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Do you love K-pop? Then you should visit these places!
As Hallyu is taking over the world like a storm, more tourists and international students are packing their bags and heading to the heart of Korean pop culture, Seoul. Seoul acts as the home of the biggest K-pop management companies, various K-pop tourist attractions, numerous filming locations of the most popular K-dramas, and much more! Even the honorary ambassadors of Seoul are none other than South Korea’s favourite septet, BTS. As a K-pop fan, I’ve compiled a list of four must-see locations. So, start writing your travel bucket lists and make unforgettable memories during your study abroad semester in Seoul!
1. Myeong-dong (명동), 109-2 Myeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Myeong-dong is a vibrant shopping district in Seoul, which attracts millions of tourists and K-pop fans every year. It is known for its street food stalls, various shops, and cafes as well as for underground shopping centres. You can find your favourite idol’s merchandise and albums for affordable prices at Myeong-dong. Besides K-pop items, you can shop for make-up, clothes and accessories or try the most amazing Korean street food like tteokbokki or hotteok. Remember to spare enough time for looking around as you may lose track of time there!
The easiest way to get to Myeong-dong is by subway. The nearest station is Myeong-dong Station (exit 7). Its opening hours are from 10 am to 9 pm.
2. Taking pictures in front of your favourite idol’s agency
Seoul is the hot spot for K-pop agencies. You can visit the entertainment companies, take photos in front of the building, visit the cafés around it where the idols usually go. Maybe you will have a chance to see a glimpse of your favourite artists!
YG Entertainment
YG acts as a home for super popular groups like BIGBANG, BLACKPINK and iKON. The headquarter is in Hapjeong-dong in Mapo-gu and is easily accessible via subway. With its unique design, it is hard to miss!
SM Entertainment
SM Entertainment is one of the largest entertainment agencies in South Korea and is responsible for popularizing K-pop globally since the ’90s. The label represents artists such as Super Junior, EXO and Red Velvet. As it is located in Gangnam near Han-river Park, you can also visit the beautiful park while being there!
JYP Entertainment
One of the most known agencies in South Korea is JYP Entertainment. It is the home for groups like TWICE and Stray Kids. It is near another tourist attraction called K-Star Road, which has many Hallyu attractions.
HYBE & HYBE Insight
HYBE, previously known as Big Hit Ent., is the home of one of the most successful boybands worldwide, BTS. In addition, popular groups like TXT, Enhypen and Seventeen are part of the HYBE Corporation. HYBEs HQ is in Yongsan Trade Center in Yongsan-gu. The perfect place to visit if you are an army!
Besides its being an HQ for HYBE, it also has a museum called HYBE Insight. It holds different exhibitions and acts as a place for fans and artists to meet through music. Fans can also buy merchandise from the museum shop. The shop is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 11 am to 9.30 pm. The tickets range from 22,000 KRW to 25,000 KRW.
3. Attend a K-pop dance lesson
Join a dance class and learn your favourite K-pop choreography with your friends! Seoul is full of dance studios where you can master the most iconic choreographies or attend a regular class with one of the best teachers in the dance scene. If you prefer a regular dance class, check out 1MDancestudio! 1MILLIONdancestudio is one of the trendiest dance studios, where you can attend a single class or buy tickets to multiple classes.
4. Visit music video- and variety show shooting locations
South Korea is full of locations where music video shootings have taken place! You can visit the places and recreate the scenes with your friends. If you’re a big BTS fan, you might want to head to Gangneun to visit Jumunijn beach. The city has built a bus stop identical to BTS’ album cover ‘You Never Walk Alone’, where tourists and fans can take pictures. Another must-visit place for BTS fans is Café Camptong. It is located near Apgujeong Rodeo and was used as a set to shoot Run BTS episode 118-119.
Are you interested in studying abroad in Seoul, South Korea?
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This blog post was written by our intern Aura (who identifies as an army)!
