A family holiday in South Korea would be incomplete if you miss out on the pop culture that defines Seoul, its capital city, which is the epicenter of the K-pop industry. Although it emerged in the 1990s, K-pop Fans (short for Korean pop) gained international recognition in the 2000s. It draws influences from various musical genres worldwide, incorporating elements of Western pop, hip-hop, and traditional Korean Pop music.
As a diehard K-pop fan, you can choose a trip planner to visit Seoul’s numerous K-pop attractions that cater to fans. Wondering how to plan a trip to Seoul? We bring you a guide that will take you through some of the best places in Seoul for die-hard Korean pop fans. Read on!
1. SMTOWN at COEX Artium
South Korea travel itineraries often include the SM Entertainment Coex Artium. This is the ultimate destination for K-Pop die – hard fans to start their journey in Seoul. Located in the heart of Gangnam, it’s home to the SM Entertainment headquarters and the SMTOWN Museum. Here you can explore the history of SM Entertainment and its artists, get exclusive merchandise, and even take a photo with a life-size cutout of your favorite artist. Don’t forget to watch hologram concerts featuring your favorite SM artists.
2. YG Entertainment
Founded in 1996, YG Entertainment is one of the biggest entertainment companies in Korea, and its headquarters are located in Mapo-gu. It should definitely be a part of your K-pop travel planning. The term “YG Family” refers to the collective artists associated with YG Entertainment. Some of the notable groups and soloists under YG Entertainment include BIGBANG, BLACKPINK, iKON, WINNER, and AKMU (Akdong Musician). Take a tour of the building and see where some of your favorite artists record and practice. You can also visit the YG Republique, where you can buy exclusive YG merchandise, as well as snacks and drinks.
3. K-Star Road
Located in Apgujeong-dong, this street is lined with stores dedicated to K-Pop stars. Here you can find official merchandise, posters, albums, and so much more. You can also take pictures with life-size cutouts of your favorite K-pop stars. The main highlight of K-Star Road is the lineup of bear statues, each decorated to represent a different K-pop idol or group. These bear statues are placed in front of the respective artist’s agency building or affiliated stores. They are typically adorned with costumes or accessories associated with the idols, and fans love taking pictures with their favorite bear statues.
4. MBC World
Get a close look at the world of Korean broadcasting with a visit to MBC World. Situated in the MBC headquarters building in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul. Visiting MBC World provides a unique opportunity to engage with Korean entertainment and immerse yourself in the world of popular TV shows and dramas. Their website and social media channels keep featuring special events, such as fan meetings, autograph sessions, and live performances by K-pop idols or celebrities. Here you can watch live shows, take part in interactive games, and even learn about the production process behind some of yosur favorite shows.
5. Myeongdong Underground Shopping Center
The Myeongdong Underground Shopping Center is a bustling shopping destination located beneath the streets of Myeongdong, one of Seoul’s most vibrant and popular shopping districts. K-pop die – hard fans will be delighted to discover a variety of K-pop merchandise stores in the shopping center. These stores offer a wide range of K-pop albums, posters, photo cards, clothing, accessories, and fan goods. It’s a great place to find official merchandise of your favorite K-pop groups and artists. It’s a lively and convenient shopping destination where you can immerse yourself in Korean pop music culture.
6. Hongdae
Hongdae, short for Hongik University area, is a vibrant neighborhood in Seoul that is known for its youthful and artistic atmosphere. It’s a great place to catch talented street performers, some of whom might cover popular K-pop songs. You’ll also find trendy K-pop merchandise stores and themed cafes where you can immerse yourself in the K-pop culture. The neighborhood is dotted with live music venues, clubs, and bars where you can enjoy performances by local indie bands, solo artists, and emerging talents.
As a K-Pop fan, you won’t want to miss out on the chance to see your favorite artists perform live. You should keep an eye on upcoming concerts in Seoul and get ready to sing and dance along with your K-pop idols. Shows like “M Countdown” and “Music Bank” are broadcasted from Seoul and often allow fans to attend as audience members. Remember to check the official websites and social media channels of popular places for any updates on hours of operation, entry restrictions, or special events.
Start Planning!
These are some of the best places in Seoul for Korean pop fans. Are you ready to start planning your next trip?? Don’t know how to start planning your trip? No worries – Travel-Wise has you covered! Find itineraries for your vacation spot of choice on our website and blogs to help you learn more. Also, our AI assistant can come up with new ideas to make your natural wonders trip planner even better. Use our template itineraries to organize and share your plans with your travel buddies. Take advantage of the journaling features in the Travel-Wise app to document your journey. So, start crafting your perfect vacation today!