5 places in South Korea to visit if you are a K-pop fan

In recent years, South Korean culture has increasingly won over international audiences, in a phenomenon known as Hallyu, or Korean Wave. In addition to K-dramas, beauty or culinary items, one of the main attractions has been K-pop, which draws crowds of fans from all over the world.

Thanks to this, South Korea has faced an increase in the number of tourists, who seek to visit the country to have a chance to explore places featured in films, series, music videos, or just mentioned by their favorite celebrities.

With that in mind, RECREIO put together a list of 5 places in South Korea that you need to visit if you’re a K-pop fan. Check it out!

1. Gangnam Style Statue

The song “Gangnam Style”, by the soloist PSYis one of the biggest hits in the history of K-pop, being one of the songs responsible for helping the growth of the genre internationally, today with more than 5.3 billion views on its YouTube clip.

In the lyrics, PSY makes reference to the extravagant and high-standard lifestyle lived in the Gangnam neighborhood, located in Seoul, the country’s capital. As a tribute to the track, a giant bronze statue was produced with two hands representing the iconic choreography of the chorus, which has become a must-see tourist spot for K-pop fans.

Address: 524 Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam District, Seoul

2. ZMILLENNIL Café

Simply called cafes, coffee shops are extremely popular in South Korea. Formerly known as “MAGNATE”, ZMILLENNIL cafe is owned by the father of Jiminby BTS, and has several details related to the idol, including paintings and some clothing items used by the artist.

With a spacious area and modern and elegant decor, the house’s specialty is coffee and sweets, with a wide variety on its menu. In addition, you also have the chance to be attended by your own father. Jiminwhich is always active at the establishment.

Address: 1786-19, Daeyeon-dong, Nam-gu, Busan

3. K-Star Avenue

Also located in the Gangnam neighborhood, K-Star Avenue, or just K-Star Road, is a street that has countless personalized dolls with references to different K-pop artists.

Bear-shaped, the statues are located along the entire length of the avenue, each with a different design, paying homage to groups such as BTS, KARA, EXO, miss A, 4MINUTE and much more.

Address: 517 Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam District, Seoul

4. Aweol Monsant Coffee

If you go to Jeju Island, in addition to finding beautiful landscapes of beaches and inactive volcanoes, which served as the setting for different k-pop videos, it is also worth visiting the Aweol Monsant cafe, a G-Dragonleader of BIGBANG.

With a sophisticated decor, and glass windows that allow you to see the beautiful view of the sea, making it an unmissable option to watch the sunset, the café has different types of coffee, juices, macarons and cookies on its menu.

Address: 2546 Aewol-ri, Aewol-eup, Cheju, Jeju-do

5. Entertainment companies

Finally, the main must-see stop for K-pop fans in South Korea is entertainment companies. Although many do not allow the public to enter, some still have stores or cafes where fans can visit — and, if you’re lucky, you might even see an idol arriving or leaving work. Check the addresses of some agencies:

• YG Entertainment: 7, Heewoojeong-ro 1-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
• SM Entertainment: 83-21, Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
• JYP Entertainment: 205, Gangdongdae-ro, Gangdong-gu, Seoul
• HYBE: 42 Hangang-daero, Hangangno 3 (sam)-ga, Yongsan-gu, Seoul