Hallyu K-Star Road(한류 케이스타로드)

1. Location (based on Seoul map)

  • Address: 409 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
  • It is located in the Cheongdam-dong and Apgujeong-dong neighborhoods of Gangnam District, Seoul.
  • On the map, the 1.08 km-long K-Star Road runs from Apgujeong Rodeo Street to Cheongdam Intersection, forming part of the “Hallyu Star Street” cultural tourism zone in southern Seoul.
  • The area is known as the “birthplace of K-pop,” with major entertainment agencies such as SM, JYP, and Cube Entertainment located nearby.

2. Getting There

a) From Incheon International Airport (ICN)

  • By bus: Airport Limousine #6009 to Gangnam area, get off near Apgujeong Rodeo Station (Exit 2) – about 60–70 minutes. Rome2Rio+1
  • By subway: AREX → Hongik Univ. (Line 2) → transfer to Line 7 → get off at Cheongdam Station (Exit 6). Total 1 h 40 min. Rome2Rio+1
  • By taxi/car: Around 68 km; driving time about 60–70 minutes depending on traffic. Rome2Rio+1

b) From Seoul Station

  • By subway: Line 4 (Seoul → Chungmuro) → transfer to Line 7 → get off at Cheongdam Station (Exit 6); walking distance 3–5 minutes to the start of K-Star Road. Total 30–35 minutes. Rome2Rio+1
  • By taxi: Distance around 10–11 km; travel time about 20 minutes; fare ₩14,000–₩18,000. Rome2Rio+1

3. History & Opening Date

  • K-Star Road was officially opened in January 2014 by the Gangnam District Office as part of a broader “K-Wave Tourism Project” designed to attract international visitors interested in Korean pop culture.
  • The road features 17 life-size “GangnamDols” sculptures, each representing top K-pop groups such as BTS, EXO, Girls’ Generation, SHINee, and Super Junior, decorated with unique colors and logos.
  • The project aimed to transform the previously upscale shopping area into a “Cultural Landmark of Hallyu,” blending tourism, design, and entertainment.
  • Interactive maps and photo zones were added in 2018, along with augmented-reality guide features accessible through the VisitSeoul app.
  • Annual fan events and walking tours are often hosted here, linking K-Star Road with nearby SM Entertainment and Apgujeong Rodeo Street.

4. Official Introduction Page for Foreign Visitors

5. Nearby Attractions (within ~20 minutes)

Here are some recommended stops near K-Star Road:

  • Apgujeong Rodeo Street: A fashion and luxury district featuring designer boutiques, K-beauty shops, and celebrity cafés.
  • SM Entertainment Headquarters: One of Korea’s “Big 4” agencies, offering K-pop history displays and photo zones outside.
  • Dosan Park: A peaceful memorial park honoring independence activist Ahn Chang-ho, surrounded by cafés and art spaces.
  • COEX & Starfield Library: Seoul’s largest underground shopping mall and open public library space, about 10 minutes away by car.
  • Bongeunsa Temple: A serene Buddhist temple opposite COEX, balancing Gangnam’s modern skyline with historical calm.

Source

HOT ARTICLES

Select your currency
KRW South Korean won