Seoul's Seocho-gu district said Pokémon GO Fest 2026: Global will hold its Seoul in-person event this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, July 11-12, across the Goter·Sebit Tourism Special Zone — including Banpo Hangang Park and Picasso Mural Street.
Pokémon GO is an augmented-reality game in which players walk through the real world to encounter and explore Pokémon; Pokémon GO Fest is the franchise's annual global event open to players worldwide. Organized by Niantic and sponsored by Seocho-gu, the Seoul edition will offer a range of hands-on experiences for both game players and any visitor to the Goter·Sebit Tourism Special Zone.
Running from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Banpo Hangang Park, the event will center on a Community Hub where players can gather and connect, with a Trading Zone and Battle Zone rounding out the participatory lineup.
A giant Pikachu balloon and photo zones will add to the festive atmosphere. Particularly notable is the domestic debut of Mega Mewtwo X and Mega Mewtwo Y, which have already generated significant buzz ahead of the event. Both Pokémon will also be available to encounter along Picasso Mural Street within the tourism zone, spreading the festival atmosphere throughout the venue.
With large crowds expected at the outdoor event, the district said it will take every precaution to prevent accidents and minimize inconvenience to the public. Seocho-gu plans to review its safety management plan in advance with relevant agencies including the Seocho Police Station, conduct a thorough pre-event inspection for hazards, and reinforce safety measures accordingly. On-site response systems will also be confirmed along key pedestrian routes and areas expected to see heavy congestion.
"This Pokémon GO Fest: Global Seoul event will be a meaningful milestone for the Goter·Sebit Tourism Special Zone as it takes a step forward as a global tourism hub," said Seocho-gu District Mayor Jeon Seong-su. "We will continue to attract and develop hands-on content that everyone — regardless of age or gender — can enjoy through public-private partnerships, and work to make the Goter·Sebit Tourism Special Zone a global destination that people will want to visit again and again."
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