Gangnam has a reputation for being all glass towers and Western-style cafés — at least, that’s what I always assumed. But this half-day course changed my mind. It started with a striking contemporary art exhibition, moved on to a decades-old noodle shop tucked into a quiet side street, and wound down at a calm little coffee spot. Turns out there’s more texture to this neighborhood than I gave it credit for.
Platform-L Contemporary Art Center
The first stop was Platform-L, and honestly, the building itself was half the experience. Walking between the exhibition halls, I kept getting distracted by the architecture — it’s built around a curved, streamlined structure that wraps around a central courtyard, so as you move through the galleries you catch different angles of the building looking back at itself. It felt less like a container for art and more like an artwork in its own right.
The curve isn’t just decorative, either — it’s the building’s whole language. Every slat of the exterior bends in the same direction, so the structure reads less like a rigid box and more like something caught mid-motion.
A bit of background I only learned afterward: Platform-L was founded and is run by Louis Quatorze, the Korean handbag brand — not the kind of backing you’d expect for a contemporary art space, but it explains the polish of the building. Since opening in spring 2016, the center has positioned itself as a home for contemporary artists to experiment freely, with the broader aim of giving visitors varied art experiences and contributing to a society shaped by imagination and inspiration. Alongside its gallery spaces, the building houses a live performance hall, the open courtyard I mentioned, and a lecture room, which together let it host exhibitions, performances, and video work side by side. It’s built to function as an open space for both artists and audiences to learn and explore, and as a platform for collaboration between local and international artists and institutions.
That mix of functions is probably why the building feels so deliberately designed rather than just decorative — it’s genuinely built to be used in different ways, not just looked at.
(The Murakami exhibition ran through August 2nd, with admission at 20,000 won — so it will have closed by the time some of you read this. Exhibitions here rotate fairly often, so I’d recommend checking the current schedule and ticket prices on their website before planning a visit.)
A Hearty Lunch at Nonhyeon Sonkalguksu
After all that walking, I was properly hungry. Next stop: Nonhyeon Sonkalguksu, a hand-cut noodle shop that’s been quietly beloved in the neighborhood for years.
I ordered two things: kaljebi (a mix of hand-cut knife noodles and hand-torn dough flakes) and kongguksu (cold soy milk noodles). Like at most old-school Korean noodle shops, a small plate of kimchi arrived first.
The kaljebi was excellent — the handmade noodles and dumpling-like dough pieces gave it a really satisfying texture, but what stood out most was the broth. It’s rich and deep without being overly seasoned, with a savory depth that had me finishing every last spoonful.
And in summer, kongguksu is non-negotiable. The soy milk here is thick and nutty, and it paired beautifully with the noodles — refreshing enough to feel light on a hot day, but filling enough to actually count as a meal. Good kongguksu spots are surprisingly hard to find, and this one is the real deal.
Walking out after that meal, full from both the exhibition and the food, I felt like I’d properly recharged — body and mind both.
Winding Down at Popular Coffee
Last stop: Popular Coffee, just a short walk away. Tucked into a low brick building between taller structures, it has the low-key look of a place that’s been there a while and doesn’t need to shout about it.
Kongguksu: cold, thick soy milk noodles topped with julienned cucumber and black sesame — the ultimate summer cooldown.
Walking out after that meal, full from both the exhibition and the food, I felt like I’d properly recharged — body and mind both.
The space is calm and quiet, exactly what you want after a big meal — a good spot to sit with your thoughts about the exhibition, catch up with a friend, or just read a book on your own. Inside, it’s narrow and long, with bar seating running along the windows and a lived-in, slightly unpolished feel that works in its favor.
The coffee itself was great, and despite being right in the middle of Gangnam, the atmosphere felt unexpectedly relaxed. It was a satisfying way to close out the day.
I went in assuming Gangnam was all sleek, Western-leaning spaces — but finding a noodle shop this good tucked into the mix made the whole day feel a little richer.
Practical Info
🎨 Platform-L Contemporary Art Center
• Address: 11 Eonju-ro 133-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
• Hours: 11:00–20:00 (closed Mondays)
• Murakami exhibition runs through Aug 2 (admission 20,000 KRW) — check the website for current exhibitions and ticket prices before visiting
🍜 Nonhyeon Sonkalguksu
• Address: 16 Nonhyeon-ro 111-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
• Hours: Mon–Fri 09:30–19:50, Sat 09:30–14:50, closed Sundays
• Break time: 16:00–17:00
• Phone: 02-517-6030
• Signature dishes: hand-cut noodles (son-kalguksu), kaljebi, kongguksu
☕ Popular Coffee
• Address: 6 Hakdong-ro 21-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
• Hours: Mon–Fri 07:30–20:30, Sat–Sun 10:00–20:00