Part of being a K-pop fan is buying merch: albums, photocards, plushies, etc. And part of going to Korea is getting these items in person. We’ve got you covered. Here are the best offline Kpop shops in Seoul.
Physical Stores
Seoul has so many physical K-pop stores, you might be wondering where to start. Worry no more and grab your phone or a notepad, because we have a lot of names for you!
Music Korea
Image Credits: Music Korea via Instagram
Based in Myeongdong (a certified K-pop hub, as we’ll soon see), Music Korea is the go-to for all your K-pop album needs. You can pre-order them online or buy them directly from the physical store, plus there are discounts on used albums. And if you’re not a K-pop fan, there are non-Korean/Western albums available. Music Korea also hosts idol video calls and fan signings – keep an eye on their Instagram for upcoming events!
Address: 3F, 52, Myeongdong 8-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea
Ktown4u
Image Credits: Image via Ktown4u
Looking to buy a lightstick or add to your photocard collection? Ktown4u has you covered, with both offline and online stores. Besides fansigns and video calls, the offline store hosts other promotions and contests, including this month's Korea Invitation Event, where you could win a free trip to Korea. Definitely check it out if you’re looking to travel this year! (The deadline is June 30.) Follow their Instagram for more announcements.
Address: D281, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul Design Market B2 NO.7
Buruttrak
Image Credits: Image via Vinyl World
Also called “Buru’s Ddeurak” or “Ttrak of Bloo,” this store has been open since 1979. You’ll find CDs, DVDs, and even LPs at this spot. If you’re looking to get into older Korean music (think first gen K-pop and earlier), then Buruttrak is your best bet. However, you can also get merch from newer groups. Plus, they’ll be slightly cheaper than at other stores. You never know what you'll find – make Buruttrak a stop on your K-pop expedition!
Image Credits: Rotem Elia via Google Maps
Address: 37-1 Myeongdong 8na-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Myeongdong Underground Shopping Center
Image Credits: Image via Trazy
This underground shopping mall has a bevy of K-pop stores for fans looking to get quality merch at a discount price: clothes, plushies, pins, and of course albums. We especially recommend the “Myeongdong Character” store found in D-2. Watch our tour to see what treasures the Seoulteam found!
Address: Seoul B 72, Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu
M2U Record
Image Credits: Image via M2U Record
Let’s step out of Myeongdong for a bit and go to Sinchon-dong. Our next store offers a variety of music, from very new groups like BOYNEXTDOOR to older soloists like Jang Sa-Ik. M2U Record also offers lucky draw events and fan-signings exclusive to Korean fans. There are two other locations in Seoul: the Nuri Dream Mall and LOTTE Cinema.
Image Credits: Unnie in Manila via Instagram
Address: 87-12, Sinchon-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea 6th floor
Kyobo HOTTRACKS
Image Credits: Andi Roselund via Quora
Kyobo HOTTRACKS has offline branches across the city and even across the country. You can find all kinds of stationary, books, and household items here. However, there are also K-pop items, like albums, photocards, and posters. If you were to visit one branch, we'd suggest the Gwanghwamun store, as you’re guaranteed to find what you’re looking for – as well as things you maybe don’t need but will probably buy anyway.
Address: 1 Jongno 1(il)-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea, etc.
withmuu
Image Credits: 莉 via Instagram
We have good news and bad news. The good news is that you’ll find any kind of K-pop merch your heart desires: lightsticks, banners, clothing. The bad news is that you won’t know what to choose! The Hongdae branch has a café that you can visit if you’re still up to spending. And there are always special events going on, including a fansign and showcase for YENA’s upcoming album HATE XX (to be released on June 27).
Address: 2nd Floor, 173-12 Donggyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Idolllook/I Doll Look
Image Credits: Courtesy of VisitKorea Travel via Korea Tourism Organization
We’ve now entered cuteness overload. IDOLLLOOK is a doll clothing store with adorable outfits that come in three different sizes, along with matching accessories. You can dress up your bias as a waffle, sheep, or even a flower. The offline stores also have photo zones where you can do photoshoots with your doll. If you’re not in Seoul, there’s also a branch in Busan.
