SEOUL WEEKEND UPDATE (May 7 - 10)

Seoul is outside… like really outside this week.

From rooftop networking in Seongsu to basement chaos in Itaewon, from morning runs to all-night raves, this is one of those weekends where the city shows its full personality. Not just loud, but layered. You’ve got the final anniversary of Villa Records at its current home, crew runs, pop-ups, kicking off summer on a Seongsu rooftop, and witnessing Changmo take the stage for a massive Sunday finale.

This isn’t just about going out.
It’s about moving through a city that actually feels alive: day to night, start to finish. Pick your pace… or don’t! Seoul’s doing both.

Seoul Weekend Update
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🌸 ON GOING 🌸

Seoul International Garden Show (Seoul Forest) 
May 1 – Oct 27 | Seoul Forest Area | Free 
The city is going green on a scale we’ve never seen before: we’re talking 150 experimental gardens spread across 710,000 square meters. Major names like Musinsa, Dior, and Porsche have built their own signature gardens for this massive six-month run. It’s essentially turning the whole Seongsu area into a living, breathing garden city.

Seoul Outdoor Library Opening (Multiple Locations)
Apr 23 – Nov 1 | Gwanghwamun & Cheonggyecheon | Free
To mark World Book Day, a massive open-air library unfolds across the city's landmarks. Perfect for those looking to balance the high-energy weekend with a moment of focused relaxation.

Feel the Art, Play with the Senses @ MMCA Gwacheon
Apr 30 - Feb 2027 | MMCA Gwacheon Children’s Museum | Free
MMCA Gwacheon is opening a new interactive playground designed to bridge the gap between contemporary art and your five senses. This exhibition brings together artists like KKEKK and Ham Jin to create a space where rustling paper, magnifying glasses, and tactile sculptures replace the usual "do not touch" signs. It’s a sensory-heavy journey that invites you to play with the art rather than just look at it, making it the perfect low-stakes cultural reset for your long weekend.

VERDY: "I Believe in Me" (Jamsil)
Apr 24 – Jul 19 | Lotte Museum of Art | Ticketed
The biggest exhibition to date for the legend who bridges street culture and fine art. Spanning from his early graphics to massive 3D character sculptures. This is a mandatory cultural check-in.

Blooming Mind: Lee Ji Hyun x Emily Young (Nonhyeon)
Until May 10 | 12 PM – 5 PM | Gallery O Square | Free
If you need a break from the noise, this joint exhibition between Gallery O Square and Busan’s Gallery Mare is your reset. Blooming Mind explores the physical and emotional arrival of spring through the distinct visual languages of two artists. It’s an exploration of inner landscapes and sensory growth that goes way deeper than just seasonal aesthetics.

Louis Vuitton: Visionary Journeys (Jung-gu) 
Until Dec 31 | LV The Place Seoul | Free (RSVP Required)
An immersive 12-room narrative spanning 170 years of travel philosophy. From the original 1854 trunks to modern art collaborations.
Perk: Audio guide narrated by actress Jun Ji-hyun.

THURSDAY — ROOFTOPS, RUN CLUBS & RAP PREVIEWS 🌇

• Running + Rooftop @ HAUS of WOOMUL (Mangwon) 
  7:30 PM | HAUS of WOOMUL | RSVP via Bio
  Stop putting off that run and join the crew at Mangwon Hangang Park. After a light session, the group will head back to the WOOMUL rooftop to wind down and catch the sunset.

• Afterwork Seoul: Seongsu Rooftop Takeover (Seongsu)
  6 PM – Late | XIMXIM Rooftop | Free (RSVP Recommended) 
  Summer is officially calling, and Afterwork Seoul is answering by taking over the XIMXIM rooftop.This is premium networking under a sunset, designed for the international and local communities shaping the city's future. Bring your business cards and your "Summer Chic" energy for a night where ideas turn into opportunities over curated DJ sets.

• Kid Milli & OKASHII Pre-Release Party (Itaewon)
  10 PM – Late | Bolero Seoul | ₩30,000 
  Catch a glimpse of the future at Bolero as Kid Milli and OKASHII host a pre-release session for "MAINSTREAM". Backed by a heavy DJ lineup including SKIIDA and NOOZY, this is an early look at one of the year's most anticipated releases.

• Vibe In Apgu (Apgujeong) 
  10 PM – Late | Times Apgu | ₩20,000
  The Apgujeong Rodeo is getting a mid-week energy injection with Koala & Friends taking over the Times basement. Expect a high-velocity rotation featuring Skiida and Babykoool, along with unannounced special guests that usually define these pop-up sessions. It’s a 19+ night for the heads who don't believe in "work nights.".

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FRIDAY — FAREWELLS, FLASHBACKS & FULL CHAOS 🎛️

• Lobeta Jewelry Pop-Up (Yongsan)
  5 PM – 8 PM | Baekbeom-ro 326-1 (2F) | Free
  NY-designed and Seoul-made jewelry brand Lobeta is hosting its first-ever pop-up in the motherland. Expect exclusive drops, natural wine, and a very personal vibe as the brand celebrates its roots.’

