Stranger Things Pop Up in Korea

Before we get into this blog post, let’s start with a really bad dad joke. What is a Demogorgan’s favorite event? A Barb-ecue. *Badadoom tish.* Now this is the part where I call all Stranger Things fans to get their baseball bats and guns because a Stranger Things pop up has just landed in South Korea.

You might be thinking, “Is Stranger Things popular in Korea?” The answer is Hell to the YEAH.

I went at noon on a Sunday and there was A LOT of people there. Outside, they’ll put an iPad where you can put in your Kakaotalk or phone number so you can be texted when it’s time to go in. While you wait, you can take photos with the official poster outside.

Related: The Most Instagrammable Cafes in Seoul

Table of Contents

The Great Stamp Race

Since the pop up is funded by Netflix Korea, they are giving all fans the ability to win super cool prizes. You’ll get a stamp paper with two conditions. One stamp = one social media upload. It can be anything from Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. When I went I uploaded thirteen Instagram stories to collect all my stamps.

If you’re good at Korean, you can also answer the riddles on the back and get two stamps instead of one. As you can imagine, my Korean is no where near good enough to answer a riddle… Plus I hate doing riddles in English too.

Joyce Byers’ Living Room

Once you enter the pop up, your first stop is none other than Joyce Byers’ living room. If you can remember all the way back to Stranger Things season 1 (a long time ago, I know), you’ll remember that this was how she communicated with Will in the Upside Down. And yes, it is complete with Christmas lights and the alphabet. I’m a bit jealous of Joyce because I can’t even get a text back from the guy I like, but she still gets talked to through lights? *Sigh*

Stranger Things Arcade

This portion of the house was what I was most excited for. I don’t know where they got the old arcade games, but it was exciting nonetheless. They had Pacman and even the original Donkey Kong. Playing these games took me back to the 90s as I tried to get the highest score. And no, I was not salty like Stranger Things Dustin was when Mad Max beat his high score.

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Stranger Things Art

As someone who makes their own videos and writes their own blogs, I know how much work goes on behind the scenes. For me, it’s always fascinating to see the story boards made by artists or the concept art. It’s incredible to watch what starts off as something in someone’s imagination to actually being portrayed on screen.

Camp Out in Mike’s Basement

Back when Will Byers’ disappeared and his friends went looking for him, they instead happened upon a very scared Eleven in the woods. They bring her home, give her Eggos, and put her to sleep in their fort. Now you too can cozy up and even watch Stranger Things season 2 play on the tv screen.

Fight Off a Demogorgan

Well… Kind of. At Stranger Story there is trick art where you can get a prop (like a styrofoam hammer) and take a photo. You don’t have to have super cool mind powers in order to fight like Eleven.

Chill Out on the Balcony

Since Stranger Things is popular in Korea, expect for there to be a lot of people. Use the outside balcony as a way to take a breather, troll a bit, and take some photos. You can also get a waffle while checking out the Christmas lights hanging from the roof.

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The Prizes

On the third floor, you can go into a disco ball room (I’m guessing this is to emulate the Hawkins Middle School Snow Ball). There you can show your stamp paper and reach your hand into a box with many folded papers. Take your chances because the prizes are pretty great! I won a Stranger Things eco bag.

Stranger Things Photo Booth

Yes. There is even a photo booth there where you can take free photos with the Stranger Things logo. When you finish, you can even print out as many sheets as you like according to the members in your group. Netflix legit went all out with this pop up. The photo booth is on the first floor next to the prize stand.

Scoops Ahoy from Stranger Things

If you’ve been following the Stranger Things trailers, you’ll know the Star Court Mall plays a major role in the series. In addition, you’ll be able to see Scoops Ahoy where Korean Steve has to dress in a sailor suit. Remember how I told you the great stamp race was important in the beginning? You can also get a free scoop of ice cream.

The Hawkins Lab Escape Room

I’m sure this is the part you’ve been most excited for. I’m seriously sorry to be the Billy of bad news, but it’s completely booked out. There was virtually no information out on the internet about how to book it or what number to call. All I know is when I went there, the staff explained it was completely booked out with no chance of getting in. 🙁 So to all of you who get to experience it… I hate you all and I hope you get eaten by Dart the Demodog.

With this pop up featuring an escape from the lab, arcade area, trick art, and Season 1 and Season 2 themed adventures, a visit to Hawkins Indiana has never been more pleasant.

Sadly this pop up won’t last forever. You don’t want to miss it because the amount of detail put into it is completely out of this world. 😉 That being said drop me a comment letting me know who your favorite Stranger Things characters are. Until Stranger Things 3 drops on July 4, 2019, I’ll be watching the Stranger Things trailer on repeat. K? Bye.

P.S. Since I’m in Korea, I get to see it a day earlier… SUCKERS.

P.S.S. Please don’t send the Demogorgan, Demodogs, or any Upside Down creature after me.

Awesome Cafes To Visit in Korea

If you find yourself in Seoul and have not made it to the Stranger Things popup, then check out these other amazing and Instagram worthy cafes to visit. If not, keep scrolling so you can find the address, hours, and how to get there.

Bau House Dog Cafe – For all you dog lovers, enjoy a barkful afternoon with a drink and some cute pups.
Barbie Strawberry Salon at the JW Marriot – Do you love strawberries, pink and everything nice? Barbie does too at this adorably pink dessert buffet.
Blind Alley Raccoon Cafe – If you’re from the Midwest, you might be thinking why are there so many trash pandas in a cafe. Good question, but they’re actually cute and fun to watch.
Deulmusae Penis Restaurant in Pocheon – The thought of a restaurant with the male appendage sounds ridickulous, doesn’t it? Cue all immature high school laughter.
DIY Cellphone Case Cafe – If you’ve got an afternoon to spare when the weather isn’t in your favor, grab a drink, a blank case and decorate it to your heart’s desire.
King’s Cross Harry Potter Cafe – Granger things have happened in Seoul. See what I did there? 😉 Enough Harry Potter references, let’s be Sirius. Go and enter the magical world of Harry and take all the photos for the ‘gram.
Line Friends Store and Cafe – This super adorable chat application popular all over Asia (except Korea) has an adorable store and cafe. All the cute will make your wallet cry.
Miss Yoon in Wonderland – Wanna reenact your own Mad Hatter tea party as an adult? You now can with this amazing establishment that is a bar, restaurant, cafe, and rooftop pool.
Meerkat Cafe in Hongdae – If you’d like to see Arctic Foxes, South African Genets, wallabies, and meerkats up close, then this is a cool place to do so.
Princess Diary Cafe – If you’re upset that the most eligible red head now has his own princess, don’t be. You can wear a dress fit for a queen and a tiara to match.
Thanks Nature Sheep Cafe – Don’t be baa-shful when meeting Lamb Chop in real life. You can have a hot or cold drink while feed these adorable creatures.
Urban Space Myeongdong – After shopping until you drop, don’t you wish you could relax with a cute and Instagrammable drink? How about jumping into a ball pit after?
Urban Space Seongsu – The original Urban Space, this is in a large warehouse with a bunch of photo zones and an even bigger ball pit than the one in Myeongdong.

How To Get There

This pop up is open from June 20th-July 7th. On weekdays it will be open from 2p.m.-10p.m. and on weekends, 12p.m.-10p.m. From Hongik University Station (Green Line 2) talk out of exit 1 and turn right. Walk down two streets and turn right. You’ll see it on your left.

Address: 189, Donggyo, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Hours: 2 – 10p.m. weekdays & 12-10p.m. on weekends

Naver Map: http://naver.me/G08qLTur