☰Gangnam

South of the Han River, Gangnam is Seoul's glossy, moneyed district — yes, that Gangnam. The reality is more interesting than the song suggests. COEX Mall is one of Asia's largest underground shopping centers, complete with a stunning library atrium and aquarium. Bongeunsa Temple, an active Buddhist compound from 794 AD, sits improbably amid the glass towers, offering temple stay programs. The dining scene skews upscale, with excellent Korean fine dining and international restaurants clustered around Apgujeong and Cheongdam-dong, Seoul's answer to Rodeo Drive. K-pop entertainment company headquarters dot the area, and you'll spot trainees and fans outside SM, JYP, and HYBE buildings. Gangnam is also where many of Seoul's best jjimjilbangs (Korean spas) operate. It lacks the grit of neighborhoods north of the river, but the polish is part of the experience.