Introduction
For ARMY visiting South Korea, Seoul is more than palaces, shopping streets, and famous cafés. Hidden throughout the city are places connected to BTS’s journey — from the neighborhood where the members spent their early years to locations that appeared in performances, videos, and memorable moments in BTS history.
Some of these places are closely associated with BTS before they became global superstars. Others allow fans to experience locations they may recognize from BTS content while also discovering Seoul itself.
This guide introduces 10 BTS-related places in Seoul that ARMY can add to a Korea itinerary in 2026, with practical travel tips and ideas for combining the stops into an enjoyable day of sightseeing.
Rather than simply checking places off a list, think of this as a journey through different chapters of the BTS story — while experiencing the neighborhoods, food, culture, and everyday atmosphere of Seoul along the way.
1. Yoojung Sikdang — A Restaurant from BTS’s Trainee Days
For many longtime ARMY, Yoojung Sikdang (유정식당) is one of the most meaningful BTS-related stops in Seoul.
Located in the Nonhyeon area of Gangnam, the restaurant became known among fans because BTS members ate there during their trainee and early debut years, when their practice space was nearby.
Today, the restaurant attracts BTS fans from around the world. Inside, visitors can find BTS-related decorations and memorabilia while enjoying a Korean meal.
Rather than visiting only for a photograph, consider eating here and exploring the surrounding neighborhood. It gives fans a glimpse into the part of Seoul connected to BTS long before stadium tours and worldwide fame.
Travel tip: Combine Yoojung Sikdang with Hakdong Park and the area around BTS’s former BigHit building. These locations are close enough to make them part of the same ARMY walking route.
2. Hakdong Park — A Place Connected to BTS’s Early Years
Hakdong Park (학동공원) is another meaningful stop for fans interested in BTS’s pre-debut and early-career years.
Located near the group’s former practice area in Nonhyeon-dong, the park has become associated with stories and memories from the period when the members were still trainees and young artists working toward their debut.
Unlike a major tourist attraction, Hakdong Park is an ordinary neighborhood park. That is part of its appeal. Visiting gives ARMY a chance to experience the everyday surroundings connected with BTS’s beginnings rather than only the polished landmarks associated with their later global success.
Because it is close to Yoojung Sikdang and BTS’s former BigHit neighborhood, the three stops work especially well as one walking itinerary.
Travel tip: Be considerate of local residents when visiting. Hakdong Park is a public neighborhood space, so keep noise low and avoid blocking paths while taking photos.
3. BTS’s Former BigHit Building — Where the Early Story Took Shape
Before HYBE became a major entertainment company with its headquarters in Yongsan, BTS spent an important part of their early career around BigHit Entertainment’s former offices and practice spaces in Gangnam.
For longtime ARMY, the area is meaningful because it represents the years when BTS was still building its career, practicing, recording, and gradually growing from a newly debuted group into an international phenomenon.
The building is not an official BTS tourist attraction, and visitors should remember that it is private property. The best way to experience this stop is to view the exterior respectfully and then continue exploring the surrounding neighborhood.
Together with Yoojung Sikdang and Hakdong Park, this area creates one of the most interesting walking routes for fans who want to understand BTS’s beginnings in Seoul.
Travel tip: Do not enter private property or disturb people using nearby buildings. A quick exterior visit is enough before continuing your BTS walking tour.
4. HYBE Headquarters in Yongsan — BTS’s Present-Day Home Base
BTS’s story eventually moved from the small offices of BigHit Entertainment to HYBE’s headquarters in Yongsan, reflecting just how dramatically the group and its company grew.
The modern HYBE building is located in Yongsan, one of Seoul’s most accessible central districts. For ARMY, seeing the building from outside can be an interesting contrast to the former BigHit locations in Gangnam — from BTS’s humble beginnings to the global scale of their career today.
However, visitors should know that HYBE headquarters is an office building, not a general BTS tourist attraction, and access to working areas is restricted. Fans should respect the property and avoid waiting around entrances or interfering with employees.
