Jimin “MUSE” Smeraldo Garden Pop-Up

Just last week I found myself braving Korea’s terrible monsoon weather to attend V’s ‘ARTSPACE: TYPE 1’ Exhibition and Pop-Up Store. Somehow I found myself once again braving the terrible summer weather this week to get into Jimin’s “MUSE” Smeraldo Garden Pop-Up which was in celebration of the release of his second solo album, “MUSE.” This pop-up is a Seoul exclusive which means it won’t be available anywhere else in the world

Unlike V’s pop-up, the only way to get into this one was to wait in line outside the venue before its 11 AM opening for on-site registration. Unfortunately for me, that meant standing outside in Korea’s blistering summer heat of 33°C (91°F) in about 80% humidity for over an hour and it wasn’t easy. I was 291th in line, meaning people had probably been in line since midnight like at the BTS Monochrome Pop-Up. Even so, it only took 3 hrs to get called in as I waited in a nearby air conditioned cafe.

The pop-up itself was actually held at a wedding hall designed to look like a giant greenhouse. The inside was spacious and filled with plenty of natural light, hardwood flooring, tall white pillars and luscious green plants. Honestly, it had Jimin aesthetics written all over it. Although the location is a bit remote, the aesthetics were right on point.

MUSE Merch and Freebies

If you’re one of the lucky ones, and thankfully I was, you’re greeted at the door with a free blue rose from Jimin. So cute! I was also given a stamp rally card with 5 missions on it. Being the competitive OCD person I am, you know I HAD to complete it to get my hands on the special gift, which turned out to be a commemorative event ticket that even my husband had to admit was pretty cool.

Of course, the highlight of this pop-up was the the exclusive merch, so I went straight for that first. They were already sold out of the tie scarf that I wanted, but luckily everything else was still in stock. I picked up a poster and magnet set, a lucky draw keychain and two matching t-shirts for me and my mom. The t-shirts were definitely the best items because there were 5 different designs to choose from, plus an open collar shirt with some beautiful embroidery on the front pocket. It was a tough choice, but in the end my mom and I decided on the baby blue tee.

As for the freebies, it really depends on whether you buy an album or not. If you spend at least 100,000 KRW you get an exclusive photo sticker, but if you spend at least 100,000 KRW (including 1 album) you get a lucky draw photo card, tattoo sticker and an exclusive photo sticker. If you spend at least 150,000 KRW you get an exclusive photo sticker and photo booth coupon, but if you spend at least 150,000 KRW (including 1 album) you get a lucky draw photo card, tattoo sticker, exclusive photo sticker and photo booth coupon. Finally If you spend at least 200,000 KRW you get an exclusive photo sticker, photo booth coupon, exclusive photo bookmark and “Muse” DIY strap, but if you spend at least 200,000 KRW (including 1 album) you get a lucky draw photo card, tattoo sticker, exclusive photo sticker, photo booth coupon, exclusive photo bookmark and “Muse DIY strap.”

The MUSE Photo Zones and Cafe

Aside from spending your hard earned cash there are lots of pretty photo zones to take pictures in and you can spot bits of Jimin’s lyrics taped around various parts of the venue. There’s also a special writing station where you can write a message to Jimin and tie it to a garden wall. It was so pretty!

My favorite part of the pop-up was actually the Smeraldo Garden Cafe, which served special “MUSE” themed drinks and desserts. It’s something that hasn’t been done at one of these events before and I just thought it was a really unique idea. Not to mention I’m an absolute sucker for themed cafes.

I ordered the Serenade Iced Tea (Mango + Jasmine Green Tea) and Blooming Cup Yanggaeng (Soda favored sweet white bean jelly). To my surprise they were actually both really good! Light, refreshing and aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Instagram worthy for sure.

Was it worth the effort? Definitely! The pop-up was beautiful and I really loved the merch and freebies I got, especially the rose. But if you missed out and still want a taste of Jimin’s “MUSE” Smeraldo Garden Pop-Up, the “MUSE” themed drinks and desserts will still be available for two weeks at Myosa Seoul and Ichi Seoul after the pop-up officially ends. Be sure to head over to their IG for more details.

Where is the MUSE Pop-Up?

The “MUSE” Smeraldo Garden Pop-up is located in Gangnam, but barely. The closest subway station is Suseo Station on the Line No. 3 (orange line). From there, you’ll be taking the 3413, 3426 or 4425 buses from just outside of exit no. 1. Take it just one stop and then it’ll be a 5 minute walk from there.

• Date: 2024. 07. 22 ~ 2024. 07. 28
• Time: 11:00AM – 8:00PM
• Address:
  • 24 Gwangpyeong-ro 34-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (1F-3F) (Google Maps)
  • 서울특별시 강남구 광평로34길 24 (Naver Map)