If there is only one place you can go to in Seoul to get your Hallyu fix, then SMTOWN@coexartium makes a strong case for being that singular must-see destination, according to a feature story by The Korea Herald.
SMTOWN@coexartium is a theme park filled with squeal-worthy sights for K-Pop fans, especially those enamored with SM Entertainment's idol groups and acts such as EXO, TVXQ, Girls' Generation and Super Junior.
One Chinese fan interviewed admitted to visiting Korea in order to glimpse TVXQ member Changmin before he enlists in the army, and the SMTOWN complex serves a shrine of sorts where the fan could pay tribute to her favorite idol.
The complex houses a gift shop for purchasing collectibles, a fan café to sip and stare at idol memorabilia, a recording and makeup studio to experience what idols go through behind closed doors, and a hologram theater that features daily digital performances from SM artists.
"This is my first time at this store," said a fan visiting from China. "don't know what else to say other than I love it."
SM Entertainment's creation of a Hallyu mecca coincides with its cooperation with Seoul in promoting K-Pop dance classes as one of the top drivers of tourists in the Korean capital. The Seoul city government recently partnered with SM Entertainment so that choreographers from the agency will lead in teaching tourists to groove like their favorite idols.
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Mickey is a writer and digital content creator based in Manila. He is a co-founder of ZAVI App and editor of the small business blog IndieMickey. He has also been bitten by the K-Pop fashion bug - follow him on Instagram @mickjami.
