What to See, Eat and Do in Korea (and Beyond)
The Pompompurin’s Waa-ang Mandu Pop-Up (폼폼푸린의 와-앙만두) has taken over the 6th floor of Yongsan I’Park Mall’s Living Park, turning the space into an adorable little dumpling restaurant starring Pompompurin and his friends. The whole concept is based around 왕만두 (wang-mandu), those big, fluffy Korean steamed buns, and pretty much everything, from the displays to the merchandise, has been given a mandu makeover.
Pokémon Mega Festa 2026 continues here in Seoul with a gorgeous pop-up inspired by Korean minhwa (민화), or traditional folk painting, complete with Korean-inspired scenery, autumn imagery and traditional architecture. Oh and did I mention “Hanbok Pikachu”? Yes, lots and lots of hanbok wearing Pikachu just in time for Chuseok.
You probably already know that Seoul LOVES a good pop-up. But every once in a while, one comes along that feels like it was truly made for the fans. Enter Tears on a Withered Flower (시든 꽃에 눈물을). The hugely popular romance webtoon has officially taken over the Yongsan I’Park Mall’s webtoon pop-up zone.
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).
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.
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.
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.
