Seoul Neighborhood Guide
Apgujeong-dong (압구정동)
Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Korea's Beverly Hills — Rodeo Drive luxury, K-pop entertainment HQs, and designer flagships.
Apgujeong is the wealth + entertainment heart of Gangnam, anchored by Apgujeong Rodeo (Korea's luxury shopping mile) and CJ Entertainment, SM, JYP nearby. K-pop idols live in apartments here. The Galleria Department Store is the city's most exclusive. Cheongdam — adjacent — is even more upscale (Hermes flagship + auction houses).
Best for
Highlights
- Apgujeong Rodeo (Luxury)Korea's Rodeo Drive equivalent — every luxury brand flagship
- Galleria Department Store (Shopping)Korea's most exclusive department store, by appointment for VIP rooms
- SM Entertainment HQ (K-pop)Headquarters of aespa, NCT, Red Velvet etc — fan photo spot
- JYP Entertainment HQ (K-pop)HQ of TWICE, Stray Kids, ITZY — also nearby
- Hannam-dong → Cheongdam (Walking area)Cheongdam is even more upscale than Apgujeong — Hermes/Dior flagships
Food picks
- 1.Born & Bred Apgujeong (premium hanwoo)
- 2.Mingles (3 Michelin star Korean fine dining)
- 3.Eric's Diner (American comfort, K-celebrity hangout)
- 4.Doore Yoo (omakase Korean)
Getting there
Apgujeong Rodeo (압구정로데오) — Bundang Line
Tips
- •Apgujeong Rodeo station (Bundang Line) is closer than Apgujeong (Line 3).
- •SM/JYP buildings are exterior-only for visitors (no public tour).
- •Plastic surgery touts in this area — politely decline.
- •Cheongdam (1 stop east) is even more luxe — Hermes, Dior, Saint Laurent flagships.
Frequently asked
Where do K-pop idols live?
Many live in Hannam-dong + Cheongdam-dong. Their agencies (SM, JYP) are in Apgujeong. Fan photo opportunities at buildings only.
Apgujeong vs Garosu-gil?
Apgujeong = high luxury (Chanel/Dior/Hermes). Garosu-gil = boutique + brunch (Acne, A.P.C., cafes).
Best K-pop agency to visit?
HYBE building (BTS, NewJeans, LE SSERAFIM) just south, in Yongsan. SM in Seongsu. JYP in Gangnam. All exterior viewing only.