From Jumunjin's iconic bus stop to Gangnam's legendary training grounds, Korea holds 7 BTS holy ground spots every ARMY must visit. Discover filming locations, trainee memories, and the places that shaped global music history.
For millions of ARMY members around the world, visiting Korea is more than a vacation — it is a pilgrimage. From the streets of Gangnam where BTS trained as teenagers to the wind-swept beaches that became iconic album covers, the Korean Peninsula holds countless places tied to the story of seven young men who changed music history. K-pop tourism in Korea has been growing rapidly in recent years, and BTS-related destinations sit at the very heart of that movement.
Whether this is your first visit to Korea or your fifth, these seven holy ground spots deserve a place on every ARMY's itinerary.
Spot 1 — Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul
Standing at the northern end of Sejongno Boulevard with Gyeongbokgung Palace as its backdrop, Gwanghwamun Square has become one of the most powerful symbols connecting BTS to Korean culture and history. The square has featured in promotional content, fan events, and cultural performances that reflect the group's deep ties to their homeland.
With the landmark surrounded by traditional palace architecture and the flow of modern Seoul life, visiting Gwanghwamun creates an instant emotional connection. The best time to visit is during morning hours when light fills the space and crowds remain manageable. Pair the visit with a walk through Gyeongbokgung Palace grounds for a full cultural experience.
Spot 2 — Jumunjin BTS Bus Stop, Gangneung
This is perhaps the single most photographed BTS location in Korea. A replica bus stop overlooking Hyangho Beach in the Jumunjin district of Gangneung, Gangwon Province, was dubbed the "Bangtan Bus Stop" after BTS shot the album cover here for You Never Walk Alone. The romantic spot was not a real bus stop — it was initially built just for the album, and following the surge of fan visits, local authorities recreated it as a permanent photo spot and tourist attraction. Koreaherald
The bus stop now features installed speakers that play BTS songs, and the stunning beach backdrop makes it one of the most rewarding photo locations in the entire country. Trazy The beach itself is relatively uncrowded compared to other East Sea destinations, making the atmosphere feel genuinely peaceful and unhurried. Arrive around sunrise for the most atmospheric shots.
Getting there: Gangneung Station → local bus or taxi toward Jumunjin. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes from central Gangneung.
Spot 3 — Maengbang Beach, Samcheok
For fans of BTS's Butter era, Maengbang Beach in Samcheok is a must. Thanks to the group's Butter album photos taken at this beach in 2021, this long-overlooked stretch of coastline saw a dramatic influx of visitors. The first thing that strikes visitors is the iconic brightly coloured chairs and umbrellas that replicate the band's pictures, while a large BTS structure decorates the beachfront. Lifestyle Asia India
The beach sits in a quieter corner of the East Sea coast and rewards visitors with clean sands and a relaxed local atmosphere. Timing a visit around golden hour light creates near-perfect conditions for re-creating the bright, warm imagery of the Butter photoshoot.
Spot 4 — Yoojung Sikdang, Gangnam
Yoojung Sikdang holds a special place in the BTS members' hearts. It served as one of their regular go-to restaurants after hours of hard practice during the early days of their debut, and also stands as a reminder of BTS's humble beginnings for ARMY around the world. Soompi
The eatery, owned by Kang Sun Ja, is also known for being featured in BTS's 2013 reality series Rookie King. The BTS septet reportedly loved the Dolsot Bibimbap and the Jeju Black Pork, both of which remain on the menu. Apart from BTS memorabilia on display, a table is specially marked with stickers showing where the members used to sit. Lifestyle Asia India
The restaurant opens at 10:00 AM, and visiting around opening time is recommended to avoid the considerable wait times that build up during peak lunch and dinner hours, particularly on weekends. KOREAwise The address is located a short walk from Hakdong Station, Line 7, Exit 7.
