Korea-content isn’t just a story—it’s a place.

Sunday, April 5, 2026

Korea-content isn’t just a story—it’s a place.

BLACKPINK in Korea: Every Location You Must Visit — BLINK Guide

20 min read

Do you remember the first time you saw the legendary, jaw-dropping modernized Hanbok performance of “How You Like That”? Or maybe your heart still flutters thinking about the iconic pink gates from their 2018 reality show, BLACKPINK House. Since their debut under YG Entertainment in 2016, BLACKPINK has undeniably grown into the biggest girl group in the world. Their music videos set global trends, their fashion breaks the internet, and their variety shows give fans a comforting glimpse into their genuine friendship. 

For international BLINKs planning a trip to South Korea, visiting the places where Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa made history is an absolute must. This guide is your definitive “Holy Land” map. We are taking you far beyond the standard tourist traps and diving deep into their story. From the humble basement eateries they frequented as hardworking trainees, to the grand music video sets where they solidified their superstar status, and finally to their modern-day creative headquarters. Pack your black and pink outfits, charge your camera, and let’s explore the ultimate BLACKPINK pilgrimage across South Korea!

1. Olympic Park Lone Tree — Instagram Landmark

If you follow the members on social media, you already know they possess a god-tier aesthetic. One of the most famous “Instagrammable” spots that Rosé and Jisoo have graced with their presence is the Lone Tree (Nahollo Namu) in Olympic Park. Standing beautifully isolated in the middle of a vast, sweeping green field, this picturesque tree is the perfect backdrop for those moody, high-fashion, yet effortlessly casual shots the girls are known for. It has become a beloved pilgrimage site for fans wanting to recreate the members’ serene, nature-focused aesthetic. The park itself is massive, offering a peaceful break from the bustling city streets of Seoul.

  • Hours: 05:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Subway: Mongchontoseong Station (Line 8, Exit 1) or Hanseong Baekje (Line 9, Exit 2)
  • Cost: Free
  • Address: 424, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 송파구 올림픽로 424)
  • GoogleMap Address: 424, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul
  • NaverMap Address: 424, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul
  • Insider Tip: Visit during “Golden Hour” (one hour before sunset) for the exact warm lighting seen in the girls’ photos. Sit in the field at a distance to capture the tree’s isolation.

2. Danha Maison — Fashion Showcase

When BLACKPINK dropped the music video for “How You Like That,” the world was utterly mesmerized by their modernized Hanboks (traditional Korean clothing). The visionary behind these outfits is the designer brand Danha. At the Danha Maison flagship showroom in Jongno-gu, BLINKs can get up close and personal with the stunning fabrics, traditional motifs, and contemporary silhouettes that broke the internet. The boutique perfectly encapsulates the cultural impact BLACKPINK has had globally, seamlessly blending historical Korean tradition with fierce K-pop styling. The minimalist white exterior and the vibrant Hanbok patterns inside make this a high-fashion paradise for any visiting fan.

  • Hours: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Closed Mondays; Break time 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM on weekends)
  • Subway: Anguk Station (Line 3, Exit 1)
  • Cost: Free to browse; fees apply for rentals or customs
  • Address: 39-7 Palpan-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 팔판길 39-7)
  • GoogleMap Address: 39-7 Palpan-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
  • NaverMap Address: 39-7 Palpan-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
  • Insider Tip: Book a consultation if you want to purchase a custom piece. Visit at 3:00 PM on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds in the Samcheong-dong area.

[IMAGE PLACEHOLDER: Interior of Danha Maison featuring modern Hanbok designs.]Alt Text: Modern Hanbok designs inspired by BLACKPINK’s How You Like That outfits.

3. YG Entertainment HQ & The sameE — Home Base

No BLINK pilgrimage is complete without visiting the creative heart where hits like “DDU-DU DDU-DU” and “Pink Venom” were born. The YG Entertainment headquarters in Hapjeong is divided into the “Old Building” where the girls spent their grueling trainee days, and the futuristic “New Building” where they currently record. While the office itself is strictly private, YG opened a dedicated fan space right across the street called The sameE. This café and merchandise shop allows fans to sip coffee while gazing directly at the company’s impressive architecture, with the occasional bonus of spotting staff or artist vehicles coming and going.

