Kpop lovers rejoice! After my many years of living in South Korea, I am proud to bring you the ultimate itinerary for Kpop fans. Cue angelic horns and random rays of sunlight being bestowed upon you. If you’re a Kpop fan girl or fan boy, then this is everything you need to know on Gina Bear’s Blog. Because let’s be real, Kpop is a lifestyle, amirite? For every diehard fan of this genre, you need to check out this ultimate Kpop itinerary in Seoul.
Related: How to Be a Kpop Star for a Day
Traverse Hallyu Kstar Road
Gangnam Hallyu Star Road may be no Hollywood Boulevard, but it’s definitely the next best thing. Here, you’ll be able to visit restaurants and attractions frequented by popular Korean celebrities.
You’ll be able to find The Galleria which is a huge shopping mall dedicated to luxury brands and even the Gangnam Doll Haus which is dedicated to really cute miniature teddy bears featuring your favorite Kpop Bands such as 4minute, Super Junior, BTS, 2PM, FT Island, Shinee, Miss A, TVXQ, Girl’s Generation, EXO, VIXX, AOA, and more!
Address: 407 Apgujeong-ro, Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Discover Kpop Entertainment Companies
Let’s be real. How exciting would it be to visit the buildings where so much magic has happened. Most of our favorite artists had to start somewhere before they were big stars. So why not visit their companies and maybe get a peek of them in the process?
Big Hit Entertainment
Of course the most notable artist to come from this entertainment company is BTS. They also have artists such as Lee ChangMin and Homme.
Also, fun fact, they are moving to another new building in May of 2020. Since BTS is such a huge conglomerate at the moment, they need a bigger building to support all their success.
Current Building Address: Floor Yangjin Plaza 5F, 5 Hakdong-ro 30-gil, Nonhyeon 2(i)-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Cube
We all know who the big powerhouse behind Cube is… If you say Hyuna, then you are right. This queen runs the damn show. Cube Entertainment is also home to artists like BtoB, CLC, and Pentagon.
Located outside of Seongsu Station, there is also a cafe at the bottom. If you’re lucky, you might see your favorite artist and maybe some trainees.
Address: 83 Achasan-ro, Seongsu-dong 2(i)-ga, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
FNC
Let’s start with a roll call of your favorite artists like AOA, F.T. Island, and CN Blue. The building is closed to visitors, but as a fan you can go and take a picture of the building’s exterior and hope for a glimpse of your favorite stars.
Address: 46 Dosan-daero 85-gil, Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
JYP
Even though JYP himself is a shitty Kpop star, he definitely knows talent when he sees it. Hence his very successful entertainment business and army of talented stars. His company manages artists like Twice, Miss A, GOT7, and 2PM.
Address: 205 Gangdong-daero, Seongnae-dong, Gangdong-gu, Seoul
SM Entertainment
If you’re a fan of Shinee, EXO, Red Velvet, Super Junior, BoA or NCT, then you definitely want to visit this building. It’s kinda where the dreams of these artists came trie.
Address: 114 Seolleung-ro 190-gil, Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
YG Entertainment
Everyone knows YG because of the kings… Big Bang. Even though one of the members is a piece of trash, the rest are still pretty okay in my book. Even though YG is completely enveloped in scandal and their CEO just stepped down, they are working to become a better entertainment company. If you’re a fan of artists like Black Pink, 2NE1, and PSY, you gotta make the visit.
Address: 397-5 Hapjeong-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Luckily for all Kpop fans, you can make a day trip out of all these entertainment companies since they are all nearby. Keep in mind most of these buildings (except the Cube cafe) are closed to visitors, but it’s always fin to go for bragging rights.
Related: SMTown Land For Kpop Lovers
Chill at Celebrity Owned Cafes
Celebrities who own these cafes have been known to pop in from time to time. Their families are also really sweet and tend to talk kindly to their fans. So why not kick back and relax with a tasty drink or dessert at these cafes?
- Cofioca Cafe Gangnam (trainees often visit the cafe)
- Super Junior EunHyuk’s Chocolat BonBon in Guro
- Super Junior KyuHyun’s De ete Espresso
- Super Junior HeeChul’s sisters’ K-Story Café
- Super Junior Leeteuk Kona Beans
- Super Junior SungMin’s Wiki Café in Samcheong-dong
- Super Junior Yesung Mouse Rabbit
- Jay Park’s Cafe Dudart
- JYJ JaeJoong’s Café J Holic in Myeongdong
- EXO Kai’s KAMONG Café
- Block B Zico Yogorino
Relax at Celebrity Owned Restaurants
While looking at your favorite Kpop idol snack, why not just go for a whole meal with these tasty options?
