Travel Blog Korea: Seoul Plaza & Free K-Pop Concerts

(Crowds gather at Seoul Plaza to watch a K-pop concert)

The Seoul Plaza right at the center of South Korea's capital is one of the most overlooked tourist attractions because, as what most people think, it's just an open space.

But isn't it more interesting to know that an open space can provide unique events and gather people together for some fun and enjoyment?

             (A k-pop girl band takes the stage)

(I chanced upon a k-pop girl band entering

 the backstage before their number)

Over the years of living in Seoul, I'd stumble upon different kinds of events held at the Seoul Plaza: the annual Seoul Global Festival, Psy's Gangnam Style concert, the annual Kimchi-making festivals, philharmonic orchestra concerts, agricultural fairs, and the most popular event of all: free K-pop concerts!

It also hosts protest rallies as a venue for the citizenry's outcry. But on a few sad occasions, the Seoul Plaza hosted memorials for the late President Kim Dae-Jung and the memorial of the 46 sailors who died in the sinking of a frigate in March 2010.  Those were sad times in Korea.😪

(The crowds cheering for a K-pop girl band 

as they took the stage)

But one summer weekend, as I made my way to Gwanghwamun Square on foot, I stumbled upon a huge crowd at the Seoul Plaza. So I stopped by and looked around.

        (A pretty face, a white dress plus a guitar 
                       and you got a duo)

                 (Please help me name her.😓)

It turned out a free K-pop concert was happening and as expected, a lot of youngsters in the audience alongside families who were out on a weekend. K-pop concerts in Seoul are pricey and are held either at the Jamsil area or Olympic Park, which are both in the southwest area of Seoul and far from the city center.

                  (Is he a boy band member?)

                (Which k-pop boy band is this?)

These free k-pop concerts in an open-air venue at the city center with convenient access by bus and subway are not just a treat but a fun experience, especially for tourists!

Yes, if you're a K-pop fan who's just visiting Seoul for a few days and wasn't really expecting to watch a k-pop concert, wouldn't this be like a miracle of sorts? An unforgettable experience if you're a diehard k-pop fan!

So, when you're in Seoul, do ask the tourist information desks at the tourist centers, or the tourist guides wearing red jackets who walk around the crowded areas like Myeongdong, Insadong or Namdaemun. They can help you find out what's happening at the Seoul Plaza during your stay. Your itinerary may end up including a free k-pop concert at Seoul Plaza!😀

(A k-pop boy band providing a lot of fun to their fans at the Seoul Plaza)

Now, you know that Seoul Plaza should be in your list of places to visit when you're in Seoul.😄