Gangnam and COEX in Half a Day (2026): Royal Tombs, Bongeunsa Temple and Starfield Library — Route With Map

Gangnam isn’t only glass towers and shopping. This route starts among the quiet pines of Seolleung and Jeongneung, UNESCO-listed royal tombs in the middle of the business district, walks to Bongeunsa, a working Buddhist temple facing the skyscrapers, and ends inside COEX with Starfield Library and the K-pop screens. It’s easy, mostly flat and good in any season.

Last checked: October 2026. Facts come from our Gangnam and COEX guides; shops and hours change, so confirm on Naver Map on the day. Dollar figures use about 1,330 KRW = 1 USD (October 2026).

First time in Korea? Start here: our step-by-step guide from landing to your first day.

Where does the route go?

Numbers show the order; the dashed line links the stops in a straight line, not the exact walking path. For turn-by-turn directions, tap Open in Naver Map under each stop (why Naver Map).

How does the day look at a glance?

What will I see at each stop?

1. Seolleung Station (선릉역)

Start at Seolleung Station; the tomb park entrance is about 10 minutes’ walk north.

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2. Seolleung and Jeongneung royal tombs (선정릉)

Seolleung and Jeongneung are burial mounds of Joseon kings and a queen, part of the UNESCO-listed Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty. Wooded paths loop between the grassy mounds, a surprising patch of calm in Gangnam. Adults pay 1,000 KRW; the site is closed on Mondays, and opening hours are shorter in winter (it closes around 5:30 p.m. from November to January).

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3. Bongeunsa Temple (봉은사)

Walk or take one stop east to Bongeunsa, founded over 1,200 years ago and today a busy temple facing the COEX towers. It’s free to visit; be quiet near the halls during prayers.

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4. COEX Mall and K-pop screens (코엑스)

Cross to COEX Mall, one of Asia’s largest underground malls, for lunch. The famous 3D ‘wave’ screens are on the building facades at the K-pop Square end.

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5. Starfield Library (별마당도서관)

Finish at Starfield Library, the two-story bookshelves in the middle of the mall: see our Starfield Library guide.

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6. Samseong Station (삼성역)

Samseong Station (Line 2) connects directly to the mall.

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How can I change the route?

• Add a view: ride Line 2 east to Jamsil for Seoul Sky at sunset.
• Shopping instead: head to Sinsa for Garosu-gil’s boutiques and cafés (Line 3).
• Monday: skip the tombs and spend longer at Bongeunsa and COEX.

Tips for this route

• Check the tombs’ winter closing time before you go.
• COEX is very large; follow the signs to the library and the aquarium.
• Gangnam’s restaurants get busy at 12–1 p.m. with office workers; eat a little earlier or later.

Is this route accessible?

The tomb paths are packed earth and gravel with gentle slopes; Bongeunsa has some steps at the main halls. COEX and the library are fully step-free with elevators, connected to Samseong Station.

FAQ

Are the royal tombs worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you want history and quiet in Gangnam; allow about an hour.

Is Bongeunsa free?
Yes, the temple grounds are free to visit.

What day is closed?
The royal tombs close on Mondays; Bongeunsa and COEX are open daily.

Sources: Trazy – Seolleung and Jeongneung · Seoul Danurim – Seonjeongneung · Korea Bestie – Starfield Library · Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors