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Chasing Lapillus in Korea: The Complete Travel Guide for Fans
Why Korea
When it comes to chasing idols, Seoul, South Korea is often the first destination that comes to mind. It's not just because Seoul is the heart of the K-pop industry, but also because this city is filled with a rich tapestry of idol culture. Walking down the street, you might just brush past your favorite idol; idol merchandise shops, themed cafes, and concept restaurants are everywhere, making the entire city feel like a dreamland built for fans.
For fans who love Lapillus, visiting Korea in person offers an irreplaceable experience. This girl group officially debuted in 2022, consisting of six members: ChaeYeon, Yuki, DoHa, Mika, Say, and HeeWon. Their music style is fresh and lively, showcasing a unique youthful charm in the K-pop scene. Traveling to Korea not only lets you attend their performances and purchase exclusive merchandise, but also allows you to visit places they've been to and experience the locations featured in their MVs and variety shows. This immersive fan experience is something no online viewing can match.
Additionally, Korea's tourism infrastructure is well-developed, with the capital region's public transportation system being highly accessible even for foreign visitors. In recent years, flights between Taiwan and Korea have become increasingly frequent, making travel between the two places very convenient. All these factors make Korea the top choice for fans traveling abroad to chase their idols.
Must-Visit Landmarks
For fans who want to get up close to Lapillus's world, these locations are absolute pilgrimage sites you can't miss.
Gangnam District Area
Gangnam is the heart of Korea's idol industry, with many entertainment agencies headquartered here. Fans can stroll around Gangnam Station or Nonhyeon Station and feel the idol atmosphere permeating every corner. Starfield COEX Mall houses SMTOWN, where you can purchase merchandise from MQLAS Entertainment—the agency representing Lapillus—and experience various idol-related facilities. The mall regularly hosts idol-related pop-up events or exhibitions, and if you're lucky, you might even run into an idol in person.
Hongdae Commercial District
Hongdae is a haven for Seoul's young people and artists, and a place where K-pop idols frequently hang out. The street performance plaza hosts many trainees and indie musicians performing almost every weekend, and with some luck, you might encounter tomorrow's rising stars preparing for their debut. Cafes and restaurants around Hongdae are also common locations for idol variety shows and VLOG shoots. Many fans specifically visit these establishments to experience the same dining atmosphere as their favorite idols.
Yeouido KBS TV Station
As one of Korea's three major broadcasters, KBS is frequently where idol groups appear on music programs. The Han River Park near KBS is also a popular spot where fans wait to catch idols arriving for or leaving work. Whenever Lapillus has the opportunity to appear on related programs, this is usually where the most fans gather and where you can best experience the fan culture. Whenever there's a new album promotion period, the atmosphere here becomes especially lively.
Myeongdong and Chungmuro Area
Myeongdong is the shopping paradise most beloved by foreign tourists, and also a place where many idols participate in events and shoots. Near Chungmuro Station, you'll find rows of cosmetics shops like Olive Young, which frequently collaborate with idols or host promotional events. Walking through Myeongdong's streets, you might just happen to spot an idol doing a street shoot.
Seongsu-dong: The New Hot Spot
Seongsu-dong has rapidly emerged as Seoul's newest trendy landmark in recent years, with many stylish cafes, restaurants, and select shops setting up shop. The architecture here is unique and the street design is fresh, attracting numerous K-pop MV shoots. If Lapillus's music videos or promotional materials feature modern urban scenery, it was likely shot here. Fans can spend a weekend afternoon strolling around, feeling the pulse of Seoul's cutting-edge trends.
Samcheong-dong and Bukchon Hanok Village
For those wanting to experience the blend of traditional Korean culture and urban sophistication, Samcheong-dong and Bukchon Hanok Village are excellent choices. Hidden among the alleyways are many design-conscious cafes and galleries—backdrops frequently chosen by idol artists for photo shoots and interviews. If you want to reminisce about Lapillus's performances in vintage settings, the street scenery here might offer a similar feeling.
Transportation and Accommodation Tips
Capital Region Transit Guide
Seoul's public transportation system is world-class convenient, with the subway covering such a wide range that almost every fan destination can be reached by subway. We recommend purchasing a T-money card, which can be used not only for subways and buses but also for small purchases at convenience stores—very practical. If you need to ride the subway frequently during your trip, consider purchasing a day pass or period pass to save on transportation costs.
Incheon International Airport is the gateway for most travelers entering Korea. There are multiple ways to get to central Seoul, including the AREX Airport Express, regular subway lines, or intercity buses. The AREX express takes about 50 minutes to reach Seoul Station, making it the top choice for time-conscious travelers. While the regular subway takes longer, the fares are much more affordable.
Recommended Accommodation Areas
For fans chasing idols, transportation convenience should be your top priority when choosing accommodation. Hongdae offers excellent value for money, with subway stations, convenience stores, and restaurants all nearby. Accommodation prices are relatively affordable, and the area is lively and safe for evening strolls. Though Gangnam has higher accommodation costs, the concentration of idol-related attractions nearby makes it very convenient for those whose primary purpose is idol chasing. Myeongdong is the most familiar accommodation area for tourists, with direct airport buses, convenient shopping, and complete lifestyle facilities.
For budget-conscious student fans, overnight stays at a jjimjilbang (Korean spa) or a capsule hotel are also viable alternatives. Though comfort levels don't match regular hotels, they can significantly cut accommodation costs, leaving more budget for concert tickets and merchandise.
