Pokémon Korea kicked off “Pokémon Mega Festa 2026” in Seongsu-dong, eastern Seoul, aiming to mark three decades of the beloved Japanese franchise with immersive experiences across the city. Seoul Forest and surrounding areas were reimagined into vibrant zones, featuring eye-catching sculptures in the “Pokémon Secret Forest,” a playful “Ditto Playground,” and interactive stamp tours where participants could collect memories by exploring different spots.
The plan was ambitious: spread festivities throughout May at multiple locations. Yet on day one, reality hit hard. Crowds began lining up overnight, swelling to an estimated 40,000 people by noon, according to Seoul Metropolitan Government figures. Exits at Seongsu Station became bottlenecks, with visitors reporting they could barely move.
Social media lit up with photos and videos showing shoulder-to-shoulder throngs that some compared to a “zombie outbreak.” Mobile networks reportedly struggled under the pressure, and police were called in as concerns mounted from around 10:40 a.m.af8fe9
By mid-morning, organizers — at the urging of city officials — began suspending activities one by one. The popular stamp tour stopped first, followed by restricted access to the main themed zones. Attendees voiced frustration online, pointing to what they saw as inadequate crowd management and a failure to distribute high-demand attractions, like the promotional Pokémon card event, more widely across Seoul.
In a statement shared on social channels, Pokémon Korea expressed regret: “We ask for your understanding as [Pokémon Mega Festa 2026] has been temporarily suspended due to safety concerns caused by large crowds.” The company promised to reschedule the canceled “Magikarp” card distribution, with details expected early next week.
This incident highlights the double-edged sword of Pokémon’s enduring popularity in Korea, where the franchise has long driven everything from bread sales to special-edition gadgets. While the suspension disappointed many who traveled far for the event, it also serves as a timely reminder for event planners: enthusiasm is wonderful, but preparation for it is essential.
As Seoul continues blending pop culture with public spaces, fans remain hopeful the rescheduled activities will deliver the safe, memorable experience everyone was hoping for. For now, trainers are advised to stay tuned to official channels before heading out.
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