If you’ve been following my Pokémon coverage this year, you already know that 2026 has been a pretty wild year for Pokémon in Seoul. From Pokémon Secret Forest and Metamong Playground to the Pokémon 30th Anniversary events and, of course, that infamous Magikarp promo card that caused absolute chaos in Seoul. It feels like Pokémon has been everywhere. And now there’s another chapter.
Pokémon Starlight Paradise
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.
Aside from the gorgeous display, the dome is filled with merch booths of all the Pokémon collaborations I can think of including Lego, Uniqlo, Legodt and even the Lotte Giants. I’ve got to say, it took all of my strength to walk away from that Lotte Giants Snorlax jersey. And of course there were also booths selling all sorts of figures, blind boxes, bag charms and plushies. So in the end I did come out of it with an adorable Korea exclusive “Floofy Flat Slowpoke” that I am currently obsessed with.
Outside of the dome is a cute little food market with some Pokémon themed eats like a pokéball dosirak, Chikorita popcorn and Ditto dot cake. I really had my heart set on a Pikachu crepe, but they were so backed up on orders it would’ve taken around 40 minutes to get mine. So I settled on a Pikachu katsu that I had to “customize” with ketchup myself. It came out… adequate, but delicious.
And probably the biggest draw would have to be the return of the Magikarp promotional card. After everything that happened with the original Mega Festa Magikarp promo, Pokémon Korea is giving fans another opportunity to receive a Magikarp promotional card through the Starlight Magikarp Wish experience. All you have to do is write a wish on a special Pokémon star card and trade it in for the promo card (after an ID check first of course).
This event does require a reservation that you can make using the Lotte ON or Lotte Department Store Mall app. Each reservation can admit up to two people, but you can only receive one promo card per reservation. Luckily, my husband and I made separate reservations and were able to each receive a card. But if you can’t swing a reservation here, I recommend going inside the mall to check out the Magikarp pop-up store.
Pokémon Mureungdowon
Pokémon Mureungdowon (포켓몬 무릉도원) is a special Magikarp themed pop-up that is currently taking over the 1st floor Atrium inside the Lotte World Mall as part of Pokémon Mega Festa 2026. The name is a play on mureungdowon (무릉도원), a Korean expression referring to an idyllic, almost mythical paradise. And that is exactly the idea behind the pop-up. You follow Magikarp into a mysterious paradise filled with Pokémon, whimsical scenery and of course merchandise.
You can get your hands on exclusive merchandise including the new “Magikarp, It’s Okay to Be Weak!” collection, Pokémon card packs, Ditto plushies and mascot keychains, Pokémon 30th Anniversary lucky draw items and even the Pokémon anime OST album. The shop itself is mostly photo zones because you actually shop via NFC. Simply add to cart and then head to the register to pay and receive your items. It makes the shop feel a bit empty, but the process is pretty efficient.
The pop-up shop does require an on-site reservation. Simply enter your e-mail or a Korean phone number into the kiosk to be added to the digital queue. And while you’re waiting, there is one more event area that doesn’t require a reservation at all. The Pokémon Capsule Toy Zone!
Pokémon Capsule Toy Zone
If you’re into bag charms, cute toys and figures, this is the most interesting spot to spend your money. The Pokémon Capsule Toy Zone has lots of unique items and even some event exclusives like the Magikarp stress ball and Magikarp shaking acrylic keyring. People leave with bags full of capsule toys either trying to collect a full set or searching for an elusive golden Magikarp. The capsules change once they run out, so if you see something you want be sure to grab it while you can.
If you’re visiting Seoul before the end of August, this is definitely one of the more fun pop-ups to add to your itinerary, especially because you can combine it with everything else around Jamsil. And honestly, after all the drama I’ve already experienced trying to get that Magikarp promo card… of course I had to come see what Magikarp was up to next.
- Pokémon Starlight Paradise
- 🗓 August 16 ~ 31, 2026
- ⏰️ 10:30 am ~ 10:00 pm
- 📍 Lotte World Mall Arena Square
- 🎟 Free (App Reservation Required)
- Pokémon Mureungdowon
- 🗓 August 16 ~ 31, 2026
- ⏰️ 10:30 am ~ 10:00 pm
- 📍 Lotte World Mall 1st floor Atrium
- 🎟 Free (On-site Reservation Required)
- Pokemon Capsule Toy Zone
- 🗓 August 16 ~ 31, 2026
- ⏰️ 10:30 am ~ 10:00 pm
- 📍 Lotte World Mall 1st floor
- 🎟 Free
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