2025 Pop-Up Store Trends and Top Interior Design Companies in Korea

2025 Pop-Up Store Trends and Top Interior Design Companies in Korea


In recent years, Seongsu-dong has emerged as a vibrant hub for pop-up stores in Seoul. Despite the surge in online commerce, consumers continue to seek tangible, offline experiences, leading to the evolution of pop-up stores that offer unique and immersive engagements.

2025 Pop-Up Store Outlook

According to insights from Sweet Spot, a leading retail tech company, the pop-up store market is expected to expand further in 2025. Brands and consumers alike are maintaining a strong interest in these temporary retail spaces, indicating sustained growth in the sector.



In 2024, out of 1,431 pop-up stores, approximately 21% utilized character and intellectual property (IP) themes. These pop-ups predominantly launched in November, with Yeongdeungpo-gu being a favored location. Notably, the proportion of IP-themed pop-ups in Seongsu-dong was significantly lower compared to other categories.

Fashion brands primarily operated sales-driven pop-up stores, with Seongsu-dong being a hotspot for these events. The beauty and fragrance sector accounted for about 11% of pop-up stores, with a notable concentration in Seongsu-dong. Large-scale beauty festivals featuring multiple brands contributed to this trend.

The entertainment industry, including virtual idols and social media influencers, also embraced pop-up stores, attracting significant fan engagement. Major retail centers like The Hyundai Seoul, Lotte World Mall in Jamsil, and Shinsegae Department Store hosted numerous entertainment-themed pop-ups, offering exclusive merchandise and reward promotions.

In the food and beverage sector, limited-edition releases and brand collaborations became popular marketing strategies. Brands such as Saewookkang, Seonyang Soju, Chilsung, and M&M's launched pop-up stores nationwide, incorporating entertainment elements to captivate consumers.


Recommended Interior Design Companies for Pop-Up Stores

1. Sweet Spot: 

https://sweetspot.co.kr/  As a retail tech company, Sweet Spot specializes in organizing pop-up stores, offering comprehensive services from consulting and planning to design and operation. Their extensive experience and dedicated spaces in Seongsu and Yeonnam make them a prominent player in the industry.

2. Docent Design:

https://www.docentdesign.kr/47  Known for their sophisticated and modern designs, Docent Design has collaborated with brands like Musinsa for their pop-up events. Their expertise in creating sleek and contemporary spaces appeals to a younger audience and luxury brands.

3. Respace: 

https://respace.co.kr/ABOUT As a creative agency specializing in event planning and operations, Respace boasts an impressive portfolio, including idol fan meetings, sports brand events, design fairs, and official pop-up stores for characters like Bellygom. They offer comprehensive solutions encompassing space design, event execution, and merchandise production, making them ideal for large-scale projects.

Collaborating with these experienced companies can help brands create compelling and memorable pop-up store experiences in 2025, aligning with the evolving trends and consumer expectations in the Korean market.


*Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions about Korea, and I'll be happy to answer them!

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