Local Food Recommendations
Speaking of Korean cuisine, of course you should also savor authentic flavors while chasing idols. Seoul's streets are filled with food options, from street vendor snacks to high-end restaurants.
Seoul's breakfast culture can be experienced starting at traditional markets. Gwangjang Market's mung bean pancakes and blood sausage, and Gwangjintang's tteokbokki (rice cakes) are great places to enjoy affordable local food. For lunch, we recommend trying the specialty restaurants in Hongdae or Yeonnam-dong—whether it's Korean black bean noodles, spicy rice cakes, or army stew, your taste buds will be satisfied.
While evening shopping, street food in Myeongdong and Hongdae is not to be missed. Spicy rice cakes, fish cakes, grilled chicken skewers, and taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes) are classic walk-and-eat options. After wrapping up your idol-chasing schedule, meeting up with fellow fans at a 24-hour pork soup restaurant or haejangguk (hangover soup) specialty shop to recharge and exchange idol-chasing stories is a tour-end activity recommended by many veteran fans.
Additionally, restaurants frequently visited by idol artists are worth making a pilgrimage to. Such establishments usually display idols' signatures or photos at the entrance or on the menu. Fans can feel the traces of their favorite idols while dining. We recommend doing your homework before you go and searching keywords like "idol restaurant" or "idol cafeteria," which often reveals unexpected surprises.
Pre-Trip Preparation
Documents and Visas
Taiwanese travelers can enter Korea visa-free with a valid passport, with a maximum stay of 90 days. We recommend confirming that your passport remains valid for at least six months before departure, and keeping a copy of your passport information page on hand for emergencies.
Internet and Communication
Korea offers various internet options. We recommend reserving a WiFi rental device or purchasing a local eSIM card in Taiwan before departure. The arrival hall at Incheon Airport also has multiple telecom provider counters where you can sign up on the spot. We recommend choosing an unlimited LTE plan to ensure no speed restrictions when live-streaming idol events or checking transit information.
Essential Packing List
Fan support items are best prepared in Taiwan beforehand, including light sticks, banners, and support signs. If planning to attend official events, support T-shirts or merchandise are also important. Binoculars are an essential tool for idol chasers—even from far away, you can clearly see the idols' movements on stage. Additionally, compact rain gear, spare power banks, and comfortable walking shoes are all necessities for navigating Seoul's streets.
Gathering Idol Information
We recommend joining Lapillus fan communities or idol-chaser group chats to get idol schedule information in real time. Korea has many websites and forums dedicated to compiling idol arrival and departure times. Mastering these tools can significantly improve your idol-chasing efficiency. Importantly, when chasing idols, be sure to maintain order, don't block traffic, and don't push or crowd the idols—only by doing so can we maintain a positive fan image.
Sample Itinerary
Below is a four-day, three-night Seoul idol-chasing itinerary for your reference and customization:
Day 1: Arrival and Hongdae Introduction
Depart from Taoyuan International Airport in the morning on a direct flight to Seoul Incheon Airport, with a flight time of about two hours. Upon arrival, take the AREX Express to Seoul Station, then transfer to the subway to your Hongdae hotel or guesthouse. After resting in the afternoon, head to the Hongdae commercial district to get familiar with the area and browse the main streets lined with idol merchandise shops. In the evening, enjoy authentic Korean black bean noodles or tonkatsu near Hongdae, soaking in the youthful energy of the university district.
Day 2: Core Gangnam Idol Day
In the morning, head to Gangnam and visit SMTOWN at COEX MALL to shop for merchandise, then experience the unique atmosphere at Starfield Library where literature and K-pop culture blend together. In the afternoon, stroll along Gangnamdaero to the Nonhyeon-dong area, where many entertainment agency offices are located. In the evening, visit Apgujeong or Cheongdam-dong to soak in the upscale atmosphere favored by Korean celebrities—if you're lucky, you might even spot an idol at a nearby cafe.
Day 3: Traditional and Modern Cultural Journey
In the morning, visit Samcheong-dong and Bukchon Hanok Village, wandering through traditional hanok alleyways to experience the elegant charm of old Seoul. For lunch, we recommend trying the specialty restaurants in Samcheong-dong. In the afternoon, take the subway to Chungmuro and Myeongdong, browse cosmetics shops and clothing stores, and keep an eye out for idol-related events or pop-up shops. In the evening, enjoy street food in Myeongdong and experience the bustling nightlife of this tourist commercial district.
Day 4: Free Idol Chasing and Departure
The final day is more flexible. Based on information gathered earlier, arrange to attend idol-related activities or visit attractions missed on previous days. After checking out in the afternoon, head to Incheon Airport—if time permits, you can do some last-minute shopping at the duty-free shops in the airport. In the evening, board your flight back to Taiwan, wrapping up this idol-chasing journey with a perfect ending.
Conclusion
Traveling to Korea to chase Lapillus is more than just an ordinary sightseeing trip—it's a rare opportunity to get close to your idols' dreams. By personally visiting the places they've walked, tasting the food they love, and exploring the corners of the city where they work and live, you can gain a deeper understanding of this group's charm. We hope this guide helps every aspiring fan successfully fulfill their idol-chasing wishes and create precious memories on the streets of Seoul. Whether you're a first-time beginner or an experienced veteran, you can find your own idol-chasing rhythm in this city, returning home filled with emotion and safe travels.