Also, the former HYBE INSIGHT museum at the headquarters is no longer operating, so travelers should not plan a visit expecting to enter a BTS museum there.
Travel tip: Combine an exterior stop at HYBE with other attractions around Yongsan rather than making the building your only destination.
5. Gyeongbokgung Palace — BTS’s Iconic Seoul Performance Location
Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of Seoul’s most famous historical attractions, but for ARMY it also holds a special connection to BTS.
In 2020, BTS filmed performances at Gyeongbokgung for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The spectacular setting brought together K-pop and traditional Korean architecture, introducing millions of international viewers to one of Korea’s most important royal palaces.
This makes Gyeongbokgung especially valuable for BTS fans visiting Seoul: it is not only a filming location but also a major cultural attraction worth exploring on its own.
Allow enough time to walk through the palace grounds rather than visiting only for a BTS-related photo. Nearby attractions such as Bukchon, Insadong, and Gwanghwamun can also be combined into the same day.
Travel tip: Check the palace’s current opening hours and closing days before visiting, as schedules can vary by season.
6. Nodeul Island — A Scenic BTS Filming Location on the Han River
Nodeul Island (노들섬) sits in the middle of the Han River and offers a very different atmosphere from Seoul’s busy shopping and entertainment districts.
For ARMY, the island is especially recognizable as a filming location connected to BTS’s 2021 Season’s Greetings. Its open spaces and Han River scenery have made it a popular stop for fans who enjoy visiting places seen in BTS content.
Nodeul Island is also worth visiting even without the BTS connection. Travelers can walk along the river, relax outdoors, take photographs, and enjoy views of Seoul from a quieter setting.
Travel tip: Visit in the late afternoon and stay toward sunset for beautiful Han River views. It can easily be combined with other Yongsan-area stops on your BTS itinerary.
7. Seokchon Lake — A BTS-Connected Stop in Jamsil
Seokchon Lake (석촌호수) in Jamsil is another Seoul destination that has appeared in BTS-related content and is a pleasant place to include in an ARMY itinerary.
Surrounded by walking paths and city views, the lake is particularly popular during spring cherry blossom season. It also sits beside Lotte World and close to Lotte World Tower, making this stop easy to combine with a full day in Jamsil.
For international visitors, this is a good example of how a BTS-themed trip can lead to discovering other parts of Seoul. Rather than traveling across the city only to recreate a photo, spend some time walking around the lake, exploring Jamsil, or visiting nearby attractions.
Travel tip: If you visit during cherry blossom season, expect large crowds. Early morning is usually more comfortable for walking and photography.
8. Seoul Forest — Walk Through a Place Loved by BTS Fans
Seoul Forest (서울숲) is one of Seoul’s most relaxing green spaces and has also become a familiar destination for ARMY.
Over the years, fans have created BTS-related commemorative spaces and adopted trees in and around the park to celebrate members’ birthdays and other special occasions. These fan-supported spots have helped turn parts of Seoul Forest into places where ARMY can experience the fan culture surrounding BTS.
The park itself is worth exploring beyond its BTS connection. With walking paths, gardens, open lawns, and cafés in the nearby Seongsu neighborhood, it is an easy place to spend several hours.
Travel tip: Combine Seoul Forest with Seongsu-dong, one of Seoul’s popular café and shopping neighborhoods. This turns a BTS-related stop into a fuller half-day Seoul itinerary.
9. Yeouido Hangang Park — A Place Connected to BTS and Seoul’s Han River
Yeouido Hangang Park (여의도한강공원) is one of Seoul’s most popular riverside destinations and has a special connection to BTS history.
The Yeouido area has hosted major BTS-related events, including celebrations connected to BTS FESTA, when large numbers of ARMY gathered along the Han River to celebrate the group’s anniversary.
Even when there is no BTS event taking place, the park offers international visitors a classic Seoul experience. You can walk or cycle beside the river, enjoy Korean convenience-store food, have a picnic, and watch the city lights after sunset.
