BTS ‘Arirang’ Pop-Up at Shinsegae: What to Expect + Must-Buy Merch (Seoul)

BTS has officially returned having had a successful and FREE, I might add, comeback concert in the center of Seoul for the world to see. And with the return of BTS come a whole bunch of BTS themed events including not one, but two merch pop-ups! The BTS ‘Arirang’ pop-up is currently being held at both HYBE headquarters and Shinsegae’s main branch in Myeongdong. And the experiences couldn’t be any more different.

While the HYBE pop-up feels like a gallery, the BTS ‘Arirang’ pop-up at Shinsegae Department Store Main Branch is an immersive exhibit. Located inside Shinsegae’s “The Heritage” space, this pop-up immediately feels more… well, just MORE! There’s more to see, more to do, and definitely more to buy in terms of completely stocked up merchandise. From the moment you walk in, it’s clear this is designed for fans who want the full “Arirang era” experience, not just a glimpse of it.

The exhibit space is divided into themed sections that bring different parts of the album to life. “Rooted in Music” focuses on studio-inspired visuals with guitars, headphones, cassette tapes on display. “Rooted in Korea” is a wall of stunning black and white photography with cultural motifs woven into the displays. There are even mirrors mixed in to actually include Army in the experience. “LP” is a space that displays each members individual color coded version of “Arirang” while “Living Legend” features items included in the album box set.

My favorite part was the “What Is Your Love Song” station. Here you get to pick your favorite track from the album, choose your favorite group picture and add your name to get a personal digital message and souvenir from BTS. And best of all, you can download both a photo and video version to keep! It’s simple, but it hits, especially when you see the handwritten-style messages tied to each song.

Of course the second half of the pop-up is the actual store where you can purchase merch from their latest “Arirang” drop. They have everything from lamps, mugs and candles to hoodies, t-shirts and caps. Yes, they even have the coveted newly released Army Bomb and Cradle. Each item is limited to one per person with the exception of t-shirts and hoodies where you can purchase one of each design in every size. Compared to the HYBE location, I found that this one carried more inventory and restocked more frequently.

Much like the HYBE location, the crowds were well controlled leaving plenty of space to comfortably enjoy the exhibit and take lots of photos and videos. The staff was super friendly and often offered to help take photos for anyone who needed an extra hand. So if I had to choose between the two, this one would be it. It’s much more interactive, and as a fan, you simply feel so much more from it… you feel a part of it. So if you’re in Seoul between March 20 – April 12, don’t miss your chance to check it out.

• 🗓 March 20 – April 12, 2026
• ⏰ 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM
• 📍Shinsegae The Main (Naver Map, Google Maps)
• 🎟 Free (reservations required)