- Infinite DongWoo’s small octopus restaurant Inchang Jjuggumi
- Infinite WooHyun’s Korean barbecue restaurant Meok & Sam
- Infinite Sungyeol’s barbeque chicken restaurant BBQ Chicken in Hapjeong
- CNBLUE MinHyuk’s eel restaurant Hwang’s Eel Restaurant in Yeongdeungpo
- EXO Chanyeon’s Italian restaurant Viva Polo
- Super Junior Donghae’s Mexican franchise restaurant Grill5Taco in Cheongdam-dong
- JYJ Junsu’s Misarang Imsil Cheese Pizza in Ilsan
- Se7en’s chicken restaurant Yeolbong in Sinsa-dong
- LeeSang Gary’s grilled pork intestine restaurant Paljamakchang in Gangnam
- HaHa’s Sang Sang Madang in Hongdae
Go on a BTS Tour
Let’s be real. BTS is the hottest thing to grace the globe since BSB. If you don’t know who BSB is… You’re too young for me and you need to get outta here and learn good music. Jk. Well, now you can go on a super cool BTS tour and fangirl your feels out. You’ll of course travel to the old Big Hit Entertainment building where it all started. In addition to going to Hakdong Park where they used to hide out as trainees and visit the old house where they used to live. You’ll then be taken to Illy Coffee where they filmed their 1000th day as BTS episode. Oh, and that’s not all, you’ll also drop by their favorite restaurant, Yoojeong Sikdang in the same building as their former studio. Are you screaming yet? So why are you not going on this BTS tour, like yesterday?
Myeongdong Underground Shopping
Are you looking for discounted Kpop merchandise? If you have money to splurge, then I totally understand wanting the official merchandise. For ya’ll broke fans, there is a solution to your problems… And it is all that is underground, not so hush/hush, and fun in Myeongdong.
Koreans love shopping and as a result, many underground shopping malls have appeared. A lot of the time, they have clothes, electronics, and other merchandise sold for a very cheap price.
In Myeongdong, there is an ENTIRE section of the underground shopping mall dedicated to everyone who loves Kpop. There, you will find anything from pillows, blankets, keychains, socks, hats, dolls, etc. You dream it. They most likely have it. And all of this features all of your favorite and popular Kpop boy bands and girl bands.
Related: 100 Things To Do In Seoul
BT21 Line Store & Cafe
Rejoice all BTS fans because this adorable flagship store in Itaewon is an Army’s dream. This is where the cute characters drawn by each of the BTS members have come to life. The second floor features BT21 clothes, dolls, and accessories. You can even visit the cafe on the third floor and sit where BTS themselves sat while drawing these adorable animals.
Address: 200 Itaewon-ro, Itaewon 1(il)-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Phone Number: +82 02-790-0901
Hours: 11am – 11pm
VT Pink House
This is a very cute cosmetics store completely decked out in pink on the outside. It also has posters of BTS all around and the characters they have drawn for the BT21 series. You can shop cosmetics, take photos for your Instagram, and get a nice drink in the cafe.
Address: Seoul, Mapo-gu, Seogyo-dong, Wausan-ro 29ga-gil, 84
서울특별시 마포구 와우산로29가길 84
Phone Number: +82 02-6275-1999
Hours: 11:30pm -12:30 pm
Yongma Land
Once upon a time, Yongma Land used to be a super fun place to take the kids… Then it closed down… The End.
I really got you there didn’t I? Just humor me, and say I did. Anyway, the abandoned amusement park received new life as a major photoshoot area for photographers, novices, and professionals alike. You may have also seen it featured for EXO’s Love Me Right photoshoot promotion.
There have been a plethora of Korean Pop groups that had videos shot at Yongma Land. Some of them include:
- Twice “Like Ooh-Ah”
- Crayon Pop “Bar Bar Bar”
- BAP “1004 (Angel)”
- N*White “Paradise”
- Eric Nam & Wendy “Spring Love”
- Romantic J “Love Falls”
- Bloomy “Blooming Day”
- Beast “Ribbon”
- Baek Ji Young “Hate”
- Lim Chang Jung (Xiumin Remake) “A Glass of Soju”
Address: 118 Mangu-ro 70-gil, Mangubon-dong, Jungnang-gu, Seoul
Visit MBC World
Located in Sangnam, this is a MUST visit for every Kpop and Kdrama fan! With this 90 minute tour, you’ll become the star of your very own show as you experience Kdramas, learn some dance moves from holographic Kpop stars, virtual reality content, and more.
