Main Direction and Purpose: This 7-day Seoul Korean pop culture (K-pop) travel plan is for a K-pop fan who wants to immerse themselves in the music, fashion, and culture of Korea. The itinerary includes visits to popular K-pop studios, shopping for K-pop merchandise, attending concerts, and trying Korean street food.
Day 1: Arrive in Seoul and check into the Aventree Hotel Jongno. Visit the SM Town COEX Artium, a K-pop studio owned by SM Entertainment. Take the subway from Jongno 3-ga station to Samseong station (Line 2), and the COEX mall is a 5-minute walk. Spend around 2 hours exploring the studio and taking photos. Have lunch at the COEX mall’s food court and try Korean street food such as Tteokbokki, Fried Chicken, and Gimbap. In the evening, visit the Gangnam district to see the famous “Gangnam Style” horse statue and have dinner at one of the nearby Korean BBQ restaurants. Take a taxi back to the hotel (approx. 30 minutes, 10,000 KRW).
Day 2: Start the day by visiting the JYP Entertainment studio. Take the subway from Jongno 3-ga station to Apgujeong station (Line 3), and the studio is a 10-minute walk. Spend around 2 hours exploring the studio and taking photos. Have lunch at the Apgujeong Rodeo Street, known for its high-end fashion boutiques and trendy cafes. In the afternoon, visit the SMTOWN Theatre and watch a K-pop concert featuring the top artists of SM Entertainment. Have dinner at one of the Myeongdong street food stalls and try delicacies such as Hotteok, Odeng, and Beondegi. Take the subway back to the hotel (approx. 30 minutes, 1,250 KRW).
Day 3: Take a day trip to the famous Lotte World theme park, located on the outskirts of Seoul. Take the subway from Jongno 3-ga station, transfer to Line 2 at Dongdaemun History & Culture Park station, and get off at Jamsil station (Line 2). The park is a 10-minute walk from the station. Spend the whole day enjoying the thrilling rides, parades, and shows. Have lunch at one of the food courts inside the park and try Korean fast food such as Kimbap, Ramyeon, and Tteokbokki. Take a taxi back to the hotel (approx. 45 minutes, 20,000 KRW).
Day 4: Visit the YG Entertainment studio, the home of popular K-pop groups such as BIGBANG and BLACKPINK. Take the subway from Jongno 3-ga station to Hapjeong station (Line 2), and the studio is a 5-minute walk. Spend around 2 hours exploring the studio and taking photos. Have lunch at the Hongdae district, known for its urban street art and indie music scene. In the afternoon, visit the SM Town Museum and learn about the history of K-pop and its impact on Korean culture. Have dinner at one of the Insadong traditional Korean restaurants and try dishes such as Bibimbap, Japchae, and Bulgogi. Take the subway back to the hotel (approx. 20 minutes, 1,250 KRW).
Day 5: Take a day trip to the Nami Island, an island located about an hour’s drive from Seoul. Book a tour or rent a car to get there. Spend the whole day enjoying the natural beauty of the island, which is famous for its tree-lined roads, gardens, and riverside walks. Have lunch at one of the island’s restaurants and try Korean dishes such as Galbijjim, Jjajangmyeon, and Haemul Pajeon. Take a taxi back to the hotel (approx. 1 hour, 50,000 KRW) or stay overnight at one of the island’s hotels.
Day 6: Attend a K-pop concert or fan meeting featuring your favorite artist. Check online for upcoming events and book tickets in advance. Have lunch at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, a cultural complex known for its futuristic architecture and fashion exhibitions. In the afternoon, visit the K-Star Road, a street in Gangnam famous for its K-pop murals and handprints of popular artists. Have dinner at one of the Gwangjang Market’s street stalls and try Korean specialties such as Mayak Gimbap, Sundae, and Yukhoe. Take a taxi back to the hotel (approx. 30 minutes, 10,000 KRW).
Day 7: Visit the SM Entertainment’s SUM Market, a K-pop merchandise store located inside the SMTOWN COEX Artium. Buy souvenirs such as album CDs, light sticks, photo cards, and T-shirts. Have lunch at one of the Itaewon’s international restaurants and try cuisines such as Italian, Mexican, or Turkish. Spend the rest of the day shopping at the Myeongdong district, known for its trendy fashion boutiques and cosmetic shops. Have dinner at one of the Hongdae’s live music bars and enjoy the Korean indie music scene. Take the subway back to the hotel (approx. 20 minutes, 1,250 KRW).
FAQs:
Q: How much does it cost to attend a K-pop concert or fan meeting?
A: The ticket prices vary depending on the artist and the venue. You can expect to pay anywhere from 50,000 KRW to 300,000 KRW per ticket.
Q: What is the best way to get around Seoul?
A: The subway system is efficient, affordable, and covers most of Seoul’s tourist destinations. Taxis are also widely available, but they can be costly during rush hours or late at night.
Q: Is it safe to eat Korean street food?
A: Yes, Korean street food is safe to eat, but you should be careful of hygiene and choose reputable vendors. Avoid eating raw or undercooked food, and drink bottled water to stay hydrated.
Q: Where can I buy K-pop merchandise in Seoul?
A: You can buy K-pop merchandise at SUM Market inside SMTOWN COEX Artium, Myeongdong Underground Shopping Center, and Insadong shopping streets. Be aware of counterfeit products and make sure to buy from authorized vendors.
