Unedited main image via www.gangwon.com.my
Do you love K-Pop, but feel like just listening to their songs in your room and attending their concert isn’t enough?
Naturally, the next step to take is to go to South Korea and experience for yourself what it’s like to be a K-Pop fan in its home ground!
#1 SMTOWN Coex Atrium, Seoul
Image via http://avexkorea.blogspot.com
This is the place to be if you’re a fan of idols under SM Entertainment (EXO, Red Velvet, SNSD—to name a few)—and bonus: it’s accessible via public transportation. Consisting of six floors, you’re going to feel like you don’t wanna leave!
Image via Shutterstock
One of the atrium’s attractions is the SMTOWN Studio, where you can pretend you’re an actual idol and visit their recording studio, music video, recording studio—and even get to be styled! But the main highlight is the merchandise sold; here you’ll find stationery, mugs, pillows, and even dessert customised according to your favourite idols. Kiss your money goodbye. LOL!
#2 ‘BTS’ Bus Stop at Jumunjin Beach, Gangneung
Image via www.gangwon.com.my
If you’re a BTS fan, then you’ll recognise the picture from their album You Never Walk Alone. But did you know you can actually go to the scenic beach where the boys went to take pictures for their album?
Image via AirAsia
A little over two hours from Seoul is the beautiful Jumunjin Beach, where a bus stop was erected to commemorate the boys’ successful album. You can take your own pictures to retrace their footsteps and enjoy a chill day by the beach!
#3 Play K-Pop, Jeju Island
Image via www.naver.com
Jeju Island is known for its cultural locations and beach lifestyle, but did you know that there’s a special museum for K-Pop fans? Yup! Unlike SMTOWN Coex Atrium, which focuses on SMTOWN idols, at Play K-Pop, you get to immerse yourself in all K-Pop celebrities.
Image via www.jejuweekly.com
If it’s not concert season, you can watch a live hologram concert as if you’re at a real one! And you can try over 31 different interactive experiences such as turning into a K-Pop star and learn how to dance to the best of K-Pop beats.
#4 Myeongdong Underground Shopping Mall, Seoul
Image via www.kdramapod.com
Need a one-stop place to buy your albums and other K-Pop merchandise? Underneath Myeongdong station is a treasure trove for you. The best part is that most of the things here are sold slightly cheaper than anywhere else!
Image via Shutterstock
You’ll also get a chance to shop for other items such as makeup, clothes, and souvenirs for your loved ones back home.
#5 Busan Asia One Festival, Busan
Image via www.hapskorea.com
Usually held every October for nine consecutive days, the Busan Asia One Festival is memorable for showcasing K-Pop and Korean culture. During this time famous idols will take the stage to perform so you’ll get to watch various K-Pop idols instead of just one. They’ll also hold fan sign sessions, and there will be various exhibitions put up to introduce Busan’s culture to global visitors!
Image via http://en.blog.kkday.com
All of this sounds super daebak! And you know what—luckily for you, AirAsia X flies 18 times a week to Seoul, six times to Busan and four times to Jeju, leaving you with plenty of choices to plan. If you’re a BIG member, your fare can start from as low as RM499 or RM999 if you choose to go for their award-winning Premium Flatbed, which is an amazing deal!
Be quick though. The booking period is from now until 31 December 2018, and the travel period is from now until 31 May 2019. Terms and conditions apply.
So, time to meet go your oppas (and unnis)! Head over to airasia.com to start your K-pop adventure!