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 cafรฉs that add a special touch to the experience. ๐๐ป Hereโs your guide to Koreaโs K-pop agencies, the K-pop stars theyโve produced over the years, and some nearby popular fan shops! ๐
๐ถ๏ธ NCT & aespa
SM Entertainment
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!
โจ Popular SM idols โจ
- Hearts2Hearts
https://x.com/Hearts2Hearts/photo
A multinational 8-member girl group made their debut on February 24, 2024, marking the first girl group launch in five years since aespa. Their debut albumโs title track, "The Chase," surpassed 400,000 copies in first-week sales.
- RIIZE
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Debuting in 2023, RIIZE is a multinational boy group making waves both in Korea and Japan. Featuring members like former NCT member Shotaro and rising visual standout Wonbin, the group is quickly gaining recognition and popularity.
- aespa
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One of Korea's hottest girl groups, aespa has garnered attention with its unique concept of interacting with avatars in virtual reality. In 2024, they expanded their reach by debuting in Japan with their first single.
- NCT
facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1766817360240519&set=a.275519027274266
Operating under the concept of "infinite expansion," NCT features members performing in diverse sub-units. Their global tours span regions including North and South America, Europe, and Asia, showcasing their unparalleled versatility.
- Red Velvet
facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1024332939063254&set=a.263133985183157
A girl group embodying dual concepts of vibrant and bold "Red" and elegant and sophisticated "Velvet." Known for their stunning visuals and talent, they enjoy immense popularity, especially among female fans.
- EXO
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A boy group with a sci-fi-inspired concept of superpowered boys from "EXO Planet" landing on Earth. Initially divided into EXO-K, focusing on Korea, and EXO-M, targeting China, they've become global icons with their unique lore.
- Super Junior
x.com/SJofficial/photo
Debuting in 2005, this 13-member boy group has been winning fans over with their catchy songs and grand performances. Loved across Asia, theyโve also shown their versatility through sub-units like K.R.Y and D&E, bringing even more to the table!
- TVXQ!
facebook.com/tvxq
Originally debuting as a five-member boy group with a name that means Rising Gods of the East, TVXQ! is now a dynamic duo performing mainly in Japan and Korea. With their powerful performances, they've been stealing hearts across Asia since their debut, especially in Japan!
๐ SM Fan Shop: Kwangya Seoul
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 cafรฉ, but the second floor and above are off-limits.
๐ BLACKPINK & BIGBANG
YG Entertainment
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!
โจ Popular YG idols โจ
- BLACKPINK
facebook.com/BLACKPINKOFFICIAL
As YG's flagship girl group, BLACKPINK blends boldness with femininity, captivating a global audience with their versatile charm. Recently, the members have also gained traction with their dynamic solo projects.
- BIGBANG
facebook.com/BIGBANG
Dubbed "The Beatles of Korea," this iconic boy group has achieved international acclaim across Japan, Europe, and beyond. Member G-Dragon remains a fashion icon in Korea, and the group recently ended a long hiatus with a much-anticipated comeback.
- WINNER
facebook.com/OfficialYGWINNER
Formed through a YG survival program, WINNER gained experience as opening acts for Japan's dome tours even before their debut. Their emotive music and undeniable talent continue to win hearts both in Korea and overseas.
- TREASURE
facebook.com/OfficialTreasure
This 10-member boy group emerged victorious from another YG survival program, earning multiple rookie awards upon debut. In 2024, their Japanese tour attracted 300,000 fans, with successful shows across other Asian countries as well.
- BABYMONSTER
facebook.com/BABYMONSTER.ygofficial
A multinational girl group with standout skills and unique individuality, BABYMONSTER has been making waves both domestically and internationally. Their polished performances set a high standard for rookie acts.
๐ YG Fan Shop: The Same E
YG Entertainmentโs HQ near Hapjeong Station might be off-limits to visitors, but donโt worryโjust across the street is The SameE, a cozy cafรฉ 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!
