K-pop places in Seoul and beyond

KWANGYA@SEOUL

SM Entertainment artists

Why fans go

• SM Entertainment's flagship store, run by its affiliate SM Brand Marketing and opened in November 2022.
• Albums and official merch for SM artists, plus exhibition and experience zones.

Getting there

Seoul Forest Stn (Suin-Bundang Line) Exit 5, about 70 m

Hours

Daily 10:30-20:00 (closed on Seollal and Chuseok; closures announced on Instagram @kwangya_seoul)

Tips

• Free entry.
• The public space is the B1 store.
• During comebacks and events it gets busy and may switch to reservations, so check the official Instagram first.

Source: english.visitseoul.netLast checked 2026-10-31

Ktown4u COEX

Why fans go

• A large multi-label store for albums and merch.
• It sits in the COEX Artium building (the former SMTOWN COEX Artium site) with a store, K-pop academy, cafe and pop-up space.

Getting there

Samseong Stn (Line 2): use the gate between Exits 5 and 6, walk straight through Millennium Square, go up the stairs next to Starbucks; it's the building on the right

Hours

2F and 4F 11:00-20:00 / 3F 12:00-22:00

Tips

• Items bought in store can only be exchanged at that store, so check them right away.
• Albums bought at pop-up events can't be returned for a change of mind.

Source: ktown4u.comLast checked 2026-10-30

Ktown4u Insadong

Why fans go

• Sells K-pop albums and stationery, with an in-store cafe serving artist-themed drinks and desserts.
• Easy to combine with sightseeing in Insadong.

Getting there

Anguk Stn (Line 3) Exit 6, walk into Insadong-gil, about 120 m

Hours

12:00-20:00

Tips

• Exchanges only at the store where you bought.
• Hours are from the official page and may change.

Source: ktown4u.comLast checked 2026-10-30

Withmuu Myeongdong

Why fans go

• A K-pop store chain selling albums and official merch from many labels.
• Its official site was still posting official concert merch sales and fan-sign events in October 2026.

Getting there

Walk from Myeongdong Stn (Line 4) (check the exit on a map app)

Hours

Daily 11:00-21:00; store phone 02-778-1765

Tips

• Fan-sign and lucky-draw entries have different rules for each album, so read the notice on the official site first.
• Easy to fit into a Myeongdong shopping walk.

Source: withmuu.comLast checked 2026-10-31

Withmuu AK PLAZA Hongdae

Why fans go

A K-pop store opened in April 2022 by AK Plaza and Copan Global, selling albums and merch.

Getting there

Hongik Univ. Stn (Line 2 / AREX / Gyeongui-Jungang), AK& Hongdae building by Exit 4, 2nd floor

Hours

Mon-Fri 11:00-22:00, Sat-Sun 10:30-22:00; store phone 02-332-0429

Tips

Hongik Univ. Stn is on the airport railroad, so it's easy on arrival or departure day.

Source: withmuu.comLast checked 2026-10-31

Withmuu Yongsan I'Park Mall

Why fans go

An album and official merch store inside a mall attached to the station.

Getting there

I'Park Mall (connected to Yongsan Stn, Line 1 / Gyeongui-Jungang), Living Park 6F

Hours

Mon-Thu and Sun 10:30-20:30, Fri-Sat 10:30-21:00; store phone 02-2012-2525

Tips

Pairs well with the HYBE Yongsan lobby pop-up on the same day (check each schedule separately).

Source: withmuu.comLast checked 2026-10-31

Kyobo Book Centre Gwanghwamun (Hottracks)

Why fans go

• The music section inside a major bookstore.
• It runs release photocard giveaways announced on the store notice page (e.g., hrtz.wav's 1st mini album, April 2026).

Getting there

Near Gwanghwamun Stn (Line 5); also walkable from Jonggak Stn (Line 1)

Hours

Daily 09:30-22:00 (closed on Seollal and Chuseok day)

Tips

• Benefits are limited by album, period and quantity, so check conditions on the store's event notices.
• A good backup when a flagship is sold out.

Source: store.kyobobook.co.krLast checked 2026-10-30

HYBE Yongsan HQ Lobby Pop-up Store

HYBE · BTS (first pop-up)

Why fans go

• A pop-up space HYBE built in part of its HQ lobby in March 2026.
• The first was BTS's 5th album ARIRANG pop-up (Mar 20 - Apr 12, 2026), and pop-ups have continued with HYBE Music Group releases (Yeonjun in July, LE SSERAFIM in September, BTS DALMAJUNG in Sep-Oct, ILLIT in October).

