Seongsu Pop-ups: How To Score Freebies in South Korea

During my last trip to Korea, I was still a broke university student surviving on convenience store gimbap and budgeting down to the last 1000 won. But one thing that caught my attention time and time again on social media was Seongsu‘s endless stream of pop-ups and, more importantly, the freebies that came with them. From full-sized skincare products to K-beauty samples and even food, it felt like the ultimate jackpot for any student (or honestly, anyone).

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So if you’re planning to visit Seongsu for the first time, here are my tips to help you navigate the pop-up scene like a pro and score all the best freebies.

How to get to Seongsu

Seongsu is conveniently located on Line 2 of the Seoul Subway, just a few stops away from hotspots like Hongdae and Gangnam. Simply hop off at Seongsu Station and you’ll find yourself in the heart of this hipster neighbourhood. From there, exits 3 or 4 are your best bets as they’ll lead you straight to the streets where most of the pop-ups happen.

Finding the pop-ups around Seongsu

Unlike major exhibitions or events, most Seongsu pop-ups aren’t heavily advertised on tourist websites and most definitely not in guidebooks. Instead, locals usually find out about them through Korean apps like Naver, Kakao Map, or even social media from influencers and brands. If you don’t read Korean, don’t panic, search terms like “성수 팝업” or “Seongsu pop-up store” on Instagram or TikTok often lead to recent content that points you to what’s happening that week.

You can also follow Instagram accounts like @seoultravel and @popupmate for real-time updates on the latest pop-ups.

That said, sometimes the best way to discover what’s up is simply by walking around. As you wander around, especially near the main street, keep your eyes peeled for crowds because in Seongsu, where there’s a queue, there’s usually a freebie.

What you’ll need to enter a pop-up in Seongsu

This is where things can get tricky. While some pop-ups are open to anyone, others require a bit more legwork. In certain cases, you’ll need to register online ahead of time, and yes, some of these registrations require a Korean phone number. Don’t have one? Don’t worry. A good number of booths still allow walk-ins, especially on weekdays or off-peak hours.

What to do while you wait: Seongsu isn’t just pop-ups

If you find yourself stuck in a queue (which happens more often than not), take the chance to explore the rest of the neighbourhood. Seongsu is dotted with aesthetic cafés, industrial-chic galleries, and lifestyle stores that are worth browsing through. Permanent shops like Tamburins, Marhen J, Dior and the largest CJ Olive Young store feature their own eye-catching displays and plenty of Instagrammable corners.

Also read: Seoul Shopping Guide 2025: Where to Find Bargains and Deals

And yes, these places also know how to reel you in — think photo zones, free drinks, and the occasional lucky draw.

Pro tips for the ultimate Seongsu pop-up run

First, go early. Lines build up fast, especially if it’s a weekend or if the pop-up is by a popular brand. Second, bring a tote bag (or two). You’ll thank yourself later when you’re juggling sheet masks, drinks, and random keychains. Third, charge your phone as most check-ins, registrations, and even stamp collections happen via QR codes. Lastly, don’t be shy. Ask staff if walk-ins are okay, or if you can sign up on the spot. Many are used to dealing with tourists and will try to help if they can.

So there you have it, your no-stress guide to Seongsu pop-ups so you can collect freebies without looking completely lost. With the right prep and a little bit of patience, you’ll be walking away with enough skincare to last you the rest of your trip (and probably some snacks to go with it).

Happy hunting!