Gangnam: The Heartbeat of Modern Seoul

• Hello안녕하세요
  [an-nyeong-ha-se-yo]
• Goodbye안녕히 가세요
  [an-nyeong-hi ga-se-yo]
• Yes네
  [ne]
• No아니요
  [a-ni-yo]
• Please/You're welcome부탁합니다
  [bu-tak-ham-ni-da]
• Thank you감사합니다
  [gam-sa-ham-ni-da]
• Excuse me/Sorry죄송합니다
  [joe-song-ham-ni-da]
• How are you?어떻게 지내세요?
  [eo-tteoh-ge ji-nae-se-yo]
• Fine. And you?잘 지내고 있어요. 그런데요?
  [jal ji-nae-go it-seo-yo. geu-reon-de-yo]
• Do you speak English?영어 할 수 있어요?
  [yeong-eo hal su it-seo-yo]
• I don't understand이해하지 못해요
  [i-hae-ha-ji mot-hae-yo]

• I'd like to see the menu, please메뉴를 보고 싶어요
  [me-nyu-reul bo-go ship-eo-yo]
• I don't eat meat고기를 먹지 않아요
  [go-gi-reul meok-ji an-a-yo]
• Cheers!건배!
  [geon-bae!]
• I would like to pay, please계산할게요
  [gye-san-hal-ge-yo]

• Help!도와주세요!
  [do-wa-ju-se-yo!]
• Go away!가라!
  [ga-ra!]
• Call the Police!경찰을 불러주세요!
  [gyeong-chal-eul bulleo-ju-se-yo!]
• Call a doctor!의사를 불러주세요!
  [ui-sa-reul bulleo-ju-se-yo!]
• I'm lost길을 잃었어요
  [gil-eul ilh-eoss-eo-yo]
• I'm ill아파요
  [a-pa-yo]

• I'd like to buy...사고 싶어요...
  [sa-go ship-eo-yo...]
• I'm just looking둘러보고 있어요
  [dul-reo-bo-go it-seo-yo]
• How much is it?얼마에요?
  [eol-ma-e-yo]
• That's too expensive너무 비싸요
  [neo-mu bi-ssa-yo]
• Can you lower the price?가격을 깎을 수 있어요?
  [ga-geul gga-keul su it-seo-yo]

• What time is it?지금 몇 시에요?
  [ji-geum myeot si-e-yo?]
• It's one o'clock한 시에요
  [han si-e-yo]
• Half past (10)열 시 반
  [yeol si ban]
• Morning아침
  [a-chim]
• Afternoon오후
  [o-hu]
• Evening저녁
  [jeo-nyeok]
• Yesterday어제
  [eo-je]
• Today오늘
  [o-neul]
• Tomorrow내일
  [nae-il]
• 1하나
  [ha-na]
• 2둘
  [dul]
• 3셋
  [set]
• 4넷
  [net]
• 5다섯
  [da-seot]
• 6여섯
  [yeo-seot]
• 7일곱
  [il-gob]
• 8여덟
  [yeo-deol]
• 9아홉
  [a-hop]
• 10열
  [yeol]

• Where's a/the...?...이 어디에요?
  [...i eo-di-e-yo?]
• What's the address?주소가 뭐에요?
  [ju-so-ga mwo-e-yo?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?(지도에) 보여주세요?
  [(ji-do-e) bo-yeo-ju-se-yo?]
• When's the next (bus)?다음 (버스) 언제와요?
  [da-eum (beo-seu) eon-je-wa-yo?]
• A ticket (to ....)표(를 ... 로)
  [pyo(reul ... ro)]

Gangnam's history can be traced back to the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), where it was primarily agricultural and rural. The area was known for its fertile lands and was part of the Gyeonggi Province. During this period, it served as a vital agricultural hub, contributing to the sustenance of Seoul, which was then known as Hanyang.

The late 20th century marked a significant transformation for Gangnam, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s, when urbanization swept through Seoul. The government initiated a development plan to transform Gangnam into a modern residential and business district. This marked the beginning of its evolution from a rural area to a bustling urban center.

In 2012, Gangnam gained international fame with the release of the viral song 'Gangnam Style' by Psy. The song satirized the lavish lifestyle associated with the affluent district. This global phenomenon brought attention to Gangnam's luxurious shopping districts, high-end real estate, and vibrant nightlife, further embedding it in popular culture.

Gangnam has become synonymous with wealth and success in South Korea, giving rise to the term 'Gangnam Generation,' referring to the affluent young professionals living in the area. The neighborhood is home to numerous corporate headquarters, luxury brands, and upscale entertainment options, solidifying its reputation as an economic powerhouse within Seoul.

Today, Gangnam is not only an economic center but also a cultural and educational hub. It boasts prestigious universities, art galleries, and cultural institutions. The area hosts various cultural events and festivals that celebrate both traditional and contemporary Korean culture, reflecting its dynamic and diverse community.

Gangnam is easily accessible from various neighborhoods in Seoul. The most convenient way to reach Gangnam is via the Seoul Metropolitan Subway. Take Line 2 (Green Line) and disembark at Gangnam Station. Alternatively, you can use the Airport Railroad Express (AREX) from Incheon International Airport to Seoul Station, then transfer to Line 2. Buses from other districts, including express buses from major areas, also frequently service Gangnam.

Gangnam is well-connected by public transportation. The subway system includes several stations such as Gangnam, Sinnonhyeon, and Yeoksam on Line 2. Public buses are also available, and you can use T-money cards for seamless travel on both buses and subways. For a more local experience, consider renting a bicycle through Seoul's bike-sharing program, or use ride-sharing apps for convenient transportation.

Gangnam is generally a safe neighborhood for tourists, but standard precautions should be observed. Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, can occur, especially in crowded areas. Avoid walking alone late at night in less populated streets. Areas with higher crime rates include some back alleys and less-trafficked streets. Always stay aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police assistance or 119 for fire and medical emergencies. Major hospitals and clinics are available throughout Gangnam, including Samsung Medical Center and Gangnam Severance Hospital. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are also widely available for over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress stylishly, as Gangnam is known for its fashion scene. Avoid overly casual attire in upscale areas. Religion: Do respect local customs when visiting temples and churches; modest attire is preferred. Public Transport: Do give up your seat for the elderly and avoid talking loudly. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a slight bow and a smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like Korean barbecue. Don’t engage in excessive drinking in public spaces.

To experience Gangnam like a local, visit the underground shopping malls at Gangnam Station for unique finds and local fashion. Explore the back streets for cozy cafes and eateries that offer authentic Korean dishes. Join locals at the Han River parks for picnics or biking. Don’t miss the chance to participate in a K-Pop dance class, which is a fun way to engage with local culture.