Getting there

Walk from Sinyongsan Stn (Line 4) or Yongsan Stn (Line 1) (check the exit on a map app)

Hours

Varies by pop-up (11:00-20:00 in 2026 notices; check the official HYBE MERCH X account and each artist's Weverse notices)

Tips

• 2026 pop-ups use Weverse advance booking, even if you only want to buy an album.
• ILLIT runs to Oct 31 and TWS runs Nov 2-7.
• There's nothing to enter between pop-ups, and the building beyond the lobby is staff-only.
• Don't wait outside for artists.

Source: weverse.ioLast checked 2026-10-30

HiKR Ground

Why fans go

• A K-culture experience center run by the Korea Tourism Organization.
• Studios with music-video-style backdrops let you shoot photos and clips like an idol, plus a giant media wall.

Getting there

Jonggak Stn (Line 1) Exit 5, about 220 m

Hours

Tue-Sun 10:00-20:00 (closed Mondays), free entry

Tips

• Exhibitions rotate (a K-drama exhibition runs Sep 18 - Nov 19, 2026).
• Free, so it's good for a rainy day or your arrival day.

Source: mediahub.seoul.go.krLast checked 2026-10-30

Yoojung Sikdang (restaurant)

BTS

Why fans go

• Featured in Gangnam-gu's official magazine on a 'follow BTS in Nonhyeon-dong' walk.
• It's described as a place BTS often ate in their trainee days; the walls are full of fan messages.
• The black-pork stone-pot bibimbap is nicknamed 'Bangtan bibimbap'.

Getting there

Walk from Hakdong Stn (Line 7) (check the route on a map app)

Hours

No official listing; check before you go

Tips

• It's a residential area, so keep it quiet.
• Don't seek out former offices or homes that aren't open to the public.

Source: gangnam.go.krLast checked 2026-10-30

Cafe Hyuga

BTS

Why fans go

• A cafe opened in 2022 in the three-story building that was once BTS's early dorm.
• ARMY were reported visiting on March 20, 2026, the day before the Gwanghwamun concert.

Getting there

Walk from Hakdong Stn (Line 7) (check the route on a map app)

Hours

No official listing; check before you go

Tips

It is listed with Yoojung Sikdang on the Nonhyeon-dong BTS walk.

Source: chosun.comLast checked 2026-11-02

Cafe Far Ben

BTS · RM

Why fans go

• Reported as a cafe opened by RM's family in July 2024.
• Visitors' reviews often call it an ARMY pilgrimage spot.

Getting there

Walk from Seongsu Stn (Line 2) (check the route on a map app)

Hours

No official listing; check before you go

Tips

Many regular customers come here too, so please don't ask about the family.

Source: harpersbazaar.co.krLast checked 2026-11-02

ZM-ILLENNIAL

BTS · Jimin

Why fans go

• Reported as a cafe run by Jimin's father.
• A life-size Jimin cutout stands at the entrance, and many visitors are fans from abroad.

Getting there

Walk from Motgol Stn (Busan Line 2) (check the route on a map app)

Hours

No official listing; check before you go

Tips

• Search for ZM-ILLENNIAL on your map app.
• Magnate, nearby, is a separate shop.
• Queues formed before opening during the June 2026 Busan concerts, according to reports.

Source: busan.comLast checked 2026-11-02

Yongmungak (Chinese restaurant)

BTS · Jimin

Why fans go

• Reported as Jimin's regular Chinese restaurant.
• The Jimin set bundles yuni jajangmyeon and sweet and sour pork.

Getting there

Walk from Geumsa Stn (Busan Line 4) (check the route on a map app)

Hours

No official listing; check before you go

Tips

It's a neighborhood restaurant, so don't linger at busy mealtimes.

Source: chosun.comLast checked 2026-11-02

Avenir

Stray Kids

Why fans go

• According to the owner, Stray Kids filmed here for about two hours in April 2026.
• Reviews from STAY following the same route have appeared since.

Getting there

Walk from Jwacheon Stn (Busan Line 1) (check the route on a map app)

Hours

No official listing; check before you go

Tips

Many regular customers come here too, so keep other guests out of your photos.

