K-Pop Merch? Yes please!
Whether or not you enjoy K-pop, there’s probably a thing or two that you usually do that’s influenced by the K-wave or what we now know as hallyu. You might notice Korean restaurants popping left and right and that’s because of the increasing demand of Filipinos who love watching dramas and jamming to their songs.
But for any K-pop fan, South Korea is the top destination in mind to fully enjoy their fangirling world. Aside from this is the home country of every biggest K-pop group in the world, it’s also your best source of limited edition collectibles, albums, and other merchandise pieces.
Aside from Seoul’s charm, consider visiting these stores to discover another side of South Korea and yes, that includes unapologetically purchasing must-haves from your ultimate bias!
Music Korea
One of the biggest retailers in South Korea, Music Korea is well-known to international fans because of its online store but it also has a physical store in Myeongdong. This is a haven for every fan since it doesn’t only sell albums but also other collectibles such as photocards and posters.
Source: Music Korea Website
It’s easy to spot Music Korea in Myeongdong (it’s across a huge UNIQLO building) so you can visit this store the next time you go and shop in Myeongdong. While you’re at it, stop by the Myeongdong Underground Shopping Center to see more merchandise items from your favorite group.
Music Korea
Address: 3F, 52, Myeongdong 8na-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Contact Information: +82 31-946-8210
Store Hours: 9:30 am to 10:30 pm
KTown4U
Located in Dongdaemun, another hot spot for tourists, KTown4U also opened a physical store here back in 2017. But this store initially gained traction because of its online store where K-pop fans can find rare merchandise items like light sticks, magazines, and photocards. The store is also near the Dongdaemun History & Culture Park so you’ll have a feast immersing yourself in South Korea’s culture when visiting Dongdaemun.
Source: KTown4U Instagram
Earlier this year, they opened another pop-up offline store called “KTOWN4U Samseong branch” in Seoul’s Gangnam-gu area.
KTown4U
Address: Dongdaemun Design Plaza: D281, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul Design Market B2 No.7
S or 18, Teheran-ro 83-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Contact Information: [email protected]
Burutturak (Buru’s Ddeurak)
Established in 1979, Burutturak or Buru’s Ddeurak is one of the first stores dedicated to selling albums with different genres and it has maintained its classic charm which is why this is still one of the go-to shops of every K-pop fan.
Source: Burutturak (Buru’s Ddeurak) Website
Burutturak is also in Myeongdong so you can dedicate more time to store hop and look for the rarest collectibles that you can bring home. Don’t fret if you still can’t book a flight to South Korea yet, this rustic shop has an online shop that’s easy to navigate for international fans.
Burutturak (Buru’s Ddeurak)
Address: 37-1 Myeongdong 8na-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
Contact Information: (+82) 776-6353
Store Hours: 10 am to 10:30 pm daily
Synnara
You probably know that your favorite K-pop groups are topping the music charts because of their loyal fanbase but make that count when you buy those albums in Synnara. They have an online store for those who are abroad but if you happen to be in South Korea, you won’t regret going to Synnara.
Source: Synnara Facebook
Synnara
Address: I’Park Mall: 140-780 55, Hangang-daero 23-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Contact Information: (+82) 31-262-2882
YES24
If you want to help your idol top the chart, buying an album in YES24 will make a count, too. Their online store is still up and running but they also managed to expand their physical stores in Seoul. As of this writing, they have three branches that every fan can visit.
YES24
Address: Hongdae: 2, 3F, 25, Hongik-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Mokdong: YES24 Secondary Store, University Building, 406-21, Mok1-dong, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul
Gangnam: CES Bldg., 816 Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Contact Information: [email protected]
Kyobo Book Center
Aside from albums, books and magazines are one of the items that K-pop fans love to have. Kyobo is one of the trusted book stores in South Korea and their flagship store at Gwanghwamun is one of the biggest bookstores in Seoul.
Source: Kyobo Book Center Website
Kyobo Book Center
Address: (Gwanghwamun branch) 1 Jong-ro, Jongno 1(il), Jongno-gu
Contact Information: (+82) 1544 1900
I Doll Look
When we mentioned South Korea as every K-pop fan’s haven, we weren’t kidding. You’ll normally hear about stores selling albums and merch items like lightsticks but you might be surprised that there are stores that specifically sell plush toys and limited edition accessories and one of those stores is I Doll Look. They also have branches in Busan and Seomyeon but their branch near Hongik University in Seoul is easier to access for tourists.
Source: I Doll Look Website
I Doll Look
Address: 74, Hongik-ro 6-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Contact Information:(+82) 707-721-6065
Store Hours: 11 am to 11 pm daily
SP Factory
Also located in Hongdae, SP Factory is known for releasing EXO-inspired plush dolls and accessories so while you’re in the area, make sure to check out SP Factory and you’ll instantly fall in love with what’s in store for you.
Source: SP Factory Instagram
SP Factory
Address: 6F, 31, Wausan-ro 21-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Store Hours: 12nn to 11 pm daily
Social: Twitter
If you’re planning on visiting South Korea soon, it’d be good to plan ahead and purchase important must-haves even before reaching the airport. You can buy visitor sim cards with data, train passes, and transit cards at a discounted rate here.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Be a responsible traveler! All information on this post are accurate from the time of writing. Rules, regulations and guidelines are updated frequently and may change without Klook’s prior notice. For your safety, check with the respective LGU’s and establishments directly before your travels.
