A MINI BTS PILGRIMAGE: MY TOP 7
- C Y
- Jun 12, 2023
- 9 min read
If you've been keeping up with my recent vlogs on Youtube, then you'd probably know that I'd recently spent a month in Seoul on a 'Seoul-o' trip if you will, but if you're new here then heyyy WELCOME! Yes, you read that right - I was there for a month (5 weeks if you count the last week where Syam joined me).
For my trip, I planned a complete itinerary which included many BTS tourist attractions and places that only ARMY knows - from ones featured in 'Run BTS' episodes and BANGTANTV to television programmes that the members have appeared on (finally all that time consuming countless BTS content has brought me some good). Of course, I visited many other (non-BTS) places too, but that will be in a separate post altogether because.. AFOBANGFO this one is dedicated to YOU, ARMY!
As mentioned in the title, I'll be sharing with you my Top 7 BTS Places Every ARMY Should Visit that I've taken out of my Mini BTS Pilgrimage Itinerary (honestly it was hard to choose only 7 because they're all a 'must-visit') but I'm going to keep this post short if not I might as well write a book. If you're curious to watch my adventures, simply click on the pictures to go to the specific vlogs.
Anyhoo, let's begin!
Read through to the end for the link to my Mini BTS Pilgrimage Itinerary
BIGHIT ENTERTAINMENT OLD BUILDING 10-31 Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul | Nearest station - Hakdong
Your walk down Bangtan Sonyeondan's memory lane cannot begin without first visiting the very place it all started! Filled with the members' 피 땀 눈물 blood, sweat and tears and the pure dedication from the small team of BigHit staffs and BangPD.
The huge significance of this building, coupled with the stories of BTS' struggles that we are all too familiar with, will definitely bring a huge sense of pride and comfort that they've made it this far despite it all. A little cringe to say, but my heart felt so full the minute I saw the building.
Although it has since become another company's office space, the building walls are still plastered with messages of love, support, respect and admiration from ARMY all over the world. It was truly heartwarming to see so many messages enveloping a place that held so much memory for both BTS and ARMY. I'm glad the new owners still kept it up.
I know it'd be tempting to add your own messages, but respect the space (there are signs telling fans to avoid scribbling on certain areas). Pictures are however, very much at your disposal. Take as many pictures and videos outside the building because this place is certainly one for the memories and the 'gram!
YOOJUNG SIKDANG
14 Dosan-daero 28-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul | Nearest station - Sinsa
Dine in the same restaurant BTS used to have their meals back in their trainee and rookie days! Located near their old studio, Yoojung Sikdang was visited so often by the members that, in 'Rookie King BTS', the lady boss said that she would actually come up with new items on the menu to ensure they had a variety of dishes to choose from.
What makes it all the more awesome is that the lady boss herself is an ARMY! So not only has she been feeding the members but also supported them from the start - that's how you know the place is going to be well decorated with all things BTS. I'm talking wall to ceiling, doors, tables, decor and appliances COVERED in posters, merchandise, stickers, fan-made art and so on!
Also, the fact that the members have frequented the restaurant so much means the food is going to be good. SUGA has mentioned how much the food reminded him of his mother's cooking (and that def says a lot), some of the members even said that they've eaten all three meals there!
Hungry? Then order up the Black Pork Stone bibimbap - a dish so loved by the members that they've even dubbed it 'Bangtan Bibimbap'. I paired the succulent and juicy pork with Ssambap for the ultimate experience. Try it for yourself and you'll want to come back for more! I'm even salivating just thinking about it helppp.
MT. ACHASAN
135 Yeonghwasa-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul | Nearest station - Gwangnaru
If the name Achasan rings a bell, then just like me, you've spent hours watching Run BTS! For someone who's not fit or into exercise, watching RM and V hike up Achasan in the wee hours of the morning (episode 44) was a huge motivation for me to get up and go. That, plus I really do enjoy spending time in nature so I didn't think twice about the hike. ALSO where else can you get the chance to literally 'climb' in their footsteps and witness the sun rise over tree covered mountains like they did?! There was not an ounce of regret in my decision, so I wholeheartedly recommend it.
Did you know that Achasan is actually part of a trio of mountains that connects to each other? Achasan, Yongmasan and Mangusan (collectively referred to as Achasan). Don't let the number deter you, the hike is relatively safe and easy for beginners!
There are a few different hiking courses, but the one that I followed was the easiest and shortest. I initially wanted to complete all three but I had to make my way back down (reason in my vlog). Thankfully you can exit the hike at the second mountain (Yongmasan). So if you're hiking alone or it's your first time hiking, take the Achasan and Yongmasan Hiking Course - total distance 6.5km, roughly 3 hrs.
Perhaps I'll talk more about my experience about the hike in a another post but long story short, everything felt so surreal when I reached the peak of Achasan and Yongmasan. The cherry on top of the cake was looking down at the city across the lush Autumn foliage - simply breathtaking!
ps. the cold Autumn weather helps a lot especially if you don't like heat or to perspire Click here for full information of the trails.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF KOREA
137 Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul | Nearest station - Ichon
During the global pandemic, BTS gave a speech for the Class of 2020 and performed right here! It may not seem like much to others but I feel like this place encompasses a moment of uncertainty from a time that nobody could have predicted - a time in which will now be in our history books. Yet during all of that, BTS brought a sense of comfort no matter where you were in the world.
It was also really moving to hear them share graduation memories of their own, and speak vulnerably about the fears that many of us were feeling at the time.
If you're afraid of not finding the exact spot that they were, don't worry! The museum placed stickers on the grounds of where they stood for the speech and performance. So, get your cameras ready because #photoopmoment!
What's more, since you're already at the there, why not do a little bit of Namjooning! Most museums are free, except for special exhibits.
