Introduction: The K-Pop Fan's Pilgrimage

For K-Pop fans, visiting Korea isn't just a trip but a pilgrimage. From attending K-Pop concerts and music shows, to visiting entertainment agencies in Gangnam, to joining cup sleeve events that celebrate your favorite idols' birthdays or anniversaries, to shopping in streets overflowing with albums and official merch — Seoul is the ultimate destination for fans.

View from outside my hotel in Myeongdong

One of the coolest things I experienced during my trip to Korea was attending my very first Stage Greeting, a unique tradition in the Korean movie scene that lets fans meet the cast and crew of a film up close, right inside the cinema!

If you had told Summer 2024 me, during the absolute peak of my Popmart obsession, that I’d be staying in a hotel right above Popmart Myeongdong, I probably would’ve been so thrilled. 😆 This stay felt like a field trip for that era of my life, even if my collection craze has cooled down a bit since then.

That's the door to the hotel, just right next to Pop Mart's!

If you're a K-pop or K-drama fan heading to Korea, here's a travel tip you need to try at least once: watch a live award show! 

If you’ve ever visited Seoul, chances are you’ve heard of Ikseondong, the charming hanok village tucked away in the heart of the city. Most people explore it during the day, wandering its photogenic alleyways, sipping matcha in tiny cafés, and popping into local boutiques. But here's a little secret: Ikseondong at night hits different.