If you’re visiting Seoul as a BLACKPINK fan, you don’t need another generic “K-pop guide” that lumps every group together. What you need is accurate, YG- and BLACKPINK-specific information. Here are 6 real places worth visiting, plus a common myth we’re setting straight — none of which you’ll find clearly laid out in the multi-group guides floating around online.
1. YG Entertainment Headquarters (Hapjeong)
Accessible from Hapjeong Station (Line 2 or Line 6). This is the headquarters of YG Entertainment, home to BLACKPINK and BABYMONSTER. The company moved into its current building starting in December 2020, which houses seven large dance practice rooms and seven recording studios. Visitors can’t enter the building itself — exterior photos are all you’ll get here. For reference, the old headquarters is still standing nearby in the same Hapjeong neighborhood and has since been rebranded as a global training center.
2. K-Star Road (Apgujeong Rodeo)
Reachable on foot from Apgujeong Rodeo Station (Suin-Bundang Line). This free photo stop runs along Apgujeong-ro in Gangnam, lined with large bear statues (“GangnamDol”) representing various K-pop stars. BLACKPINK is among the groups represented, making it an easy spot to snap photos with multiple group statues in one short walk.
3. Myeongdong’s Official K-Pop Merch District
Centered around Myeongdong Station (Line 4). This area has a dense cluster of shops selling K-pop merchandise. One important distinction to keep in mind: some shops carry officially licensed goods from the agencies, while others sell unofficial merchandise. If authenticity matters to you, check for licensing labels or hologram stickers inside the store. Myeongdong’s underground shopping arcade also has several smaller K-pop merch boutiques worth browsing if you have extra time.
4. Hongdae K-Pop Square (Formerly the LINE Friends Flagship Store)
Accessible from Hongik University Station (Line 2). Originally the LINE Friends flagship store in Hongdae, this space has since been rebranded as “K-Pop Square.” It now carries character merchandise from multiple groups, including BLACKPINK, alongside BT21, plus a themed café space. It’s a great one-stop spot to combine merch shopping with a café experience.
5. Banpo & Yeouido Hangang Park — Where “Whistle” Was Filmed
Banpo Hangang Park is accessible from Express Bus Terminal Station (Lines 3, 7, and 9); Yeouido Hangang Park is accessible from Yeouinaru Station (Line 5). BLACKPINK’s debut track, “Whistle” (2016), was filmed here — specifically at Banpo Bridge’s Rainbow Fountain and the floating Sebitseom islands at Banpo Hangang Park, along with the cherry blossom path at Yeouido Hangang Park. This is a great spot to soak in the group’s early, fresh-faced era, especially if you visit during cherry blossom season, when the scenery most closely matches the music video. The Rainbow Fountain also puts on a light show in the evenings, making it one of Seoul’s best night views even for visitors who aren’t BLACKPINK fans.
Quick Recap
- YG HQ (Hapjeong Station) = exterior photos only, no interior access
- K-Star Road (Apgujeong Rodeo Station) = free photo stop, includes a BLACKPINK statue
- YG Republique (Myeongdong Station) = not a merch shop — it’s actually a YG-run Korean BBQ restaurant
- Myeongdong merch district (Myeongdong Station) = check for official licensing vs. unofficial goods
- Hongdae K-Pop Square (Hongik Univ. Station) = merch shopping plus a themed café in one stop
- Banpo & Yeouido Hangang Park (varies by section) = filming location for debut track “Whistle” — Rainbow Fountain, Sebitseom, and the cherry blossom path
All 6 spots are doable in a single day using public transit. Since a few of these are commonly misrepresented online (see #3), it’s worth double-checking current status before you go.
