Dune 2, the sequel of the sci-fi movie series Dune, was recently released in Korea and has been gaining a lot of popularity. In line with the movie's release, the main actors of Dune visited Korea and made a big splash. In particular, Timothée Chalamet visited Korea ahead of schedule and enjoyed various sights of Seoul.
Seoul is now an important city for international stars as well. Hollywood stars come to Seoul to promote their movies, and international pop artists hold concerts. And every time they visit Seoul, they enjoy and experience the charming city to the fullest, and then return home having fallen in love with Korea.
So where are these K-wave attraction spots for these Hollywood stars? Seoul is a city full of K-wave charms, including beautiful nature and tradition, world-class fashion and shopping spots, and gourmet food that captivates the taste buds of the stars. Let's take a look at some of our favorite Hollywood stars' picks for a unique K-wave trip to Seoul.
The Little Seoul that Attracts Hollywood Stars
Seochon Village
At first glance, the trendy city of Seoul looks like any other city. Skyscrapers line the streets. There are many colorful signs and lights, and cars rush by. But Seoul's unique charm lies in its alleys. Step into an alley, and you'll find another charming side of Seoul that blends tradition and modernity in harmony.
The alleys of Seochon Village, which means "a small village located in the west of Gyeongbokgung Palace" in Korean, are lined with small shops, restaurants, cafes, and small accessory shops in the form of traditional Korean houses. You'll find a variety of places with a cozy small-town vibe that will appeal to your retro sensibilities.
Timothée Chalamet didn't pass by this hot spot either. He visited Seochon Village and enjoyed his time at a café. Seochon Village has many cafes, each with its own color, making it a great travel destination for those who enjoy café tours.
Seochon Village is connected to the Jongno-gu area of Seoul, making it a great place to enjoy a retro trip to Seoul. Why not complete your K-travel experience with a trip to Gwanghwamun, Bukchon, Changdeokgung Palace, and Euljiro, also known as Hipjiro, for a “newtro (new+retro)” Seoul K-wave trip?
Seoul's Palace Beloved by Hollywood Stars
Changdeokgung Palace
There are many places in Seoul where you can get a sense of and experience Korean history and culture. Seoul's palaces, in particular, are a must-see for many Hollywood stars when traveling to Korea, where they can appreciate the beauty of traditional Korean architecture and get a glimpse into the soul of the K-Wave. Elizabeth Olsen, well-known for her role in the Marvel series, visited Gyeongbokgung Palace, while famous Hollywood actor Will Smith and his son famously spent time together at Changgyeonggung Palace.
Of the five palaces in Seoul, Changdeokgung Palace, which boasts the Korean style of beauty the most, is the favorite of international actress Juliette Binoche. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, praised for its atypical architecture and perfect harmony and arrangement with the surrounding nature. Changdeokgung Palace also boasts discreet yet fancy beauty with a pavilion of Korean architectural beauty and a harmoniously designed backyard that utilizes the natural terrain.
Especially beautiful in spring, Changdeokgung Palace is filled with fully-bloomed colorful red plum blossoms, welcoming the new season with a pink glow. This spring, experience the essence of Korean beauty at Changdeokgung Palace, the soul of K-wave trip to Seoul.
Dress Like a Hollywood Star
Dosan Park
One of Seoul's trendiest neighborhoods, Apgujeong is home to many Korean and international movie stars, as stage greetings and meetings with fans are often held here. It was at a movie theater in Apgujeong that Hollywood actor Tom Holland performed a heartwarming fan service for his fans during his "Spider-Man" days.
As such, in the streets Apgujeong where top movie stars have walked on, Dosan Park is a must-visit place. While the park itself is worth a visit, Dosan Park is more famous for its well-known restaurants and flagship stores.
The area is home to a variety of flagship stores, from internationally-known Korean designers such as WOOYOUNGMI and JUUN.J to street brands and luxury brands, making it a popular shopping destination for celebrities and international actors. Actor Timothée Chalamet, who is known for his interest in fashion, recently purchased several outfits from Korean designer brands that are popular among the millennials and Gen Z in Korea.
If you're curious about K-fashion, head to Apgujeong, where Dosan Park is located. The latest trends and luxurious K-fashion will enhance your K-wave trip to Seoul.
The Foodie Destination of Hollywood Stars
Bangi-dong Food Alley
Songpa-gu, Seoul, is a neighborhood full of various things to do, enjoy, and eat. There's Lotte World, a theme park; Olympic Park, where you can enjoy culture, art, and nature; Seokchon Lake, famous for its cherry blossoms; and so much more travel destination spots. Another great thing about Songpa-gu is that you can enjoy exploring the local area as well.
Bangi-dong Food Alley is an old food town and is a popular company dinner spot for local office workers. After a long day at work, grilled meat and “chimac (fried chicken and beer)” are often eaten in groups to relieve the stress of the work day or to start a romance. If you're a fan of the K-wave culture, you may remember seeing these dinner scenes in K-dramas and K-movies.
Hollywood's top star Tom Cruise made headlines when he was spotted hanging out in Bangi-dong Food Alley during his visit to Seoul. So let's experience the food culture of Seoulites at the traditional foodie town at Bangi-dong Food Alley. It's a unique experience to be like a K-employee instead of a traveler, and you may be able to do that only in Seoul's Bangi-dong Food Alley.