• K-POP QUEENS @ 448 by Southside (Noksapyeong)

  8 PM – Late | 448 by Southside | Free
  The K-POP QUEENS are finally touching down at the cocktail bar 448 by Southside for a Friday night session that’s all about high energy and losing the plot. They have partnered with the tequila brand Código 1530, it’s a rare chance to enjoy amazing cocktail with K-pop energy in a more intimate setting, so grab a drink, find your spot on the floor, and get ready to get loose.

• 232 SPIN & STIR (Itaewon)
  10 PM – 5 AM | 232 & SOAP Seoul | ₩20,000 (+1 Drink) 
  The cocktail bar 232 crew brings their high-end cocktail culture to the SOAP basement. Expect live performances from JUNNY and Jason Lee, paired with a heavy-hitting rotation of local legends like DJ Soulscape and Spray.

  Tip: If you have a 232 receipt from that day, entry to SOAP is free before midnight.

• The Deep & Friends (Itaewon) 
  10 PM – Late | Grain Haus | ₩30,000 (Door)
  Dust off your skinny jeans and shutter shades. The Deep is hosting a 2010s-themed throwback night with a heavy US connection, including sets from warpstr and riaping. It’s a full-throttle nostalgia trip designed for the Tumblr generation.

• Henz Club: [To Be Continued...] (Hongdae)
  10 PM - Late | The Henz Club | ₩15,000 (+1 Drink) 
  A cultural staple is hitting the pause button. Henz Club is entering a short hiatus after this weekend, and they are closing this chapter with a seven-DJ rotation designed to push the basement to its limit one last time. From Wonju to Justin, the lineup is a tribute to the sound that defined Mapo's underground.

• French Touch Seoul (Itaewon) 
  11 PM – 5 AM | ARGA | ₩15,000 
  Experience the French house movement that defined a decade. From Acid House to Disco-flecked Funk, Sun of June and the crew are turning the ARGA terrace into a Parisian dancefloor.

• Eternal Flavor vol. 2 (Hannam)
  8 PM – 2 AM | Rosso | ₩20,000 (+1 Drink) 
  Rosso is leaning into the analog warmth with an all-vinyl session dedicated to 90s R&B, New Jack Swing, and slow jams. It’s a night of "sticky" grooves and funky textures, perfect for those who want their Friday with a side of soulful sophistication.

• LUCA: Rooftop May Night (Yongsan)
  8 PM – 12:30 AM | Secret Rooftop | RSVP for Address 
  LUCA is hosting a private, high-sensory networking session above the city. Expect warm night air, wine-focussed conversations, and a curated crowd of creative elites looking to spark new connections under the May moon.

• Around The World: French Edition (Hongdae)

  11:30 PM – Late | CORTES Seoul | Free
  The "Around The World" series returns with a "French Edition" takeover that promises zero regrets and high-definition vibes in Hongdae. Four DJs, including Jang Seok-min and Nyrae, are taking the reins starting at 23:30. Don't sleep on the timing, the 1+1 Happy Hour is the ultimate pre-game.

• DRIED FLOWER (Hongdae)

  7 PM – Late | Club FF | ₩35,000
  Club FF is leaning hard into the raw energy of live instruments this Friday with a massive five-band relay. From Alternative and Indie Rock to Modern Rock, the lineup, featuring Band Natasha, Kim Young-seok Band, Default, Hwanho, and Zeokranun, is built for those who miss the sweat and grit of a proper Hongdae rock show.

• Version 34 lands in Korea (Sinsa) 
  11 PM – 7 AM | LUKA Seoul | ₩25,000
  Turkish hard techno duo Version 34 lands in Gangnam with a relentless sound already clocking millions of streams. Expect pounding kicks and acid textures designed for absolute peak-time chaos.
  

GSTV x Jay Park
We asked a few questions to the one and only Jay Park at Hiphopplaya, like, what does it take to make it into one of his boyband like LNGSHOT? His answers are great!
Part 2. of the interview, which is about Jay Park during his Roc Nation era, is also available here.

We went crazy at Hiphopplaya Festival
Hiphopplaya 2026 was definitely one for the books! A stacked line up with legends and heavyweights, moshpits, fashion, art.. the perfect cocktail for a festival. And of course GSTV was there for the fun.

BACK TO THE WEEKEND UPDATE

SATURDAY — DAY PLANS → NIGHT DAMAGE 🔥

• BZ Ep.29: “Hey Mama” run (Seongsu)
  9 AM – 12 PM | Tenne Seongsu | ₩15,000 
  Start your Saturday with a session dedicated to the women who raised us. This special Mother's Day run is about cherishing memories and sharing stories over a morning session in Seongsu. Registration includes free coffee and a 30% discount at the bakery.

