K-drama superstar Kim Soo Hyun recently sold one of his luxury apartments in the star-studded Galleria Forêt, located in Seoul’s most expensive neighborhood, Seongsu Dong.
Seoul’s Ultimate Celebrity Address
The Galleria Forêt has long been known as a hotspot for South Korea’s elite, including A-list celebrities. Besides Kim Soo Hyun, the building is also home to BIGBANG’s G-Dragon and SEVENTEEN’s Dino, among others.
Kim Soo Hyun’s recent real estate move involved selling one of his three units for a staggering $6 million USD. He had originally purchased this particular apartment for $2.8 million just a few years prior, highlighting the significant appreciation in value within this exclusive address.
Designed for Distinction
Nestled right beside the expansive Seoul Forest, often called the city’s “Central Park,” Galleria Forêt comprises twin towers that offer breathtaking views. Residents enjoy panoramic vistas of both the Han River and the lush greenery of the forest, adding to the property’s immense appeal.
The building’s design is a masterpiece by Jean Nouvel, the Pritzker Prize-winning French architect. He envisioned Galleria Forêt as Seoul’s very own Hyde Park, focusing on exclusivity and a connection to nature. The towers, inspired by yacht sails, are constructed using a unique curtain wall method that allows them to glimmer like crystals during the day and glow softly at night, reflecting light into the surrounding forest and river.
Exclusive Living Spaces and Amenities
Inside, the Galleria Forêt houses a limited number of just 230 flats, ranging from 231㎡ to 375㎡ in size. Each unit boasts a classic European layout, thoughtfully separating private sleeping areas from common living spaces. To maximize natural light and views, every apartment opens up to majestic panoramas of the Han River and Seoul Forest.
Energy efficiency was also a key consideration, with thousands of windows featuring three layers of glass. Residents benefit from a generous allocation of over six parking spots per apartment. The building also offers lavish shared amenities, including a sky garden on the 29th floor and a tranquil forest-style garden at ground level, designed by landscape architect Massimo Venturi Ferriolo, creating a “castle-in-the-woods” atmosphere.
Seongsu Dong’s Transformation
The development of Galleria Forêt played a pivotal role in transforming Seongsu Dong from an older industrial district into one of Seoul’s premier luxury neighborhoods. Its success mirrors the rise of other once-emerging upscale areas like Cheongdam and Gangnam.
The desirability of the area continues to grow, as evidenced by SEVENTEEN’s Dino’s recent purchase of a unit for approximately $6.63 million USD, setting a new price record for Seongsu. Kim Soo Hyun himself has occasionally shared glimpses of his life at Galleria Forêt on social media, showcasing the serene and luxurious lifestyle enjoyed by its inhabitants.
- Galleria Forêt is South Korea’s most expensive residential address.
- It is a top choice for K-celebrities, including Kim Soo Hyun, G-Dragon, and Dino.
- The building was designed by Pritzker Prize-winning French architect Jean Nouvel.
- Its prime location offers stunning views of the Han River and Seoul Forest.
- Galleria Forêt significantly contributed to Seongsu Dong’s evolution into a luxury district.
The enduring appeal and increasing value of properties like Kim Soo Hyun’s in Seongsu Dong reflect its status as a highly sought-after location in Seoul’s competitive real estate market.