Spot 5 — Hakdong Park and Old Big Hit Building, Gangnam
Just a few blocks from Yoojung Sikdang, fans walk through steep roads and slopes to find the old Big Hit Entertainment building where the Bangtan boys first began. The building's exterior is covered with hand-written messages from global fans in a whole range of languages. People travel from far away specifically to see this place and leave their own mark — bringing a marker is strongly encouraged. Anagon
A short walk from the former Big Hit building is Hakdong Park, a space the boys frequented during their early BTS years. The park featured in the Run BTS Telepathy episode, where RM revealed that he used to come here to release his frustrations while working on No More Dream, and where the members practiced the difficult choreography for N.O. Anagon The park is modest in size, but the weight of history it carries for ARMY makes it quietly overwhelming to stand in.
Spot 6 — Iryeong Station, Yangju
Iryeong Station is an abandoned train station made famous after being featured in the Spring Day music video. In it, V (Taehyung) is seen waiting alone on the snowy platform, which sets the emotional and nostalgic tone for the whole song. Trazy
The rusty signboards and faded slate roof lend a vintage, retro ambience to the location. A winter visit, when there is a chance of snow on the platform, brings the scene remarkably close to what appeared in the video. The station has been discontinued, so visitors should exercise care when near the railway tracks. Koreaherald
This spot requires more effort to reach than the Seoul locations, but for fans of Spring Day — widely considered one of BTS's most emotionally resonant songs — it is an experience that tends to stay with visitors long after they leave.
Getting there: Accessible via local bus from Uijeongbu Station. Check schedules in advance as services are infrequent.
Spot 7 — HYBE Insight Museum and Yongsan District, Seoul
The HYBE building in Yongsan, Seoul, is a fixture on organized BTS fan tours, with visitors arriving to photograph the exterior and absorb the atmosphere of the space where BTS continues to create music today. Just minutes away is Hyuga Cafe and Bakery, which has become a popular stop for ARMY visiting the Yongsan area. Seoul PASS
The HYBE Insight museum, located inside the building complex, offers an immersive experience through BTS's entire career journey — from debut materials and handwritten lyrics to rare performance footage and interactive installations. Advance booking is strongly recommended as slots fill quickly, particularly during peak travel periods.
The Yongsan area combines well with neighboring Itaewon and Hannam-dong, both known for quality dining, independent cafes, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere that suits a full day of exploration after the museum visit.
Practical Tips Before You Go
Transportation: Seoul's subway system connects Gwanghwamun, Hakdong, and Yongsan efficiently. A T-money transit card, available at any station, covers all subway and bus travel. For Gangneung, Samcheok, and Yangju, plan for either a KTX train journey or an organized day tour departing from Seoul.
Timing: Weekdays consistently offer less crowded experiences at all locations. For outdoor spots like Jumunjin and Maengbang Beach, clear weather on weekday mornings tends to deliver the best conditions for photography.
Organized tours: Several Seoul-based tour operators run full-day BTS pilgrimage tours covering multiple locations in a single trip. These are particularly practical for reaching Jumunjin, Maengbang, and Iryeong Station, which would otherwise require significant individual planning.
Respect: Many of these locations sit in working neighborhoods or involve private businesses. Keeping noise levels low, following posted rules, and supporting local spots through purchases rather than simply passing through makes ARMY visitors genuinely welcomed in these communities.
Final Thoughts
Korea's BTS holy grounds stretch from the coastal breezes of Gangwon Province to the quiet park benches of Gangnam where seven young men once practiced routines that would eventually fill stadiums worldwide. Each location carries its own layer of meaning — not just as a photo opportunity, but as a tangible piece of the story that has connected millions of people across every continent.
Visiting these spots is ultimately an act of connection: to BTS's history, to Korea's landscape, and to the global community of fans who have made the same journey. Whichever spot calls to you first, the experience of standing in those places tends to feel far more significant than any itinerary can fully prepare you for.
Pack your T-money card, download the subway map, and start planning — Korea is waiting.
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