Source: asiatoday.co.krLast checked 2026-11-02

Eulji Dabang (old-style coffee house)

BTS

Why fans go

• An old coffee house where BTS is known to have taken photos at its former location.
• It moved here because of redevelopment, and BTS photos and goods are on display inside.
• ARMY were reported visiting on March 20, 2026, the day before the Gwanghwamun concert.

Getting there

Walk from Euljiro 3-ga Stn (Lines 2, 3) (check the route on a map app)

Hours

No official listing; check before you go

Tips

Another coffee house nearby has the same name, so check the address.

Source: news1.krLast checked 2026-11-02

Matna Bunsik (snack shop)

BTS · Jimin

Why fans go

• A snack shop reported as a place Jimin often visited in middle school.
• It is inside Seodong Miro Market.

Getting there

Walk from Seodong Stn (Busan Line 4) (check the route on a map app)

Hours

No official listing; check before you go

Tips

It's a small shop in a market, so don't block neighboring stalls when you queue.

Source: busan.comLast checked 2026-11-02

Cafe Bomnal

NCT WISH · Sion

Why fans go

• A cafe that often appears in reviews from fans following the official NCT WISH series "Welcome to Mokpo-SION".
• Fans describe it as a stop the members made.

Getting there

Bus or taxi from Mokpo Stn (check the route on a map app)

Hours

No official listing; check before you go

Tips

It's away from the town center, so check your way back first.

Source: youtube.comLast checked 2026-11-02

Colombang Bakery

NCT WISH · Sion

Why fans go

• A bakery that often appears in reviews from fans following the official NCT WISH series "Welcome to Mokpo-SION".
• Fans describe it as a stop the members made.

Getting there

Walk from Mokpo Stn (check the route on a map app)

Hours

No official listing; check before you go

Tips

CLB, nearby, is a separate bakery, so check the address.

Source: youtube.comLast checked 2026-11-02

Moraeseong Bunsik Pocha

RESCENE

Why fans go

• A bunsik (snack) pocha near Deokpo Beach that Woni and Minami visited together.
• It's run by a friend of Woni's mother (Deokyeon), and the owner welcomed Woni like a friend's daughter.
• It serves fried chicken and DIY (cook-at-the-table) tteokbokki, among other dishes.

Getting there

Local bus or taxi from central Geoje (check routes on a map app)

Hours

No official listing; check before you go

Tips

• The owner has said the shop is small and short on seats.
• While you wait, don't block the street or neighbors' doorways.

Source: econovill.comLast checked 2026-11-02

Gwanghwamun Square

BTS

Why fans go

Where BTS held the free concert 'BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG' on March 21, 2026, for their 5th album, streamed worldwide on Netflix.

Getting there

Right by Gwanghwamun Stn (Line 5)

Hours

Public square, open at all times

Tips

• The stage is gone.
• Combine with Gyeongbokgung and Kyobo Book Centre on foot.
• Parts may be closed for rallies or events.

Source: korea.krLast checked 2026-10-30

KSPO DOME (Olympic Park)

Why fans go

• A 15,000-seat arena the operator calls Korea's largest arena-type concert hall.
• K-pop solo concerts are often held here.

Getting there

• Olympic Park Stn (Lines 5, 9) Exit 3/4, Mongchontoseong Stn (Line 8) Exit 1, Hanseong Baekje Stn (Line 9) Exit 2.
• These are park exits; use a map app for the walk to the dome

Hours

Open only on event days (the park itself runs separately)

Tips

• You can walk the park on non-event days.
• Overseas bookings may need on-site pickup or ID checks, so follow the ticketing site's notice.

Source: ksponco.or.krLast checked 2026-10-30

BTS Bus Stop (Jumunjin Beach)

BTS

Why fans go

• Where the cover of BTS's YOU NEVER WALK ALONE (2017) was shot.
• Gangneung City's tourism portal lists it as the BTS Bus Stop.

Getting there

From Gangneung Stn (KTX), go by taxi or car (check local bus routes on Gangneung city bus info)

Hours

Outdoors, no admission fee

Tips

• It's a rebuilt replica of the set, so real buses don't stop here.
• Take turns if there's a photo line.
• A day trip from Seoul is possible, but allow plenty of travel time.

