If you’ve recently traveled to South Korea or spent any time in popular shopping districts like Myeongdong, Hongdae, or COEX Mall, you may have noticed crowds gathered around colorful boxes, vending machines, or intricately designed figurine displays. Welcome to the world of Pop Mart—a global designer toy brand that has taken Korea (and much of Asia) by storm.
Even if you’re not a traditional toy collector, Pop Mart’s world of blind box figures is easy to fall in love with. The appeal lies in the surprise, the design quality, and the satisfying thrill of building a collection over time. And in Korea, it’s become a major part of youth pop culture and travel shopping.
This beginner’s guide is crafted especially for international visitors who are curious about Pop Mart’s presence in Korea. You’ll learn how blind boxes work, what characters to know, where to buy them, how much they cost, and pro tips to make your experience more enjoyable—even if you don’t speak Korean.
What Is Pop Mart?
Pop Mart is a Chinese designer toy company that became globally known for its blind box collectibles—sealed packages that contain one random figure from a themed series. You don’t know which figure you’re getting until you open the box. It’s like a toy and a lottery ticket in one.
Each Pop Mart collection typically includes:
12 standard characters
1 secret (hidden) figure, with odds around 1 in 144
Occasionally, 1 super secret figure, even rarer
The toys are created in collaboration with artists and illustrators from around the world. Designs range from dreamy and cute (like Pucky) to edgy and abstract (like Skullpanda), making them appealing to both casual fans and serious collectors.
Why Are Pop Mart Blind Boxes So Popular?
The blind box model taps into the joy of collecting and the excitement of surprise. In Korea, where collectible culture blends with lifestyle and aesthetics, Pop Mart fits right in.
Reasons people love it:
Affordable luxury: Most boxes cost between 10,000–17,000 KRW (approx. $8–13 USD)
Display-worthy design: Figures look great on desks, bookshelves, or as photo props
Global appeal: Characters are not language-dependent
The thrill of the chase: Finding a secret or completing a full set is incredibly satisfying
Frequent new releases: New series drop every few weeks
Whether you’re into toys, character goods, or just fun surprises, Pop Mart offers a unique experience that transcends age.
What Are the Most Popular Pop Mart Characters?
If you’re new to the brand, these are the character lines you’re most likely to find in Korean stores:
Molly: The original Pop Mart icon—a girl with a pouty expression and wide eyes
Pucky: Dreamy, fairytale-inspired designs like forest elves and sea creatures
Skullpanda: Edgy, fashion-forward figures with darker aesthetic themes
Dimoo: Childlike boy with a dreamy, cloud-like hairstyle
The Monsters by Kasing Lung: Abstract, expressive monsters with emotional depth
Sweet Bean: A plump baby-like character in silly costumes
Hirono: Sad-eyed boys with poetic storylines
Each figure line comes with different themes: “Dimoo Animal Theatre,” “Skullpanda City of Night,” or “Molly Space Adventures,” for example.
How Do You Buy Pop Mart in Korea?
There are three main ways to purchase Pop Mart blind boxes in Korea:
1. Flagship Stores
Full Pop Mart stores can be found in major shopping areas like:
Myeongdong (Lotte Young Plaza)
Gangnam (near Gangnam Station)
COEX Mall (Starfield COEX, Gangnam)
Hongdae AK& Mall
Here, you’ll find:
Full series collections
In-store displays and testers
Gift sets and limited edition items
Staff who can help (even if English is limited)
These locations also frequently feature Pop Mart-themed photo zones or seasonal installations.
2. Roboshops (Pop Mart Vending Machines)
Roboshops are vending machines located in:
Department store basements (Lotte, Shinsegae, Hyundai)
Major subway stations
Shopping malls (e.g., Doota Mall, The Hyundai Seoul)
How to use:
Tap the screen to choose your figure series
Pay by card or mobile
The box drops like a vending machine snack
Quick, convenient, and often open longer than regular stores.
3. Online (If You’re Staying Longer in Korea)
The Olive Young app, Coupang, or the Korean Pop Mart site sometimes sell blind boxes, but delivery may take a few days and require a Korean address.
How Much Do Pop Mart Figures Cost?
As of 2025, prices in Korea typically range between:
Single blind box: 10,000 to 17,000 KRW
Full set (12 boxes): Around 130,000 to 160,000 KRW
Accessory items: Keychains, mini bags, or display stands vary
Tip: Full sets don’t always guarantee you’ll get every figure in the series. There may be duplicates, and secret figures are still random.
How to Spot a Secret Figure
Secret or “hidden” figures are randomly inserted and not pictured on the box exterior. Odds are usually printed (like 1/144), so it’s very rare to find one. If you open a box and don’t recognize the character from the lineup, congratulations—you probably found a secret!
Some collectors trade figures on Instagram, Reddit, or Korean platforms like Naver Cafe. There’s a vibrant secondhand market in Korea, especially for rare pulls.
Tax Refunds and Tourist Tips
Most Pop Mart stores inside malls (like Lotte or Hyundai) allow for tax-free shopping if you spend over 30,000 KRW. To claim it:
Show your passport at checkout
Receive a tax refund slip
Use it at the airport kiosk before departure or at an instant refund counter in-store
Also, staff may not speak fluent English, but the shopping process is visual and intuitive. Show a photo or point to the display if needed.
Trading and Collecting in Korea
If you’re staying in Korea longer or planning a repeat visit, you can dive deeper into the Pop Mart community:
Instagram hashtags: Search #popmartkorea or #팝마트교환 (Pop Mart exchange)
Naver Cafe: Popular Korean forums for local trades and sales
Pop Mart Korea official site: Lists events, store info, and new drops
Keep your boxes and cards—these add value if you ever decide to trade or resell.
Pop Mart in Korea Is More Than Just Shopping
Pop Mart isn’t just about the toys—it’s about the experience of discovery. For tourists, it offers a unique souvenir that’s lightweight, stylish, and personal. Whether you buy one figure from a vending machine or go all in with a full set from a flagship store, you’re joining a global creative movement.
And in Korea, with its passionate collector base and stylish retail displays, Pop Mart is more than a trend—it’s become part of modern pop culture. So next time you’re wandering the streets of Seoul, keep your eyes out for those familiar yellow and pink boxes. You never know what surprise is waiting inside.