What to See, Eat and Do in Korea (and Beyond)
If Seoul Forest wasn’t already one of my favorite places in the city, the 2026…
There’s a version of Seoul in summer that looks perfect: roses in blossom, river picnics,…
As if Seoul wasn’t already overloaded with pop-ups this spring, Pokémon just said “hold my…
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.
Metamong Playground is basically a giant Ditto-themed universe hidden in Seongsu and the entire thing feels aggressively designed for social media in the best possible way (for the most part). Just picture purple everywhere, massive Ditto sculptures, Ditto walls, Ditto desserts, Ditto merch, Ditto chaos! In case you haven’t pieced it together, we’re pretty big on Ditto out here in Korea.
A complete guide to the Hirono pop-up in Seoul—learn about the character, the artist Lang, and what to expect at this immersive Seongsu event.
There are a lot of essentials people tell you to bring to Seoul during the spring and summer seasons. Comfortable shoes, portable fans, a light cardigan for those chilly cafés. But if there’s one thing that actually changes your entire day here, it’s sunscreen. Not just applying it once in the morning, but having one you’ll actually use throughout the day. Because Seoul in warmer months means walking way more than you planned, being outside longer than expected and sunlight that feels subtle… until it’s not.
The Hangang Drone Light Show is back with 5 shows planned for the spring season starting with a BT21 themed show on April 10th. This will be kick off the Seoul Spring Festival and each session includes special performances and a mini drone show in addition to the main drone show. I’ve been to quite of few of these over the years and honestly they just keep getting better and better.
There’s a very specific moment every year in Seoul where the city blossoms. The air gets warmer. People stay outside longer. The Han River starts filling up again. And right now, that moment is happening. The Seoul Spring Festival isn’t just one event, it’s the whole city turning itself into a giant, ongoing experience. So, if you’re in Seoul right now, this is what you’re actually stepping into.
The Spotify x BTS “SWIMSIDE” cruise might be one of the most uniquely curated events of this entire comeback era (so far) and I actually managed to snag an invite. The SWIMSIDE cruise was part of a larger global campaign between Spotify and BTS celebrating their comeback album “Arirang.” For three nights only (March 27–29, 2026), selected fans boarded a themed cruise departing from Yeouido Hangang Park and sailed along the Han River.
