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Join the celebration of the 10th anniversary of BTS, a world-famous K-pop band that emerged like “dynamite” and brought many fans joy like a “spring day.” The City of Seoul has selected 13 special places that are particularly associated with BTS to create the Map the SEOUL. From the places frequently visited by the BTS members before their debut to the locations featured on their reality show "Run BTS," anyone can literally trace the footsteps of BTS and their 10-year journey with the Map of SEOUL.

The highlight of BTS' 10th anniversary, BTS FESTA, will take place at Yeouido Hangang Park on June 17. As part of the celebration, the City of Seoul will operate the "Seoul in Purple" booth, offering the Map of SEOUL, limited-edition Seoul landmark cards, and various merchandise exclusively designed to welcome BTS fans.

Let Visit Seoul give you a sneak peek into six of the 13 “sacred” places of BTS featured on the Map of SEOUL. Explore the hidden gems scattered throughout the city while reconnecting with the remarkable journey and unprecedented achievements of BTS.

Sungnyemun Gate

BTS has delivered countless unforgettable performances, but for many fans, the opening performance of "Global Citizen Live Seoul" in 2021 holds a special place in their hearts.  Sungnyemun Gate , where the event occurred, marks the first stop on the "Seoul BTS Tour."

Korea's No. 1 National Treasure, Namdaemun Gate, also known as the southern gate of the Seoul City Wall, holds great historical and cultural significance as the oldest wooden structure in Seoul. BTS elevated the nation’s prestige by performing at this historically and symbolically significant place. With its prime location between Seoul Station, the city's major transportation hub, and the popular tourist hotspot of Myeongdong, Sungnyemun Gate is easily accessible. Stop by and capture stunning snapshots with the beautiful Sungnyemun Gate as a backdrop.

• ○ Address :  40 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul

• ○ Opening Hours : 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM (Closed every Monday)

Geunjeongjeon Hall of Gyeongbokgung Palace

Not very far from Sungnyemun Gate is  Gyeongbokgung Palace , which used to be the imperial court during the Joseon Dynasty. BTS performed IDOL on the Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon on NBC in 2020 at this very structure representing Korea. BTS wore a modern hanbok, a traditional Korean wear, during their stunning performance at Geunjeongjeon Hall of Gyeongbokgung Palace. BTS's performance at a quintessentially Korean location, adorned in traditional Korean attire, garnered high praise from the international audience, showcasing the elegance of Korean culture.

Geunjeongjeon Hall, which gained significant attention during BTS's performance, stands as a cultural heritage symbolizing the essence of Korea. Exploring from the palace entrance through Geunjeongjeon Hall to Sinmumun Gate takes approximately an hour. Don't miss the chance to capture Instagram-worthy photos in front of Geunjeongjeon Hall, just as BTS did.

• ○ Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

• ○ Opening Hours: 09:00 AM to 06:30 PM (Closed every Tuesday in June, July, and August)

Yeouido Hangang Park

Yeouido Hangang Park is another highly recommended place. From daily relaxation to international festivals, you will always find people engaged in different adventures suited for all ages and interests. The park will be illuminated in a purple glow during the 2023 BTS 10th Anniversary FESTA, with tons of activities to enjoy.

Stop by the Seoul in Purple booth at Yeouido Hangang Park with your family and friends and join other ARMY fans for exciting events and programs by the City of Seoul. The limited edition of Seoul landmark cards will feature the lyrics of BTS songs related to specific places of the “Seoul BTS Tour.” By sharing pictures taken at the FESTA on social media with the designated hashtags, you can enter a drawing for BTS-related merchandise and gifts! Make sure to mark your calendar for June 17 and head over to Yeouido Hangang Park to enjoy an unexpected and exciting day filled with fun.

• ○ Address: 330 Yeongdong-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul

• ○ Opening Hours: Open 24 hours, all year round

Euljiro

This particular area was not featured in BTS performances, but it is still worth mentioning. Discover the areas near Euljiro, which have become a popular destination for retro-themed restaurants and pubs. In their season’s greetings in 2021, BTS wore tacky clothes and items instead of stunning performance outfits.

ARMY fans were particularly fond of their goofy but friendly appearances. Euljiro, which is nicknamed hipjiro by young locals for all its hipster gems, is attracting flocks of visitors due to the rise of the “newtro” trend combining modern culture with a nostalgic ambiance. Hit the Euljiro scene to find your new all-time favorite restaurant, or visit BTS’s 2021 season's greetings filming location.

• ○ Address: Near 129 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

National Museum of Korea

Do you remember when BTS conveyed a heartfelt message but not through their dances and songs? In 2020 when the pandemic was devastating the country, a virtual graduation ceremony called “Dear Class of 2020” was held on YouTube for all the graduates who could not attend ceremonies in person. BTS participated in this event to deliver the graduates a hopeful and congratulatory message. 

The  National Museum of Korea  is where the message was filmed.

Their message was presented in the lobby on the museum’s first floor, followed by the performance of Boys With Luv in the outdoor open plaza. The museum connects past and present through historical and cultural objects representing the country. Once you pass through the open plaza and the lobby, you will encounter six permanent exhibition halls that showcase various exhibitions categorized by period and subject. Additionally, a special hall is dedicated to hosting diverse themed exhibitions. At the National Museum of Korea, visitors can partake in guided tours that offer contextual insights supported by immersive digital content crafted with state-of-the-art technology. Delve into the rich history and future possibilities of Korea from a multitude of perspectives, all while uncovering traces that connect to BTS.

• ○ Address: 137 Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

• ○ Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 06:00 PM daily (Wednesdays and Saturdays open until 09:00 PM)

• ○ Website:  Link

Seoul Sports Complex

Where does the BTS craze come from? Most fans would agree that it comes from their passionate performances. The Seoul Sports Complex is where one can witness their passion through sweat and tears. Located in Jamsil, the complex can accommodate up to 100,000 people for various sporting events and concerts.

The complex hosted BTS several times in the past and many popular musicians from around the world. Stop by the Seoul Sports Complex to reminisce on the purple glow illuminating their remarkable concerts.

• ○ Address: 25 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul

• ○ Website:  Link

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