• DAMAGE x NVLCRK Seoul Pop-up (Mapo)

  12 PM – 7 PM | Cafe Nivelcrack | Free
  Madrid’s skateboard specialists, Damage Ltd, are linking up with Seoul’s football culture powerhouse, Nivelcrack, for an exclusive drop this Saturday. This pop-up at Cafe Nivelcrack features the limited Damage x NVLCRK jerseys alongside exclusive items specifically designed for the Seoul event. With El Clásico on the horizon, they’re also bringing out a heavy collection of vintage Barcelona and Real Madrid jerseys. If you’re into the intersection of skate aesthetics and terrace culture, this is the primary target for your Saturday afternoon.

• Spicy Books & Wine (Yeonnam) 
  7 PM – 10 PM | Yeminham Haus | ₩30,000 
  Yeminham Haus is back with yet another fun concept event: bring your favorite spicy read for a zero-judgment night of book chatting, wine sipping, and DIY bookmark making. Perfect for a chill evening for those who love chatting.. and spicy stories!

• Wear At Your Own Risk x Friends (Seongsu) 
  12 PM – 9 PM | Jandariro Store | Free
  A high-energy fashion pop-up featuring art, music, and a live performance by Zilpoongkado. Come for the clothes, stay for the live performance and the "good music" curation.

• The Air House 12th Pre-Party (Itaewon) 
  2 PM – 5 AM | Grain Haus | ₩20,000
  Air House is taking over Usadan-ro for a full day-to-night transformation. Start your afternoon with the ANABADA flea market (free entry) and art by Seahee Chang, then transition into a deep basement session featuring Dguru and Afrodite. If you already have your Air House festival ticket, entry is half-price at the door.

• Rock Your Body: Hip-hop Chronicles (Apgujeong)

  8 PM – 2 AM | Lowkey | Free
  This Saturday at Lowkey, the night bridges the gap between 90s nostalgia and today's trendiest sets, including hidden gems you haven’t discovered yet. Keep your eyes on the center of the floor for a raw, rule-free cypher session where any style goes!

• Sunglasses b2b Session (Itaewon)
  8 PM – Midnight | Seoul Community Radio | Free 
  "Confidence is accessory, sunglass is necessary.". SCR is hosting a 4-hour b2b marathon ranging from DnB and Disco to Deep House. Bring your frames and your energy for one of the best free sessions in the city.

• FRISK Garden @ Secret Rooftop (Itaewon)
  8 PM – Late | Secret Rooftop | RSVP via Bio 
  FRISK is officially back on the terrace, trading four walls for open skies and deep grooves. With a lineup featuring Davico and Silly Silky, this is where the beats meet the night air.

• Brutalismus 3000 (Seongsu) 
  9 PM – 3 AM | Undercity | ₩66,000 (Door) 
  Seongsu is about to witness Berlin’s raw energy firsthand. Brutalismus 3000 brings a sharp collision of Gabber, Hardstyle, and Punk to the Undercity basement. This is primal rave music reimagined for 2026: explosive, confrontational, and essential.

• Maurice Fulton takes over Hongdae (Hongdae)
  10 PM – Late | Modeci | ₩25,000
  A legendary figure in underground dance music, Maurice Fulton brings over 40 years of expertise to Modeci. From hip-hop foundations to garage and house, Fulton is known for his unique, genre-blurring selections that have influenced global dancefloors for decades.

• Low Stakes Live Comedy (Samgakji) 
  7:30 PM | Funtastic Theater | ₩10,000 (Bring Your Own Booze)
  Seoul City Improv presents a live comedy game show in English. It’s first-come, first-served, so arrive early for the best seats and don't forget to bring your own drinks.

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SUNDAY — SLOW SIPS & FINAL SEND-OFFS 🍷

• Seoul World City Culture Festival @ DDP (Dongdaemun) 
  12 PM – 9 PM | DDP | Free
  Take a journey across the world without leaving the city. The festival features traditional performances, cultural showcases, and global cuisine from dozens of countries.

• Villa Records: 7th Anniversary & Farewell (Apgujeong) 
  8 PM - Late | Villa Records | Free
  After seven years of defining the warmth of Dosan-daero, Villa Records is celebrating its final anniversary in its current space before pausing to move to a new address. This is a final "goodbye" party featuring a massive rotation of the team members and DJs who shaped the bar's history, including Ugly Duck and Daul. Stop by to raise a glass and write one last night worth remembering in this iconic basement.

• Curtain Call II: Changmo (Itaewon)
  10 PM – Late | Grain Haus | ₩20,000 
  Usadan-ro is closing the weekend with absolute royalty. Changmo (The Emperor) headlines a massive night alongside Paul Blanco and 2b Money. It’s a "dress up" affair where the walls might actually sweat from the energy. As always at Grain: No slippers, no minors, and strictly high-fidelity vibes.