- YG EntertainmentMust-See ยท Hongdae
- The Same ECafe/Dessert ยท Hongdae
- The SameE InsaShopping ยท Gwanghwamun
- The SameE (Myeongdong)Shopping ยท Myeongdong
โค๏ธโ๐ฅ Stray Kids & NMIXX
JYP Entertainment
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.
โจ Popular JYP idols โจ
- Kick Flip
https://x.com/kickflip_jype/photo
Four of the members were selected through the SBS audition program "LOUD," while the remaining three were JYP trainees. On January 6, they released a pre-debut single, "Yeah, Okay," followed by their official debut on January 20 with their first mini-album, Flip It, Kick It!
- DAY6
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A standout in the K-POP scene, DAY6 is known for their impressive vocals, musicianship, and songwriting skills. Their past albums have seen impressive chart comebacks, proving their lasting appeal and popularity.
- NMIXX
facebook.com/NMIXXOfficial
Praised as one of the best live performers among 4th-generation girl groups, NMIXX pioneers the "Mix-Pop" genre by blending multiple music styles into a single track. Member Haewon stands out with her charisma, currently dominating Korean commercials and variety shows.
- ITZY
facebook.com/OfficialItzy
Known for their high-energy performances and impressive live vocals, ITZY rose to fame by sweeping rookie awards. Member Chaeryeong, who competed on a Korean audition program with her twin sister Chaeyeon, has found her spotlight in ITZY, while Chaeyeon pursues a solo career.
- Stray Kids
facebook.com/JYPEStrayKids
This powerhouse boy group excels in visuals, talent, and songwriting. The team was formed by "Bang Chan," who personally selected the members at the time of debut, showcasing a wide music spectrum and unique musical genres.
- TWICE
facebook.com/JYPETWICE
A defining girl group of K-POP's third generation, TWICE enjoys massive popularity for their broad appeal and strong fanbase. The Japanese unit group MISAMO, formed by members Mina, Sana, and Momo, has also become a sensation.
๐ JYP & KSPO DOME
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!
๐ BTS & TXT
HYBE Entertainment
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.
โจ Popular HYBE idols โจ
- BTS
facebook.com/bangtan.official
A seven-member boy group that has contributed immensely to K-POP's global success. Known for holding numerous "first" and "largest" titles in K-POP history, BTS initially started as a hip-hop group led by RM. Through evolution and fine-tuning, they emerged as a group excelling in dance, vocals, and rap, capturing hearts worldwide.
- SEVENTEEN
facebook.com/seventeennews
Initially introduced as a 17-member group with an average age of 17, SEVENTEEN debuted with 13 members after a rigorous pre-debut journey. Famous for their synchronized and complex performances, the group continues to impress with their stagecraft and creativity.
- ENHYPEN
facebook.com/officialENHYPEN
A multinational boy group formed through a 2020 music audition program, ENHYPEN quickly gained recognition for their stellar performances and stage presence. They hold the distinction of being the fastest K-POP boy group to perform at Tokyo Dome.
- LE SSERAFIM
facebook.com/official.lesserafim
HYBE's first girl group after its rebranding, LE SSERAFIM garnered early attention thanks to the members who appeared on the audition show "Produce 48." Member Huh Yunjin even turned down a U.S. university offer to join the group, underscoring their passion and commitment.
- TOMORROW X TOGETHER
facebook.com/TXT.bighit
From their debut album, TXT made waves on the Billboard charts. The group name means "different people coming together under one dream in hopes of building a better tomorrow." Targeting Gen Z, their boyish charm and fairy tale-like storytelling in their songs have captivated fans globally.
๐ HYBE & Yongsan Station
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.
Other Entertainment Agencies
โ๏ธ Starship Entertainment
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.
IVE, MONSTA X, CRAVITY, and more
Rookie Girl Group
Before revealing the membersโ profiles, the music video for "I DO ME" was released on February 16. With its powerful beat and confident lyrics, the video showcased the five members' unique styles and diverse charms. The digital single "I DO ME" was officially released on February 24, followed by their debut album, set to drop on March 24.
โ๏ธ CUBE Entertainment
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 cafรฉ where fans can check out artist merch and music videos.
(G)I-DLE, Pentagon, and more
โจ K-POP Fan Shops
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.