K-pop in Seoul

Shoot the retro carousel and rusting rides from countless MVs. The whole nostalgic-eerie park is the set.

Good to know. A privately kept abandoned park: a small photo fee is charged at the gate and hours are irregular, so confirm ahead. It is uphill, take a taxi from the station.

Walk the Gothic, cathedral-like Grand Peace Palace and the European stone campus that backdrops idol MVs, and shoot the same architecture.

Good to know. Campus grounds and the Peace Palace exterior are freely walkable. Keep in mind BLACKPINK’s amphitheater is the separate Global Campus in Yongin, below.

Cross to the island under Hangang Bridge for the riverside scenes from BTS "Run", plus live-music and sunset views.

Enter the free public library in the old City Hall and see the towering wall-of-books and stepped stairs from PSY "Gentleman".

Good to know. Free during library hours. It is a working library, so keep quiet inside.

The main palace that anchors historic-concept MVs. Wear hanbok for free entry and the full idol-teaser look.

Good to know. Closed Tuesdays. Free entry in hanbok.

Walk the old residential alleys used across BLACKPINK’s 2025 "JUMP" MV. A recent, uncrowded pilgrimage.

Good to know. A real residential neighborhood. Keep your voice down and respect residents.

Stroll the elevated sky-garden over Seoul Station from BTS "With Seoul", lit up after dark.

A red shipping-container culture complex with a music venue, where TWICE shot "Signal" interiors.

Photograph the cobalt-blue shipping-container mall from SISTAR "Shake It", then browse the shops and cafes.

Good to know. Free to enter, about 5 minutes from Konkuk University Station Exit 6.

A laundromat-themed bar where EXID filmed the "L.I.E" choreography video. Grab a drink in the same neon room.

In spring, walk the blossom-lined streamside path from TWICE "Cheer Up" and take the same flower-framed photo.

When. Cherry blossom, late March to early April only.

Seoul’s oldest hanok bookstore, now a tiny cafe, where IU’s "Flower Bookmark" album photos were shot; RM of BTS has visited too.

Good to know. Runs as a small cafe now, so order a drink. Interior is cramped and busy with fans. Check hours first.

The open-air amphitheater from BLACKPINK "As If It’s Your Last". A day trip out to Yongin, not central Seoul.

The historical drama backlot where SUGA filmed "Daechwita". A full day trip from Seoul, worth it for the sageuk set.

Hanok rooftops and stone-wall lanes. The default backdrop for period dramas and palace scenes.

Tip. Go before 10am. It is a real residential area, so keep your voice down.

The locked-padlock terrace and cable car you have seen in countless rom-coms, plus the sunset skyline.

Tip. Cable car from Myeongdong, or the Namsan bus up from Chungmuro.

Riverside bike scenes, fireworks frames, and the chimaek-on-the-grass nights dramas love.

Tip. Banpo Bridge runs its rainbow fountain on summer evenings. Order fried chicken to the park.

Busking streets and indie-band energy. The youth and college-drama backdrop.

Tip. Free K-pop dance covers in Hongik Park on weekend afternoons. The real fan moment.

The cafe-and-popup district where recent dramas and variety shows shoot. SM HQ is here too.

Tip. Check the DealSeoul pop-ups page for which brand activations are live this week.

Lia Kim, May J Lee, Mina Myoung. The global #1 K-pop choreography channel, 20M+ subscribers.

Most foreigner-friendly. Daily drop-ins, English-friendly instructors, all levels. Book popular slots ahead.

Choreographed for TWICE, ITZY, EXO, SuperM. Multiple World of Dance champions.

Performance-crew energy. Best once you are past total beginner. English varies by teacher.

Lily M, Vata, Heaven. Choreographed for BLACKPINK, BABYMONSTER, TREASURE.

YG training arm, trainee intensity. Public drop-ins only when scheduled, so check the IG first.

Choreographers across multiple K-pop agencies. Smaller classes than 1MILLION.

Boutique and slower-paced. Best if you want technique, not just finishing the choreo.

Agency-style classes bundled into tourist experiences.

Zero research, one-and-done. Booked as a package, not through the studios directly.

No outdoor shoes inside. Most visitors just dance in socks.

T-shirt and shorts or leggings. Changing space can be tight, so come ready.

Doors close 5 minutes before start at the big studios. Late means no class.

Locals, visitors and trainees share the room. The teacher pitches the choreo to the song.