BTS in Korea: Every Location You Must Visit — ARMY/Fan Guide

Do you remember the opening scene of the “Spring Day” music video? The unforgettable visual of V stepping down onto the snow-dusted tracks of a quiet, abandoned train station perfectly captured a feeling of longing and nostalgia. For millions of fans around the world, finally stepping foot into the world of BTS is a dream come true. 

From their humble beginnings in a cramped basement studio to becoming the world’s biggest musical act, the journey of RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook is deeply woven into the landscape of South Korea. Taking a K-pop “Seongji-sunrye” (a Korean term translating to “holy land pilgrimage”) is the ultimate way to connect with the group’s decade-long history. 

This comprehensive BTS travel guide is designed to provide you with the most up-to-date, practical information to walk in the members’ footsteps. Whether you are looking to explore verified BTS filming locations, iconic trainee hangouts, or breathtaking music video sets, this ARMY guide to Korea will help you plan the ultimate BTS pilgrimage. Pack your bags, charge your camera, and let’s explore the real-life locations that shaped a global phenomenon.

GROUP A: GANGNAM (The Origins)

🏢 Old Big Hit Entertainment Building (Cheonggu Building) — [AGENCY / TRAINEE SPOT]

If there is one starting point for any BTS pilgrimage, it is the legendary Cheonggu Building in the Nonhyeon-dong neighborhood of Gangnam. Long before the massive skyscrapers and global stadium tours, this unassuming office block was the cradle of the group’s debut. The members spent countless hours in the cramped underground practice rooms here, sweating through their trainee days and early rookie years. 

For years, the exterior walls of this building were famously covered head-to-toe in fan graffiti, with ARMYs from across the globe traveling here just to leave a small message of love in marker pen. While the building now houses different businesses, standing on this quiet residential street brings an overwhelming sense of pride when you realize how far the seven members have come.

• Transport: Sinsa Station (Line 3), Exit 1
• Hours: Exterior access only (Not open to the public)
• Cost: Free
• GoogleMap Address: 16 Dosan-daero 16-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
• NaverMap Address: 16 Dosan-daero 16-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Insider Tip: While much of the historical fan graffiti has been painted over by new tenants to maintain the building, the historical significance remains palpable at the entrance corner. Please respect the current occupants by not writing on the walls.

🍱 Yoojung Sikdang (유정식당) — [RESTAURANT]

Affectionately known by the fandom as the “Bangtan Restaurant,” Yoojung Sikdang is a living museum of BTS history. Located just a short walk from their old practice studios, this traditional Korean eatery is where the members ate nearly every single meal during their grueling trainee days. The restaurant owner famously treated the boys like her own sons, ensuring they were well-fed even when they had very little money.

Today, walking into Yoojung Sikdang is an incredible sensory experience. Every available inch of the walls, ceiling, and even the napkin dispensers is plastered with BTS stickers, banners, and fan art. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and deeply nostalgic, making it an absolute must-visit on your BTS travel guide itinerary.

• Transport: Hakdong Station (Line 7), Exit 7
• Hours: 10:00 – 22:00 (Mon-Fri), 10:00 – 20:00 (Sat-Sun)
• Cost: ~10,000 KRW per meal
• GoogleMap Address: 14 Dosan-daero 28-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
• NaverMap Address: 14 Dosan-daero 28-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Insider Tip: Order the “Bangtan Set” (Heukdoeji Bibimbap, or black pork mixed rice) which was the group’s go-to meal. Try to sit at the members’ favorite table in the center, which is usually marked with a special sticker on the table corner!

🛝 Hakdong Park — [TRAINEE SPOT]

Just a few hilly streets away from the old Big Hit building lies Hakdong Park. During their trainee days, when the pressure of evaluations and the uncertainty of debut became too much to handle, the members would escape to this quiet neighborhood park to reflect, practice their singing in the open air, and talk about their dreams. 

This park is a recurring backdrop in their early pre-debut video logs and has even been referenced in their lyrics. It is a peaceful, green sanctuary in the middle of busy Gangnam. Sitting on the benches here offers fans a quiet moment of reflection, allowing you to vividly picture a young RM or Jimin gathering their thoughts before heading back to the basement studio. 

• Transport: Sinsa Station (Line 3), Exit 1
• Hours: 24/7
• Cost: Free
• GoogleMap Address: 26 Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
• NaverMap Address: 26 Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Insider Tip: The wooden swing set is the most recognizable spot from the members’ pre-debut vlog videos. It’s a quiet residential park, so grab a coffee nearby and enjoy a peaceful afternoon break here.

