Sinsa-dong: Boutique Haven
Recently, I decided to embark on a little staycation in Seoul’s upscale Gangnam district, exploring the area’s best shopping, dining, and entertainment offerings. As a self-proclaimed shopaholic, I made it my mission to scour every nook and cranny, taking meticulous notes to share with all you fashion-loving gals out there.
My girls’ day out adventure began in Sinsa-dong, a quaint neighborhood that has become a hub for the city’s trendsetters, fashionistas, and foodies. The beating heart of this stylish enclave is none other than Garosugil, a charming European-esque promenade lined with ginkgo trees. As I strolled down this picturesque street, I couldn’t help but be mesmerized by the impeccably dressed passersby, each one seemingly more stylish than the last, posing for the eager photographers and fashion bloggers hoping to capture the perfect shot.
Although Garosugil is home to some familiar fashion franchises like H&M, Forever 21, and Zara, the real gems lie in the neighborhood’s abundance of unique boutiques and vintage shops. I could have spent an entire morning browsing through the captivating wares, each store offering a delightful array of eye candy. Some of my personal favorites include Spicy Color, with its three floors of modern and colorful Korean designs, and 9 Owls, a vintage boutique overflowing with fun styles from the 1970s and 80s, not to mention an entire wall of covetable Chanel bags.
Sinsa-dong Dining Delights
Just as famous as Sinsa-dong’s boutiques are its atmospheric restaurants, and let me tell you, there are plenty of options to satisfy the hunger of even the most ardent shopper. Now, I know Gangnam is known for its pricier dining scene, but many of these eateries offer wallet-friendly lunchtime specials on weekdays.
One of the greatest finds of my recent staycation was Pier 17, where I was finally able to indulge in authentic Cajun cuisine in Korea. I opted for the gumbo lunch set, which included a beautifully made bowl of gumbo stew, a small salad with a killer dressing, bread, and a soft drink, all for less than 10,000 won. The cozy atmosphere and convenient location, just a stone’s throw from Garosugil, made it the perfect respite for a weary shopper like myself.
If you’re in the mood for a truly Gangnam-style dining experience, then Ryunique is the place to be. This Sinsa-dong establishment serves up incredibly inventive dishes dreamed up by Chef Tae Hwan Ryu, who masterfully marries Korean ingredients with Japanese and Western culinary techniques. His culinary prowess has earned Ryunique a spot on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list and the prestigious 100 Best Restaurants in the World by Diners Club Academy. Go all out and splurge on their 23-course dinner – it’ll set you back around 230,000 won, but it’s an experience you’ll never forget.
The Simone Handbag Museum
After fueling up with a delectable lunch, it’s time to indulge in the finer things in life – handbags! The Simone Handbag Museum is a must-visit for any fashion enthusiast. Housed in a unique building with a glass façade and a roof made to look like purse handles, the museum boasts an impressive collection of handbags, with one floor dedicated to contemporary Western styles and the other featuring historical bags dating back to as early as the 1500s.
As I wandered through the museum, I was captivated by the strategic placement of mannequins, which illustrated how handbags were worn throughout history and how the lifestyles of the eras influenced their design. The stories behind each bag, thoroughly explained in the museum brochure, were just as fascinating as the bags themselves.
But the Simone Handbag Museum isn’t just a feast for the eyes – it also caters to the creative side of its visitors. The museum’s Material Bazaar allows fashion enthusiasts to create their own handbags using the gorgeous, high-quality materials on sale. And if you need a break from all the shopping and cultural immersion, you can head to the in-house café for a little girl talk over a delightful cup of coffee.
Sinsa-dong Cafés and Relaxation
Speaking of cafés, a day in Sinsa-dong wouldn’t be complete without indulging in some quality time at one of the neighborhood’s charming java joints. While Garosugil offers excellent people-watching opportunities, the side streets are also worth exploring for a more intimate, atmospheric experience.
One of my recent and absolute favorite afternoon hangouts is Café Oui, a multi-story café that oozes feminine charm with its pastel-colored decor, dainty desserts, and adorable teddy bear cappuccino art. If the enchanting ambiance doesn’t sell you, the handsome bow-tie-wearing servers certainly will. Sadly, Café Oui has since closed, but there are plenty of other delightful cafés in the area to explore, like Dore Dore for their infamous rainbow cake, Café Kitsune SEOUL for its Instagram-worthy outdoor seating, and Sona Café for their innovative Korean-style desserts.
After fueling up on caffeine and sugar, it’s time to give those shopping-weary arms a much-needed rest at Spa Lei. Unlike most jjimjilbangs (public bathhouses) in Korea, Spa Lei is a girls-only establishment that goes the extra mile to accommodate its female guests. The rock sauna, which essentially resembles a bed of heated stones that contour to the curves of the body, is particularly relaxing, and the massaging jets of the hot tubs will have you never wanting to leave.
Apgujeong and Cheongdam-dong: High-End Heaven
Now that you’ve had a chance to explore the charming boutiques and cozy cafés of Sinsa-dong, it’s time to venture a little further east to the high-end havens of Apgujeong and Cheongdam-dong.
Although Apgujeong Rodeo Street may not be the it hangout it once was, the neighborhood still has plenty to offer. Specialty shops in the area boast unique, one-of-a-kind items at rather affordable prices, and the youthful vibe is a nice contrast to the more polished, high-end atmosphere of Cheongdam-dong.
One of the architectural standouts in Apgujeong is the Galleria Department Store, particularly its East building, which is the largest single luxury store in Korea, housing world-class brands such as Goyard, Valentino, and Saint Laurent. But the real gem is hidden in the basement – Gourmet 494, a food court that challenges the very concept of food courts altogether. Here, you can indulge in everything from high-end Japanese to Mexican-Korean fusion cuisine, but be sure to save room for dessert.
Speaking of sweets, nestled on an obscure street in Apgujeong is Dessertree, a tiny but popular café that offers an unforgettable dessert experience. After studying the culinary arts in Paris, the proprietor and pâtissier of Dessertree decided to bring authentic chocolates, creams, and pastries to Seoul, served in a three-course set menu. During my visit, I was wowed by each morsel, from the amuse-bouche sorbet to the decadent Moelleux de Chocolat cake and vanilla ice cream.
As you make your way east, you’ll stumble upon the Champs Elysées of Korea, otherwise known as Cheongdam-dong Fashion Street. Here, the world’s most luxurious brands, including Louis Vuitton, Prada, Cartier, and Burberry, tower over the street, beckoning passersby with their classic and contemporary styles. But Cheongdam-dong is more than just a high-end shopping destination – it’s also the home of many entertainment companies, like SM, JYP, and Cube, so it’s not uncommon to spot K-pop idols wandering the neighborhood’s cafés and boutiques.
If you’re in the mood for a bit of culture, be sure to check out the Horim Art Center, which boasts a number of galleries featuring over 10,000 Korean ceramics, paintings, and metal art pieces. And for a truly extraordinary cinematic experience, head to the CGV Cheongdam Cine City, where you can enjoy your movie in the Beats by Dr. Dre theater, complete with oversized, reclining seats and high-quality sound.
Whether you’re in the mood for some retail therapy, culinary delights, or a touch of culture, Apgujeong and Cheongdam-dong have everything you need for an unforgettable girls’ day out in Seoul. And who knows, you might even spot a few Hallyu superstars while you’re at it! So why not plan your next visit to Hotel Stay Inn Seoul and let the Gangnam glamour begin?
