Discover the 10 best places to shop K-pop merch in Korea. From official album stores to quirky photocard shops, Seoul has it all. Tips included for safe and smart fan shopping!
Visiting Korea as a K-pop fan can feel like stepping into the pages of your favorite fandom. Beyond the music and performance venues, Seoul is packed with specialty stores where you can stock up on albums, light sticks, photocards, plushies, and quirky souvenirs. The list below focuses on brick-and-mortar shops that cater to fans year-round â from sprawling complexes run by entertainment companies to small, independent stores with retro charm. Each entry includes a brief overview and links so you can check opening hours or browse the catalog before you go.
Myeongdong Underground Shopping Center (ëȘ ë ì§íìê°)
Under Myeongdong Station is a maze of kiosks that sell everything from cosmetics to idol trinkets. The KKday travel blog notes that this underground arcade is great for budget shoppers because it sells affordable stickers, posters, calendars, and other unofficial K-pop memorabilia; it stays open late so you can keep hunting after dinner. Because many goods here are unlicensed, itâs ideal for inexpensive souvenirs rather than chart-counting album buys. The complexâs address is 124 Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, and it generally operates from nine a.m. to eleven p.m.
Buruttrak (Buruâs Ddeurak)
đșïžGoogle Maps: https://share.google/lBoIyY7rAJYZBIyg3
Source: Google Review
A slice of history in Myeong-dong, Buruttrak has been around since 1979. KKday describes it as a go-to record store where collectors can browse a complete library of CDs, DVDs, LPs, and vintage Korean music albums. Rumor has it you might even stumble upon a signed copy if youâre lucky. Buruttrakâs longevity and broad back catalogue make it a haven for long-time fans and vinyl lovers alike. Youâll find it at 37-1 Myeongdong na-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, and it stays open late into the evening.
Music Korea
đșïžGoogle Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QmuTgUQ6EwKq452v5?g_st=ipc
Source: Google Review
Music Korea is one of the most respected names in the business. The MOVV blog calls it âa trusted name in K-pop merchandise,â highlighting that the store sells official albums, photobooks, and DVDs and frequently hosts fan-signing events or stocks limited-edition releases. Klookâs travel guide adds that the chain operates a physical store in Myeong-dong and that itâs easy to find â right across from a big Uniqlo building. If youâre collecting albums for chart purposes, this is a reliable stop. Music Koreaâs address is 52 Myeongdong 8-gil (Nature Republic 3F) and it generally opens from nine-thirty a.m. to ten-thirty p.m.
KTown4U
đșïžGoogle Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KzffzsG7Lrp22Rhr5?g_st=ipc
Source: Google Review
Well known to international fans for its online shop, KTown4U also operates large offline branches. KKday notes that the Gangnam store carries a huge range of albums, photobooks, accessories, fashion items, photocard packs, DVDs, light sticks, toys, and stationery. On its own website, KTown4U describes the COEX branch as a multi-floor K-Pop complex that houses an offline store, a K-Pop academy, a café, and regular pop-up shops. The COEX flagship sits on the second through fourth floors of Coex Artium at 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, and typically opens from ten a.m. to ten p.m. depending on the floor. Expect official goods and occasional special events or artist pop-ups.
POCA SPOT Myeongdong
đșïžGoogle Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zQ6xvy6YsWYod6h18?g_st=ipc
Source: Google Review
Photocard collectors should not miss POCA SPOT. According to MOVV, the Myeongdong branch features over a million photocards from countless groups. Fans can browse organized card displays, use self-service kiosks to search for their bias, and even create custom keychains. If your goal is to fill your binder or trade with other collectors, this shop is a must-visit.
K-MECCA
đșïžGoogle Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6tX3VoGYpKBdx71z6?g_st=ipc
Source: Google Review
K-MECCA blends merchandise shopping with immersive fandom experiences. MOVV describes it as an âall-in-one K-pop lifestyle destinationâ with multiple floors of albums, goods, K-beauty products, and themed souvenirs; the highlight is a dedicated BTS floor with photo zones and augmented-reality experiences. It feels more like an interactive museum than a simple shop. If youâre traveling with friends who love Instagrammable backdrops, K-MECCA belongs on your itinerary.
