When Netflix’s chart-smashing animated musical, KPop Demon Hunters, lit up screens with its glittering mash-up of folklore-meets-fashion costumes, supernatural battles, and utterly singable songs, it not only created a new fantasy universe—it turned the film’s location of Seoul, South Korea, into the film’s most magnetic co-star.
From the shimmering LED canyon of COEX Square to the moonlit fortress walls of Naksan Park and the dramatic heights of N Seoul Tower, a pilgrimage to the home of HUNTR/X and the Saja Boys is the perfect way for fans to celebrate their new obsession.
I know, because I too am an obsessed fan, and I just did it. Now let me tell you how it’s done, done, done.
Seoul-searching the sights
The energetic neighborhood of Myeongdong serves as a central place from which to explore Seoul, and fortunately, it’s featured heavily in the film. This is where we first meet the devilishly handsome Saja Boys, and in real life, it’s teeming with ways to connect with the movie. For example, at Korea Mart next to the Myeongdong subway station, you can find a KPop Demon Hunters-themed cardboard cutout set up to take photos.
Since the movie is American, studio-approved merch isn’t available specifically in Korea (you can find that at the Netflix store), but Myeongdong stalls hawking standard Korea-themed souvenirs now include unofficial movie merch, from Derpy Tiger plushies and keychains to colorful tote bags featuring each of the bands.
There are a few places where Netflix made us believe in love again by having Rumi and Jinu meet for their secret dates. The first spot is Bukchon Hanok Village, a historic area of the city showcasing centuries-old hanok homes, giving visitors an intimate window into Korea’s rich architectural and cultural heritage. The village is next to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the backdrop to Jinu’s bad boy character-building flashbacks.
Not too far away is Naksan Park, where the pair broke down our emotional walls with their song, “Free,” to the backdrop of the park’s historic fortress walls. Sunrise and sunset are especially beautiful here, so golden you can almost imagine the honmoon lighting up.
Other Seoul landmarks that feature in the movie include Seoul Olympic Stadium, which kicks off the movie and later hosts the Idol Awards; the Seoul Sky Observatory at Lotte World Tower, which stands in as HUNTR/X headquarters; and Namsan Seoul Tower (or N Seoul Tower), where the film’s climactic battle takes place. There isn’t really a concert venue there, but taking the cable car up to the tower is a delightful way to see the city skyline.
Eat like HUNTR/X
If you were as captivated by the food HUNTR/X ate in the movie as I was, then dedicate time to the Myeongdong Night Market to pick from an array of Korean treats, including Korean corn dogs and kimbap.
Ramyun cups like the ones the women chug on their jet are available at food stalls as well, but the brick and mortar Ramyun Library is a surefire place to grab the flavor of your choice, whether that’s Superstar (Rumi), Spice (Mira), or Hamburger (Zoey). Okay, those aren’t real flavors, but there are 255 other options from which to pick.
And be sure to try naengmyeon, also seen during their fateful plane ride. The cold noodle dish is a staple cuisine from the North. Seoul can be quite hot and humid, and this soup is a delicious way to cool down.
Fit check for your napalm era
The looks in KPop Demon Hunters were immediately iconic, and there is no doubt that Halloween will be dominated by gilded shoulder pads and wide-brimmed black gat, or the traditional Korean hat worn by the demon boy band. Because all the outfits in the movie were informed by actual Korean fashion trends present and past, it’s a fun adventure to build out a costume or accent an everyday look by shopping in Seoul.
The movie’s jewelry resonates with my style, so the gold earrings sold at The Plain in Myeongdong were great for filling out my wardrobe. Accessibly priced with a staggering amount of options, the store assists by pointing out pieces made popular by K-Pop stars. They don’t specifically identify KPop Demon Hunters, but I did leave with three sets that matched what I saw in the film.
Seoul is already known for being a wellness destination, so after soaking at the closest bathhouse, head to the ritzy Gangnam neighborhood for salons like Nail Tam2na to get a detailed set of bedazzled nails mirroring your favorite member of HUNTR/X. My pink and gold Rumi-themed nails were a huge hit.
Sing like a K-Pop star
Netflix has done us a huge service by offering a sing-along version of the movie, but it’s even more fun to belt out the chart-topping songs in one of Seoul’s many K-Pop karaoke bars, or noraebang. They stand out by giving groups private rooms in which to sing, and there is perhaps no place better to do so than in the trendy Hongdae neighborhood, where nightlife comes alive.