What to See, Eat and Do in Korea (and Beyond)
If you grew up watching Dragon Ball, there’s a pretty good chance you have at…
If you've been following my Pokémon coverage this year, you already know that 2026 has…
If you've ever wondered what it would be like to walk through the world of…
Dragon Ball: Heroes Rise Asia Tour has officially landed in Seoul, and this is definitely not your average pop-up. Instead of simply displaying pieces behind glass, the exhibition takes you through some of the most iconic moments in the Dragon Ball universe with life-sized characters, recreated scenes, interactive games, photo zones and digital missions. So naturally, I had to check it out.
Pokémon Starlight Paradise has arrived at Lotte World Mall in Jamsil, featuring an impossible to miss, giant pokéball sitting right in the middle of the lawn. The ball is actually a giant dome that you can walk through. And inside is one of the most whimsical Pokémon displays I’ve seen so far. Imagine a rainbow lit pond filled with glowing Magikarp lanterns and beautiful sky projections all across the entire ceiling of the dome. Truly an immersive experience.
This summer, Seongsu is playing host to the Ryoko Kui Exhibition & Delicious in Dungeon: Labyrinth Exploration, marking the first time the acclaimed exhibition has come to Korea. Originally touring Japan to celebrate the hit manga and anime, the exhibition combines an art retrospective of creator Ryoko Kui’s work with an immersive dungeon experience inspired by Delicious in Dungeon (known in Japanese as Dungeon Meshi and Korean as Dungeon Bap).
Tucked away in Jung-gu near Yaksu Station, Chunpoong Brewery (춘풍양조장) is one of the most interesting traditional alcohol experiences you can have in Seoul right now. Part brewery, part history lesson and part tasting experience, Chunpoong is helping introduce a new generation of people to Korean makgeolli but with a surprisingly modern twist.
Cre8Cookies has been serving up the best homemade cookies in Seoul since 2016, and I should know because that’s how long I’ve been eating there. And while built they’ve built a reputation on deliciously oversized cookies, brownies, and American-style baked goodness, recently, they decided to take a step back, rebrand, and expand before reopening in a big new way.
Just a short walk from Hongdae and tucked away in Yeonnam-dong, Mariber Studio offers one of the cutest and most unique workshops I’ve come across in Seoul. Instead of browsing display cases, you’ll shape, carve, fire, polish, and finish a genuine sterling silver ring or charm that you design yourself.
If Seoul Forest wasn’t already one of my favorite places in the city, the 2026 Seoul International Garden Show cemented it. Thanks to the months long event, there are shops, events, and 167 custom-designed garden spaces. That’s 167 more reasons to visit one of the most popular places in Seoul.
There’s a version of Seoul in spring and summer that looks perfect: cherry blossoms, river picnics, blue skies and sunny days. Then there’s the version you actually experience after about 20 minutes outside: heat, humidity and mild dizziness from walking everywhere. If you’re in Seoul during this time, there are three things that quietly make or break your entire day: sunscreen, deodorant, and hydration.
As if Seoul wasn’t already overloaded with pop-ups this spring, Pokémon just said “hold my Poké Ball.” The city has basically turned into one giant Pokémon playground thanks to Pokémon Mega Festa 2026, a massive city-wide event celebrating Pokémon’s 30th anniversary. And honestly? Even people who aren’t hardcore Pokémon fans are getting pulled in because the photo zones, merch, and nostalgia levels are ridiculously good right now.
The Pokémon 30th Anniversary Party is one of the main events of Pokémon Mega Festa 2026, a citywide celebration marking 30 years of Pokémon. Throughout May, Olive Young has teamed up with 61 beauty and lifestyle brands to release around 230 Pokémon-themed products and special gifts. And while you can find many of these products at any Olive Young, the biggest and most immersive location is Olive Young N Seongsu, where the Trendpot space has been turned into a giant Pokémon-themed party complete with photo zones, exclusive merchandise, and limited-edition collaborations.
If you somehow survived the original KPop Demon Hunters obsession last year, I regret to inform you that Seoul has decided to bring it back full circle. To celebrate the film’s first anniversary, the official KPop Demon Hunters One Year Anniversary POP-UP has just opened at The Hyundai Seoul, and it’s already becoming one of the busiest fandom events in the city right now.
Right now Seoul is hosting the Seoul International Garden Show. Last year it was held at Boramae Park and featured the adorable Metamong (Ditto) Garden. This year the show is being held at Seoul Forest and features 167 themed gardens, including the Pokémon Secret Forest.
