2026 Mullae City Pop Festival

Ironworks alleys become a stage for a global music festival… ‘Mullae City Pop Festival’ takes place on the 20th. Yasuyuki Horigome returns to Korea after 22 years… His first solo performance in Korea

The ‘3rd Mullae City Pop Festival’ will take place on 9/20 (Sun) at Mullae Art Village in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. Hosted and organized by the Mullae Artists Association and supported by the Yeongdeungpo-gu Office, Mullae City Pop Festival is a free urban music festival that transforms Mullae-dong roads normally used by cars into a space for music and people for a single day.

This year’s most anticipated performer is Yasuyuki Horigome. A founding member of KIRINJI and the singer-songwriter behind the signature song ‘Aliens,’ he returns to Korea for the first time in 22 years since 2004, making his first appearance on a Korean stage as a solo artist. He will perform a headlining set accompanied by a 4-member backing band.

Mullae-dong was ranked 6th among the ‘world’s coolest neighborhoods’ in 2025 by British culture and travel publication Time Out. Its distinctive landscape, where ironworks, old alleys, artists’ studios, restaurants, and cafes coexist, resonates with city pop’s blend of sophisticated musical technique and warm emotion.

This year’s lineup includes Yasuyuki Horigome, Jane Pop, Hwamok Band, Haya Jazz Quartet, and ‘Nandong,’ the youth band from the Seoul Metropolitan Mullae Youth Center, presenting city pop, AOR, jazz, fusion, and more. ‘Mullaenomics,’ a program connecting local businesses with the festival, is also expanding.

Participation is growing from 10 businesses last year to more than 40 restaurants, cafes, and shops this year. Audience members can receive a verification stamp at the festival site and then enjoy discounts and other benefits at participating shops. The ‘City of People’ music Flea Market, where music fans can participate directly, will also take place around the performance venue. Visitors can freely buy and sell LPs, CDs, cassette tapes, music books and magazines, and artist merchandise. Original artwork drawn by artist Lee Soju for this year’s festival poster will also be displayed on site.