Author: Ashleigh Thia

One of the biggest dreams that an international K-pop fan can have is to actually travel to South Korea. Even if we don't get to see our favourite stars and idols, at least travelling the country and experiencing South Korean culture first hand would be satisfying for the most of us.

However, what are things and activities that international K-pop fans must experience in South Korea before leaving for home once vacation ends? Here's a few recommendations!

1. Visit celebrity cafes

Other than being a famous celebrity, some of South Korea's top stars are business owners too in the food and beverage industry. Fans can come over to any of these restaurants and experience what it feels like to be having a meal or drink owned by your favourite celebrity. If you're lucky, you might even bump into these famous owners! Here's a few recommendations that we've found to make your cafe-hopping experience a lot more exciting.

a) EXO's Kai - KAMONG Espresso

Image credit: Malaysian Guesthouse in Seoul -FNsquared- (Facebook)

Image credit: Me in Seoulution (blog)

EXO-Ls, come over to KAMONG Espresso! Owned by EXO's Kai, this cafe is run by his sister. If you're a hardcore fan, you'd realise that KAMONG Espresso is a combination of his stage name, KAI and his dog's name, Monggu.

Image credit: Koreaboo

The cafe is located nearby Gangnam Station. Their menu includes coffee smoothies, tea, bingsu and waffles.

Image credit: Me in Seoulution (blog)

Image credit: Koreaboo

There are also mugs, tumblers and cookies on sale, so make sure to get your hands on something for yourself.

Image credit: Me In Seoulution

Image credit: Malaysian Guesthouse in Seoul -FNsquared- (Facebook)

Image credit: Me in Seoulution (blog)

Address: 356 Seochodae-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul

(서울 서초구 서초대로 356)

Hours: 9:00AM - 10:00PM (Mondays to Sundays)

Contact No.: +82 2-522-5949

b) Super Junior's Leeteuk - Kona Beans

Image credit: allkpop

A Hawaiian-themed cafe currently run by SuJu's leader Leeteuk's mother, pop in for some authentic Hawaiian coffee imported from Kona. If you're not a big fan of coffee, there are also teas such as peppermint and jasmine to choose from.

Image credits: Koreaboo

The warm and inviting ambience of the cafe makes you feel comfortable, you'd probably not want to leave because it's just so cosy.

Image credit: Koreaboo

ELFs, there is also a lot of memorabilia around, so walk around and stare at your favourite SuJu oppas to your heart's content. Hopefully you're lucky enough to see the SuJu members themselves hanging out at Kona Beans!

Image credit: Koreaboo

Address: 640-9 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Hours: 7:00AM - 11:00PM (Mondays to Sundays)

Contact No.: +82-2-543-0070

c) BIGBANG's Seungri - AND here

image credit: Koreaboo

Having two branches of these cafes in Seoul and Busan isn't easy, but it seems like to this business savvy idol.

Image credit: Koreaboo

Other than being an idol, BIGBANG's Seungri is also well-known as a successful businessman and has restaurants and cafes all over the world. His cafe, AND here, features a beautiful and modern dining area that is decorated with stuffed animals and BIGBANG-related stuff.

AND here is currently being run by Seungri's mother, so say hi when you see her!

Image credit: Koreaboo

Some limited edition merchandise and autographed memorabilia are sold here too. Grab a cup of coffee, tea, dessert while you're visiting - even wine and champagne if you'd like!

Address: 90 Dongsung-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Hours: 11:00AM - 11:00PM (Mondays to Sundays)

Contact No.: +82-2-744-8464

Website: http://www.andhere.co.kr

d) 2AM and HOMME's Changmin - The Min's

Image credit: @aioraurbieta (Instagram)

Image credit: @ineedu_iu (Instagram)

Run by Changmin's mother and is a hot-spot for celebrities to hang out, it's no wonder patrons are so drawn into the cafe. The Min's is located in Apgujeong, so remember to stop by if you're nearby the area. If you're wondering if Changmin's mother is stopping by, ask her politely and she might let you know.

Image credit: @gangnam_kpopcafe (Instagram)

Order some sandwiches, coffee and tea to fill that hungry tummy of yours. In the summer, lemonade and cherry ade are one of the most popular drinks.

The cafe is also filled with all kinds of K-pop memorabilia, so multi-fandoms, you're in luck!

