Music takes us to emotions we may not even know exist within us. For a musician, it is a journey of connecting with their innermost thoughts and, through them, finding a way to connect with the world. It is hardly surprising, then, that the music they create often traces back to the lives they have lived, the places they have called home, or the lives they once imagined for themselves. Perhaps that is why music can make us feel connected to a place we have never visited.
Gwangju: The Hometown That Shaped J-Hope
Gwangju, J-Hope’s hometown, offers a glimpse into the roots of an artist whose journey has reached audiences around the world. Through the themes of identity and belonging explored in BTS’s ARIRANG, the city invites us to reflect on how our roots continue to shape who we become.
Joy Dance Music Academy
J-Hope began developing his dance skills in Gwangju before joining the local street dance crew NEURON. These early experiences helped shape the performer he would become.
Visit: 2F–3F, 185 Jungang-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju.
Chungjang-ro K-pop Star Street
Murals, song-themed benches and the Hope World sculpture celebrate Gwangju’s K-pop artists. J-Hope’s own visit to a BTS-themed bench makes it a meaningful stop for fans.
Visit: 94 Chungjang-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju.
Cheongchun Balsan Village
This revitalised hillside neighbourhood features colourful public art and a 15-metre J-Hope mural created by his Chinese fan club in 2021. Its story of community renewal adds meaning beyond the fan connection.
Visit: 12–16 Cheonbyeonjwa-ro, Seo-gu, Gwangju.
Yangnim Penguin Village: Art, Memories and a Hometown Connection
Penguin Village grew from residents transforming discarded objects into street art. Today, it also features two J-Hope murals, created with support from Chinese fans for his birthday in 2020.
Visit: 7 Cheonbyeonjwa-ro 446beon-gil, Nam-gu, Gwangju.
You can explore the village’s art-filled alleys and look for the mural near the cooperative café.
Daegu: The Struggles Behind the Stardom
‘D Boy’ Agust D, aka Daegu Town’s SUGA, and Taehyung, who has consecutively earned the ‘Most Handsome Man’ title, are now brands in their own right, but their beginnings were full of struggle. While SUGA worked part-time and suffered a major shoulder injury while pursuing his dream, Taehyung might have become a farmer if he hadn’t auditioned in place of his friend. TaeMin, as fans call them, are essential examples of how hard work pays off and how we shouldn’t let our circumstances decide what future we deserve. Their journeys began in Daegu, making the city more than just a travel destination. It carries the very hope that keeps every human going: that after some struggles, ‘future’s gonna be okay.’
V Mural Street at Daesung Elementary School
The mural outside V’s former elementary school celebrates his childhood, music and artistic inspirations, including Van Gogh’s The Starry Night and his self-composed songs. Created by fans in 2021, it offers a visual connection to his early years in Daegu.
Visit: 169-1 Bisan-dong, Seo-gu, Daegu. The mural is on the school’s exterior wall.
SUGA Mural Street at Myeongdeok
Near Myeongdeok Station, this mural route celebrates SUGA’s music and his Daegu roots. The artwork also commemorates the area associated with his early studio days.
Visit: Start around 154 Myeongdeok-ro, Nam-gu, Daegu, and explore the nearby murals on foot.
Daegu City Bus No. 724
SUGA’s track 724148 turns an everyday bus journey into part of his musical story, connecting Daegu’s bus number 724 with Seoul’s 148. The song recalls the financial difficulties he faced while pursuing music, including the choices he made around food and transport.
Visit: Check the current route and stops by using Daegu’s official bus information service.
Seoul: A City Written into the Music
It is not South Korea’s capital city and BTS leader Kim Namjoon (RM)’s home for no reason. Seoul, which already sounds like soul, was beautifully captured in RM’s own song. From Namsan Tower to Gwangjang Market, the very soul of South Korea lies within Seoul. No wonder BTS joined Lil Nas X for the iconic ‘Seoul Town Road’ remix performance at the 2020 Grammys. Maybe now is the time to hop on.
