12 places any K-pop stan must visit in Seoul (2024)

If you're an NCT fan, head to this cafe at Seongsu, recommended by Haechan. The NCT 127 and NCT DREAM member had rave reviews about its chestnut basque cheesecake. Most people would pair it with South Korean favourite iced Americano even in winter, but the cafe has other non-coffee options. It’s located on level two, so do look out for the signage outside the building. The cafe is quite cosy so go during non-peak hours to get a seat. It is closed on Mondays. Seosony is at 668-13 Seongsu-dong 1(il)-ga Seongdong-gu.

If you're a fan of a lot of groups from various companies, but you only have time to check out one shop, this is the shop to be at. It stocks up albums and merch from various labels, so whether you're a fan of New Jeans, Blackpink, or Le Sserafim, you might be able to find some things that will tickle your fancy. They also have older merchandise that would be hard to procure anywhere else. The best thing yet? The official merchandise for SM artists is priced around the same as Kwangya! If you head there during the time of an album release, you might even be able to participate in a lucky draw event to get a special photocard! They have two outlets – one in Myeongdong, and another Hongdae.
Withmuu is at multiple locations.

Want to go for colour consultation, but unsure of which company to choose? The good news is that this place was featured on NCT DREAM’s Chenle and Jisung’s YouTube channel. Their packages include an English translator on-site, and you can even top up to have your makeup done and photos taken! Slots get filled up fast, so be sure to book early.
646-17 Seongsan-dong Mapo-gu

You can’t not go to Lotte Department Store if you’re in Myeongdong. Think of it as Takashimaya S.C. which has an array of local and international brands. Once you’re done shopping, head to the adjoining building Lotte Young Plaza, which has brands that cater to a younger crowd. Head to the basem*nt where you will be enthralled by the K-pop merch at Music Art Myeongdong Palette Branch. It has quite an extensive selection of TWICE merch, so if you're a ONCE (Twice fan), you would love it here.
Lotte Young Plaza is at 123 Namdaemunno 2(i)-ga Jung-gu,Seoul, South Korea

You probably would have seen K-pop fans taking photos of artists’ handprints on TikTok. The display can be found right outside COEX. You can compare your hand size with your biases, just for funsies. The famous Gangnam Style hand statue is also found here. When you’re done, walk about a minute to KTOWN4U, a K-pop shop that stocks merch, albums and decor items for photocard toploaders. Starfield COEX Mall is also known for the Instagrammable library, so snap a photo for your feed while you’re there!
Starfield COEX Area is at 513 Yeongdong-daero Gangnam-gu.

Looking for albums and magazines? Head to this bookstore that has both. It’s a bit like Popular, so you might be able to find some reads for yourself too! Heads-up: Korean magazines are thick, so it might add some weight to your baggage if you're planning to bring a few copies back. Like Popular, they also stock cute stationery, in case you're in the market for cute school or office supplies. They have outlets all over Seoul, including one in COEX.
Multiple locations

If you're a TOMORROW X TOGETHER fan, or specifically a Beomgyu fan, you might want to visit this vinyl shop that he went to in a YouTube video. It could be a TikTok or Instagram opp for yourself, but there is also a chance for you to find the LP you’ve been looking for.
248 Itaewon-ro Yongsan-gu

If you love walks in the parks, you would love this place, which has different types of flowers blooming, depending on the season you go. The parks have benches scattered all over, and you might notice some bear plaques adorned with celebrities’ names. These are the benches “adopted” by fans, under their bench adoption programme. Fans can pay a sum to have their favourite celebrities’ name on the bench, and the money goes towards park maintenance. Some celebrities with names on the benches include the BTS members, NCT’s Mark and Cha Eunwoo.
Seoul Forest is at 273 Ttukseom-ro, Seongdong-gu

Looking to squeeze in a makeover? Head to this hair salon that is frequented by a lot of top Korean celebrities. The salon is opened by a hairstylist who is best known to have worked with EXO since they debuted. The hairstyling team has worked with TWICE, Cravity, LE SSERAFIM and more.
Bit & Boot is at 100-6 Cheongdam-dong Gangnam-gu

Pieces from this brand have been on the likes of IU, BTS’ V, IVE’s Jang Wonyoung and more. Their flagship store at Itaewon can get pretty crowded, so we suggest going to other branches, such as the Lotte World Tower Mall. They have a range of T-shirts, sweatshirts and accessories such as caps.
Mardi Mercredi is at multiple locations

Do you love cats and K-pop? Then you’d love this streetwear brand, whose apparel and accessories have been spotted on Itzy, Blackpink, (G)-idle, NCT Dream, and many more. They are best known for their cat design, including the slogan “I love cats not you” and “Cats are my IDOL”. They don’t have a physical store, but you can make a reservation to go to the showroom in Itaewon to buy the products. Do note that the showroom only opens on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, from 2pm to 7pm.
Itzavibe is at 201-2, 54-14, Itaewon-ro 27ga-gil, Yongsan-gu
A version of this article was first published in Singapore Women's Weekly