silla period, this temple seems isolated from the world, unaffected by the hustle and bustle outside. It still retains its former solemnity and tranquility, making it a peaceful corner in the bustling Gangnam district. The traditional Korean architecture appears luxurious yet has a calming effect, allowing visitors to settle their mind, body, and spirit.
Hyundai Department Store Duty Free
Hyundai Department Store Duty Free is located in the Hyundai Department Store near COEX Mall. It is a downtown duty-free shop established by the Hyundai Department Store Group. The diverse commercial area, high-end lifestyle experience, and significant discounts make this a must-visit duty-free shop for people visiting the Gangnam area.
COEX Mall
Any fan of the Korean Wave (Hallyu) would definitely know SM, one of the three major entertainment companies in South Korea. Top idols like Girls' Generation, SHINee, and EXO all come from here. The SM TOWN COEX Artium, established by SM Entertainment, is a must-visit spot for Hallyu fans coming to Seoul!
If you are tired of sightseeing and shopping in Insadong, this temple is a great place to rest and experience the tranquility! The temple boasts a wide variety of flowers in different colors, but the most eye-catching feature is the abundance of colorful lanterns hanging everywhere! It feels like a giant colorful canopy, which is truly stunning and makes you want to take a few more photos. Many influencers also come here to check in on Instagram~
