Seoul turns underground municipal gallery into Pokémon destination

Seoul City Hall is undergoing a transformation from a place of bureaucratic work to a hub of Pokémon excitement. The underground Seoul Gallery, owned by the municipal government, is set to become the home of a unique resident - Pikachu dressed in traditional Korean garments. This isn't just a whimsical addition, but part of a civic partnership that will run until October 11.

The event is centered around the popular Pokémon GO mobile game and is scheduled to take place on the basement level of City Hall. This marks the gallery's milestone of one million visitors since its grand opening in February 2026. City officials are leveraging global pop culture as a novel approach to foster engagement between citizens and the municipal government.

Upon entering the venue, players of Pokémon GO will be greeted by the rare sight of a hanbok-clad Pikachu. The gaming zone will also feature themed augmented reality photo booths and digital garden projections, creating a playful atmosphere that is seamlessly integrated with civic education. Adjacent to the gaming zone, the focus shifts to informative displays, blending entertainment with educational content in a unique way.