Gangnam Model: The District Behind The Smash Hit
It is easy to overlook that the 'Gangnam' in PSY's viral web hit is a place, too. Poi-Yun Wan takes a more in-depth look at the 'Mayfair of Seoul'.
Unless you've got been living underneath a rock for the past few weeks, you're probably conversant in the frustratingly-catchy beat of PSY's worldwide hit, Gangnam Style. Prefer it or not, the Korean rapper's 'horse-galloping' dance strikes have develop into etched into our memories.
Ridiculous dancing aside, the tune has achieved two rather spectacular feats: it is entered the Guinness Book of World Records as the most-preferred YouTube video ever, and it is the first Korean track to achieve number one not just within the UK, however in more than 30 countries around the world.
Hearken to PSY's lyrics and he is clearly poking enjoyable at Gangnam, a district in Seoul. Or more specifically, its residents. Outside of South Korea although, the realm is basically unknown - so what precisely is all the fuss about?
Gangnam wasn't all the time a place of wealth and revelry. As not too long ago as the 70s it was a place of relative obscurity occupied by farmers, who sold their land to make approach for new developments. Quick forward 40 years and voilà, welcome to South Korea's Beverly Hills.
Step inside Gangnam right now and count on to be surrounded by individuals wearing branded clothing, socialites carrying designer bags value a mean South Korean's monthly salary, chauffeurs escorting the rich around town in exclusive automobiles, and people with a lot bling they'd glow even when there was a power cut...
But it's not just the residents of Gangnam which are nicely suited and booted - the buildings and sights belonging to the area also play their half in adding to the decadence related to the neighbourhood. Aside from the impressive Bongeun Temple, which is properly worth a go to, the area is outlined by gleaming high-rises and shiny lights. Those desirous to see a more real side of Seoul might want to cross the river.
Utilizing a Seoul travel guide and map, it will be simple to seek out certainly one of Gangnam's most swanky areas, Teheranno Street. The regional headquarters of a number of the greatest names in the business world, together with Google, are based on this area. The district is also a buying haven for shopoholics with an ample of outlets located on the streets of Apujeong to Cheongdam-Dong and in the famous COEX Mall, the most important beneathground buying centre in Asia.
Of course, Gangnam would not be without the 'style' if not for the rows of designer outlets beckoning punters in. Lavish boutiques line the streets of Garosugil coupled with an abundance of luxurious coffee outlets, because ingesting coffee, especially expensive coffee, is one other manner the wealthy showcase their wealth.
The streets of Gangnam are lined with stylish nightclubs. Famous DJs flock right here to entertain the younger and rich as they party, or indeed 'gallop', by the night. Besides being a haven of wealth, Gangnam receives publicity from annual festivals such as the Gangnam Fashion Festival. The subway stations and nearby attractions of the neighbourhood, in the meantime, featured in The Bourne Legacy starring Jeremy Renner and Rachel Weisz.
So there you've it - regardless of whether you take PSY's digs at Seoul's wealthiest district with a pinch of salt or trying to erase the embarrassing picture of the prime minister attempting the 'horsey' dance out of your thoughts, Gangnam's residents are in all probability sitting comfortably of their luxurious vehicles and sipping a cup of deluxe coffee while soaking 강남룸술집 in all the celebrity and glory.
Unless you've got been living underneath a rock for the past few weeks, you're probably conversant in the frustratingly-catchy beat of PSY's worldwide hit, Gangnam Style. Prefer it or not, the Korean rapper's 'horse-galloping' dance strikes have develop into etched into our memories.
Ridiculous dancing aside, the tune has achieved two rather spectacular feats: it is entered the Guinness Book of World Records as the most-preferred YouTube video ever, and it is the first Korean track to achieve number one not just within the UK, however in more than 30 countries around the world.
Hearken to PSY's lyrics and he is clearly poking enjoyable at Gangnam, a district in Seoul. Or more specifically, its residents. Outside of South Korea although, the realm is basically unknown - so what precisely is all the fuss about?
Gangnam wasn't all the time a place of wealth and revelry. As not too long ago as the 70s it was a place of relative obscurity occupied by farmers, who sold their land to make approach for new developments. Quick forward 40 years and voilà, welcome to South Korea's Beverly Hills.
Step inside Gangnam right now and count on to be surrounded by individuals wearing branded clothing, socialites carrying designer bags value a mean South Korean's monthly salary, chauffeurs escorting the rich around town in exclusive automobiles, and people with a lot bling they'd glow even when there was a power cut...
But it's not just the residents of Gangnam which are nicely suited and booted - the buildings and sights belonging to the area also play their half in adding to the decadence related to the neighbourhood. Aside from the impressive Bongeun Temple, which is properly worth a go to, the area is outlined by gleaming high-rises and shiny lights. Those desirous to see a more real side of Seoul might want to cross the river.
Utilizing a Seoul travel guide and map, it will be simple to seek out certainly one of Gangnam's most swanky areas, Teheranno Street. The regional headquarters of a number of the greatest names in the business world, together with Google, are based on this area. The district is also a buying haven for shopoholics with an ample of outlets located on the streets of Apujeong to Cheongdam-Dong and in the famous COEX Mall, the most important beneathground buying centre in Asia.
Of course, Gangnam would not be without the 'style' if not for the rows of designer outlets beckoning punters in. Lavish boutiques line the streets of Garosugil coupled with an abundance of luxurious coffee outlets, because ingesting coffee, especially expensive coffee, is one other manner the wealthy showcase their wealth.
The streets of Gangnam are lined with stylish nightclubs. Famous DJs flock right here to entertain the younger and rich as they party, or indeed 'gallop', by the night. Besides being a haven of wealth, Gangnam receives publicity from annual festivals such as the Gangnam Fashion Festival. The subway stations and nearby attractions of the neighbourhood, in the meantime, featured in The Bourne Legacy starring Jeremy Renner and Rachel Weisz.
So there you've it - regardless of whether you take PSY's digs at Seoul's wealthiest district with a pinch of salt or trying to erase the embarrassing picture of the prime minister attempting the 'horsey' dance out of your thoughts, Gangnam's residents are in all probability sitting comfortably of their luxurious vehicles and sipping a cup of deluxe coffee while soaking 강남룸술집 in all the celebrity and glory.