Explore Seoul's 2025 K-POP travel course for global fans—featuring Gangnam, SM metaverse, transit tips, etiquette, and must-see landmarks.
Seoul has become a pilgrimage site for K-POP fans worldwide. This immersive 1-day travel guide offers a curated journey through must-visit destinations in Gangnam and SM Universe, along with practical travel tips. By combining transit convenience, cultural etiquette, and tech-based fan experiences, this guide helps global fans make the most of their K-POP adventure in Seoul.
Essential Travel Tips for K-POP Fans in Seoul
Getting Around Seoul with Ease
Seoul’s public transport system is highly accessible, clean, and efficient. Subways and buses operate from approximately 5:30 a.m. to midnight and offer multilingual signage in Korean, English, and Chinese. For easy travel, foreign tourists are recommended to use a rechargeable T-money card, which works across buses and subways with transfer discounts. These cards are available at convenience stores and subway stations.
Alternatives include the M-Pass (unlimited rides for a fixed period) and the Climate Companion Card (monthly pass for unlimited rides in Seoul). These options help reduce transportation costs, allowing fans to explore K-POP destinations across the city with minimal hassle.
Must-Have Navigation Apps in Korea
Global map apps such as Google Maps often provide limited routing in Korea. Instead, local apps like Naver Map and KakaoMap are highly recommended.
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Naver Map: Offers updated street views and detailed listings of nearby cafes, attractions, and restaurants. Available in English, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.
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KakaoMap: Provides accurate routes for walking, driving, and public transport with live traffic updates and nearby search functions. Supports English and Korean.
These apps improve independent navigation and reduce reliance on group tours or guides, offering fans a more authentic experience.
Understanding Basic Korean Etiquette
Respecting local customs enhances your travel experience and promotes positive cultural exchange. Foreign fans should be aware of the following etiquette:
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Greetings: A light bow is a respectful way to greet, especially towards elders.
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Shoes Off: Remove shoes when entering homes, traditional houses (hanok), and certain restaurants.
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Quiet on Transit: Speak softly and avoid eating on subways and buses.
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Use Both Hands: When handing or receiving items (like money), use both hands.
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Dining Manners: Wait for the oldest person to start the meal first, and fill others’ cups before your own. No tipping is required.
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Modest Clothing: Dress appropriately, especially when visiting temples or sacred sites.
Understanding these social norms helps fans engage respectfully with Korean culture and ensures smoother interactions throughout the trip.
1-Day K-POP Itinerary in Gangnam and SM Universe
K-Star Road: A Visual Celebration of Idols
Located in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam, K-Star Road features colorful bear-shaped sculptures representing top K-POP groups like BTS and EXO. It’s a popular photo zone surrounded by trendy boutiques, beauty salons, and cafes. This street symbolizes Korea’s idol culture and attracts fans year-round.
Upcoming events such as the 2025 G-KPOP Concert and Garosugil Design Week will add even more value to this area, transforming it into a vibrant cultural district. K-Star Road reflects both the legacy and ongoing momentum of the Hallyu wave.
COEX Mall: K-POP Fan Heaven
Located in Gangnam, COEX Mall is a sprawling underground shopping complex that includes Ktown4u, a dedicated K-Culture zone for fans.
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2F (Square): Shop for albums, photobooks, lightsticks, and K-POP accessories.
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3F (Academy): Take part in dance and vocal lessons.
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4F (Space): Join events such as comeback pop-ups or lucky draws.
Admission is free, but classes require separate fees. The mall also features handprint monuments of former SM artists and the famous Gangnam Style statue, a tribute to PSY’s global hit. The statue plays the song and displays its lyrics, making it a favorite photo spot.
Nearby attractions include the Starfield Library and COEX Aquarium, offering more to see beyond the K-POP experience. COEX functions as a centralized hub where fans can shop, learn, and connect—all in one place.
KWANGYA@SEOUL: Enter the SM Metaverse
Near Seoul Forest Station in Seongdong District lies KWANGYA@SEOUL, a flagship store and cultural space by SM Entertainment. Located in the basement, it blends physical and virtual reality for an immersive fan experience.
KWANGYA@SEOUL showcases official merchandise, signed albums, and AR experiences for groups like EXO, NCT, aespa, and Red Velvet. Visitors can leave digital messages, view holographic content, and explore interactive installations.
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Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily (closed on Lunar New Year and Chuseok).
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Admission: Free.
This space exemplifies how fan interactions have evolved in the digital age. It redefines fan engagement through cutting-edge technology, making it more than just a store—it’s a glimpse into the future of the K-POP industry.
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Immersive, Tech-Driven, and Culture-Rich K-POP Travel
Seoul offers more than photo ops or souvenir shops. It is a fully integrated K-POP tourism experience powered by technology, efficient public transport, and a deep respect for cultural heritage. From the visual icons of K-Star Road to the futuristic metaverse of KWANGYA@SEOUL, this travel route empowers fans to participate actively in the culture they love.
K-POP in Seoul is not just something to watch—it’s something to live. With a balance of entertainment and education, tradition and innovation, this 1-day journey allows global fans to truly connect with the world of K-POP.