WithMuu
đșïžGoogle Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Lw3mxxJfA4yFKZ8Y7?g_st=ipc
Source: Google Review
WithMuu combines a boutique shop with a café. KKday notes that the Hongdae branch sells merch from popular and indie artists, plus cute trinkets, and even lets you watch music videos while sipping coffee. MOVV adds that WithMuu includes photo zones with props and DIY areas where fans can design their own goods. The store is located on the second floor of the AK Plaza in Mapo-gu and typically opens from eleven a.m. to ten p.m.
BT21 (Line Friends)
đșïžGoogle Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/oH8wwhsbRdHTFxKf6?g_st=ipc
Source: Google Review
Fans of BTSâs cartoon characters will adore BT21. KKday reports that the Hongdae BT21 shop sells pillows, phone cases, sleepwear, bags, and stuffed toys featuring the cute characters created by BTS and Line Friends. Itâs less about albums and more about lifestyle items; youâll find plenty of adorable gifts to bring home. The store sits at 141 Yanghwa-ro and usually opens from twelve-thirty p.m. to eight-thirty p.m.
SMTOWN @COEXArtium
đșïžGoogle Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WTMBRaHytNJucBa99?g_st=ipc
Source: Google Review
For SM Entertainment fans, SMTOWN @COEXArtium is an experience in itself. TravelAge West calls it a six-floor complex run by SM Entertainment; it includes a museum and hologram theater, but also features two gift shops that sell official merchandise such as T-shirts, phone cases, and snacks emblazoned with group logos. The complex has a cafĂ© for themed treats and an entertainment restaurant where DJs and performers add to the atmosphere. Even if you donât catch a concert, wandering through the gift shop and museum makes for an exciting pilgrimage.
Kyobo Book Centre
đșïžGoogle Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1cEHNnHynUy2doix6?g_st=ipc
Source: Google Review
Kyobo is Koreaâs largest bookstore chain. KKday notes that its flagship store includes a music shop where you can listen to and buy albums and magazines featuring your favorite groups. Klook adds that Kyobo is a trusted bookstore and its Gwanghwamun flagship is one of the biggest bookstores in Seoul. For fans who love both music and print media, Kyobo offers a quiet respite from the hustle of other merch shops.
Tips for Shopping K-Pop Merch in Korea
- Distinguish official vs unofficial goods. Unofficial items are often cheaper but donât count toward music charts. Look for authenticity stickers (often from distributors like Hanteo or Gaon) on albums and avoid packaging that looks blurry or low quality.
- Watch the price and packaging. Official goods have consistent pricing; if something looks too cheap, itâs likely a bootleg. Authentic albums usually come shrink-wrapped with bonus items and chart codes.
- Timing matters. Visit popular shops early or on weekdays to avoid crowds. During comeback season, limited editions can sell out by midday.
- Bring cash and card. Most shops accept cards, but underground kiosks may prefer cash.
- Respect store rules and fellow fans. Use photo zones respectfully, donât open sealed albums in-store unless allowed, and be mindful in busy photocard bins.
Seoulâs K-pop shopping scene is as diverse as the fandom itself. Whether youâre hunting for vintage vinyl at Buruttrak, designing custom keychains at POCA SPOT, or sipping coffee while watching music videos at WithMuu, thereâs a store tailored to your interests. Combining official retailers like Music Korea and KTown4U with immersive experiences at K-MECCA or SMTOWN @COEXArtium ensures a well-rounded pilgrimage. Just remember to balance your budget between official collections and quirky souvenirs, and always prioritize supporting your favorite artists through legitimate purchases.
Sources: KKday, MOVV, Klook, TravelAge West, official store websites
POCA SPOT is a must for any photocard collector like me. I spent hours there last trip!!
Official stores definitely matter for charting and supporting the artists. But I think some casual fans just want cheap souvenirs for fun, as long as they know the difference, itâs fine tho
Been around since â79, tons of old-school K-pop records there. ì§ì§ vibes are crazy, feels like digging in history while still in Seoul
Which one would you guys recommend more: KTown4U COEX or K-MECCA? I only have time for one.