Popular shows such as Infinite Challenge, Radio Star, and Show! Music Core are produced there. If you’re super lucky, you might bump into your favorite star!
Address: 267 Seongam-ro, Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Go To SBS MTV The Show
With this ultimate package, you’ll get a tour of the studio so you can see the behind the scenes of how a live show is made. You’ll then be treated to a 90 minute live performance of various Kpop artists. Usually the line up will not be announced until the day of the show. Book your tickets here for a special discount.
Address: 9-31 Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Go To a FREE Kpop Concert
Are you on a limited budget? If you are, rejoice because you can join in on a Kpop show for free. Getting to the places and signing up to see it takes dedication, but rest assured, I know you can if you put your mind to it.
You can get free entrance to weekly music shows like SBS’s Inkigayo, KBS’s Music Bank, and MNET’s Show! Music Core.
Take a Kpop Training Program
Have you ever been curious about how the Kpop stars train to get to where they are today? Honestly me too. With these programs you’ll be getting the best coaches and teachers who have really been there and done that. They have various programs including:
96 Hour 4 Week Program (4.6 million won)
- you’ll get 4 sessions per week for 6 hours a day
- you can choose a maximum of 2 classes (vocals, dance, instrument, music composition)
- you’ll learn and master 2 songs and dance of your choice
120 Hour 4 Week Program (5.6 million won)
- you’ll get 5 sessions per week for 6 hours a day
- you can choose a maximum of 3 classes (vocals, dance, instrument, music composition)
- you’ll learn and master 2 songs and dance of your choice
- 2 audition experiences
48 Hour 10 Week Program (2.3 million won)
- 2 sessions per week (total of 48 hours over 10 weeks)
- you can choose a maximum of 1 class (vocals, dance, instrument, music composition)
- you’ll learn and master one song of your choice
72 Hour 10 Week Program (3.3 million won)
- 3 sessions per week (total of 72 hours over 10 weeks)
- you can choose a maximum of 2 classes (vocals, dance, instrument, music composition)
- you’ll learn and master one song of your choice
What are you waiting for superstar? Go and get them and become a Kpop Star yourself!
Record Your Own Kpop Song
For us peasants (myself included) that can’t fork out thousands of dollars to become a Kpop star, we can get the next best alternative and record our own song at King’s Studio near Apgujeong Station! Sessions start at 178,000 won and can be cheaper or more expensive depending on the time of day, weekend, and holiday you choose to go.
I’ve personally done this and I really enjoyed my experience here. I’ve always wanted to record my own song and what a dream come true it has been!
Take a Kpop Dance Class
Have a new Kpop song you just can’t get out of your head? I feel ya. When the newest songs come out, I just hear them play all over Seoul and I can really groove to them.
If you wanna get down and break a sweat (after eating so many delicious Korean dishes) then I highly suggest you take this class for an hour and a half with a super fun instructor.
Never danced before? No worries! Your instructor will break it down step-by-step in your Kpop Dance class. After the class, you’ll also receive a Kpop dance certificate and a video clip and pictures featuring you in the class.
Available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 1pm.
Discover Seoul Pass
With this pass there are 30 attractions you can get into for FREE. You can get a free hanbok rental, free entrance to all the palaces, free entrance onto the tourist bus, and entry into a jimjilbang. You can get into major Kpop inspired locations such as:
This pass seriously gives you the most win for your won and I highly recommend it for getting the best of Kpop and Seoul in one pass. It starts at a discount of 36,000 won and you can even get a special BTS version!
If you love Kpop girl groups and Kpop boy groups, then I guarantee this itinerary aims to please. Whatever fandom you’re a part of, I’m sure you will absolutely love this Kpop itinerary in Seoul. What place would you visit first? Let me know in the comments below!
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4 Comments on The Ultimate Kpop Itinerary in Seoul
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What a great blog post girl! I absolutely loved it – and wish I took full advantage of it when I lived in Korea. I guess I’ll have to come back.
Great Blog!!
Are you still in Seoul??
Yup! I’m still in Seoul!
After reading this, I just want to be friends and go around Seoul being dorks. Lol. Love this, thank you for helping me plan my future trip.