Bonus: NATIONAL MUSEUM OF KOREAN CONTEMPORARY HISTORY
198 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul | Nearest stations - Jonggak, Gwanghwamun or Gyeongbokgung
If you're looking for the BTS Time Capsule, it's located here!
The time capsule will be opened during the 20th Youth Day event in 2039, but until then fans can head on over to the permanent exhibition for viewing. Above the box, a screen plays BTS' speech that they delivered during the event.
MAGNATE
135, Jinnam-ro, Nam-gu, Busan, South Korea | Nearest station - Motgol
If you don't already know it, this charming industrial themed café is owned by Jimin's father! However, don't expect the café to be filled with all things related to Jimin or BTS, there are only a few art displays and decor that only ARMY will notice even then I'd say this place is worth a visit especially if he's your bias!
Stepping into the cafe, you'll first notice a table that boasts many gifts, cards and artwork from fans of Jimin (especially during his birthday month). There's also a shelf that proudly displays the hats that Jimin once wore as well as the artwork that was featured in the Louvre art museum in Paris made by Korean artist Lee. K.
The café also serves up pretty good coffee and a variety of delicious pastries and if you're worried about not finding seats, don't worry.. it's really spacious! With plenty of seats to choose from, natural light and cozy ambience, it'd be pretty hard to leave the place once you're in.
IN THE SOOP 2 FILMING LOCATION
Phoenix Pyeongchang Hotel, Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do, South Korea | KTX Train - Pyeongchang station
Unbeknownst to many fans, you can actually visit the filming location of BTS' In The Soop 2! That's right, step into the lush property where the members once stayed at.
The furniture, amenities and decor that was on the show is still up so fans can truly experience it all! Whether you're looking to relax by the camper van like SUGA, read a book in the reading nook like RM or bounce a ball in the basketball court like Jimin, this place is not to be missed. There's also a photo zone inside the gym to take a picture with your bias, and a letter writing area for you to write to the members which you can drop off in the purple post box outside.
Unfortunately, the property itself is unavailable for visit to the general public and the address is not listed anywhere. The only way to visit the location is to book a stay right here*.
The stay includes free breakfast, exclusive official merchandise and a bus tour to the location. There's also an In The Soop pop-up store, located in the building next to the hotel, which has all the In The Soop merchandise and a few other BTS album merchandise. *not affiliated in any way and I don't get money from your clicks.
BTS BUS STOP
210 Jumunbuk-ro, Jumunjin-eip, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea | KTX Train - Gangneung station
This last location is in my Top 7 because "You Never Walk Alone" is the first album I ever got and one of my favourite albums. Plus, it is ICONIC!
2 hours away from Seoul lies one of the prettiest (and furthest) photo spot - the bus stop featured on BTS' "You Never Walk Alone" album cover. The bus stop located along Jumunjin beach, a popular summertime attraction in Gangneung, serves as a photo spot for fans and is non-operational. Also, don't forget to take photos along the beach if you want to channel your inner Jimin. Simple put on a stripped shirt, grab your shoes and snap away!
The easiest way to visit the bus stop is via the 3 hours Gangneung Taxi Tour via Klook*. You could probably take the bus to the beach but it's quite far away from the station, and the buses don't run as often as they do in the city.
The tour includes 3 other locations but if you're mainly there for the bus stop then let the driver know you'd like to spend a longer time at the beach, the timing at each location isn't fixed. Also, if you want to avoid queues and spend more time taking all the photos you want like I did, then visit on a weekday around 5/6PM.
*not affiliated in any way and I don't get money from your clicks.
WOW! You've made it this far, congratulations! Here's the itinerary. You've earned it by taking the time to read through, you're amazing! Thank you :)
ABOUT THE ITINERARY
My Mini BTS Pilgrimage itinerary is adapted from my complete itinerary and re-arranged according to
DAYS - for easy planning
DISTANCE - grouped according to how close they are to each other (to save some travel time)
CITY - Seoul, Busan & Outskirts
Apart from places that i've visited, I've also included those I've yet to visit because I had no time and/or there were a little far from where I was.
THINGS TO NOTE BEFORE YOU GO
USE NAVER MAP Google maps does not work well in South Korea, so Naver Map is the one app you need on your phone! It includes travel time, distance, bus timings and it's really easy to use. Tip: Double check the names especially since certain names of places are only in Hangeul
DOWNLOAD PAPAGO It is a popular translation app that the many local Koreans use and it's more updated and accurate in their translation. You can even speak into it and it translates what you're saying as well so, pretty nifty app!
PREPARE TO WALK Seoul already requires a lot of walking, so if you're following my itinerary and are planning to walk (like I did) then put on a good pair of shoes and stay hydrated! ps. You'll also be walking up quite a bit of slopes, especially at Nohyeon-dong area.
GIVE TIME Whether you're walking, taking the bus or train - travelling time may defer depending on traffic, distance, other plans etc..
SET ASIDE EXTRA $$$ Not referring to money for merch, but for KTX train tickets, Airbnb, entrance ticket to Hybe Insight, or other forms of transport.
BOOK IN ADVANCE Especially for Hybe Insight and In The Soop 2 Film Location Visit (KTX train tickets needed).
GET A TRIPOD You'd want to take loads of photos so selfie stick and tripods are your best friends! Tip: Get one with a remote so you can time your shots easily
Alrighty, I hope this has brought you many ideas if you're planning a visit soon or if you're currently making your way there to celebrate their upcoming Festa/10th Anniversary then add these to your bucket list if you haven't already!
Catch me on Instagram or leave a comment on my vlogs if you have any questions about the trip or the places mentioned above! I'll do my best to tell you what I know.
Till then.
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