Dubai has an endless train of go-to’s and must-visits, but let’s face it, you still have no idea where to go when it comes to K-pop. It’s a tough life out there, and I totally understand your frustration. There are so many things to do, to experience, and yet it seems we’re still stuck at ground level zero.
While surely you’ve come across accounts that scream K-culture in the Middle East, it’s needless to say that most aren’t credible enough (maybe even aesthetic enough) to tap the follow button.
That’s why we’re giving you a quick crash course (romance??) to every spot and Instagram account to follow if you’re all about K-pop and Korean culture.
Presenting to you the K-pop Survival Guide in the UAE, have a scroll to see the approved go-to places and RUN (see what I did there?) bestie.
Where to buy Kpop albums
Virgin Megastore
Among the OG of the OG’s, Virgin Megastore is definitely where you can find the latest albums. Of course, its the place to be to find albums from all kinds of pop singers, but they have a section dedicated to the K-pop genre that features only the best groups that you stan.
📍 Dubai Mall | Dubai Hills Mall | Mall Of The Emirates | Mirdif City Centre
Asak Supermarket
This maybe our personal favourite… As biased as it sounds, Asak Supermarket is where your K-poppie soul can go kaboom because of how updated their stock lists are. But aside from the usual merch and the albums, this is where iconic Korean products can be bought too. Jungkook’s favourite banana milk? Right here girlies.
📍 Sharjah Muweilah | Sharjah Industrial Area
Jaaem
Now, if you’re a real veteran, you know how much Jaaem has sky rocketed the UAE K-pop base just by existing. A few years back, buying albums we’re tough – real tough. But since its launch in 2020 (the one good thing that came out from COVID), Jaaem hasn’t stopped selling the most coveted albums and merch we all know and adore.
Where to buy Kpop merch
Yalla Box
From photocards, albums, official merch straight from the bustling city of Seoul, Yalla Box has everything and anything related to your ult biases and K-pop groups. It’s one of the most credible K-pop third-sellers that ship to the UAE.
K-pop Omo
For the die-hard voters, K-pop Omo, is where you can buy official merch and physical albums all the while supporting your faves for the Hanteo Charts – one of South Korea’s official music ranking system. This platform ships to the UAE without burning a hole on your wallet.
K-pop fan experiences in UAE
Photoism
There’s nothing like a K-pop pop-up experience. The famous self photo booth has been every K-pop fans dream to pose with their bias. Officially launched last year, you can get a myriad of photo strips partnered with your only bias. Aegyo, please?
📍 Al Wahda Mall, Abu Dhabi | Al Ghurair Centre, Dubai | Al Jada, Sharjah
Dul Set Cafe
If you haven’t been to the first K-pop-themed cafe, welp, now you know your first stop as a newbie. Bringing you the ultimate fan experience with classic drinks with a little BTS spin, Dul Set Cafe is where most K-pop fan-made events always turn up a notch. Sip some boba tea while blasting to K-pop’s best mixes.
📍 Mezzanine Floor, Manila Building, Al Satwa, Dubai
Where to buy K-beauty
K-Beauty by K SOUK
Ever seen a site where you can buy both K-beauty and K-pop goodies? Of course you haven’t. That’s why you’re here! K-Beauty by K SOUK has all your dream skin care and make up necessities all the way from Korea. From C:SOUL top Rom&nd (the glosses??) this platform has it all.
K-Beauty Arabia
Sometimes you see dupes from other retailers, but thankfully, K-Beauty Arabia has the original products from the get-go. We’re talking Beauty of Joseon, Madagascar Centella and other TikTok-approved beauty and skin care brands all in one. BTW, they also a dedicated vegan and cruelty-free section.
All the event organisers to know about
Korean Cultural Centre
From Korean cinema screenings to learning the Korean language, and even exclusive exhibitions and performances, you need to follow this account ASAP. Beyond the events, they also have a designated physical location with over 5,000 Korean and Arabic books – and its all open visit for the general public.
Choego Club
This Emirati-owned Korean Club by Alaa Al Awadi has been hosting events for the K-pop community in Dubai – and trust when I say its the best I’ve attended here. Hosting special concerts free concerts from groups like KARD and Oh My Girl, Choego Club brings a touch of the K-pop experience and levels it up for the Dubai fans.
The most famous K-pop fan and community accounts to follow
@saimahhsk
@saimahhsk From @Kshopina.Mena LOVE IT🩷 #bts #rm #indigo #btsarmy #wildflower #namjoon #joon #bangtan #kpop #albumunboxing #unboxing #kpopfyp #dubai ♬ Wild Flower (with youjeen) – RM
@mawaji
@mawaji328 Forever proud to be 🍉❤️ #kpop #kpopinterview #xg #dprian #cherrybullet #hyperoundkfest ♬ الصوت الأصلي – الصَمِت"𓁹
@thepixiesdance
@thepixiesdance Still on the trend ❤️🔥 #YIMMYYIMMY #thepixies #JacquelineFernandez #ShreyaGoshal #Tayc #bollywood #hindi #dance #dancecover #fyp ♬ Yimmy Yimmy – Tayc & Shreya Ghoshal & Rajat Nagpal
@chingudiaries
@chingudiaries CRAZIEST COINCIDENCE EVERRR😭🤯 #parkhyungsik #parkhyungsikdubai #parkshinhye #doctorslump #doctorslumpkdrama #kdrama #kdramalover #kdramas #kdramafyp #kpop #kpopfyp #stan #kpopers #dubai #fypシ #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #kpopedit #hyungsik #shinhye #multistan ♬ som original – 𝐁𝐚𝐤𝐮𝐫𝐚
Korean restaurants for girl dinner
Sobhan
@michelllekiim MOST AUTHENTIC KOREAN FOOD IN THE UAE and it's literally in dubai?!! #uae🇦🇪 #dubai #abudhabi #korean #koreanfoodie #koreanfood #kimchi #korea #authentickorea #restaurant #restaurantreview #eatwithme #mukbang #mukbangeatingshow #mukbangkorea #fyp #fypシ #foryou #한식 #두바이 #추천 #한식당 #sobahn #sobahnrestaurant #dubaikoreanfood #dubaikorea ♬ Tell Me – Wonder Girls
Approved by TikTokers and Influencers, this hidden gem at Sheikh Zayed Road makes sure your K-culture experience is full to the brim (even your stomach). Just Dhs170 for two, you and your bestie will have the classics straight to your plate *yum.*
📍 1st floor of the Matloob Building, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai.
Mukbang Shows Restaurant
@mukbangshowsrestaurant
Korean-styled grills here we go! Of course like every lover of K-drama and culture, you can dine and experience the state-of-the-art electric grills just like your fave actors. With a side of Soju and heaps of side dishes AND multiple plates of meat, trust and believe you’ll stay here for hours.
Romantic Baka
This has to be the most underrated spot EVER. Always on the lookout for the best It-girl dining, Romantic Baka is where the girlies hang out for that kick of Korean BBQ. The best part? The all-you-can-eat grill featuring five different meat cuts, unlimited side dishes (we live for it), AND refillable drinks. You better run here during weekends to unwind.
Btw, we know the best K-dramas to binge for the holiday. Read this.