Pop-Up Culture in South Korea: June 2025 Edition
South Korea’s obsession with pop-up stores isn’t slowing down. These temporary, high-impact retail events offer more than just merch—they’re full-on experiences. For June 2025, the lineup features everything from retro anime nostalgia and trendy soju lounges to a K-pop fan haven. Whether you’re into quirky art, fandom culture, or immersive brand storytelling, there’s a pop-up waiting for you. Here are five you won’t want to miss.
1. Zeroni Home Party Pop-Up
If K-pop merch and aesthetic party vibes are your thing, zeroni’s Home Party Pop-Up in Hongdae should be your first stop. This event marks K-POP SQUARE’s debut project, delivering a fully curated home party experience, complete with exclusive MD and fan perks.
Spend over 50,000 KRW and receive a random unreleased photocard (out of 9 designs). Every visitor gets a free “Chichini” fan—while supplies last. The atmosphere is vibrant, colorful, and Instagram-ready, making it an ideal spot for fans and collectors alike. You can make a pre-reservation on the Line Friends Square website or walk in.
- Location: K-POP SQUARE, 1F, 141 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
- Dates: June 20 – June 29, 2025
- Hours: Daily, 11:00 – 22:00
2. Earth Arcade Pop-Up Store: Uju Tteokjip
Taking a hilariously absurd twist on traditional Korean rice cake shops, this pop-up inspired by the variety show Earth Arcade transforms into “Uju Tteokjip”—a cosmic confectionery house. Here, rice cakes are reimagined as plushies, T-shirts, swim caps, and more, each tied to the show’s characters and themes.
The concept is quirky and nostalgic, offering fans a playful spin on comfort food with a sci-fi twist. If you like your pop-ups weird, whimsical, and unforgettable, this one’s for you.
- Location: Bohumil, 29 Ttukseom-ro 17-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
- Dates: June 20 – June 29, 2025
- Hours: Daily, 10:30 – 20:00
3. Saero Dowon
Think of this as a Zen retreat disguised as a pop-up bar. Saero Dowon is a brand universe built by Saero, the sugar-free soju making waves across Korea. Set in a hidden-garden theme with poetic decor, this space offers cocktails, curated food pairings by chef Jo Seohyeong, and interactive installations that gamify the drinking experience.
There’s even an AI photo booth that turns you into a “Saerogumi,” the brand’s cheeky mascot. Perfect for unwinding, sipping, and soaking up Seoul’s modern hanok-meets-hype vibe.
- Location: 44 Dosan-daero 51-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- Dates: Through June 29, 2025
- Hours:
Tue–Fri: 17:00 – 22:00
Sat–Sun: 14:00 – 22:00
Closed Mondays
4. Bbangbbangyi’s Tarot House
Step into the surreal world of Bbangbbangyi’s Tarot House, a pop-up inspired by the hit YouTube animation Bbangbbangyi’s Daily Life. Set in Shinsegae Gangnam, this fortune-themed space is filled with whimsical merch, interactive tarot readings, and photo ops.
Visitors can receive a virtual tarot reading by scanning a glowing orb, grab AI tarot keyrings or milk tea inspired by the character, and even score special stickers with qualifying purchases. It’s a fun, mystical, and highly Instagrammable escape into animated absurdity.
- Location: B1 Special Event Hall, Shinsegae Department Store Gangnam, 176 Sinbanpo-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul
- Dates: May 30 – June 15, 2025 (Closed June 2)
- Hours:
Mon–Thu: 10:30 – 19:30
Fri–Sun: 10:30 – 20:30
5. Jjangu (Crayon Shin-chan) Pop-Up Store in Yongsan
Though technically launching in August, the 2025 Jjangu Hide-and-Seek Pop-Up has fans buzzing already. Known for its themed photo zones and whimsical merch, this year’s concept focuses on “Hide-and-Seek,” transforming the space into a real-life playground from the cartoon world.
Expect Seoul to kick off the tour in Yongsan, before heading to Cheongju, Daegu, and Busan. Limited-edition items, photo ops, and that classic Jjangu humor will be on full display.
- Location (Seoul stop): I’Park Mall Yongsan, 55 Hangang-daero 23-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- Dates: June 28 – July 31, 2025
- Hours:
Mon–Thu, Sun: 10:30 – 20:30
Fri–Sat: 10:30 – 21:00
Why These Pop-Ups Are Worth the Visit
South Korea’s pop-up scene is more than a trend—it’s an evolving platform for brand storytelling, fandom celebration, and sensory experience. With each activation offering a blend of exclusivity, creativity, and community, these June 2025 picks promise something you can’t get online: presence. Whether you’re shopping, snacking, or just showing up for the vibe, make room in your calendar—and your camera roll.
Ready, set, pop!
