If you love visiting beautiful places, then you’re not meant to miss out on Gangnam, one of the best places any backpacker can think of. This magnificent district is known for its dazzling outlook.
With a blend of stylish streets, neon lights, hidden cultural gems, and bustling nightlife, Gangnam is super fancy. In fact, you’ll almost want to believe that you can’t experience all the fun on a budget.
You can make the most of your visit without stretching your pocket. Here, you’ll see how possible that can be, as we’ll be exploring top tips that will help you navigate the iconic district of Gangnam like a pro.
Know Your Way Around Gangnam
Gangnam’s traffic can get crazy especially during the peak hour. So, knowing when to board a public transport can save you from stress. You can avoid the rush hours completely to prevent you from getting stuck in traffic when you could be exploring all the awesome spots in Gangnam.
Here are tips that will help you master your way around the district:
If you’re using the Seoul Subway:
- Hop on Line 2 (Green Line) or Line 9 (Gold Line) and you’ll be dashing around the best spots in Gangnam’s in no time.
- Purchase a T-money card at a convenience store and you’ll be thankful that you did. This will help you to navigate Gangnam’s public transport without any stress.
- Download Apps like KakaoMap and Naver Map to give you accurate routes, instead of depending on Google Maps.
Locate Budget-Friendly Hostels or Guesthouses
Gangnam has hostels and guesthouses that you can stay in.
Here are the best areas backpackers can enjoy affordable stays?.
- Yeoksam: It’s a business area that offers discounted prices during the weekends.
- Sinsa-dong: it is calm, stylish, and full of cafe spots.
- Nonhyeon: It’s great for comfortable transit, and they have inexpensive food.
You can also look for places that offer free breakfast to guests, or those that offer laundry facilities and social nightspots that allow you to meet other travelers.
Take Part in Gangnam’s Nightlife
Gangnam’s nightlife setting is extremely attractive, and it’s not even expensive. You can take advantage of this. But you need to be smart about it especially when visiting the local pubs. You can give Pojangmacha a shot if you’re looking for authentic Korean soju-and-food vibes. The indie bars in Sinsa can also give you the comfort you need in this cozy, artsy atmosphere.
Lastly, your nightlife experience isn’t complete without Gangnam Karaoke, the heart of local night fun. You can’t really complete a trip to Gangnam without experiencing Gangnam karaoke with a band. Visiting a shirt room is a unique elevated experience, compared to other nightlife activities. You can enjoy luxury, good music, and access to a variety of drinks at the same time. One of the best parts about the shirt room experience is the privacy that comes with it. It’s one of the best ways backpackers can submerge themselves in the local culture.
Stay Connected and Safe
Gangnam is absolutely safe, but when you prepare, it has a way of making your trip more comfortable and smoother. It’s important to stay connected, and you should get a portable Wi-Fi or purchase a Korean SIM card to ensure this.
You can guarantee your safety by keeping your T-money and money in a protected pouch. If you’re in a crowded nightlife area, you don’t need to walk around carelessly. Instead, take care of your belongings so you don’t lose them.
In addition, when you’re around any temple, do well to respect the local customs.
Eat Well Without Overspending
Gangnam sure looks pricey, especially with all that beauty. But you don’t need to worry, as backpackers can eat incredible meals without breaking the bank. It’s super cool to try various options to satisfy your cravings, as long as they’re within budget, from street food to affordable eats. Some street food near Gangnam Station includes skewers, tteokbokki, odeng, and hotteok. But you can also opt for hearty meals under ₩7,000 at restaurants like Jeonju or Kimbap Cheonguk.
Affordable Places to Explore
In Gangnam, backpackers can go to many places with great activities, without overspending. You can make memories at these low-cost spots:
- Starfield Library (COEX Mall): This Instagram-famous spot is absolutely free for everyone, including travelers.
- Bongeunsa Temple: This is a peaceful getaway from the city rush. You can stop here for a refreshing peaceful moment.
- Han River at Banpo: It’s a spot for bike rentals and picnics. The famous rainbow fountain show is also situated here.
- Underground Shopping Area: It’s a great spot for affordable snacks and fashion.
Conclusion
Gangnam might have wealth and style, as its vibrance comes with creativity, culture, and excitement. But one thing is sure; it’s not too expensive for those who love travelling. There’s a lot to enjoy, including karaoke nights, budget-friendly food, beautiful getaways, and the bustling nightlife of Gangnam. Just plan smart and make it full of adventure.