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Netflix to launch a KPop Demon Hunters pop-up store in Seoul this December as the hit film drives record tourism growth to South Korea.
KPop Demon Hunters to Life with a Seoul Pop-Up Store by Netflix
Netflix will open a limited-time KPop Demon Hunters pop-up store in Seoul’s Seongsu-dong district this December, connecting fans of the hit animated film with a physical space inspired by its colorful world. The store will run from December 4 to December 28, with early access from December 4–7 for members of the streaming platform’s b.stage fan community. The general access will start from December 8.
Visitors can expect exclusive merchandise, themed installations, and immersive décor tied to the movie’s fusion of K-pop culture and supernatural storytelling. The event is part of Netflix’s broader strategy to transform popular K-content into real-world experiences that deepen fan engagement.
Why Seongsu-Dong Is the Perfect Setting
Seongsu-dong, often called “the Brooklyn of Seoul,” is known for its industrial-chic cafés, art galleries, and boutique stores. Hosting the pop-up in this creative district aligns well with Netflix’s aim to blend pop culture and lifestyle tourism. The area’s mix of trendy retail spaces and street art also makes it ideal for fans looking to capture memorable photos and explore local culture beyond the pop-up itself.
How KPop Demon Hunters Is Fueling Tourism Growth
Since its release in June 2025, KPop Demon Hunters has become one of Netflix’s biggest global hits, surpassing 300 million views and sparking renewed travel interest in Korea. The film’s mix of futuristic Seoul imagery and Korean folklore has inspired many international viewers to visit the real locations behind its setting.
According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the city welcomed 1.36 million foreign visitors in July 2025, a 23 percent increase compared to the previous year and 18 percent higher than in 2019. Travel platform Trip.com Group also reported a 25 percent year-on-year rise in flight bookings to South Korea following the film’s release, with an average 11 percent monthly increase in inbound travel.
Netflix’s 2025 Cultural Affinity Report revealed that 32 percent of global K-content discussions online are connected to tourism-related topics such as culture, food, and fashion. These data points highlight how popular Korean media now serves as a major driver of real-world travel, turning fans into visitors who want to experience the settings they see on screen.
Streaming Success Meets Real-World Travel
The success of KPop Demon Hunters reflects a broader trend: fans of K-content are increasingly planning trips around their favorite films and series. This shift, sometimes called “content tourism,” is becoming a defining feature of Korea’s cultural economy. Netflix’s Ripple Effect report found that 87 percent of Koreans believe global interest in K-content is opening new business and tourism opportunities.
By choosing to host pop-up events and fan experiences, Netflix is helping translate on-screen excitement into travel itineraries, while supporting small businesses that benefit from increased foot traffic in popular neighborhoods like Seongsu-dong.
What the Pop-Up Means for Local Tourism
The pop-up store is expected to bring a significant boost to the local economy. Cafés, boutique shops, and art spaces in Seongsu-dong will likely see increased visitors throughout December, especially as international fans add the stop to their Seoul travel itineraries. Themed merchandise and limited-edition collectibles will attract collectors and tourists alike, while the event’s visual appeal will amplify Seongsu-dong’s reputation as one of Seoul’s most photogenic districts.
Beyond retail, the initiative demonstrates how entertainment companies and tourism boards can collaborate to extend the lifespan of popular cultural products. By turning digital engagement into physical experiences, Netflix is reinforcing Seoul’s status as a key hub for global pop-culture tourism.
Planning a Visit to the Seongsu-Dong Pop-Up? Essential Tips!
Travelers hoping to visit the pop-up should plan ahead. Early access days are likely to be busy, so arriving early in the day is ideal. The store is near Seongsu Station on Line 2, offering easy access to nearby attractions. Visitors can enhance their trip by exploring local cafés, design stores, and art galleries that define Seongsu-dong’s creative atmosphere.
Since most merchandise will be exclusive to the event, fans looking to purchase collectibles should budget accordingly and be prepared for high demand.
- Visit early: Expect queues during weekends and holidays.
- Bring your card: Most exclusive items will be limited edition.
- Location tip: Seongsu Station (Line 2) offers the easiest access to the venue.
- Explore nearby: After the pop-up, visit cafés, concept stores, and art galleries that make Seongsu-dong a must-see area for Seoul travelers.
The Bigger Picture: K-Content and Korea’s Soft Power
The KPop Demon Hunters phenomenon underscores how powerful K-content has become in shaping global travel patterns. As international audiences continue to engage with Korean media, more visitors are motivated to explore the real-world culture behind it. This form of tourism contributes to Korea’s soft power, strengthening its position as a destination where entertainment, culture, and lifestyle converge.
The combination of rising visitor numbers, strong content exports, and cultural visibility points to a new phase of Korea’s global influence—one where what viewers watch on Netflix directly inspires where they travel next.
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