The essential guide for K-pop enthusiasts in Seoul

Recent years have been a monumental time for South Korean pop music.

While the music scene in South Korea has flourished since the 1990s, it’s in recent years that K-pop has truly begun to conquer global charts.

In 2017, history was made by the seven-member group BTS, who became the first South Korean act to reach the top of the Billboard album charts.

In 2018, they took home the ‘Favorite Social Artist’ award at the American Music Awards, beating out big names like Cardi B, Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, and Shawn Mendes.

K-pop conventions and concerts by top artists have become increasingly common around the world.

For many fans, a trip to Seoul is considered the ultimate way to experience K-pop culture. From the moment you step off the plane, you'll be surrounded by billboards of your favorite stars and the sound of chart-topping tracks in the air. It’s quickly becoming a central draw for international tourists to South Korea.

This week, the Seoul city government revealed plans to open the country’s first K-pop arena in 2024, aiming to attract more global travel to the city.

“Construction on the Seoul Arena, a concert-only venue, will begin in September next year. The 50,149-square-meter complex, located near Changdong Station, is expected to be completed by the end of 2023,” a city official told the Korea Herald.

Can’t wait until then? Don’t worry – there are plenty of spots in Seoul to get your K-pop fix right now. Here are some of our top recommendations.

SMTOWN

SM Entertainment is one of the largest music companies in Korea and has played a key role in shaping K-pop into the global phenomenon it is today.

True to its influence, the company has constructed a massive complex in the heart of Seoul, specifically designed for K-pop enthusiasts.

SMTOWN at COEX Artium offers a range of attractions focused on their roster of K-pop icons, including groups like Girls’ Generation, EXO, and TVXQ. Marketed as a ‘theme park in the city,’ visitors can explore six floors dedicated to the history of Korean music.

At the heart of the experience is the museum, which showcases a vast collection of memorabilia, including iconic outfits worn by top K-pop artists. Fans can also interact with augmented reality versions of their idols or get a glimpse of what a recording studio looks like.

Elsewhere in the building, you can relax with a variety of treats and beverages in the cafe (which offers a delicious ice cream selection), or enjoy a live show on the top floor. Of course, there’s also a well-stocked gift shop to satisfy every SM Entertainment fan’s needs.

SMTOWN at COEX Artium, located at 513 Yeongdong-daero, Samseong 1(il)-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea; +82 2-6002-5811

20Space Cafe

Most of the K-pop company headquarters are rather underwhelming to visit. They’re usually just basic office spaces that offer little in terms of visitor experience, unless you’re lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a celebrity.

Even cafes at these venues tend to have minimal ties to K-pop culture.

CUBE Entertainment’s 20Space Cafe, however, strikes a perfect balance and stands out as a must-visit spot in Seoul.

The interior is airy and calm, with a playlist featuring soothing tracks from CUBE artists like G(I-dle) and BtoB. There's even a dedicated corner for agency-related merchandise.

However, it doesn’t overdo the K-pop theme, offering instead a solid cafe experience with delicious, non-themed coffee drinks. It's the perfect spot to enjoy K-pop culture while also relaxing.

20Space, located at Seongsu 2(i)-ga 3(sam)-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea; +82 2-548-7720

K-Star Road

K-Star Road showcases a collection of statues dedicated to Korean music icons. Follow the path and you'll come across bear-shaped sculptures honoring K-pop legends like BTS, SHINee, and Wonder Girls, among others.

While these statues make for great Instagram shots, they aren’t the main attraction of this iconic location.

K-Star Road is your gateway into Gangnam, the heart of the K-pop scene. Explore the backstreets and hidden alleys along the route to discover musical landmarks, from agency offices to cafes where K-pop stars hang out or even own the space.

Use K-Star Road as the starting point for an immersive exploration of the area. And yes, don’t forget to snap a few photos with the bear sculptures along the way.

K-Star Road can be reached from Apgujeong Station on Subway Line 3, exit 1.

Club I LOVE K-POP

While many spots in Seoul let you listen to and dance to K-pop, few are as vibrant as the aptly named Club I LOVE K-POP.

Located in the heart of Hongdae, this club plays a mix of Korean pop hits from the 1990s to today. The wide range of music makes it a favorite among a diverse crowd.

Unlike most clubs, this venue offers breaks throughout the night. The DJ steps away and partygoers relax, enjoying drinks and food.

When the music starts up again, get ready for a rush back to the dance floor (the one time I visited, I witnessed a group of people flipping a table when Crayon Pop came on).

Club I LOVE K-POP, 362-2 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Hongdae street performers

You might get the chance to attend a K-pop concert during your time in Seoul. But if not, don’t worry – a street performance can be just as thrilling.

At night, Hongdae’s streets come alive with young performers dancing and lip-syncing to the latest K-pop hits. Crowds gather to watch these enthusiasts replicate the sharp choreography of groups like BLACKPINK or NCT 127.

In addition to dancers, you’ll find rappers, singer-songwriters, and various other entertainers showing off their talents.

But it’s the K-pop tributes that attract the largest crowds. For the best experience, visit on a Friday or Saturday night to see them at their peak.

To reach Hongdae Street, take the subway to Hongik University Station on Line 2 and exit at either 8 or 9.

Gangnam Style statue

Sometimes, it’s important to recognize the pioneers who kick-started it all.

PSY’s 2012 hit “Gangnam Style” was K-pop’s first global sensation. While the iconic horse dance is what most people remember, the song’s viral success was a catalyst for the current golden age of South Korean pop music.

Pay a visit to the Gangnam Style statue, located at the east gate of Gangnam’s Starfield COEX Mall. The statue features a larger-than-life depiction of PSY’s hands from the iconic music video. Occasionally, the song plays, and an information screen nearby provides a bit of history.

Above all, the statue serves as a reminder of how far K-pop has come in global culture.

Starfield COEX Mall, 513 Yeongdong-daero, Samseong 1(il)-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea