Must-Visit Popups in Seoul: September 2026

While Seoul offers a wide range of things to do and see for locals and tourists alike, the city’s free popup scene is like no other. Stay up-to-date on the latest releases and trends this season by checking out these must-visit popups.

Click on the titles below to jump directly to that pop-up’s information, and check out more things to do in Seoul here to enjoy your stay to the fullest!

1. Haagen-Daz: Haagen Cruise

Dates: Sept 5th~13th

Hours: 11:30am – 7:30pm Daily (closing at 6:30pm on Sept 13th) 

Address: 84 Achasan-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)

Event Exclusives & Activities:

• Seoul Walking Tour: Seongsu-dong Cafes, Shopping, K-pop & Culture
• Action Painting Experience in Hapjeong/ Seongsu
• Custom Silver Ring Workshop in Seongsu
• K-Pop Idol Concept Photoshoot at EYESU STUDIO in Seongsu (+ Hair & Makeup/ ID/ Profile Photo options)

2. Dearlit HYBE Popup

Dates: Sept 2nd~6th 

Hours: 11am – 8pm Daily 

Address: 1F, 42, Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)

Event Exclusives & Activities: ILLIT fans can visit the DEARLIT Pop-Up at HYBE Yongsan, a character-themed space built around the group’s official characters, DEARLIT. Each character reflects a different ILLIT member: Chitty, Oritokki, Mocalatte, Hihi, and Ppeko and this pop-up brings their dream-meets-reality story to life through a small fairytale-style world. Look out for a large character photo zone, an animation viewing area, and a message wall where visitors can leave a note. There’s also merchandise such as keyrings, stickers, cushions, hair accessories, and T-shirts. Visits are managed through advance reservations on Weverse, so make sure to book before heading over!

3. Olive Young x Sanrio

Dates: Aug 29th~Sept 13th

Hours: 10am – 10pm Daily

Location: Olive Young Seongsu N (Kakao Maps)

Event Exclusives & Activities: Step into a cute world of Sanrio at Olive Young‘s CITY LOG SANRIO pop-up, where Hello Kitty and friends take a little trip around the country. Olive Young N Seongsutransforms into a playful space where you can complete missions, collect stamps through NFC tags, try an RC-car tour-bus activity, and use a photo kiosk to find your character match. Plus, shop exclusive Sanrio-themed K-beauty and lifestyle items! If you love all things cute and beauty, get ready to empty your pockets here!

Discover more K-beauty in Seoul:

• JUNO Hair in Seoul: Myeongdong/ Hongdae/Gangnam/ Garosu-gil/ Apgujeong (8 Branches)
• O HUI & Whoo Spa Beauty Care Package in Myeongdong
• [K-Beauty Treatment] Lienjang Clinic, Gangnam: Skin Rejuvenation/ Tightening & Lifting – Rejuran, PHA Peeling & more
• Get Your Hair & Makeup Done Like a Korean Celebrity at Jenny House in Cheongdam

4. Mermaid Party at Lotte Aquarium

Dates: Sept 4th~Nov 29th

Hours: 10 am – 8pm Daily

Location: Lotte World Aquarium (Kakao Maps)

Event Exclusives & Activities: Visit Lotte World Aquarium for its Mermaid Party, where My Melody, Kuromi, Cinnamoroll, Pompompurin, and Hangyodon arrive in mermaid form for an underwater Sanrio-themed celebration. As you explore the aquarium, stop by character photo zones such as Pompompurin’s Invitation and the Moonlight Shell Castle, take a four-cut photo, and try a paid AR mission that leads you through quizzes and mini-games. Complete the mission to collect a random Sanrio ID-card keyring, then browse the limited-edition merchandise and character-themed desserts. On Saturdays, My Melody also appears in front of the main tank for scheduled photo sessions, making this a particularly fun pick for Sanrio fans visiting Jamsil!

Get your tickets in advance & skip the hassle:

• Lotte World Aquarium Discount Ticket with Optional Lotte World 1 Day Pass Combo

More to do nearby:

• Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky Discount Ticket
• Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky Bridge Tour — Walk Across Korea’s Tallest Tower
• Lotte World Discount Ticket

5. Crocs Popup Store in AK PLAZA

Dates: Aug 25th~Sept 23rd

Hours: 11am – 8pm (Mon-Fri), 10:30am – 8pm (Sat-Sun)

Location: 4F, AK Plaza, Hongdae (Kakao Maps)

Event Exclusives & Activities: Check out the Crocs “Pop In. Vibe Out.” pop-up at AK Plaza Hongdae, where you can browse colorful Crocs shoes and make a pair your own with the signature Jibbitz charms. The space is a fun stop for anyone who enjoys customizing accessories, whether you want to pick out charms that match your style or simply see the brand’s latest casual footwear in person. It’s on the fourth floor of AK Plaza Hongdae, right by Hongik University Station, so you can easily add it to an afternoon of shopping, cafés, and street-food hopping in Hongdae.

Try these other experiences in Hongdae:

• Make Your Own Custom Ring in Hongdae
• K-Beauty: 1 Day Makeup Class/Professional Makeup Service in Hongdae
• OU Hair Design Hair Salon in Hongdae
• Cat Cafe in Hongdae: Roof Cat Me Discount Ticket

5. Vaseline GLUTA-HYA