The Seoul Pop Culture Convention, widely known as Seoul PopCon, is making its highly anticipated return to Coex in southern Seoul this weekend, bringing together enthusiasts of gaming, webtoons, K-dramas, and numerous other aspects of Korean pop culture. The three-day event promises to deliver an immersive experience for fans while serving as a crucial business platform for industry professionals.
Now celebrating its fourth year, Seoul PopCon has evolved into a comprehensive global showcase that highlights the best of Korean entertainment across multiple industries. The convention covers an impressive range of content including video games, comics, animation, film, television, and music, effectively bridging the gap between fan communities and industry insiders. This dual purpose has made it one of the most significant pop culture events in South Korea.
This year's convention is strategically organized into three distinct themed zones to better serve different interest groups. GameCon will present an extensive array of PC, console, and mobile games, alongside independent titles, artificial intelligence-driven gaming experiences, and extended reality (XR) content. ComicCon will showcase comics, webtoons, animation, collectible figurines, cosplay culture, and books, complemented by a dedicated merchandise marketplace and interactive booths featuring talented cosplayers from around the world. LiveCon will put the spotlight on film, television dramas, music, and various streaming platforms, offering visitors interactive cosplay experiences and captivating live performances.
The convention has assembled an impressive roster of special guests that spans both international and domestic talent. Hollywood actor Ben Hardy, known for his roles in "The Conjuring: The Last Rite," "Bohemian Rhapsody," and "X-Men: Apocalypse," will conduct exclusive fan meet-and-greet sessions on both Friday and Saturday. Additionally, the Korean voice cast from the blockbuster animated feature "KPop Demon Hunters" will host a special signing event on Friday, giving fans a rare opportunity to meet the talented performers behind their favorite characters.
Webtoon enthusiasts will have the chance to meet some of the industry's most celebrated creators during the convention. Dalgonyak, the creative mind behind the hugely popular webtoon "Pyramid Game," will be available for fan signing events on Friday. Han San-i, writing under a pen name, who created the original webtoon that became Netflix's successful series "The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call" through Naver's platform, will meet fans on Sunday for signing sessions.
The centerpiece event of this year's Seoul PopCon is the MK Challenge 2025, marking the 11th edition of South Korea's premier nationwide collegiate esports tournament. Scheduled for Saturday afternoon, this year's competition will feature EA Korea Studio and Nexon's popular online soccer game FC Online. The semifinals and finals will be broadcast live from the convention floor, creating an electrifying atmosphere for both participants and spectators. The victorious team will receive 1 million won (approximately $720), while the runner-up team will be awarded 500,000 won.
Seoul PopCon will run from Friday through Sunday, with carefully planned operating hours to accommodate the expected crowds. The convention doors will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets for the event will be available for purchase directly at the venue, making it convenient for both planned attendees and spontaneous visitors to join in the celebration of Korean pop culture.
