Three New Year Pop-ups in Korea: Buddhism, Horse-Themed Fun, and Fortune Telling
Creatrip Team
2 months ago
As 2026 opens with the Year of the Red Horse, three Seoul–Gyeonggi pop-up stores invite visitors to start the year with luck and lighthearted fun. In Yongsan, a Buddhist pop-up by Hetal Company and Amiul mixes witty Buddhist messages and interactive experiences—such as caricatures by monks, DIY lucky pouches, and novelty “good luck” items like pin accessories, keyrings and mini talismans—under the theme “what you say comes true.” In Suwon and earlier in Paju, the Korea Racing Authority’s ‘Malma Friends’ (official horse character) pop-up features a stable-style photo zone, giant horse plush rides, lucky-gift programs for those born in the Year of the Horse, and themed merchandise. In Seoul’s Seongsu-dong, the Fortune Salon pop-up by the life-fortune app offers free in-person readings from 40 experts (saju, tarot, and shamanic readings), plus hands-on activities such as physiognomy matches, wish-candle blowing, drawing your year’s fortune, and making talismans. Each event runs through early January with varying hours and locations. (saju: traditional Korean four-pillar fortune-telling)