☕ Café Hyuga (Bakery Hyuga) — [DORMITORY]

Have you ever wanted to step inside the actual rooms where BTS lived during their explosive rise to global fame? This building served as the group’s primary dormitory during the legendary Wings and Love Yourself eras (roughly 2016 to 2018). Fast forward to today, and the space has been beautifully renovated into a cozy, aesthetic bakery and café known as Café Hyuga.

The architects deliberately kept the original layout of the house intact, meaning fans can walk through the living spaces and figure out which areas used to be the members’ shared bedrooms. The café leans into its rich history without being overwhelming, offering delicious pastries and excellent coffee while providing a dedicated space for ARMYs to leave their mark.

• Transport: Hakdong Station (Line 7), Exit 4
• Hours: 09:00 – 21:30 daily
• Cost: Price of coffee/bread (approx. 6,000 – 15,000 KRW)
• GoogleMap Address: 16 Nonhyeon-ro 119-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
• NaverMap Address: 16 Nonhyeon-ro 119-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Insider Tip: Check out the dedicated “Sticky Note” wall where fans leave messages. Walk through the different seating areas and try to identify which rooms used to belong to which members based on old dormitory footage!

[IMAGE PLACEHOLDER: The renovated interior of Café Hyuga bakery. Alt: BTS former dormitory Cafe Hyuga interior]

GROUP B: OTHER SEOUL AREAS (The Present & History)

🏢 HYBE HQ (Yongsan) — [AGENCY]

To truly understand the massive scale of BTS’s success, you must visit the current global headquarters of Big Hit Music and HYBE Corporation in Yongsan. Towering over the Han River, this massive glass-and-steel skyscraper represents the group’s current era of global dominance. 

While the interior of the building is strictly reserved for staff and artists, the surrounding area has become a bustling hub for ARMYs. The streets, cafes, and bus stops immediately surrounding the HYBE building are constantly decorated with fan-funded birthday banners and digital advertisements celebrating the members. It is a stunning visual contrast to the tiny Cheonggu Building and a testament to their hard work.

• Transport: Sinyongsan Station (Line 4), Exit 2
• Hours: Exterior access only
• Cost: Free
• GoogleMap Address: 42 Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
• NaverMap Address: 42 Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Insider Tip: To capture the full height of the towering glass facade without awkward upward distortion, cross the main street to the bus stop area (Hangangdaegyo Bukdan) for the perfect wide-angle photo.

👑 Gyeongbokgung Palace (Geonchunmun & Gyeonghoeru) — [LANDMARK]

In 2020, BTS delivered a jaw-dropping, historic performance of “IDOL” and “Mikrokosmos” for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, broadcast entirely from the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace. Dressed in stunning modern adaptations of Hanbok (traditional Korean clothing), the group seamlessly blended their contemporary pop power with deep Korean heritage.

Visiting the grand Geonchunmun Gate and the breathtaking Gyeonghoeru Pavilion (a pavilion situated on a serene lotus pond) allows fans to appreciate the architectural beauty and cultural pride the group showcased to the world. Walking these expansive royal grounds is a highlight of any trip to Seoul, offering a deep dive into the culture that BTS continuously champions.

• Exact Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 사직로 161)
• Transport: Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3), Exit 5
• Hours: 09:00 – 17:00 or 18:30 (Depending on season). Closed Tuesdays.
• Cost: 3,000 KRW (Free if wearing Hanbok)
• GoogleMap Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• NaverMap Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Insider Tip: Replicate the “IDOL” aesthetic by photographing the highly ornate Geonchunmun Gate. For the best photos of Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, stand at the water’s edge to capture the building’s reflection.

⛰️ Achasan Mountain — [VARIETY SHOW]

For fans of the group’s chaotic and hilarious variety show, this hiking trail is a must-do. Achasan Mountain was prominently featured in Run BTS! Episode 44, where RM and Jin famously had to climb to the summit before dawn as a penalty to watch the sunrise. 

Hiking Achasan is a relatively easy and rewarding experience, popular among Seoul locals. Reaching the peak and looking out over the sprawling cityscape of Seoul gives you the exact same breathtaking vantage point the members experienced. It is the perfect way to inject some active, outdoorsy fun into your BTS Korea locations itinerary. 

• Transport: Achasan Station (Line 5), Exit 2
• Hours: 24/7 (Daylight or early morning hiking recommended)
• Cost: Free
• GoogleMap Address: 135 Yeonghwasa-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
• NaverMap Address: 135 Yeonghwasa-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul

Insider Tip: The Goguryeo Pavilion (Goguryeojeong) on the trail offers the same panoramic view seen in the Run BTS! episode. If you want to fully commit to the penalty recreation, pack a thermos of hot rice cake soup to eat at the top!

GROUP C: OUTSIDE SEOUL (Music Videos & Beyond)

🚂 Iryeong Station (Yangju) — [MV FILMING]

To capture the emotional essence of the “Spring Day” music video, you must travel just outside of Seoul to Iryeong Station. This decommissioned, abandoned passenger train station served as the atmospheric setting for the MV’s opening sequence, featuring V kneeling gracefully on the snowy tracks.

