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The Ultimate BTS Tour : 8 Places Every ARMY Should Visit while in South Korea

Written by: Emily Creasman

It is no secret that BTS has made a lasting impact on how South Korea is perceived by the world. The hallyu wave (the term for Korean popular media and culture) has been flooding the international scene over the past few years with Korean food, dramas, and music finding immense popularity with new audiences. Leading that wave is none other than the seven-member boy group BTS who’s well-deserved fame has in many ways reshaped South Korea’s tourism scene. In fact, in 2017, the band was solely responsible for 1 in every 13 tourists in South Korea. (that’s insane!) So, in honor of BTS’s success and their contributions to Korean tourism, today we’ll be looking at the most iconic tourist locations in Korea for BTS fans! From filming locations to the member’s favorite dining spots, this list covers eight places every ARMY must visit while in Korea.

Jumunjin Beach Bus Stop

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The Jumunjin Beach Bus Stop in Gangneung Province is perhaps one of the most famous locations for ARMYs to visit. Featured on the cover of BTS’ 2017 full-length album “You Never Walk Alone,” the bus stop has since become a full-time tourist attraction where you can take pictures posing just as the BTS members once did.

Adventure Korea now offers a private taxi tour package that goes directly to the Jumunjin Beach bus stop! After snapping pictures at the stop, walk along the beautiful Gyeongpo Beach, visit Jungang Market and Anmok Coffee Street, and get a taste of traditional Korean culture by visiting the Ojukheon Hanok House! Click here for more information.
Location:
8-54 Hyangho-ri, Jumunjin-eup, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do

Iryeong Station

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Photo credits: HYBE Labels. (2017, February 13). BTS (방탄소년단) ‘봄날 (Spring Day)’ Official MV.

Located in Yangju City, Iryeong Station is an abandoned train station featured in BTS’ “Spring Day,” music video. Despite its closure, the location has gained newfound popularity as a tourist spot. Visit in the winter during snowfall to fully capture member V’s iconic moment!

Location:
Iryeong-ro, Jangheung-myeon, Yangju-si, Gyeonggi-do

Yoojung Sikdang (운정식당)

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Photo credits: @emieyes_

Yoojung Sikdang, located in Gangnam, is a restaurant the BTS members often visited during their trainee days! Sit where BTS once sat and eat what the members’ ate: ssambap (vegetable wraps and rice) and black pork and stone pot bibimbap ( mix vegetables and rice). 

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Photo credits: The Kpop. (2019, February 18). [Highlight] BTS’ home & favorite restaurant! | Rookie King BTS.

While eating, enjoy the endless amount of BTS memorabilia lining the walls, from the members’ signatures to newspaper clippings and stickers, to BT21 balloons and cardboard cutouts. After the meal, walk to BTS’ old dance studio which is located nearby.

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Photo credits: @emieyes_

Location:
14 Dosan-daero 28-gil, Nonhyeon 1(il)-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Hours:
Monday-Sunday: 10:00-10:00

Daeo Bookstore

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Photo credits: @emieyes_

Daeo Bookstore is the oldest second-hand bookstore in Seoul, founded in 1951, and is located in the quaint and aesthetic neighborhood of Seochon Village. The store is recognizable by its bright blue frame and traditional hanok-style architecture. On the inside, books are filled to the brim, making it a paradise for inspiring philosophers and bookworms–it’s no wonder that RM visited here twice!

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Photo credits: @emieyes_

A cafe later opened next to Daeo, owned by the daughter of the store owner, and all its profits go toward maintaining the bookstore. Sip on an iced latte and get lost in this charming piece of history.

Location:
55 Jahamun-ro 7-gil, Cheongunhyoja-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Hours:
Monday-Sunday: 12:00-9:00

HYBE Insight Museum

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Photo credits: “Exhibition.” HYBE INSIGHT, https://hybeinsight.com/exhibition/introduce. 

HYBE Insight is a new immersive museum owned by BTS’s label, HYPE, located in Yongsan-gu that opened to the public in 2021. The expansive 50,590 sq ft. building allows for fans to experience their favorite artists’ music in a new and innovative way; through technology, fans are able to visualize, feel, and even smell the music of HYBE’s artists. There are also displays dedicated to the history of HYBE and the behind-the-scenes processes of how the music and choreographies are made. You can even choose a guided tour narrated by a BTS members’ pre-recorded voice. Alongside BTS, galleries for HYBE’s other artists, including NU’EST, Seventeen, TXT, and ENHYPEN, are on display. 

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Photo credits: “Exhibition.” HYBE INSIGHT, https://hybeinsight.com/exhibition/introduce.

 

In order to visit the museum, you will need to first become a member on the museum’s website and on Weverse. Then, download the HYPE Insight mobile application and make a reservation on the museum’s website. Each ticket is only 22,000 won, or 25,000 won if you want to have your ticket printed with a picture of an idol on it! 

Location:
Seoul, Yongsan-gu, Hangang-daero, 42 HYBE INSIGHT

Hours:
Tuesday-Sunday: 11:00-9:00
(Closed Mondays)

Yongin Daejanggeum Park

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Photo credits: HYBE Labels. (2020, May 22). Agust D ‘대취타’ MV.

To get your fill of both BTS and Korean history, head over to Yongin Daejanggeum Park in Gyeonggi-do. Yongin Daejanggeum Park is the largest historical drama set in Korea, filled with a plethora of historically inspired facilities from the Three Kingdoms, Goryeo, and Joseon periods. It is also the place where Suga (August D) shot the music video for Daechwita!

Location:
778-1 Yongcheon-ri, Baegam-myeon, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do

Hours: Daily
November~February: 9:00-5:00
March~October: 9:00-6:00

Achasan Mountain

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Photo credits: HYBE Labels. “[V Live] Run BTS! 2018 – EP.44.” V LIVE, 13 Mar. 2018

Achasan is a mountain reaching from Seoul to Guri and is a popular hiking spot for Seoulites. The hiking trails all take on average about two hours to complete. The mountain is also easy to access from the Seoul subway! 

Members RM and V hiked Achasan Mountain in episode 44 of Run!BTS in the early morning as a form of punishment for losing in a game. Despite their circumstances, the two members agreed that the hike was inevitably a great experience and was far from a punishment.

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Photo credits: HYBE Labels. “[V Live] Run BTS! 2018 – EP.44.” V LIVE, 13 Mar. 2018.

To get the full BTS experience you can begin the hike early in the morning and take a break at Goguryeojeong Pavilion to watch the sunrise and eat! If you choose to go later in the day you’ll still have an amazing view of Seoul and the Han River!

Location:
135 Yeonghwasa-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 

LINE Friends Stores

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Photo credits: @emieyes_

No BTS tour would be complete without visiting the LINE store! Wrap up your BTS journey by getting some fun BT21 souvenirs at one of the LINE Friends stores in Seoul. BT21 is the official BTS merchandise line made in collaboration with LINE friends. For it, each member took part in designing their very own unique characters. BT21 merchandise can now be purchased at one of the three locations in South Korea:

Gangnam, Hongdae, Insadong, and Songpa-gu inside the Lotte World Mall. The Itaewon and Hongdae locations also offer BT21-decorated food and beverages.

Location:
Gangnam: 437, Gangnam-daero, Seocho-dong, Seoul
Hongdae: 141, Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Insadong: 49 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Songpa-gu: LOTTE WORLD MALL B1F, 300, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul

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