10 Hottest Pop-ups in Hongdae This Week (Mar 15-22)

Hongdae's popup scene shifts fast, and this week (March 15–22) is packed with changes. Three exciting new popups open their doors, three fan-favorite events enter their final days, and several hidden gems continue to shine.

What's changed since last week: NCT DREAM's SWEET Dreamiez and the PUMA × Musinsa capsule have wrapped up, while Hatsune Miku, Romance Fantasy, and a buzzy manga popup step in as fresh must-visits. Here are the 10 pop-ups worth your time in Hongdae right now.

Opening This Week

1. Hatsune Miku Sakura Popup

Spring has officially arrived in Hongdae — and Sakura Miku is leading the way. This cherry blossom-themed popup at Hyundai Department Store Sinchon U-PLEX B2F features brand-new Sakura Miku illustrations, exclusive merchandise (acrylic stands, jewel can badges, photo cards), and dreamy photo zones. Opens March 19 and runs through April 1 — just two weeks. Walk from Exit 2 of Sinchon Station (Line 2). No reservation needed, but expect queues on weekends.

2. Romance Fantasy x Animate Collab Cafe

The hit webtoon Romance Fantasy gets its own month-long collab cafe on the 5th floor of Animate Hongdae at AK Plaza. Starting March 20, enjoy themed drinks, exclusive character merchandise, and immersive decor. The collab menu typically includes 5 drink types, soup, and desserts — ordering from the collab menu earns you a random coaster as a bonus. Running through April 17. Check @animatecafe_kor on X for the latest menu. Reservations available by phone (+82 2-322-1279) or walk-in.

3. The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn't a Guy at All

This popular manga-turned-anime gets a dedicated popup in Hongdae featuring brand-new illustrations by author Arai Sumiko, plus exclusive apparel and goods. Opens March 20, but only runs until March 29 — just 10 days. If you're in Seoul this week, don't wait on this one.

Last Chance — Ending This Week

4. Sara Object Exhibition

This intimate resin art exhibition at Object Seogyo wraps up on March 16 — that's this Saturday. Artist Sara Object preserves tiny clay faces and delicate moments in transparent resin, each piece telling its own quiet story. Pick up acrylic keyrings, postcards, and mini stickers before this one's gone for good.

5. Full Moon wo Sagashite Popup

Nostalgia alert: this popup dedicated to the beloved early-2000s anime Full Moon wo Sagashite closes on March 22 — this Sunday. Located at AK Plaza Hongdae with a "Full Moon Concert" theme, exclusive merchandise, and all the emotional charm of the original series. This is your final weekend to visit.

6. Mob Psycho 100 x MOAEKU Collab Cafe

Korea's first-ever Mob Psycho 100 collab cafe closes March 23. Located at MOAEKU in Hyundai Department Store Sinchon U-PLEX B2F — the same building and floor as the Hatsune Miku popup, so you can hit both in one trip. Themed food and drinks, exclusive merchandise, stamp rallies, and hashtag events. Reservation via Naver is strongly recommended (time-slot system). Walk-ins possible depending on capacity. Hours: 10:30–22:00 daily.

Don't Miss

7. LUV IS TRUE x Shugo Chara!

Korean streetwear brand LUV IS TRUE teams up with the nostalgic anime Shugo Chara! for their third collaboration at AK Plaza Hongdae. This is a short two-week run ending March 26 — a rare crossover of Korean fashion and Japanese anime aesthetics. Great for picking up unique collab pieces you won't find anywhere else.

8. Perks of Being a Possessor x Toonque Collab Cafe

This webtoon-themed collab cafe in Seogyo-dong serves up character-inspired drinks and desserts from the hit series. Browse exclusive merchandise and soak in the immersive decor. Runs until March 29, so there's still time — but the buzz is building.

9. Tirorisoft Popup — Angel's Laundry

Tucked away in Hongdae, this charming popup from Made By and Tirorisoft features an angel-and-devil concept with handmade character goods and collaboration items. It's the kind of cozy, offbeat popup that makes Hongdae special. Running through April 5, so no rush — but it's well worth a detour.

10. Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Exhibition

If you missed our recommendation last week, now is truly the time. The Frieren exhibition at AK Plaza Hongdae enters its final two weeks before closing March 29. Stunning displays bring the story to life, exclusive entry gifts are included, and the merchandise lineup is massive. One of the biggest anime exhibitions in Seoul right now — don't let it slip away.

Practical Tips

• AK Plaza Hongdae (5F) is your one-stop anime destination — it hosts Frieren, Full Moon wo Sagashite, LUV IS TRUE × Shugo Chara!, Romance Fantasy collab cafe, and the Animate store all under one roof. Take Exit 2 from Hongik University Station (Line 2 / Gyeongui–Jungang Line).
• Sinchon U-PLEX B2F is a two-in-one stop: the Hatsune Miku Sakura popup and MOAEKU Mob Psycho 100 collab cafe are on the same floor of the same building. Walk from Exit 2 of Sinchon Station (Line 2) — just one stop from Hongdae.
• Suggested route: Start at AK Plaza Hongdae (4+ popups) → walk to Seogyo-dong (Toonque Cafe, Tirorisoft) → take Line 2 one stop to Sinchon (Miku + Mob Psycho). Cover 8-9 spots in a full day.
• Beat the crowds: Weekday mornings are your best bet. Weekends get packed at AK Plaza and the collab cafes.
• Reservations: Mob Psycho 100 uses Naver Reservation (time-slot system) — book ahead. Animate Cafe accepts reservations by phone (+82 2-322-1279) or walk-in.
• Free entry: Sara Object Exhibition, Tirorisoft Angel's Laundry, and LUV IS TRUE × Shugo Chara! are all free to enter. You only pay for items you buy.