Image credit: Instagram

Also, did we mention that The Min's is also a favourite hangout spot for BTS? Just take a look at the fragile and priceless BTS autographs and albums around~

Image credit: Instagram

Address: 330 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Hours: 10:00AM - 10:00PM (Mondays to Sundays)

Contact No.: +82-2-512-1452

Website: https://www.facebook.com/2amCMthemins

More cafes and restaurants owned by South Korean celebrities that you should visit:

• Untitled 2017 - BIGBANG's G-Dragon
• Mouse Rabbit Cafe - Super Junior's Yesung
• Midnight in Seoul - 2AM's Jo Kwon
• Cafe Dudart - AOMG's Jay Park
• Cafe J Holic - JYJ's Jaejoong
• Yogorino - Block B's Zico
• Inchang Octopus - INFINITE's Dongwoo
• Nerd on Earth - 2AM's Seulong

2. Visit entertainment companies

Agency companies are literally some of the best places to bump into your favourite stars. A K-pop fan's trip can only feel complete if a visit to their agency buildings is made. Want to bump into TWICE, GOT7, DAY6, BIGBANG, BLACKPINK, BTS, SHINee, EXO, Red Velvet, TVXQ and Super Junior? You can, as long as you stay respectful of the people living and working around the area, especially the celebrities' personal space. Remember that safety is always first. We've included four entertainment companies of many that you can pop by whenever you see fit.

a) SM Entertainment

Image credit: kayleensy (blog)

Home to some of the most powerful and popular groups in the South Korean entertainment industry, popping by SM Entertainment is a must. Located in Gangnam, try to catch a glimpse of your favourite idols if they pop up to their company for practice or meetings. Wave a big hello if you see them!

Image credit: Official Korea Tourism Organization

Stop by the SMTOWN COEX Artium too, a spacious musical performance hall with over 800 seats. High quality and diverse musical or theatrical performances are held year-round to satisfy both Korean and international visitors.

To go to SM Entertainment:

Address: 106-16 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Website: http://www.smtown.com

To go to SMTOWN COEX Artium:

Address: 513, Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

서울특별시 강남구 영동대로 513 (삼성동)

b) JYP Entertainment

Image credit: Instiz (Kpopmap)

Fans of Wonder Girls, 2PM, 2AM and Miss A will recall hearing a familiar whisper of "JYP" in the beginning of some of their songs... Well, this is the company that produced all those hit songs! Come over to JYP's new building in Seoul’s Sungnae-dong district.

It's pretty close to other entertainment companies too, so if you get to meet other idols that are not from JYP Entertainment, it's a win-win situation for you either way. Many visitors have claimed to have seen TWICE around, so wave a big hello if you're that lucky to see them there yourself!

Address: 205, Gangdong-daero, Gangdong-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea

서울특별시 강동구 강동대로 205 (서울특별시 강동구 성내동 448-13)

Website: http://m.jype.com/

c) YG Entertainment

Image credit: Trazy.com

Are you IN THE AREA? (BLINKs, you guys should get the reference...) If you are, then stop by YG Entertainment.

The building's architecture is like a reflection to YG artists' styles - unique and out of the ordinary. Located in Mapo-gu, Seoul, YG Entertainment is the best place to get a glimpse of your favourite YG artists such as BIGBANG, iKON, Lee Hi, SECHKIES and BLACKPINK. Plus, YG Entertainment is also well-known among fans for the delicious cafeteria food - many fans have commended that it's really good, so give it a try.

Address: 397-5 Hapjeong-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Website: http://www.ygfamily.com

d) BigHit Entertainment

Image credit: aminoapps.com

If you're part of the ARMY fandom, Big Hit Entertainment is no stranger to you. As the company that produced BTS and TXT that is due to debut soon, don't be surprised if you see fans outside waiting to see their favourite oppas.

Address: Seoul Gangnam-gu, 5 30-gil, Hakdong-ro, Floor Yangjin Plaza 5F , South Korea

서울시 강남구 학동로 30길 5 양진프라자 5층 빅히트엔터테인먼트

Website: https://www.ibighit.com/main/index

3. Stroll along Gangnam's Hallyu K-Star Road

Image credit: Google

Located in Apgujeong, it's a big MUST to come here for K-pop fans. A famous area for cafe and restaurant dining and shopping, K-Star Road's route is separated into four zones and decorated with bear statues (aka GangnamDols) bearing names of various K-pop groups. Plus, they're super cute!

Image credit: @kto_losangeles (Instagram)

As you stroll along and take pictures with your favourite group's GangnamDol, you might even just come across some celebrities spending their time off chilling and hanging out. Some entertainment companies are also close to the vicinity, so take your time and stroll to your heart's content.

Do you see any of your favourite K-pop GangnamDols? Or do you recognise any?

Image credits: Google

South Korea is a wonderful place to visit and has so much more to offer. Although you may be travelling there for the sole reason of realising your K-pop dream, it'll be better to learn and understand South Korean culture too. So while you're chasing your oppas/noonas, remember to learn and make the best out of your trip!