From Gangnam Style to K-drama, Blackpink and BTS, Korean pop culture has taken the world by storm. Now, a global sensation with millions of ardent fans and casual enjoyers from all cultures and all walks of life. It’s easy to be swept up in the Hallyu or Korean Wave, what with the catchy tunes, stylish fashion, charming idols, meticulously choreographed dances, concerts and music videos; as well as heart-stopping, soul-warming TV shows and movies, year after year.
Everyone is welcomed to K-pop culture. And if you’re a fan like us, visiting K-pop capital Seoul can be a pure fun, awesome, and inspiring experience! So here’s your complete travel guide for total K-pop cultural immersion!
K-Star Road: The heart of K-pop
Gangnam is the trendsetter hub of South Korea, and home to over half of K-pop entertainment studios and companies. K-Star Road is where Korean idols are ‘born’.
Located just out the exit of Apgujeong Rodeo Station, K-Star Road begins with cute life-sized bear sculptures of the world’s most popular Korean idols and groups, all along the street. Take a photo with each unique design! Also don’t miss the majestic murals of your favourite K-stars. Visit the entertainment companies that created them, and savour the coffee and vibes at their unique stylish cafés. You might even run into your favourite idols!
Make Your Own K-pop Video at HiKR Ground
Want to feel what it’s like to be in a K-pop video? Then let’s go to the HiKR Ground! Located within the Korea Tourism Organization Seoul Center in Jung-gu District, HiKR Ground is a multimedia, multisensory hub that lets you fully immerse in the history, evolution and celebration of K-pop culture. The first floor houses the magnificent HiKR Wall of various Korean media arts. On the second floor, you can make your own K-pop music video in a myriad of virtual scenes at the XR Live Studio. You can also experience the sights and sounds of tourism spots from all over South Korea on the third and fourth floors – through immersive virtual spaces, cutting-edge artworks and fascinating exhibitions.
Support the budding talents at Hongdae and Sinchon
K-pop isn’t limited to the stars and idols, but also spreads and thrives through youth culture. And, the colourful trendy streets of Hongdae District is where budding K-pop musicians often showcase their talents, by busking to the youthful street crowd. Let them serenade and surprise you with their passionate, fun, and energetic performances!
Hongdae is also packed with cheeky, creative street designs, trendy stores and galleries brimming with Korean youth culture. So, check them out too!
One metro station away from Hongdae is Sinchon, another hub for Korean youths, with a dynamic plaza vibe along the vibrant boulevards. Buskers and street dancers perform here regularly. The budding talents often showcase their K-pop songs and dance routines, cheered on by throngs of youthful supporters. K-pop idols and groups hold meet-and-greet events here as well.
Experience traditional Korea with BTS
The K-pop mega-group BTS is beloved for many reasons, but among the boys’ heartthrob qualities is their deep roots in Korean tradition – with shows, performances and tours at the monumental sites as the gateway into Korean history and culture for their global fans. You can absolutely follow BTS’s footsteps and experience the rich cultural legacy of South Korea.
Start at the grand Sungnyemun Gate. Colloquially known as Namdaemun or Grand South Gate, where BTS had their opening performance for the 2021 Global Citizen Live worldwide charity entertainment event. Officially dubbed by the Korean government as National Treasure no.1, Sungnyemun is one of the Four Great Gates of old Seoul. Intricately built with wood in the traditional Korean archway design, with a history that dates back to the 14th Century. A site of cultural and historical significance to this day.
Next, head out to the Yongin Dae Jang Geum Park, just an hour from Seoul in the Gyeonggi Province. The park is South Korea’s largest historical drama set, with streets and houses built based on historical records of the architecture of the Three-Kingdom Periods in the Joseon Dynasty. It is a popular filming location for historical K-dramas like Jewel in the Palace, and where BTS’s Suga shot his iconic Daechwita music video.
Finally, the majestic Gyeongbokgung Palace is a must-visit for BTS fans, where the group recorded performances wearing traditional Hanbok at the palace’s various iconic spaces; including the Geunjeongjeon Hall, the Gyeonghoeru Pavilion in the palace’s great pond, the vibrantly colourful Heungnyemun Gate, and the antique Korea House.
Relive your favourite K-drama scenes at iconic locales
The romance, tension and heart-rending drama of South Korean TV shows and movies are set at iconic landmarks. Here’s a quick list of them that are absolutely worth a visit.
N Seoul Tower is atop the mountain peak of Namsan Park, with a breath-taking skyline view of Seoul. The ultimate romantic spot for so many of our favourite screen couples as they “lock” their love away onto the railing at the base of the tower.
If you’ve just finished your BTS traditional tour above, then step out the Gyeongbokgung Palace to Gwanghwamun Square, the bustling hub of art museums, cultural markets and historic monuments, including the great statues of two Korean legends, Yi Sun Sin and King Sejong. Fans of The King: Eternal Monarch would recognize the iconic horse-riding scene here!
Near Gwanghwamun Square is the colourful Cheonggyecheon Stream, with festivals, lanterns, artworks and exhibitions all along the walk trail. The site of many K-drama dates seen in Chicago Typewriter, Vincenzo, See You In My 19th Life, Heartbeat, and more.
If you’ve ever loved a K-drama with a traditional setting, then you’ve probably seen Bukchon Hanok Village. Visit the locale in person and take in the rich historic vibes. It has served as a backdrop for dramas such as Goblin, Hotel del Luna, My Roommate is a Gumiho, and more. Wear a Hanbok when you’re there for a free tour.
Among South Korea’s top three elite universities is Yonsei University. With green-covered traditional architecture and scenic campus grounds, it’s a popular location for school romance K-dramas such as True Beauty, Extraordinary You, Reply 1994, and more.
Hangang Parks are the set of many K-dramas and movies across all genres, with a scenic riverside garden, picnic spots, bike trails and awesome skyline views of Seoul. Yeouido Hangang Park is an iconic filming backdrop for K-dramas such as Squid Game, What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim, Navillera, and more.
Discover the soul of South Korea
Even if you’re just a casual K-pop enjoyer or not a fan at all, the locations above are worth a visit for an authentic experience of South Korean culture and the unique city vibes of Seoul, where tradition meets modernity. Discover even more amazing places to visit for your South Korea holiday at Visit Korea Year 2023-2024 and Korea Tourism Organization websites.
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