if you’re shopping for BABYMONSTER merch, Seoul actually makes this pretty straightforward. Unlike most other agencies, YG runs an official goods shop right across from its own headquarters, which means the route here is arguably clearer than what fans of HYBE or SM groups deal with. Add photocard shopping on top of that, and you’ve got a full day covered.
The YG Cafe & Headquarters — Hapjeong, Where There’s an Actual Store
YG Entertainment’s headquarters is in Hapjeong-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, within walking distance of Exit 8 at Hapjeong Station (Lines 2 and 6).
Compared to other major agencies, YG has a real edge here: an official “YG Cafe” runs permanently right across the street from headquarters. While HYBE or JYP’s buildings are often exterior-photo-only, at the YG Cafe you can actually sit down with a coffee and buy official merch for YG artists, including BLACKPINK and BABYMONSTER. Visitor reviews consistently describe it as a genuinely good spot for exactly that kind of shopping, and it’s become a steady recommendation among fans.
The headquarters building itself is worth a look too. Its exterior features a massive screen playing YG artists’ music videos, visible from the street. It’s architecturally striking enough that even non-fans tend to give it a second look walking by. You can’t go inside, so treat this as an exterior visit paired with shopping at the YG Cafe.
For context, the old YG headquarters (before the current building) sat nearby, and the move to this newer building came with a serious upgrade in both scale and design. If you’ve followed YG for a while, comparing the two buildings can be a fun bit of trivia on its own.
- Address: 7 Huiujeong-ro 1-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
- Getting there: Hapjeong Station (Lines 2/6), Exit 8 → about a 10–15 minute walk
Photocard Shopping — POCA SPOT in Hongdae and Myeongdong
Both the Hongdae and Myeongdong POCA SPOT locations carry BABYMONSTER photocards.
- Hongdae: 48-14 Wausan-ro 29-gil, Mapo-gu, 3rd floor of the building (2nd floor, 11 AM–9 PM, for random pulls; 3rd floor, 1–9 PM, to pick your member)
- Myeongdong: 33 Myeongdong 8na-gil, Jung-gu, open 10:30 AM–10:30 PM
The in-store kiosks support English, Chinese, and other languages, so there’s no language barrier, and ordering online ahead lets you pick up the same day. Cards for popular members can sell out depending on timing, so give yourself some flexibility.
If you want albums or a lightstick too, Withmuu and Story K in Hongdae, or K-Mecca in Myeongdong, are worth a stop.
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 goods add up fast and eat into suitcase space quickly. Some of the larger stores offer international shipping, so ask ahead if you’re planning to buy in bulk.
Hapjeong Neighborhood Trivia — YG Family Food Spots
If you’ve got time after shopping, the area around Hapjeong Station has a few restaurants with ties to YG artists. Gyeongju Sikdang is known as a go-to spot for BLACKPINK members since their trainee days, and For Four Bread is one of Jennie’s favorite bakeries, notable enough to have earned a Michelin Guide mention. Worth noting: these aren’t BABYMONSTER-specific spots — they’re more tied to the broader YG family — but they’re a nice bonus if you’re already in the neighborhood.
Behind the CU convenience store across from the YG building, there’s also a wall covered in messages left by fans from around the world. It’s now partially blocked by a newer wall, but you can still catch glimpses of older messages through the gap.
A K-pop Dance Class — Try It Yourself
Several studios around Hongdae run K-pop dance classes designed for international visitors. Most are taught in English, and some let you choose the song you want to learn. Classes usually run 1–2 hours, and many include a filmed video of your routine at the end — worth confirming when you book.
A One-Day Itinerary
- Morning: Arrive at Hapjeong Station, check out the YG headquarters exterior, and shop for BABYMONSTER merch at the YG Cafe
- Lunch: Eat at Gyeongju Sikdang or For Four Bread
- Afternoon: Head to Hongdae or Myeongdong — BABYMONSTER photocard shopping at POCA SPOT, plus browsing at Withmuu or Story K
- Before evening: A K-pop dance class (book ahead)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I go inside YG’s headquarters? No, general visitors can’t access the interior. That said, you can shop for official merch at the YG Cafe right across the street.
Q. Where can I reliably find BABYMONSTER photocards? Both the Hongdae and Myeongdong POCA SPOT locations carry them, though cards for popular members can sell out depending on when you visit.
Q. Should I visit the YG Cafe or POCA SPOT first? Given the layout, it makes sense to start in Hapjeong (YG Cafe) and then head to Hongdae or Myeongdong (POCA SPOT) afterward. The trip from Hapjeong to Hongdae takes roughly 15 minutes by public transit.
Q. What kind of merch does the YG Cafe sell? Along with photocards, albums, and lightsticks, it often carries limited seasonal items. Exact stock varies depending on when you visit.
Quick Checklist
- YG headquarters (Hapjeong) is off-limits inside, but the YG Cafe right across the street sells official merch — a real edge compared to other major agencies
- POCA SPOT in both Hongdae and Myeongdong actually carries BABYMONSTER photocards
- Withmuu, Story K, and K-Mecca are good for albums and lightsticks
- A few restaurants around Hapjeong have ties to the broader YG family, including BLACKPINK
- K-pop dance classes require advance booking
If you’re coming to Seoul to shop for BABYMONSTER merch, the logistics here are refreshingly simple. One stop in Hapjeong, one stop in Hongdae or Myeongdong, and you’ve got a full day sorted.
