HWiK turns target shooting into a fun night out in Seoul

The heart of Seongsu, in eastern Seoul, provides no shortage of reasons to stop and look around. Pop-up stores, sprawling cafés, galleries and flagship shops seem to appear around every corner.

Hidden gems lie within these already incredible streets, especially in Seoul, known for its repertoire of free-time activities.

Located on the fifth floor in the center of Seoul’s bustling pop-up district, HWiK Shooting and Archery Range offers something completely different from the usual retail and restaurant scene.

I was surprised by the atmosphere - instead of a dark or intimidating shooting range, the space felt bright, playful and built around one simple goal: having fun while competing with the people beside you.

The course opened with eight stations rotating between BB pistols, sniper rifles and standard rifles. Visitors receive 24 shots with the pistol and sniper rifle, while the standard rifle provides 32.

The main activity area at HWiK Shooting and Archery Range, Seongsu, Seoul. (Alejandro Carrasquel/Stars and Stripes)

Each weapon delivered a completely different rush. The most memorable was the sniper experience, something I’ve yet to see in any other shooting range. The pistol demanded control, the rifle felt smooth and satisfying, and the sniper setup made every slow, carefully aimed shot feel far more dramatic than expected.

Then I reached the automatic rifles.

Two stations allow visitors to fire 100 BBs on full auto, and the sudden burst of sound and movement completely changed the energy in the room. Quiet concentration instantly turned into laughter, adrenaline and the urge to empty the magazine as quickly as possible.

While shooting all these weapons makes the experience worthwhile, HWiK ups the ante by introducing a point system that just increases the sense of competitiveness. Try to reach a score higher than 650 and you are in for a sweet surprise.

The course finished with 15 arrows from a recurve bow. After the chaos of full-auto fire, archery felt almost peaceful, forcing me to slow down, correct my posture and focus on one deliberate shot at a time.

Compound bow display at HWiK Shooting and Archery Range, Seongsu, Seoul. (Alejandro Carrasquel/Stars and Stripes)

The staff was English-friendly and patient, they carefully explained how each weapon worked, where to place my hands, how to stand and what to expect before the shooting started.

HWiK somehow moves from concentration to chaos and then back to calm without ever losing its sense of fun.

It is an easy recommendation for a date, especially when a friendly little competition can break the ice, or for friends searching for a quick, fun experience while exploring the area.

In a neighborhood built around unexpected experiences, HWiK may be one of Seongsu’s most surprising.

HWiK Shooting and Archery Range is a surprising exception in the shopping-oriented Seongsu neighborhood in Seoul (Alejandro Carrasquel/Stars and Stripes)

On the QT

Address: Seongsu Branch 5th floor, C&S Building, 52 Yeonmujang-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul

Directions: Take Seoul Subway Line 2 to Seongsu Station, walk approximately four minutes toward Yeonmujang-gil. Enter the C&S Building and take the elevator to the fifth floor.

Hours: Open daily, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Costs: Individual activities cost around 6,000 and 11,000 won with couple packages ranging from 24,000 to 36,000 won.

Information: Online: instagram.com/hwik_shooting_archery