For ARMY, it is a good place to experience both BTS fan culture and the everyday Han River lifestyle that is such an important part of Seoul.
Travel tip: Visit in the evening and combine the stop with a Han River picnic. During major events or festivals, check official announcements in advance because access and transportation arrangements may change.
10. Seoul Olympic Stadium — A Landmark in BTS Concert History
Seoul Olympic Stadium (서울올림픽주경기장) in Jamsil holds an important place in BTS history as the setting for some of the group’s major concerts in South Korea.
For ARMY, the stadium represents a very different chapter from the small restaurants, parks, and practice spaces associated with BTS’s early years. Performing at a massive stadium in Seoul became a powerful symbol of how far the group had come.
The stadium area has undergone major redevelopment, so travelers should check current access and construction conditions before visiting rather than expecting the same appearance seen in older BTS concert footage.
Even when access to the stadium itself is limited, Jamsil is easy to combine with other attractions, including Seokchon Lake, Lotte World Tower, shopping, restaurants, and cafés.
Travel tip: Do not make a special trip solely to enter the stadium. Check its current status first and combine the area with your Jamsil itinerary.
How to Plan Your BTS Pilgrimage in Seoul
Trying to visit all 10 locations in a single day would mean spending too much time traveling across Seoul. A better option is to group the destinations by neighborhood.
For fans interested in BTS’s early history, start with Yoojung Sikdang, Hakdong Park, and the former BigHit area in Gangnam. These locations work naturally as one walking route.
On another part of your trip, explore HYBE’s Yongsan area and Nodeul Island, followed by an evening along the Han River.
Gyeongbokgung Palace deserves several hours because it is also one of Seoul’s most important historical attractions. Likewise, Seoul Forest and Seongsu work well together for a relaxed half-day of parks, cafés, shopping, and BTS fan culture.
Finally, Seokchon Lake and the Jamsil area can be combined into another itinerary.
The best BTS pilgrimage is not about rushing between photo spots. Give yourself time to experience the Seoul neighborhoods that became part of the BTS story.
Frequently Asked Questions About BTS Places in Seoul
Where can BTS fans go in Seoul?
Popular BTS-related stops include Yoojung Sikdang, Hakdong Park, the former BigHit area, HYBE’s Yongsan headquarters area, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Nodeul Island, Seoul Forest, and several Han River locations.
Can fans enter the HYBE headquarters?
HYBE headquarters is primarily an office building, not a general BTS tourist attraction. Visitors should not expect access to working areas and should respect the building, employees, and surrounding property.
Is the old BigHit building open to tourists?
No. The former BigHit location should be treated as private property. Fans can respectfully see the area from outside without entering or disturbing occupants.
Can I visit BTS places in Seoul in one day?
It is possible to see several locations in one day, but the sites are spread across Seoul. For a more enjoyable trip, divide them into neighborhood-based routes over two or more days.
What is the best area for BTS fans visiting Seoul for the first time?
Fans especially interested in BTS’s early history may want to start around Nonhyeon-dong with Yoojung Sikdang, Hakdong Park, and the former BigHit area.
Are there BTS places outside Seoul?
Yes. BTS-related filming and photo locations can be found in several other parts of South Korea. One of the most famous is the BTS Bus Stop at Jumunjin Beach in Gangneung.
Final Thoughts
A BTS pilgrimage in Seoul is more than a tour of places connected to a famous K-pop group. It is also a journey through different parts of the city and different chapters of BTS’s history.
From the modest streets around Yoojung Sikdang and Hakdong Park to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the Han River, and the neighborhoods associated with BTS today, each stop offers ARMY a different perspective on the group’s journey.
Most importantly, take time to enjoy Seoul itself. Eat Korean food, explore the neighborhoods, visit cafés, walk along the Han River, and experience the culture surrounding these locations.
And Seoul is only the beginning. Beyond the capital, destinations such as Gangneung’s famous BTS Bus Stop give ARMY even more reasons to explore South Korea.