12 Must-Visit Pop-ups in Seoul This Week (Mar 30 – Apr 5)

Seoul's anime scene takes center stage this week. Four anime and webtoon collab cafes — Hunter x Hunter, Haikyu!!, Yumeiro Patissiere, and Romance Fantasy — are all running simultaneously in Hongdae, with three of them inside the same building. Add a K-pop beauty collab opening in Seongsu, two must-visit popups entering their final days, and BTS ARIRANG still going strong, and you've got one of the best popup weeks of the month.

We've organized everything by neighborhood with new openings and last-chance closings clearly marked so you can plan your priorities.

Hongdae — Anime Cafe Capital

Hongdae has transformed into Seoul's anime headquarters. AK PLAZA alone houses three popups on different floors, and Hunter x Hunter is a short walk away in Hapjeong. From Hongik University Station (Line 2), you can hit all five spots in an afternoon.

1. Hunter x Hunter x Aniplus Collab Cafe

Now in its second week at Aniplus Hapjeong, this collab cafe continues to draw crowds with its character-themed menu. Try "Killua's Fierce Blue Lemonade," "Gon's Matcha Parfait Hidden in the Forest," or "Hisoka's Chewy Bungee Gum Milk Tea." Every drink order earns a random postcard from a set of 9 iconic scene cards.

Don't miss: The limited "Whale Island Aunt Mito's Sandwich" comes with exclusive acrylic keychains and is only available during weeks 1–3 — this is your last week to order it. Open 10 AM–10 PM daily. From Hapjeong Station (Lines 2 & 6) Exit 8, 5–7 minute walk.

Reserve via Naver for table seating (1 reservation = up to 2 people). Takeout available walk-in. Phone: 070-7162-3000.

2. Haikyu!! "Break Time" Popup Store

The beloved volleyball anime's popup at AK PLAZA Hongdae 4F features brand-new "Break Time" illustrations of the Karasuno crew during their downtime. Browse exclusive merchandise including character socks, diatomite coasters, masking tape, and collectible random tickets. Spend ₩40,000 or more to receive a bonus gift.

Free entry. Weekdays 11 AM–10 PM, weekends from 10:30 AM. From Hongik University Station Exit 4 or 5, AK PLAZA is directly connected — under a minute on foot.

Pro tip: Three other anime popups are in the same building — Yumeiro Patissiere, Romance Fantasy Cafe, and NIKKE. Plan an anime marathon without ever stepping outside.

3. Yumeiro Patissiere Collaboration Cafe — OPENS MARCH 31

The classic baking anime Yumeiro Patissiere comes to life at BOX cafe&space in AK PLAZA Hongdae, opening March 31. Step into a pastel-toned space inspired by the show's patisserie world, with character-themed desserts across two seasonal menus (recette 1 & recette 2). Expect beautifully plated sweets that look straight out of the anime, exclusive merchandise, and Instagram-worthy decor throughout.

Running through May 20, so there's plenty of time — but opening-week energy is special. Reservation recommended via the BOX cafe&space website or Naver. AK PLAZA Hongdae, same building as Haikyu!! and NIKKE.

Tip: This is the newest addition to AK Plaza's anime lineup. If you're planning a Hongdae anime day, start here for the freshest experience.

4. Romance Fantasy x Animate Collab Cafe

The hit Korean webtoon-turned-anime gets a month-long collab cafe on the 5th floor of Animate in AK PLAZA Hongdae. The space is decked out in the series' fantasy aesthetic, with character-themed drinks, exclusive merchandise, and immersive decor celebrating the romance.

Naver reservation recommended for table seating; takeout available walk-in. Running through April 17. Weekdays 11 AM–9:40 PM, weekends from 10:30 AM.

For international fans: Romance Fantasy (로판 in Korean) is one of the biggest webtoon-to-anime adaptations in Korea right now. If you're into the genre, this cafe is a pilgrimage spot.

5. NIKKE Exhibition: BIG THREE IN THE ARK — Final Stretch

The global hit mobile game Goddess of Victory: NIKKE celebrates its 2nd anniversary with a large-scale exhibition near AK PLAZA Hongdae. Immerse yourself in the game's post-apocalyptic world through character installations, art displays, and exclusive event merchandise you won't find online.

Reservation recommended — book ahead as weekend slots fill up. Running through April 12, so this is your second-to-last week. From Hongik University Station, follow signs to AK PLAZA / Space Galleria.

Gaming fans: This is one of the biggest mobile game exhibitions Seoul has seen this year. Even if you haven't played NIKKE, the production quality is impressive.

Seongsu — Last Chance + Fresh Openings

Two of Seongsu's best popups close this week (Saero Soju Museum and Where's Wally), while a fresh K-pop × K-beauty collab opens. All 5 spots are reachable from Seongsu Station (Line 2). Plan half a day here.

6. Biore x SKZOO Popup at Olive Young N Seongsu — OPENS APRIL 2

K-pop meets K-beauty in this sun-care collaboration between Japanese skincare brand Biore and Stray Kids' adorable SKZOO characters. Located at Trend Pot by Olive Young N Seongsu — Korea's largest beauty flagship store — this popup lets you collect exclusive SKZOO stickers with purchases, try product samples, and shop UV essentials with special benefits.

Free entry, walk-in. Opens April 2, runs through April 13 — a short window, so don't wait. From Seongsu Station Exit 3, 8-minute walk along Yeonmujang-gil.

Stays fans: This is the first SKZOO beauty collab of 2026. Combine with Kollab Korea (literally next door) for a full K-beauty afternoon.