Source: gn.go.krLast checked 2026-10-30

Maengbang Beach

BTS

Why fans go

• BTS shot the "Butter" album jacket on this beach in 2021.
• The sand stretches for about 4 km.

Getting there

Check public transport routes on a map app

Hours

No official listing; check before you go

Tips

The water is clear and shallow, about 1 to 2 m deep.

Source: hankyung.comLast checked 2026-11-01

Nodeul Island

BTS

Why fans go

• BTS filmed the scenes of the members running along Hangangdaegyo Bridge in the "Run" music video here.
• They returned to shoot their 2021 Season's Greetings.

Getting there

Walk from Nodeul Stn (Line 9) (check the route on a map app)

Hours

No official listing; check before you go

Tips

• Construction of the Nodeul Global Art Island project is under way, with completion planned for 2028.
• Check official notices for open areas and hours.

Source: english.visitkorea.or.krLast checked 2026-11-01

Iryeong Station

BTS

Why fans go

• BTS filmed the "Spring Day" music video at this train station.
• The video opens with V waiting for a train on a platform marked Iryeong.

Getting there

Iryeong Stn on the Gyowoe Line (the station is the filming site)

Hours

No official listing; check before you go

Tips

• The Gyowoe Line was reported in January 2026 to run 9 round trips a day (10 on weekends).
• Check the KORAIL timetable first.

Source: hankyung.comLast checked 2026-11-01

Gwangmyeong Cave

Red Velvet

Why fans go

• This cave theme park is where the music video by Red Velvet's IRENE and SEULGI was filmed.
• It is known for their performance in a space full of light.

Getting there

Check public transport routes on a map app

Hours

09:00-18:00 (last entry 17:00), closed Mondays, per the official site

Tips

• Admission is charged.
• Some facilities can pause during festivals, so check the official notices.

Source: english.visitkorea.or.krLast checked 2026-11-01

Deokpo Beach

RESCENE

Why fans go

• The beach Woni and Minami visited on Woni's YouTube channel.
• It became a stop for RESCENE fans after the "Geoje yaho" meme.
• Geoje City said card sales around Deokpo Beach roughly doubled year-on-year in the 2026 summer peak (late July to early August).

Getting there

Local bus or taxi from central Geoje (check routes on a map app)

Hours

Outdoor beach, no admission fee

Tips

• Moraeseong Bunsik Pocha is right nearby.
• The Deokpo Land Sea Line zip line runs across the beach; check operating days and hours before you go.

Source: yna.co.krLast checked 2026-11-02

Heungnam Evacuation Memorial Park

RESCENE

Why fans go

• A museum about the Heungnam evacuation and the SS Meredith Victory's "Christmas miracle."
• RESCENE, Geoje City's ambassadors, held a mini fan meeting here on June 20, 2026, a week before its official opening on June 27.

Getting there

Facing Jangseungpo Port (bus or taxi from central Geoje; check routes on a map app)

Hours

Closed Mondays (check opening hours and admission before you go)

Tips

It's a war history museum, so keep your voice down inside the galleries.

Source: gnnews.co.krLast checked 2026-11-02

Hwangnidan-gil

RESCENE

Why fans go

• The street Gyeongju native Zena visited with Woni in the Gyeongju episodes of Woni's YouTube channel.
• RESCENE were named Gyeongju tourism ambassadors in June 2026.

Getting there

Bus or taxi from central Gyeongju (check routes on a map app)

Hours

A street; hours vary by shop

Tips

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond and Gyeongju World also appear in the same Gyeongju episodes.

Source: segye.comLast checked 2026-11-02

HYBE INSIGHT (closed)

HYBE

Why fans go

• HYBE's music museum in the HQ basement.
• It closed on January 15, 2023, and no reopening has been confirmed.
• Listed here because older guides still mention it.

Getting there

N/A (closed)

Hours

Closed

Tips

Use the HYBE lobby pop-up store instead (check its schedule).

Source: bandwagon.asiaLast checked 2026-10-30

SMTOWN COEX Artium (closed)

SM Entertainment

Why fans go

• SM Entertainment's complex, run from 2015.
• It closed in 2020 when the lease ended (museum in May, store in June).
• SM's official store is now KWANGYA@SEOUL in Seongsu.

Getting there

N/A (closed)

Hours

Closed

Tips

The same building (COEX Artium) now houses Ktown4u COEX.

Source: soompi.comLast checked 2026-10-30