Café Hyuga: Inside BTS’s Former Dorm
Once BTS’s dormitory, Café Hyuga has been transformed into a café and bakery while retaining elements of the original space. Fans can enjoy a coffee or pastry in a place connected to the group’s formative years.
Visit: 16 Nonhyeon-ro 119-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. It’s near Hakdong Station on Subway Line 7.
Hakdong Park: The Quiet Moments Before Fame
During their trainee years, Hakdong Park was a place where BTS could spend time together away from the demands of practice. Today, the neighbourhood park offers fans a glimpse into the quieter memories behind the group’s journey.
Visit: 47 Gangnam-daero 140-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. It’s about a 10-minute walk from Hakdong Station.
Yoojung Sikdang: The Meals That Feel Like Home
Before global fame, BTS members often ate at Yoojung Sikdang near their old practice space. Today, its BTS photographs and memorabilia make it a place where fans can connect with the everyday moments behind the group’s beginnings.
Visit: 14 Dosan-daero 28-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. The restaurant serves Korean dishes, including black pork stone-pot bibimbap.
Busan: Childhood Memories by the Sea
Busan is more than a coastal escape for ARMY. It is the hometown of Jimin and Jungkook, where ordinary neighbourhoods, school memories and familiar shorelines offer glimpses of their lives as BTS members.
ZM-ILLENNIAL: A Café Connected to Jimin
Formerly known as MAGNATE, this bakery café is associated with Jimin’s father. Its spacious interior, baked goods and fan messages make it a meaningful stop for ARMY visiting Busan.
Visit: 135 Jinnam-ro, Nam-gu, Busan. The café is around a 13–15-minute walk from Motgol Station.
Gamcheon Culture Village: A Colourful Tribute to Jimin and Jungkook
Gamcheon Culture Village’s colourful houses and winding lanes offer a creative backdrop for ARMY. Look out for the mural featuring Busan-born Jimin and Jungkook, a fan connection tucked into this artistic hillside neighbourhood.
Visit: 203 Gamnae 2-ro, Saha-gu, Busan.
Dadaepo Beach: Jimin’s Sunset Wish
Dadaepo Beach holds a personal connection for fans through Jimin’s vlog, in which he takes a sunset walk and makes a wish. Its wide sandy shore and peaceful evening views make it a lovely place to slow down and experience Busan differently.
Visit: Dadaepo Beach, Saha-gu, Busan. Take Busan Metro Line 1 to Dadaepo Beach Station and enjoy the sunset.
Gangneung: Chasing an Iconic Album Cover
Some places become unforgettable because of a single photograph. At Hyangho Beach in Gangneung, the recreated bus stop from BTS’s You Never Walk Alone album cover lets ARMY revisit an iconic image against the backdrop of the sea. The original set was removed after filming, but the city later rebuilt it as a photo spot for fans.
Visit: Hyangho-ri, Jumunjin-eup, Gangneung, Gangwon-do. Enjoy the beach and take your album-inspired photo.
Also Read: When K-Dramas Come Alive: Visiting the Places Behind Our Favourite Stories
Visitor note: Addresses, opening hours, public transport routes and access to fan-created landmarks can change. Confirm current details before travelling, and be respectful of schools, businesses and residential neighbourhoods.
Do you think you got to know BTS a little better by exploring these places virtually? Doesn’t it make you want to visit these exact places and become a part of their journey? Whether it’s Seoul, Busan, Daegu or Gwangju, the places behind BTS’s journey remind us of the message they have shared with the world: Love Yourself—because perhaps the world could get a little better if we learned to do just that.
Perhaps this has inspired you to plan your own world tour, starting right here in South Korea. So, ARMY, when are you planning to SWIM through Korea and follow your IDOL’s footsteps? Remember, we don’t need permission to dance.