  • Hours: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM (The sameE Cafe)
  • Subway: Hapjeong Station (Lines 2 & 6, Exit 8)
  • Cost: Standard café menu prices
  • Address: 7, Huiujeong-ro 1-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 마포구 희우정로1길 7)
  • GoogleMap Address: 7, Huiujeong-ro 1-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
  • NaverMap Address: 7, Huiujeong-ro 1-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
  • Insider Tip: Head to the 2nd floor of the café for the best view of the new architecture. Weekday mornings between 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM offer the best lighting.

4. Hui Bin — Trainee Soul Food(Closed)

Long before they were selling out stadiums worldwide, the girls were hungry teenagers enduring endless dance practices in the basement of the old YG building. During their pre-debut days, Hui Bin—a humble, traditional Chinese restaurant nearby—was their go-to spot for comfort food. Featured prominently in BLACKPINK House, the members have fondly recalled ordering massive portions of Korean-Chinese cuisine here to refuel. Walking into this basement eatery with its vintage red-and-gold decor feels like stepping into a time machine, giving fans a literal taste of the girls’ humble beginnings.

  • Hours: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM (Break time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
  • Subway: Hapjeong Station (Lines 2 & 6, Exit 7)
  • Budget: ~10,000 KRW
  • Address: B1, 413-10 Hapjeong-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 마포구 합정동 413-10 지하 1층)
  • GoogleMap Address: B1, 413-10 Hapjeong-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
  • NaverMap Address: B1, 413-10 Hapjeong-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
  • Insider Tip: Order the Jjajangmyeon and Tangsuyuk—the members’ favorite combo. Arrive at 11:45 AM to beat the local office lunch rush!

5. Little Papa Pho — Favorite Variety Spot

BLACKPINK’s love for Southeast Asian cuisine is well documented, and when Lisa and Rosé needed to satisfy their intense cravings during BLACKPINK House, they headed straight to Little Papa Pho in Hapjeong. This cozy, authentic Vietnamese restaurant is a staple in the neighborhood. Fans love visiting to sit at the exact bar-style seating shown on the reality show. The steaming, rich broth of the pho and the crispy spring rolls are exactly what the members enjoyed, making this an accessible, delicious, and deeply satisfying stop on your Mapo-gu K-pop tour.

  • Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Break time: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM)
  • Subway: Hapjeong Station (Lines 2 & 6, Exit 5)
  • Budget: ~10,000 KRW
  • Address: 7 Dokmak-ro 3-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 마포구 독막로3길 7)
  • GoogleMap Address: 7 Dokmak-ro 3-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
  • NaverMap Address: 424, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul
  • Insider Tip: Arrive early; this local favorite is small and fills up quickly. Try to visit on a weekday around 1:30 PM to avoid long queues outside.

6. BLACKPINK House (Sanrio Lovers Club) — The Iconic Dorm

In 2018, BLINKs were blessed with BLACKPINK House, a 100-day reality show where the members lived together in a gorgeous, custom-renovated pink mansion in Hongdae. This location is arguably one of the most famous pieces of BLACKPINK lore. Today, the building has been completely repurposed into the ‘Sanrio Lovers Club’ theme café. While the interior no longer resembles the girls’ chic dorm, the legendary exterior pink gate and the silhouette of the house remain largely intact. It is still an absolute thrill to stand in the garden where the members filmed their morning routines and adorable backyard parties.

  • Hours: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Subway: Hongik University Station (Line 2, Exit 9)
  • Cost: Free (1st floor shop); Reservations required for 2nd floor café
  • Address: 18, Wausan-ro 19-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 마포구 와우산로19길 18)
  • GoogleMap Address: 18, Wausan-ro 19-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
  • NaverMap Address: 424, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul
  • Insider Tip: It is now a Sanrio Cafe; the pink gate remains, but the interior has changed. Arrive right at opening to snap photos of the exterior before cafe-goers crowd the entrance.

7. Ceramic Cafe JOOL — Creative Corner

If you want to step into the members’ shoes and try an activity they personally enjoyed, Ceramic Cafe JOOL in the trendy Hongdae area is the perfect spot. Featured in their YouTube reality series 24/365 with BLACKPINK, this is the exact studio where Jisoo and Rosé spent a cozy afternoon painting and designing their own pottery. The rustic wooden tables and warm, artsy atmosphere make for a beautifully relaxing break from standard sightseeing. You can book a one-day class to design your own K-pop memorabilia, making it the ultimate personalized souvenir.

