Here’s the short version: you don’t need concert tickets to have a great TWICE-themed day in Seoul. That said, JYP’s headquarters is fairly far off the usual tourist path, so it’s not a must-do. Here’s how to prioritize your time.
The JYP Building — Should You Even Bother? Let’s Be Honest
JYP Entertainment’s headquarters is in Gangdong-gu, near Olympic Park. You can get there via Mongchontoseong Station on Line 8, but it’s a fair distance from the usual tourist areas like Hongdae or Myeongdong, so getting there and back eats up real time.
To be straightforward about it: you can’t go inside, and the fan cafe that used to operate there has since closed. About all you can do is take a photo of the exterior. You might get lucky and spot an artist coming or going, but don’t count on it.
So here’s our honest take: unless you’re the kind of dedicated fan who really wants that one photo, you don’t need to rework your schedule to make this happen. The Hongdae and Myeongdong route below is plenty on its own.
For context, HYBE (Yongsan) and SM (Seongsu) both have some level of fan-facing infrastructure and public space, while JYP is noticeably more low-key on that front. If you’re planning a “label-hopping” day covering all three, it makes sense to put JYP last on the route — or skip it entirely.
If you do want to make the trip, get off at Mongchontoseong Station and walk from there. There isn’t much in the way of nearby amenities, so bring water or a snack beforehand.
Photocard Shopping — Hongdae’s POCA SPOT Carries TWICE Too
Good news if you’re a TWICE fan: POCA SPOT in Hongdae actually carries TWICE photocards. It’s about a 3-minute walk from Exit 7 of Hongik University Station, on the 3rd floor.
- 2nd floor: Random photocard pulls
- 3rd floor: Pick your preferred member’s card directly
Card payment only — no need for cash. There’s also a Myeongdong location (134 Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, 1st floor) if that fits your route better.
For albums or a lightstick, Withmuu and Story K in Hongdae, or K-Mecca in Myeongdong, are worth a stop too. Stock varies by store, so if you’re after a specific member or album, it’s worth checking more than one.
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A Few Practical Shopping Tips
Tax-free shopping: International visitors can get a refund on purchases over a certain amount. Some stores apply it instantly at checkout; others require an airport claim. Ask before you pay.
Watch your luggage space: Photocards and albums pile up fast and eat into suitcase space quickly. Some larger stores offer international shipping, so ask ahead if you’re planning to buy in bulk.
Managing your route: Most Hongdae shops are within a 5–10 minute walk of each other, so hitting several in one day isn’t a stretch.
A K-pop Dance Class — Try It Yourself
Several studios around Hongdae run K-pop dance classes aimed at international visitors. Most are taught in English, and some let you choose the song you want to learn.
- Usually 1–2 hours, beginner-friendly
- Most include a filmed and edited video of your routine at the end
- Mostly booking-required, and some have a minimum group size
Classes covering TWICE staples like “Cheer Up” or “TT” come up occasionally, so it’s worth checking the curriculum before you book.
A Bit of Pop-Up Trivia
TWICE has also opened short-term pop-up stores in Seoul around album cycles. During their recent “STRATEGY” era, a limited pop-up ran in Seoul as well. These aren’t permanent fixtures — they come and go with comeback timing — so check Weverse or their official social accounts for anything currently running before your trip.
Where to Focus Your Time
- Hongdae: Photocard shopping and dance classes both cluster here, making it the natural center of your day.
- Myeongdong: Easy tourist access with convenient duty-free shopping. Mornings tend to be quieter.
- Gangdong-gu (JYP HQ): Given the distance, it’s fine to leave this off your priority list unless you’re especially dedicated.
A One-Day Itinerary (Skipping JYP)
- Morning: Browse goods shops like K-Mecca in Myeongdong
- Lunch: Grab a meal nearby in Myeongdong
- Afternoon: Head to Hongdae — TWICE photocard shopping at POCA SPOT, plus browsing at Withmuu or Story K
- Before evening: A K-pop dance class (book ahead)
If you do want to see the JYP building, it’s worth setting aside a separate half-day for it rather than folding it into this route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I go inside the JYP building? No. General visitors can’t access the interior, and there’s no fan cafe or similar facility anymore. Exterior photos are about all that’s available.
Q. Where can I reliably find TWICE photocards? Both the Hongdae and Myeongdong POCA SPOT locations carry them, though cards for popular members can sell out depending on timing.
Q. Will I regret skipping the JYP building? Probably not. There’s not much beyond an exterior photo, so if your time is limited, the Hongdae and Myeongdong route alone makes for a solid day.
Q. When will TWICE announce their next concert? No official announcement has been made as of this writing. Their last tour, “THIS IS FOR,” wrapped up with encore shows in Seoul in July 2026. Keep an eye on Weverse and their official social accounts for the next tour announcement.
Quick Checklist
- The JYP building (Gangdong-gu) is exterior-photo-only and isn’t essential given the distance
- POCA SPOT in Hongdae actually carries TWICE photocards
- Withmuu, Story K, and K-Mecca are good for albums and lightsticks
- K-pop dance classes require booking ahead and occasionally cover TWICE choreography
- Hongdae and Myeongdong alone are enough for a solid day
You don’t need a concert on the calendar to enjoy Seoul as a TWICE fan. A photocard you pick out yourself in Hongdae makes a good keepsake while you wait for the next tour announcement. Consider this route your warm-up for whenever that news comes.
