Explore K-Star Road in Gangnam: Where to See BTS, EXO, and More in Seoul
The Hallyu K-Star Road (한류스타거리) in Gangnam is a must-see if you’re into Korean pop culture, so I was told. This walk among the ultra luxury shops of Apgujeong is lined with giant bear statues dedicated to some favorite K-pop groups and leads right through the heart of where many idols were born. Welcome to the place where music, celebrity, and Seoul’s luxury fashion district all meet.
Whether you’re hoping to spot a K-pop star, want a fun photo op with GangnamDols, or just want to walk through one of Seoul’s trendiest neighborhoods, here’s what to expect when you visit K-Star Road in Gangnam.
Take a Trip to Hallyu K-Star Road:
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Basic Info
Address: 407 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 강남구 압구정로 407)
Directions: Take the subway to Apgujeong Rodeo Station. For the start of K-Star Road: Use Exit 2. For the GangnamDol Haus souvenir shop: Use Exit 7*. Start at Apgujeong Rodeo Station Exit 2 and walk toward Cheongdam Crossroads. This 1.08 km stretch is part K-pop tribute, part high-end fashion walk.
- *At Exit 7, stop by GangnamDol Haus for cute take-home versions of the GangnamDols. It’s also a tourist help center if you need tips or directions.
- Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM (Closed 1–2 PM for lunch)
What Are GangnamDols?
GangnamDols are life-size bear statues printed with images and logos of popular K-pop groups. The name combines Gangnam + idol + doll (because Korea loves to fuse words together and come up with names), and they’re basically giant K-pop-themed art toys.
There are 17 GangnamDols total. Here’s a quick look at each group repped on the road:
🎵 Girls’ Generation
Debuted in 2007, this powerhouse girl group made “Gee” a K-pop anthem. With international fame and a string of awards, they helped shape the global Hallyu Wave.
🎵 2PM
Originally part of a larger group, 2PM became known for their energetic performances. After leader Jay Park’s departure in 2010, they continued to win major awards at home and abroad.
🎵 TVXQ!
Debuting in 2003 as a five-member group, they’re now a legendary duo that helped expand K-pop into Japan and Asia. Their early hits like “Hug” and “Tri-Angle” made history.
🎵 B1A4
Don’t forget the name—it’s tied to the members’ blood types. They debuted in 2011 and quickly picked up awards with their fun, energetic vibe and growing global fanbase.
🎵 INFINITE
Formed in 2010, this boy band is known for sharp choreography and consistency. With 9 albums, 14 singles, and 3 world tours, they’re well established in K-pop.
🎵 VIXX
Short for “Voice, Visual, Value in Excelsis,” VIXX is known for high-concept performances that mix music with theatrical storytelling. A go-to group for dramatic flair.
🎵 KARA
After a rough start in 2007, KARA bounced back in 2009 with their first No. 1 hit. They climbed to Forbes Korea’s top celebrity lists before disbanding in 2016. RIP to member Hara, a beloved icon.
🎵 SHINee
Debuted in 2008 with trendsetting style and catchy tunes. Despite the tragic passing of member Jonghyun in 2017, SHINee remains one of Korea’s most celebrated groups.
🎵 Super Junior
Since 2005, this 10-member group has dominated charts and earned countless awards. Known for hits and high energy, they’re legends in both K-pop and fashion.
🎵 CNBLUE
More pop-rock than typical idol group, CNBLUE launched in Japan before debuting in Korea in 2010. Their international appeal grew with global tours and chart-topping singles.
🎵 AOA
Short for “Ace of Angels,” this girl group rose fast after debuting in 2012. With hits like “Bingle Bangle,” they locked in awards and national popularity by 2014.
🎵 Miss A
Debuting in 2010, they became the first act to hit No. 1 on the Gaon chart with a debut song. Though now disbanded, they’re remembered as one of K-pop’s top girl groups of the past decade.
🎵 4Minute
Known for their fierce “girl crush” vibe and bold choreography, 4Minute debuted in 2009 and became major players in Korea and beyond before disbanding in 2016.
🎵 Block B
Since debuting in 2011, they’ve faced challenges—including switching management and Zico going solo—but powered through with a global fanbase and major European tours.
🎵 EXO
Debuted in 2012, this Korean-Chinese group blends K-pop with hip-hop and EDM. They’ve topped Forbes Korea’s celebrity list and dominate charts across Asia.
🎵 F.T. Island
A rock band among idols, FT Island (Five Treasure Island) debuted in 2007. Their ballads topped charts, and they’ve snagged multiple awards in Korea and Japan.
🎵 BTS
Debuted in 2013 and now the face of K-pop globally. Known for honest lyrics and massive fan support, BTS has won over 200 awards and changed the K-pop game forever.
Entertainment Agencies & The Play.Meta Road
The bears themselves are easy to find and all lined up on one street so you start, keep walking, and you’re sure to find them all easily, and rather quickly. But, there are also maps on the route that will direct you to other spots in the nearby neighborhoods, including entertainment agencies and story stores.
The entertainment agencies in the area include:
- Hook Entertainment
- Around Us Entertainment
- FNC Entertainment
- Starship Entertainment
- Fantagio Entertainment
They’ve also created a 2km AR contents route so when you’ve gotten to the end of the bears, you can loop through the neighborhood to follow that route back for something different.
Is It Worth Visiting Hallyu K-Star Road?
If you’re a K-pop fan, definitely. I took a toll on The Soul of Seoul because I wondered if people were still headed here and all of the K-pop fans said it was worth it for them and you have to go at least once. It’s fun, free, and a nice way to trace the roots of your favorite idols. If you’re headed here, make sure you know what else to do in the area so you extend the time. From COEX to Bongeunsa Temple, there are plenty of things to do in Gangnam.
Will you spend much more time on this particular street? Probably not because it’s the most expensive shops all in a row, but that also means there is some pretty beautiful window shopping to be done. If you’re not into K-pop, you may not find much to do here besides window-shopping. But for fans, it’s iconic.
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