Read news and practical information relevant to a day in Gangnam. Explore Breaking News, Opinion, Safe Gangnam, Useful Finds and Getting Around for issues, safety, benefits and transport.
Disaster drill at Tower Palace 1 on Thu., Oct. 29 at 2 p.m.: fire trucks on site are part of the exercise — [Safety & drills] At 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, a disaster-response drill simulating a gas explosion and a major fire will be held at Tower Palace 1 (타워팰리스 1차) in Dogok-dong (도곡동). About 500 people from more than 10 organizations, including fire, police and military units, will take part. If you see fire trucks and ambulances nearby, stay calm and follow on-site instructions.
Jamsugyo Bridge closes to cars from Oct. 26: what changes for buses and walkers — [Traffic & closures] From midnight on Monday, Oct. 26, 2026, cars can no longer use Jamsugyo Bridge (잠수교) or its north-end underpass. Drivers must detour via Banpo Bridge (반포대교), and bus routes 405 and 740 move to a different stop. Walking and cycling across stay open, apart from a short closure during repaving next year.
SKYLRK’s Seongsu pop-up ends October 25: location and highlights — Seoul-exclusive products, an audio installation and a STIGA collaboration: here is the venue address and what to know before a final-day visit.
Justin Bieber returns to Seoul after 13 years: SKYLRK in Seongsu — Bieber’s visit has drawn attention to SKYLRK’s Seongsu pop-up. Beyond the headlines, the space brings together clothing, sound and table tennis—not an announced concert.
Wed, Oct. 28: Gangnam's commute starts at 4°C, 8 degrees colder than the day before — The Korea Meteorological Administration's neighborhood forecast for Gangnam (Yeoksam 1-dong) has the morning low sliding from 12°C on Tuesday to 4°C on Wednesday, Oct. 28. Afternoons climb to 14°C, so mornings and midday differ by about 10 degrees. Pack an umbrella from Thursday afternoon through Friday morning.
Halloween Fri–Sun: extra safety staff and drones at Gangnam Station and Apgujeong Rodeo — From Oct. 30 to Nov. 1, the stretch around Halloween (Sat, Oct. 31), the Gangnam Station area and Apgujeong Rodeo Street are on Seoul's list of the 8 spots expected to draw the biggest crowds. Around Gangnam Station, 204 staff will keep foot traffic moving, while drones watch for congestion from above.
Free evening walking meditation at Bongeunsa Temple, no reservation needed — From Oct. 26 to Nov. 4, Bongeunsa Temple hosts a free walking meditation every evening, guided by an audio tour. Just show up with no reservation, and choose guidance in Korean or English.
Free K-culture healing for international visitors, starting with personal color on Oct. 29 — Gangnam Medical Tour Center is offering free personal color diagnosis, healing yoga and aromatherapy sessions for international visitors. Each session has a set date and time, so sign up first on the center's booking calendar.
Incheon spirit 'Incheon Sangnyuk Jakjeon Premium' recalled over excess methanol — Korea's food safety ministry (MFDS) halted sales of and recalled 375ml bottles marked with the manufacture date 2026.06.18. If you have one, don't drink it — return it to where you bought it.
What Did Garosu-gil Promise? — A good street is not completed by one famous shop. A street's name becomes an experience when there is a reason to walk between different shops and to step into places you did not expect.
Gangnam: An Address, or an Expectation? — The name Gangnam creates expectations before you even arrive. But the place that truly suits you is found in the small differences within that name.
Food-waste appliance subsidy: October applications closed — The announced application period ended at 18:00 on 16 October 2026. This is a record of a past support programme. Check Gangnam-gu’s official notices for any additional application round.
First highly pathogenic bird flu of the winter confirmed in Korea; national alert raised to "Serious" — After H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza was confirmed in wild-bird droppings from Suncheon Bay, the government raised the nationwide crisis alert from "Caution" to "Serious" on October 20. People are asked to avoid places where migratory birds gather and to report dead birds without touching them.
More Line 9 express trains for the morning commute: '2 express, 1 local' planned on the upbound line from Nov. 16 — From Monday, Nov. 16, Seoul plans to change Line 9 upbound service (Gaehwa → VHS Medical Center) between 5:40 a.m. and 7 a.m. to 2 express trains followed by 1 local train, and to add 8 morning runs. Until then, express and local trains will keep alternating as they do now. Check the operator's latest timetable before you travel.
Gangnam-gu opens 'Gihoe ON (기회 ON)', tailored support programs and local commercial district info for business owners — Gangnam-gu says that entering business details such as industry and sales brings up matching support program notices, and that a map shows business types and closure history in local commercial districts. Usage fees and eligibility were not in the announcement and have not been confirmed.
Flu still above epidemic threshold; free vaccination for eligible groups runs until April 30, 2027 — Suspected flu cases fell to 21.6 per 1,000 outpatients during Oct. 4–10 but remain above this season's epidemic threshold (12.9). Here are the vaccination schedules for people eligible for free national vaccination (children aged 6 months to 14 years, pregnant women and people aged 65 and over) and the KDCA (Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency) prevention guidelines.
Before boarding: stop, direction, arrivals — Check your stop, travel direction and the latest arrival information before you board.
Government begins twice-monthly housing briefings — The first briefing was held on 16 October. The government outlined progress reporting and plans to recruit residents for over 15,000 public homes by year-end.
15 October AI & jobs talk · Scheduled date passed — The scheduled date for Gangnam-gu’s 15 October 2026 talk has passed. This is a past-event notice, not an open invitation.
Gangnam-gu proposes patient-safety reforms — Gangnam-gu announced proposals on 7 October. This does not mean new rules have taken effect or establish the safety of any clinic.
Tourism help: 1330 · Emergencies: 112 / 119 — Use 1330 for tourism information and interpretation enquiries, 112 for police emergencies, and 119 for fire, rescue or emergency medical help.
Korea–Japan festival at COEX · 10 October — The cultural exchange event was scheduled at COEX Hall D on 10 October, 11:00–18:30, with free entry. The event period has ended.
COEX Beerfest · Through 11 October — The announced dates were 7–11 October 2026 at COEX Plaza. Sunday hours were 14:00–21:00; age verification for visitors 19+ was required.
Yangjaecheon outdoor mini gallery · Until 31 October — Around 25 display cases are announced for 8–31 October by Yangjaecheon and Milmiri Bridge, featuring emerging artists and local galleries.
Chuseok waste collection · Normal disposal from 26 September evening — A record of the Chuseok 2026 schedule: normal disposal was announced from 20:00 on 26 September. Check the latest notice for current arrangements.
Holiday hospital & pharmacy contacts — A record of the Chuseok emergency care desk for 24–27 September 2026. For services available now, use the official search and call the provider.