NewJeans Travel Guide: A Playlist for Travelers Strolling Through Seoul's Retro Alleys

Are you currently planning an itinerary to take the subway and explore the quiet, atmospheric alleys of Yeonnam-dong or discover the hidden vintage shops tucked away in Euljiro? If you are looking for the perfect soundtrack for a leisurely walking tour, the comfortable, easy-listening music of NewJeans—the sensational five-member girl group launched by ADOR in 2022—is the absolute best choice to accompany the everyday, picturesque landscapes of Seoul.

Having achieved the phenomenal milestone of topping the US 'Billboard 200' within just one year of their debut, they have single-handedly shifted global music trends. Here, we introduce their incredible records alongside a curated urban travel course that allows you to experience their signature analogue, Y2K aesthetic in the most hip and stylish way possible.

A Surprise Debut and the Dawn of a Global Syndrome (2022)

In July 2022, NewJeans completely bypassed traditional K-pop promotional formulas, making a surprise debut by unexpectedly dropping the music video for their track "Attention."

Instead of relying on overly complex universes or intensely aggressive concepts, they introduced a clear, natural sound that modernly reinterpreted the Y2K sensibilities of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Their subsequent release, "Hype Boy," featured highly addictive, easy-to-follow choreography that completely dominated global short-form video platforms, sparking a massive, unprecedented worldwide syndrome.

Entering Global Charts and Explosive Popularity (2022-2023)

"Ditto," a pre-release track dropped in December 2022, featured a deeply nostalgic melody that evoked the cozy sentiments of winter. It set a monumental record by holding the No. 1 spot on major Korean music charts for the longest period in history.

Coupled with the incredibly catchy single "OMG," "Ditto" propelled NewJeans into the highly competitive US Billboard Hot 100 main single chart within a mere six months of their debut—an astonishing achievement. Rather than relying on artificial high notes, their comfortable, whisper-like vocal tones effortlessly captivated the ears of the global public.

Reaching No. 1 on Billboard 200 and the Lollapalooza Stage (2023-Present)

Their second EP, Get Up, released in 2023, aggressively incorporated trendy UK Garage rhythms, further elevating their musical sophistication. Driven by incredibly strong physical album sales, this EP triumphantly reached No. 1 on the US 'Billboard 200' chart, with three of its tracks, including the mega-hit "Super Shy," concurrently charting on the 'Hot 100'.

In August of the same year, they made history as the first female K-pop artist to perform on the stage at the Lollapalooza festival in Chicago, delivering an immensely successful and unforgettable live performance in front of tens of thousands of roaring fans.

A Practical Tour Course from a Seoul Traveler's Perspective

Thanks to their natural, organic melodies that never fatigue the ears, their music serves as the ultimate background music for a relaxing, unhurried walking tour.

Exploring Aesthetic Alleys and Renovated House Cafes

Take a slow walk through the winding, picturesque alleyways of Seongsu-dong, Yeonnam-dong, or Seochon, which are lined with charming cafes beautifully renovated from old residential houses. As you stroll, listen to "Hype Boy" or "Super Shy." The nostalgic, analogue scenery of the alleys combined with the pure, refreshing harmonies of NewJeans will make you feel as though you have stepped directly into a beautifully directed youth film.

Visiting Hidden LP Bars and Vintage Shops

Play "Ditto" while browsing through the hidden, dimly lit LP bars of Euljiro or the stylish vintage clothing shops in Hongdae, filled with worn, faded, and retro props. The dreamy, lo-fi rhythms of the song will dramatically maximize the melancholic and deeply sentimental atmosphere of these vintage spaces.

Making Memories at a K-Photo Booth

While traveling, step into one of the many 'Four-Cut Photo Booths' lining the bustling streets. Strike your best Y2K-style poses and experience Korea's unique, highly popular photo-recording culture. The exact moment you snap those photos while listening to "Attention" will undoubtedly become your most perfect, authentic local K-pop cultural experience.

Important Travel Cautions

Due to their unrivaled Y2K artwork and iconic brand character designs (such as their signature bunny mascot), NewJeans' official merchandise (MD) enjoys explosive global popularity.

Because of this immense demand, counterfeit products infringing on copyrights are unfortunately quite commonly sold at street stalls or subway station kiosks. To ensure you experience the high quality of their official album packages and genuine merchandise, it is safest and highly recommended to exclusively use officially certified retailers, such as the LINE FRIENDS Store or the Weverse Shop.

Key Takeaways

• A 5-member girl group debuted in 2022, completely leading global mainstream music trends with their natural easy-listening tracks and retro Y2K sensibilities.
• Reached the No. 1 spot on the US 'Billboard 200' main album chart with their second EP, Get Up, released in 2023.
• Made history as the first female K-pop artist to perform at the US Lollapalooza Chicago festival, delivering a highly successful set.
• Their music perfectly harmonizes with walking tours through Seoul's analogue-rich alleys, such as Yeonnam-dong, Seongsu-dong, and Seochon.
• When purchasing merchandise, strictly beware of counterfeits at unofficial street vendors and use officially certified retailers like the LINE FRIENDS Store.

▶ Check Artist Info on Wikipedia
▶ NewJeans Official YouTube Channel