The rustic charm of the peeling paint, the rusted station signs, and the quiet isolation of the surrounding countryside perfectly match the melancholic themes of the song. It is a hauntingly beautiful spot that feels frozen in time, making it one of the most poignant BTS filming locations to visit.

• Transport: Gupabal Station (Line 3) Exit 1, then transfer to Bus 360
• Hours: 24/7 (Abandoned station)
• Cost: Free
• GoogleMap Address: 327 Samha-ri, Jangheung-myeon, Yangju-si, Gyeonggi-do
• NaverMap Address: 327 Samha-ri, Jangheung-myeon, Yangju-si, Gyeonggi-do

Insider Tip: For the ultimate experience, try to visit during the winter months after a fresh snowfall to perfectly match the MV’s aesthetic. Recreate V’s iconic shot by leaning against the platform edge.

🏡 Lake 192 (Chuncheon) — [VARIETY SHOW]

If you ever watched the members paint, cook, read, and heal by the water during BTS In the SOOP Season 1, you were watching them at Lake 192. Located in the serene region of Chuncheon, this award-winning modern pension (the Korean term for a vacation rental home) served as their primary sanctuary away from the cameras of city life.

Surrounded by lush forests and sitting directly on the glassy surface of the lake, this location radiates tranquility. While it requires booking a stay to experience the grounds fully, it is an incredible opportunity to live exactly as the members did during their healing vacation.

• Transport: ITX train to Chuncheon Station, followed by a taxi
• Hours: Reservation-based check-in/out
• Cost: Varies by season (Reservation fee for exclusive use of the property)
• GoogleMap Address: 192 Gail-gil, Sabuk-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do
• NaverMap Address: 192 Gail-gil, Sabuk-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do

Insider Tip: This is a private residence, meaning you must have a confirmed reservation to enter. External viewing without a booking is not recommended to protect guest privacy. If you do book, the floating deck is the ultimate photo spot!

🚌 BTS Bus Stop (Jumunjin Beach) — [LANDMARK / MV FILMING]

Few images are as iconic in K-pop as the seven members sitting shoulder-to-shoulder at a lone bus stop against the crashing blue waves of the East Sea. This legendary spot was the set for the You Never Walk Alone (2017) album jacket photoshoot.

Although the original prop bus stop was dismantled after the shoot, the city of Gangneung officially rebuilt an exact replica on the very same stretch of sand due to massive fan demand. Today, it stands as an official landmark and is widely considered one of the most important stops on any ARMY pilgrimage. 

• Transport: KTX train to Gangneung Station, then Bus 300 or 302
• Hours: 24/7
• Cost: Free
• GoogleMap Address: 8-55 Hyangho-ri, Jumunjin-eup, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
• NaverMap Address: 8-55 Hyangho-ri, Jumunjin-eup, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do

Insider Tip: Because this is a highly popular photo spot, the city has thoughtfully installed a dedicated smartphone tripod mount across the road. Use it to get the perfect, level alignment for your group photos!

🏖️ Maengbang Beach (Samcheok) — [MV FILMING]

If you want to inject some vibrant, summery energy into your trip, head down the coast to Maengbang Beach in Samcheok. This expansive stretch of white sand was the exclusive location for the bright, retro-inspired concept photoshoot for their record-breaking English single “Butter” (2021). 

The local government has permanently recreated the energetic set, featuring the exact orange and green striped beach chairs, vintage umbrellas, and volleyball nets used by the boys. Sitting in the chairs with the ocean breeze in your hair makes you feel like you have stepped directly into the “Butter” concept photos.

• Transport: Intercity bus to Samcheok Intercity Bus Terminal, then local transit
• Hours: 24/7
• Cost: Free
• GoogleMap Address: 228-239 Samcheok-ro, Geundeok-myeon, Samcheok-si, Gangwon-do
• NaverMap Address: 228-239 Samcheok-ro, Geundeok-myeon, Samcheok-si, Gangwon-do

Insider Tip: The beach is quite long, so head north along the sand toward the edge of the pine forest to easily locate the dedicated “Butter” photo zone and striped umbrellas.

☕ Magnate (Busan) — [RESTAURANT / CAFÉ]

No BTS travel guide is complete without a trip to the southern coastal city of Busan, the hometown of both Jimin and Jungkook. While there, you absolutely must visit Magnate, a sprawling, industrial-chic cafe owned and meticulously operated by Jimin’s father. 

Far from a simple tourist trap, Magnate is renowned locally for its excellent pastries and rich coffee. For fans, it is a treasure trove. The spacious, modern interior is elegantly decorated with rotating gifts of fan art, and it serves as the ultimate gathering hub for international and local ARMYs whenever there is a BTS-related event or birthday in Busan.

