Ready to live your Kpop dreams? Seoul is the ultimate pilgrimage destination for every stan. From secret filming locations to exclusive fan experiences, here’s your insider guide to the best Kpop activities in Korea’s capital.
1. Shop at Korea's Best Kpop Stores
Myeongdong Underground Shopping Center
What: Massive underground mall with multiple Kpop stores
Best for: Albums, photocards, official merchandise
Tip: Bargain for bulk purchases, especially albums
Music Korea (Multiple Locations)
What: Korea’s largest Kpop retailer
Locations: Hongdae, Gangnam, online
Special: Pre-order benefits and exclusive items
KTown4U Hongdae Store
What: Popular online store with physical location
Why visit: See items before buying, immediate pickup
Bonus: Often has fan events and signings
2. Explore K-Star Road in Gangnam
Location: Apgujeong Rodeo Street area
Highlights:
- Bear sculptures representing different Kpop groups
- SM Entertainment building nearby
- Trendy cafes where idols frequent
- High-end fashion stores idols shop at
Pro tip: Visit during lunch hours (12-2 PM) for potential idol spotting!
3. Visit Iconic Kpop Agency Buildings
HYBE Corporation (formerly Big Hit)
Address: 42 Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu
Home to: BTS, NewJeans, LE SSERAFIM
Nearby: Banpo Rainbow Bridge, Han River parks
SM Entertainment
Address: 521 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu
Home to: aespa, NCT, Red Velvet, SHINee
Tip: SM Town store is inside the building
JYP Entertainment
Address: 205 Gangdong-daero, Gangdong-gu
Home to: ITZY, Stray Kids, TWICE
Note: Moved to new building in 2022
4. Hunt for Kpop Filming Locations
Popular Drama/MV Spots:
- Banpo Rainbow Bridge – Featured in countless MVs
- Dongdaemun Design Plaza – Futuristic architecture in many videos
- Lotte World Tower – Rooftop scenes and city views
- Hongdae Streets – Underground/indie MV locations
- 63 Building – Classic Seoul skyline shots
Insider tip: Check recent MVs before your trip – new locations are constantly being used!
5. Experience HiKR Ground (Free!)
What: Korean Wave cultural complex in Gangnam
Highlights:
- Interactive Kpop exhibits
- Virtual reality experiences
- Photo zones with idol holograms
- Free cultural performances
Cost: Free admission
Best time: Weekday mornings for fewer crowds
6. Find the Famous Gangnam Hands Sculpture
Location: Gangnam Station Exit 8
Why famous: Appeared in countless Kpop MVs and Instagram posts
Best photo time: Evening when it’s lit up
Nearby: Underground shopping and Kpop stores
7. Spot Sponsored Fan Advertisements
Where to look:
- Subway stations – Especially Gangnam, Hongdae, Myeongdong
- Bus stops in Gangnam and Apgujeong
- Digital billboards in Times Square (Yeongdeungpo)
- Building wraps around agency areas
Peak times: Idol birthdays, comeback seasons, anniversaries
8. Attend Kpop Cupsleeve Events
What: Free drinks with custom idol-themed cup sleeves
Where: Cafes in Hongdae, Gangnam, Myeongdong
How to find:
- Twitter accounts: @cupsleeve_kr, @kpop_cupsleeves
- Instagram hashtags: #컵슬리브이벤트
- Usually last 1-3 days per event
9. Visit Fan-Sponsored Memorial Benches
Famous locations:
- Banpo Hangang Park – Multiple idol memorial benches
- Yeouido Park – Quiet spots for reflection
- Seoul Forest – Nature setting with idol dedications
Etiquette: Be respectful, leave flowers or notes if appropriate
10. Attend Music Show Tapings
SBS Inkigayo (Sundays)
Location: SBS Prism Tower, Mapo-gu
Tickets: Free but limited, apply via SBS website
Timing: Arrive 3-4 hours early
KBS Music Bank (Fridays)
Location: KBS Hall, Yeouido
Application: KBS website, requires Korean address
Tip: Easier for international fans to get tickets
11. Watch Idol Radio Live (Free!)
Location: MBC Building, Sangam-dong
Shows: “Idol Radio” and other variety shows
Booking: MBC website, first-come-first-served
Language: Korean with some English segments
Duration: Usually 2-3 hours including preparation
12. Score Kpop Concert Tickets
Official Ticketing Sites
- YES24 – Major concerts and fanmeets
- Interpark – Wide variety of shows
- Melon Ticket – Exclusive presales
International Options
- Trazy/Klook – Package deals with hotel
- StubHub Korea – Resale marketplace
- Twitter – Fan-to-fan sales (#양도 hashtag)
Pro tip: Learn basic Korean phrases for phone verification!
13. Join a Professional Kpop Tour
Top-rated tours:
- K-Star Road + Agency visits (Half-day)
- Kpop Dance Class + Studio tour (Full-day)
- BTS tour covering all major BTS locations
- Girl Group focus tours (BLACKPINK, aespa spots)
Booking: Klook, GetYourGuide, Viator
Price range: ₩50,000-150,000 per person
14. Take Kpop Dance Classes
1Million Dance Studio
Location: Hongdae area
Famous for: Choreographers for major Kpop groups
Classes: ₩25,000-35,000 per session
Book ahead: Very popular, reserve online
STEEZY Studio Seoul
What: English-friendly classes
Perfect for: Beginners and international visitors
Special: Film your dance for social media
15. Hunt for Idol-Frequented Cafes & Restaurants
Cafes Idols Actually Visit
- Café de Lulu (Gangnam) – BLACKPINK spotted
- Blue Bottle Coffee (Multiple locations) – BTS members seen
- % Arabica (Gangnam) – Popular among many idols
- Fritz Coffee (Hongdae) – Indie/underground scene
Restaurants
- Maple Tree House (Itaewon) – International idol hangout
- School Food (Multiple) – Comfort food, idol-approved
- Myeongdong Kyoja – Traditional spot many idols mention
Etiquette: Don’t bother idols if you spot them – respect their privacy!
16. Discover Underground Kpop Culture
Hongdae Underground Scene
- Live clubs featuring trainee performances
- Busking spots where future idols perform
- Indie music venues showcasing non-mainstream acts
- Dance battle areas in Hongdae Park
Hidden Gem Activities
- Karaoke (노래방) with latest Kpop songs
- Photo booths with Kpop-themed props
- Arcade games featuring idol rhythm games
- Night markets selling unofficial but creative fan goods
Here you can explore the top 20 actors and 15 best musicians in Korea, including Kpop stars.
Bonus Insider Tips for Kpop Fans
Language Apps: Download Papago translator and learn basic Korean
Social Media: Follow @kpop_starz, @soompi for real-time updates
Cash: Many small Kpop stores are cash-only
Timing: Visit during comeback seasons (spring/fall) for maximum activity
Respect: Always follow fan etiquette – no stalking or bothering idols
Hidden Secret: Check university festival schedules – many idols perform at college festivals for much cheaper than regular concerts!
Emergency Kpop Kit:
- Portable phone charger for constant social media updates
- Small bag for merchandise purchases
- Comfortable shoes for walking/standing in lines
- Translation app for interacting with Korean fans
- Extra storage space in luggage for all your Kpop hauls
Seoul offers endless opportunities for Kpop fans to dive deep into Korean Wave culture. Whether you’re a casual listener or a devoted stan, these experiences will give you authentic insights into the world that creates the music you love.