Address: 74, Hongik-ro 6-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
SM TOWN Stardium
Image Credits: Image via Hello Vacation
Calling all EXO-Ls, E.L.Fs, S♡NEs, and other fans of SM groups: this next store is for you! You'll find merch of all kinds for your favorite groups, including mugs and bracelets. Here, you can also buy a personalized T-shirt with your initials or a handwritten message printed on it. This particular branch is located in the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, but you can find other locations in Seoul.
Address: 281 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
Everline Music&Cafe
Image Credits: Images via Everline
Both an online and offline store, Everline has something for everyone: K-pop merch, delicious coffee and desserts, and events like sales and fansigns. What sets this store apart, however, are the pop-ups and collabs it does for artist comebacks. Guess which event this photo was taken at!
Image Credits: ㅈㅇㅇ via Instagram
Address: 9-15, Gaehwadong-ro 17-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul
SP Factory
Image Credits: VisitKorea Travel via Korea Tourism Organization
We couldn’t help ourselves. Here’s another idol doll store, specifically for EXO-Ls! There are hanboks, outfits from EXO’s iconic music videos, and animal costumes. Like Idolllook, the dolls themselves aren’t for sale. Clothing is available in two different sizes. Have fun styling!
Image Credits: jq via Twitter
Address: 6F, 31, Wausan-ro 21-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Line Friends Hongdae Flagship Store
Image Credits: Nina Kwon via Instagram
From EXO to BTS, or specifically BT21. At this flagship store, you can find merch with Kooky, Chimmy, Tata, and the other characters, including stickers, shirts, and everyone's favorite stuffies. There are also life-sized statues you can pose with, making it the perfect place for an ARMY photoshoot.
Address: 160-5 1-2층, Donggyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Pop-up Stores
Besides permanent stores, you can also find temporary K-pop pop-up stores for comebacks and anniversaries. We visited a BTS & SEVENTEEN “In the SOOP” pop-up store a few years ago at The Hyundai Seoul and filmed a vlog just for you!
The downside about pop-up stores is that you don’t know when they’ll appear, and when they do, it’s only for a few days or weeks. LE SSERAFIM’s pop-up in Seongsu-dong, for example, was only open from April 26-May 7, 2023. FEARNOTs and other K-pop fans were able to buy clothing, accessories, albums, and even desserts and drinks for a limited time.
Image Credits: hiromi via Instagram
Are any of our Atiny Seoulmates currently in Seoul? To celebrate ATEEZ’s comeback, you can visit pop-up stores located in several parts of the city, including The Hyundai Seoul (until June 21, below) and Everline (until June 25 at the Yeonnam location and June 21 at the others). We highly recommend you check them out before they’re gone!
Image Credits: Chloe/cyouinseoul via TikTok
If you’re looking to catch a pop-up in the future, then follow The Hyundai Seoul's and Everline's websites and your favorite artists' social media. You might be lucky next time!
Seoulbox: K-pop, Snacks, and More!
Of course, if you can’t make it to these stores in person, you can search up websites like KPOPTOWN, KPOPMART, and KPOP REPUBLIC. However, you can also find K-pop merch boxes or individual items in snack boxes, including our Seoulboxes!
Our snack boxes come with one piece of merch, which in the past have included BT21 socks and BLACKPINK Oreos. And our current Seoulbox Life is K-pop-themed! Seoulbox Life Ultimate K-popper’s Box includes a BTS shirt, NewJeans badges, and Stray Kids stickers. Order one today to start or enhance your K-pop journey!
Image Credits: Julie W via Seoulbox
We hope you get the chance to explore these stores. Keep an eye out in your city or region – maybe there’s a K-pop store close to you. Good luck!
