K-Pop Agencies & Fan Shops

For those K-pop fans traveling to Seoul, agency headquarters are a must-see! To bring fans closer to their favorite K-pop stars, many agencies run merch stores or cafés that add a special touch to the experience. 🙌🏻 Here’s your guide to Korea’s K-pop agencies, the K-pop stars they’ve produced over the years, and some nearby popular fan shops! 💝

As Korea's oldest major entertainment agency, SM Entertainment paved the way for K-pop as we know it, from perfecting the trainee system to shaping the industry. Now based in D TOWER near Seoul Forest Station, their HQ has become a must-visit for fans. With merch shops, photo zones, and spaces designed just for fans, it's the perfect spot to feel closer to your favorite SM idols!

The SM Entertainment building is connected to Seoul Forest Station. You can find Kwangya Seoul, an SM merchandise shop on the B1 level. The first floor features a screen playing K-pop idol videos and an SM café, but the second floor and above are off-limits.

Founded by a former member of the iconic '90s group Seo Taiji and Boys, YG Entertainment carved its niche with hip-hop and street-style music. Celebrated for its focus on creativity, YG artists are deeply involved in songwriting, composing, and producing. In recent years, the company has become a global powerhouse, with BLACK PINK leading the charge on the world stage!

YG Entertainment’s HQ near Hapjeong Station might be off-limits to visitors, but don’t worry—just across the street is The SameE, a cozy café and merch shop perfect for fans! You can sip on coffee while grabbing your favorite YG goods. ou can also check out their merch stores in Myeongdong or Insadong instead!

Founded in 1997 by iconic singer-songwriter Park Jinyoung, JYP Entertainment is known for its top-notch training system that shapes stars in vocals, dance, and languages. From talent scouting to producing hits, Park has been hands-on from the start. With global sensations like TWICE and Stray Kids, JYP solidified its place as a K-POP powerhouse.

Located near the KSPO DOME, where many idol and artist performances take place, this spot is popular with fans before and after concerts. However, please note that the building itself is off-limits to the public!

Originally founded as Big Hit Entertainment, the company rebranded to HYBE in 2021. As the youngest of Korea's major entertainment agencies, HYBE has made a huge impact. Thanks to BTS, it achieved worldwide recognition, and groups like SEVENTEEN and LE SSERAFIM are continuing its global success. With offices in the U.S. and Japan, HYBE has firmly established itself as a global entertainment leader.

HYBE is located near Yongsan Station, close to the Hangang River. This neighborhood has become a fan hotspot, with birthday cafe events and ads popping up at nearby bus stops and cafes.

Starship Entertainment, home to singers, idols, and actors, is known for producing top-tier music and unforgettable performances. One of their breakout groups, IVE (featuring K-pop star Jang Wonyoung), is taking Korea by storm. Their HQ is in the trendy Cheongdam-dong area, but it's not open to the public.

Since 2006, CUBE Entertainment has launched successful idols like 4Minute, Beast, and BTOB, and is now home to rising stars such as (G)I-DLE and Pentagon. Located in Seongsu-dong, a popular Seoul spot, CUBE's headquarters features "Cubi Story," a cozy café where fans can check out artist merch and music videos.

Sadly, you can't find any merch shops at JYP or HYBE, but there're plenty of MD shops featuring albums, photo cards, and other official goodies in Seoul, especially in Myeongdong! These shops also carry merch from other idol groups, making it a fun stop for fans to explore.