Lookback pop-up in Seongsu: the anime-to-film experience Seoul fans are booking out

If you watched the original Lookback anime and you're planning to catch the live-action film when it opens, the pop-up in Seongsu is the kind of pre-movie ritual that hits different. Director Hirokazu Koreeda's Lookback tells the story of two girls and their shared creative journey — and this pop-up translates that intimacy into a physical space you walk through, not just look at.

The pop-up is in Seongsu, near Hongik University Station (Hongdae district), at Space Bee Yeonnam — a 10-minute walk from the subway. It's running through October 17, 2026, and you need to book a time slot via Naver Reservations; walk-ins aren't accepted. Booking is free — you're just reserving your entry window.

The experience unfolds across two floors. On the first floor, you step into Fujino's room — the anime's central setting — meticulously recreated. The detail work is exact enough that it hits you with that same nostalgic, almost wistful feeling the film is chasing. From there, you move through a series of photo zones, each tied to a moment in the story. One zone lets you draw a four-panel manga on the spot (staff provide materials), and you can slip your finished comic into a slot in the wall as you move through Kyomoto's room — a clever, participatory touch that makes you feel like you're leaving your own mark on the story.

Staff handle photography at each zone with real care — they're not just snapping; they're framing shots from multiple angles and handing you printed photos on the spot. It's the kind of detail that makes the whole thing feel less like a transaction and more like being welcomed into something.

The second floor is the merch shop. Limited goods include notebooks, postcards, and other small items tied to the film. As of October 7, the glass cups had already sold out (no restock planned), so if there's something specific you want, arriving earlier in the booking window is smart. Most items are modest in price and design — nothing feels like pure cash-grab merch.

Timing-wise: the pop-up manages entry numbers, so it never feels crowded or overwhelming. A midday slot (like noon) had a calm, contemplative vibe — fitting for a story about two girls and their quiet, intense friendship. The main cast is rumored to visit around October 10, so if you're hoping to cross paths, that's a data point.

Who should go: anyone who loved the anime and wants to sit with that feeling before the film drops. Anyone curious about how a pop-up can actually deepen a story instead of just selling you a t-shirt. You don't need to be a hardcore fan — the space itself is thoughtfully designed and the staff approach makes it feel personal. Solo, with a friend, with a partner — it works in any configuration.