  • Hours: 11:00 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Subway: Hongik University Station (Line 2, Exit 4 or 5)
  • Cost: Pottery classes range from 25,000 to 50,000 KRW
  • Address: 11, Sinchon-ro 4-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 마포구 신촌로4길 11)
  • GoogleMap Address: 11, Sinchon-ro 4-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
  • NaverMap Address: 11, Sinchon-ro 4-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
  • Insider Tip: Refer to Jisoo’s vlog for design inspiration for your own mug. Note that pottery takes 2–4 weeks to fire, so this is best if you have a longer stay in Korea or a local friend who can pick it up!

8. Kyung Hee University Amphitheatre — MV Site

Take a day trip down to Yongin to witness the epic scale of the “As If It’s Your Last” music video set. The grand stone pillars and sweeping Greco-Roman architecture of the Kyung Hee University Global Campus Amphitheatre served as the primary backdrop for the girls’ iconic school-uniform choreography. Standing at the center of the stage looking up at the majestic columns is a surreal experience that instantly transports you back to 2017. The grand scale of the campus is breathtaking, providing a truly cinematic backdrop for your travel photos.

  • Hours: 24 hours (Campus grounds)
  • Subway: Yeongtong Station (Suin-Bundang Line, Exit 3)
  • Cost: Free
  • Address: 1732 Deogyeong-daero, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 용인시 기흥구 덕영대로 1732)
  • GoogleMap Address: 1732 Deogyeong-daero, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do
  • NaverMap Address: 1732 Deogyeong-daero, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do
  • Insider Tip: Visit in Spring for double cherry blossoms to match the vibrant “pink” vibe of the MV. Late afternoon offers the best “Golden Hour” lighting.

9. Everland & Panda World — Adventure Day

Another fantastic day trip from Seoul is Everland, South Korea’s largest and most famous theme park. In an unforgettable episode of 24/365 with BLACKPINK, the members had a chaotic, joy-filled day here. They visited Panda World to meet the beloved baby panda Fu Bao, melting fans’ hearts with their interactions. Afterward, they braved the terrifying “T-Express,” a massive wooden rollercoaster that is a rite of passage for thrill-seekers. Following the exact itinerary of the girls ensures a day packed with adrenaline, cute animals, and endless laughs.

  • Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Transport: Red Express Bus 5002 from Gangnam / Jeondae-Everland Stn (Exit 3)
  • Cost: ~62,000 KRW (Check online for foreigner discounts)
  • Address: 199 Everland-ro, Pogok-eup, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si (경기도 용인시 처인구 포곡읍 에버랜드로 199)
  • GoogleMap Address: 199 Everland-ro, Pogok-eup, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si
  • NaverMap Address: 199 Everland-ro, Pogok-eup, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si
  • Insider Tip: Download the Everland app to use the “Smart Queue” for Panda World and the T-Express right when the park opens. Remember, flash photography is strictly prohibited near the pandas!

10. Paju English Village — Lovesick Girls Streets

If you loved the angsty, cinematic, and wildly aesthetic “Lovesick Girls” era, you must visit the Gyeonggi Future Education Paju Campus (formerly Paju English Village). This public park features vintage, European-style brick streets that served as the primary backdrop for the group scenes in the MV. Walking down the center avenue with the retro storefronts makes you feel like you are literally inside the music video. It is a wildly popular spot for cover dance teams, offering endless opportunities to film your own K-pop moments against a moody, international backdrop without ever leaving Korea.

  • Hours: 09:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Transport: Take Bus 2200 from Hapjeong Station (Exit 1)
  • Cost: Free for ground access
  • Address: 40 Eoreumsil-ro, Tanhyeon-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 파주시 탄현면 얼음실로 40)
  • GoogleMap Address: 40 Eoreumsil-ro, Tanhyeon-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do
  • NaverMap Address: 40 Eoreumsil-ro, Tanhyeon-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do
  • Insider Tip: Walk through the City Hall area to find the exact “Western street” backdrop where the members filmed their group choreography.