• Transport: Motgol Station (Busan Subway Line 2), Exit 4
• Hours: 10:00 – 21:50 daily
• Cost: Price of order (approx. 6,000 – 15,000 KRW)
• GoogleMap Address: 135 Jinnam-ro, Nam-gu, Busan
• NaverMap Address: 135 Jinnam-ro, Nam-gu, Busan

Insider Tip: Take your time exploring the café’s interior displays. You won’t want to miss the special glass display case that houses pieces of Jimin’s personal hat collection and various sentimental items!

RECOMMENDED 1-DAY “GANGNAM ROOTS” ITINERARY

If your time in Seoul is limited, dedicating a single day to the “Gangnam Roots” route is the most efficient way to experience the group’s origins. Because these locations are clustered together, you can easily walk between them and truly feel the history of their trainee days.

• 10:00 AM: Start your morning at Sinsa Station. Take a short walk up the hill to visit the Old Big Hit Building. Spend about 15 minutes taking photos at the historic entrance corner.
• 11:00 AM: Enjoy a leisurely 10-minute walk through the residential streets to Hakdong Park. Spend 30 minutes sitting on the swings and enjoying the quiet atmosphere where the members used to practice.
• 12:00 PM: Walk 5 minutes down the hill for lunch at Yoojung Sikdang. Order the black pork bibimbap and spend an hour soaking in the incredible fan memorabilia covering the walls.
• 01:30 PM: Finish your afternoon with a 15-minute walk to Café Hyuga. Grab a coffee and a pastry, and spend an hour exploring the renovated rooms of their former dormitory.

TRAVEL TIPS FOR FANS VISITING KOREA

Navigating South Korea is incredibly safe and efficient, but having a few logistical tricks up your sleeve will make your BTS pilgrimage completely stress-free:

• Download Naver Map immediately: Google Maps does not provide walking or driving directions in Korea due to security laws. Naver Map is the absolute gold standard and offers full English support.
• Get a T-Money Card: Purchase this transit card at any airport convenience store upon arrival. You can use it to tap in and out of all subways, buses, and even pay for taxis.
• Use the Papago App: While Google Translate is okay, Naver’s Papago app provides the most natural and accurate English-to-Korean translations, especially for reading menus or asking for directions.
• Carry a Portable Power Bank: You will be relying on your phone for heavy navigation, translating, and taking thousands of photos. A power bank is essential.
• Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes: The trainee locations in Gangnam (like the Old Big Hit building) are located on surprisingly steep hills. Save your feet!
• Respect “Exterior Only” Rules: Please respect that the HYBE HQ and the Cheonggu Building are active, working offices. Do not attempt to enter the lobbies or block traffic.
• Plan Around Birthdays: If you visit during a member’s birthday month, you will find hundreds of cafes hosting “cup-sleeve” events filled with free fan-made merchandise.
• Learn Basic Greetings: Saying Annyeong-haseyo (Hello) when entering a restaurant and Kamsa-hamnida (Thank you) when leaving goes a very long way with locals.
• Check Real-Time Transit: Naver Map shows exact bus arrival times, which is crucial when waiting for rural buses to places like the Jumunjin BTS Bus Stop.
• Carry a Small Trash Bag: Public trash cans are surprisingly rare on the streets of Seoul. You will likely need to carry your coffee cups or wrappers until you return to your hotel or find a subway station bin.

FAQ

1. Can I go inside the HYBE building?

No. The HYBE headquarters is a highly secure corporate office and artist studio. It is strictly closed to the general public. Fans are welcome to view and photograph the exterior and enjoy the fan-decorated cafes in the surrounding Yongsan neighborhood.

2. Where is the “Bangtan Restaurant” located?

The famous “Bangtan Restaurant” is officially named Yoojung Sikdang. It is located in the Gangnam district of Seoul, specifically at 14 Dosan-daero 28-gil, near Hakdong Subway Station.

3. How do I get to the BTS Bus Stop from Seoul?

Take the high-speed KTX train from Seoul Station to Gangneung Station (about 2 hours). From outside Gangneung Station, you can take local Bus 300 or 302 directly to the Jumunjin Beach bus stop.

4. Is the BTS Bus Stop real or a set?

The bus stop seen on the You Never Walk Alone album cover was originally a temporary set built just for the photoshoot. However, the city of Gangneung built an exact, permanent replica in the same spot for fans to visit. 

5. Are the “Butter” chairs still at Maengbang Beach?

Yes! The local government of Samcheok has recreated the set permanently. However, be aware that during harsh winter months or severe typhoons, the props are sometimes temporarily removed for maintenance and protection.