7. Saero Soju Pop-up: Saero Central Museum — LAST CHANCE (Ends Apr 5)

If you haven't experienced Seoul's most creative popup this spring, this is your final week. This immersive, escape-room-style museum has you searching for clues to recover a stolen "Millennium Soju Recipe." Design your own custom Saero label, take home a miniature bottle, and enjoy collaboration desserts shaped like ancient recipe scrolls at cafe Aufglet.

Free entry, but Fast Track reservations (Yes24 or Naver Place) recommended for shorter waits. Walk-ins welcome via on-site queue. 11 AM–9 PM daily.

Important: Bring your passport — valid photo ID is strictly required (alcohol-branded event, 19+ only). Weekday mornings remain the least crowded time slot.

8. Gentle Monster x Disney x F1 Circuit Collection

Gentle Monster's iconic 14-story Haus Nowhere building continues to stun with its triple collaboration. A giant Mickey Mouse sculpture in a racing suit and a full-scale Formula 1 car anchor the entrance, while the limited-edition Circuit Collection — 8 F1-inspired sunglass styles with wing-shaped frames — fills the brutalist interior.

Don't skip the rest of the building: Tamburins (fragrance), Nudake (dessert cafe on 5F), and rotating kinetic art installations throughout. Free entry, no reservation. 11 AM–9 PM daily. From Seongsu Station Exit 3, 12-minute walk.

Tip: Put your name in at Nudake (5F) before browsing — weekend waits still hit 60–90 minutes. This popup runs through June, so no rush if you can't fit it in this week.

9. Where's Wally? Special Exhibition — LAST CHANCE (Ends Apr 5)

After three months in Seoul, this beloved interactive exhibition enters its final week. Walk through life-sized recreations of Martin Handford's iconic illustrations and hunt for Wally in real 3D scenes at Galleria Foret near Seoul Forest. It's interactive, photo-friendly, and genuinely fun for all ages — bring the kids or unleash your inner child.

Ticketed event — book online for discounts. From Seoul Forest Station (Bundang Line) Exit 3, 5-minute walk. Also reachable from Seongsu Station (15-minute walk through Seoul Forest, a beautiful stroll on a nice day).

Warning: Final-week crowds will be heavier than usual, especially Saturday and Sunday. Go weekday if possible.

10. Kollab Korea Pop-up

Your one-stop shop for K-culture souvenirs continues to shine. Around 30 rotating Korean startup brands across K-beauty, K-food, and K-lifestyle — many not yet available internationally — all under one roof. Test products hands-on, follow their social media on-site for free face mask sheets, and discover brands before they blow up globally.

Located right next to Olive Young N Seongsu (and the new Biore × SKZOO popup), making it easy to combine. Free entry, walk-in. English signage throughout — this popup is built for international visitors. Running through July 9.

Yongsan & Myeongdong — K-pop + Fashion

11. BTS Pop-up: ARIRANG at HYBE Yongsan

BTS's ARIRANG album popup remains the biggest K-pop draw in Seoul, now entering its second half (ends April 12). Inside the HYBE building, experience the album in 3D — towering volcanic rock sculptures, Big Dipper floor graphics, and stunning large-format member photos. The BTS × MU:DS (National Museum of Korea Foundation) collaboration offers uniquely Korean merchandise reinterpreting patterns from the Sacred Bell of King Seongdeok, a National Treasure.

Free entry but Weverse Spot reservation is MANDATORY — slots continue to fill fast. From Sinyongsan Station (Line 4) Exit 4, 5-minute walk.

Also available at a second location: Shinsegae Main Store in Myeongdong (4F Heritage building, Hoehyeon Station Exit 7). The Shinsegae location features a more interactive ARIRANG MEARI (Echo) zone — roll balls engraved with five forms of love and generate your own custom album graphic. Both require Weverse reservations.

Tip: MU:DS collab goods are also sold at the National Museum of Korea gift shop if you can't get a popup reservation.

12. Off-White Pop-up Store

Virgil Abloh's boundary-breaking label occupies Lotte Department Store Main (2F) in Myeongdong. Browse current collections where street culture meets luxury fashion, in the heart of Seoul's biggest shopping district. Running through April 30 — no rush, but it pairs perfectly with a Myeongdong shopping day.

From Euljiro 1-ga Station (Line 2) Exit 7 or Myeongdong Station Exit 5. Combine with duty-free shopping and the BTS ARIRANG popup at nearby Shinsegae (5-minute walk).

Practical Tips

• Hongdae is anime central this week. AK PLAZA Hongdae houses Haikyu!! (4F), Yumeiro Patissiere, Romance Fantasy Cafe (5F), and NIKKE — four anime popups in one building. Hunter x Hunter is a short subway ride away at Hapjeong. You can easily do all five in one afternoon.
• Seongsu has two closings and one opening. Saero Soju Museum and Where's Wally both end April 5 — don't put these off. Biore × SKZOO opens April 2 at Olive Young N Seongsu. Route: Haus Nowhere (Gentle Monster) → Olive Young area (Kollab Korea + Biore × SKZOO) → Saero Museum → Seoul Forest (Where's Wally).
• BTS fans: Book Weverse Spot reservations immediately — both HYBE and Shinsegae slots sell out daily. Both locations are closed Mondays. MU:DS collab goods are also at the National Museum of Korea gift shop.
• Beat the crowds: Weekday mornings are golden at every popup. Weekend afternoons are the worst, especially at last-chance events this week.
• What to bring: Passport (required at Saero Soju, useful for BTS reservations and tax-free shopping), charged phone (QR check-ins, Naver/Weverse apps), card (Visa/Mastercard accepted at most popups).
• Getting between neighborhoods: Hongdae → Seongsu is about 25 minutes on Line 2 (direct, no transfer). Seongsu → Yongsan (BTS) takes about 30 minutes with a transfer. A packed but doable day: Seongsu morning → Hongdae afternoon → BTS evening.