Recommended 1-Day “BLACKPINK in Mapo” Itinerary

Short on time? You are in luck! Because YG Entertainment is located in Mapo-gu, many of the girls’ favorite spots are clustered within a very walkable 1.5km radius in the Hapjeong and Hongdae neighborhoods. Here is the perfect 1-day itinerary:

  • 10:30 AM: Start your morning at The sameE Cafe. Grab a coffee, buy some official merchandise, and take photos with the futuristic YG HQ in the background.
  • 11:45 AM: Take a quick 5-minute walk for an early lunch at Hui Bin. Enjoy the Jjajangmyeon trainee special before the office crowds arrive.
  • 01:30 PM: Take a short taxi ride or a leisurely 15-minute walk to Hongdae to snap photos at the iconic exterior of BLACKPINK House (Sanrio Lovers Club).
  • 03:00 PM: Head over to Ceramic Cafe JOOL for your pre-booked pottery workshop. Spend two hours relaxing and painting like Jisoo and Rosé.
  • 05:30 PM: Wrap up your Mapo adventure back in Hapjeong with a comforting, hot bowl of pho for dinner at Little Papa Pho.

Travel Tips for Fans Visiting Korea

To ensure your pilgrimage goes off without a hitch, here are 10 essential tips for navigating South Korea like a pro:

  • Ditch Google Maps: Google Maps does not provide walking directions in Korea. Use Naver Map for accurate building names, walking routes, and live bus schedules.
  • T-Money Card is Essential: Buy a T-Money transit card at any convenience store. You can often find limited-edition K-pop themed ones!
  • Stay in Mapo-gu: Booking your hotel or Airbnb in Hongdae or Hapjeong gives you easy walking access to 50% of the spots on this list.
  • Respect the Neighborhood: YG HQ and Danha Maison are located in quiet residential areas. Please keep noise low and do not block driveways.
  • Camera Ettiquette: Photography is encouraged at MV sites but strictly prohibited inside panda enclosures (Everland) and some private fashion showrooms.
  • Book Ahead: Experiences like Ceramic Cafe JOOL and Danha Maison custom consultations require advance booking via Instagram DM or Naver Reservations.
  • Cash for Merch: While cards are widely accepted, some smaller pop-ups, street food stalls, or underground merch shops may prefer cash (KRW).
  • Power Bank Ready: Filming MV recreations, using translation apps, and navigating will drain your phone battery quickly!
  • Check Social Media: Follow @hallyumap on social media for real-time updates on artist-related pop-up stores or sudden cafe events.
  • Comfortable Shoes: You will easily track 20,000+ steps, especially on the Paju and Everland day trips. Dress stylishly, but prioritize footwear!

FAQ Section

1. Can I see BLACKPINK at the YG Entertainment building?

It is highly unlikely to meet the members simply by waiting outside, as the building is highly secure and artists use private underground parking. However, visiting The sameE cafe across the street provides a comfortable place to hang out, buy merch, and occasionally spot industry staff or company vehicles.

2. Is BLACKPINK House still open in 2026?

The building itself still stands in Hongdae with its iconic pink exterior gates, but the interior is no longer BLACKPINK themed. It currently operates as the ‘Sanrio Lovers Club’ cafe and pop-up shop. 

3. How do I get to the Lovesick Girls filming location from Seoul?

The easiest way to reach the Paju English Village is to go to Hapjeong Station (Line 2/6), take Exit 1, and hop on the red express Bus 2200. It takes about 45-60 minutes and drops you right at the Gyeonggi Future Education Campus stop.

4. Are the Hanboks from “How You Like That” for sale?

Yes! Danha Maison creates and sells modern Hanboks inspired by the ones the members wore. You can browse their collections at the Jongno showroom, though custom pieces require booking a consultation in advance.

5. What is the best time of year for a BLACKPINK pilgrimage?

Spring (April to May) is highly recommended. Not only is the weather perfect for walking around Mapo-gu, but the cherry blossoms at the Kyung Hee University Amphitheatre add a stunning “Pink” aesthetic to your travel photos.

Conclusion

Following in the footsteps of the world’s biggest girl group is about more than just snapping pretty photos. Standing outside the old basement Chinese restaurant or looking up at the sprawling YG headquarters is a physical reminder of the blood, sweat, and tears Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa put into their journey. These locations capture the essence of their hard work, their friendship, and their spectacular rise to the top. Which of these BLACKPINK spots is first on your list? Share your Korea travel photos with #hallyumap and tag us!