BTS comeback D-49: Fans map out Gwanghwamun sites linked to the group

SEOUL, January 31 (AJP) - With BTS set to return as a full group on March 21, attention is building not only around the stage at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square, but also across nearby districts closely associated with the group’s past global performances.

As the countdown enters its final stretch, fans are increasingly extending their itineraries beyond the concert itself, mapping out locations around central Seoul that have become informal pilgrimage sites within the global BTS fandom.

Here are several routes frequently mentioned by fans ahead of the performance.

Participants in the ‘Cheong Wa Dae and Seoul’s five royal palaces trekking’ event walk in front of Geunjeongjeon Hall at Gyeongbokgung Palace. [Photo by Yoo Dae-gil, dbeorlf123@ajunews.com] — Participants in the ‘Cheong Wa Dae and Seoul’s five royal palaces trekking’ event walk in front of Geunjeongjeon Hall at Gyeongbokgung Palace/ Photo by Yoo Dae-gil, dbeorlf123@ajunews.com

Gyeongbokgung’s Geunjeongjeon and Gyeonghoeru, featured on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

Located directly behind Gwanghwamun Square, Gyeongbokgung Palace holds one of BTS’ most widely recognized performance moments.

In 2020, the group filmed its “IDOL” stage for NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in the courtyard in front of Geunjeongjeon Hall, the palace’s main ceremonial structure once used for royal inaugurations and state events.

Wearing modernized hanbok, the members performed on the palace’s traditional stone pavement, creating a striking visual contrast between historical architecture and contemporary K-pop choreography that drew global attention.

Nearby Gyeonghoeru Pavilion also appeared in the same broadcast as the backdrop for BTS’ “Mikrokosmos” performance. The pavilion, historically used for royal banquets, was illuminated by drone lighting during the nighttime stage.

Visitors arriving during the first-half-of-the-year evening opening period can view Gyeonghoeru reflected across the surrounding pond under soft lighting. Entry is free for visitors wearing hanbok, a detail often noted by overseas fans planning palace visits.

[Photo: National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art] — The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art/ Courtesy of The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

RM’s art walk: MMCA Seoul and Samcheong-dong

Following the eastern palace wall leads to the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) Seoul, an area frequently linked to BTS leader RM, who is widely known for his interest in visual art.

RM has publicly shared multiple museum visits over the years, leading fans to refer to the route as part of “Namjooning,” a term used to describe slow-paced cultural walks centered on art and reflection.

The museum is scheduled to open a large-scale solo exhibition by contemporary artist Damien Hirst in March, coinciding with the period surrounding BTS’ comeback. Hirst is regarded as one of the most influential figures in the global contemporary art market, and the exhibition is expected to showcase major works rarely seen together in South Korea.

From the museum, the route naturally extends into Samcheong-dong’s gallery district. PKM Gallery and nearby Kukje Gallery are among the best-known spaces in the area, long associated with Korean Dansaekhwa and contemporary art exhibitions.

Past shows featuring painter Yun Hyong-keun — an artist RM has previously cited with admiration — have also contributed to the area’s prominence among fans seeking cultural stops beyond the concert venue.

Tongin Market. [Photo by Shin Dong-geun]

Dining before or after the show: Seochon’s Sejong Village food street

West of Gwanghwamun lies Seochon, an older residential district where narrow alleys house both long-running eateries and newer restaurants.

The Sejong Village food street is a common stop for concertgoers looking for meals before or after the show, offering options ranging from charcoal-grilled pork ribs to traditional buckwheat noodles.

Farther inside the neighborhood is Tongin Market, known for its “yeopjeon lunchbox” experience. Visitors exchange cash for brass tokens at the entrance before selecting side dishes from market stalls to assemble their own meal.

The market’s signature gireum tteokbokki — rice cakes stir-fried in oil with a savory, spicy seasoning — is frequently mentioned by fans as part of a Gwanghwamun-to-Seochon walking route.

With BTS’ return expected to draw global attention in March, the surrounding streets, galleries and markets are once again becoming part of the broader concert experience — extending well beyond the two hours spent in front of the stage.

* This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP.

KI SU JEONG violet1701@ajunews.com