5 K-pop hotspots I want to visit in Seoul

A ticket to Korea hasn’t been bought yet, but a girl can dream right?

For over five and a half years I have been studying the Korean language. I did take some huge breaks from studying, but I have never stopped studying Korean culture. From history books to reading fiction books based on tales or history of the country. But I also love watching K-dramas or enjoy listening to K-pop.
Even though it hasn’t been in the cards for me to visit Korea yet, I do like to make lists of places I would like to visit one day. For today’s blogpost I explored certain places that are K-pop inspired and are high on my list of places I want to go to in Seoul.  

Gyeongbokgung 
The palace with an incredibly rich history has been the backdrop of multiple BTS performances. Established in 1395, it was the first royal palace of the Joseon dynasty. I have read so much already about that specific era that I can’t wait to see the breathtaking setting one day for myself and go on one of the historical tours. Among the first landmarks in Seoul this palace truly stands out to me for many reasons, but as someone who admires the Korean language I have to geek out about the fact that the native Korean script Hangul was invented at the palace. This was with assistance from part of the Hall of Worthies during the reign of Sejong the Great 1418–1450. 

Unfortunately during a war in the 16th century the palace was completely burned down. Only in the late 19th century was it restored. Nevertheless, the place holds great significance. Little fun fact: entrance is free for visitors wearing hanbok!

Naksan Park
While watching KPop Demon Hunters I was reminded of the city views and cinematic vibes (literally, you can see this spot in some K-dramas!) from Naksan Park. The panoramic views of Seoul and the old fortress walls are really something either by day or night. 

National Museum of Korea
Well, you probably have guessed it… I love studying history. The National Museum of Korea displays relics and artifacts throughout six permanent exhibition galleries such as Prehistory and Ancient History Gallery, Medieval and Early Modern History Gallery, Donation Gallery, Calligraphy and Painting Gallery, Asian Art Gallery, and Sculpture and Crafts Gallery. As someone who used to work in a museum my jaw dropped by the thought that the museum contains over 310,000 pieces in its collection with about 15,000 pieces on display at one time. It makes sense it is the sixth largest museum in the world in terms of floor space!
If you’re not as much of a history geek like me, you might know this place from BTS performance “Dear Class of 2020”.

Daeo Bookstore
The oldest bookstore in Seoul I got to know when BTS’ RM went there and posted it on his Instagram. As a booklover and someone who has been working for over a decade in bookpublishing I feel so inspired by different bookstores, especially the old ones. I am always wondering: how do they do it? What’s their collection and clientele like?
But first… I do need to do some more studying! Even though I can read basic sentences in Hangul, it’s not enough to read a book yet. But I am sure I will make it work one day.

Line Friends Myeongdong
Honestly I was not expecting this blog to be so BTS focused, but here we go! I think it is also because BTS has been Seoul ambassadors for a long time, so they had lots of filming opportunities around the city. And well, that’s how I got to know the city as well when I got into K-pop. Talking about K-pop and BTS reminded me that there is this store I have hoped to visit one day ever since I became an ARMY in 2020. I adore my own BT21 collection and hope to do some (okay, probably a lot of) shopping at Line Friends in Myeongdong. In the store you can even compare your hand size with BTS’. 

POCA SPOT
Let’s stay in Myeongdong for a bit with POCA SPOT, the world’s largest offline photocard store. As someone who loves photocards this spot is a must-visit destination. Home to the largest photocard collection, over 350.000 photocard types, I am sure you will find your favourite K-pop group in store! You can quickly and easily purchase the photo cards you want through the kiosk. With the same-day pickup, you can pick up your photocards at the store quickly and safely.

You can find POCA SPOT at different locations around Seoul, the 3F stores focus on photocard purchases via kiosks, but the 2F stores offer various physical products such as vending machines, mystery packs, and lucky draw items. Yes, you read that right. Photocards of famous groups can be purchased randomly through vending machines. Move over trendy blind boxes, this sounds more like my jam!

The store in Myeongdong has an unboxing zone and a vending machine. If you find yourself in Hongdae, check out the first flagship store. Besides the kiosk, there is a photo spot where you can capture unforgettable moments, featuring K-pop merchandise and fan-inspired interiors.

Every location has its own vibe. I also dig that the POCA SPOT 2F stores have special zones, an exhibition space for birthdays, comebacks, and anniversaries. This is a great way to connect with other fans and maybe explore the city together. I also think it’s cool they display and sell extremely rare photocards. It offers a unique collection experience beyond just shopping, it is a fan experience.

To my dear blogreaders,
I have been honoured to collaborate with POCA SPOT for this blog! So for everyone who travels to or is in Korea and want to visit POCA SPOT, please enjoy a discount:
Katja5

Valid until: December 31, 2025

There are tons of other K-pop spots I hope to visit one day in Seoul, but these are my top 5 K-pop hotspots I want to visit in Seoul. 

Have you ever been to Seoul? If yes, what was your favourite spot to go to? 

Love,

This blogpost was made in collaboration with POCA SPOT. Thank you so much for reaching out to me, it is a dream come true!