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*Editor’s Note: AJP will provide up-to-date travel information leading up to BTS’s Gwanghwamun live show on March 21, including flights, lodging, and where to go, see and eat to make the most of the Seoul experience.
SEOUL, February 10 (AJP) — It is still not too late to book those tickets to fly into Seoul, for those who cannot wait for BTS’s tour stop in their home turf and arrive for the March 21 once-in-a-lifetime open-space comeback show in Gwanghwamun Square, regardless of how lucky they get with the free ticket opening on Feb. 23.
And fans are far from alone.
Search data point to a surge in interest in Seoul-bound flights ahead of the event, particularly from the United States, Indonesia and France, reflecting growing overseas travel demand tied to the group’s return.
For long- and mid-haul travelers, a three-night stay remains the most popular option.
U.S. routes: Balancing cost and time
For fans traveling from the United States, budget-friendly options are still available.
With Seoul 16 to 17 hours ahead of Los Angeles, a March 20 arrival allows time to adjust to jet lag before the evening performance. Searches across major booking platforms, including Skyscanner, Trip.com and Agoda, show a range of options for March 19 departures and March 23 returns.
Both nonstop and connecting routes allow arrival in Seoul on March 20 or early March 21, leaving sufficient time ahead of the show.
Hong Kong–routed itineraries remain relatively affordable, but some exceed 40 hours in total travel time. Mixed-carrier combinations offer alternatives in the low-20-hour range, providing a middle ground between price and overall journey length.
For travelers prioritizing lower fares over shorter travel times, mainland China connections remain among the most affordable, though total duration varies depending on layover structure.
Southeast Asia: Minimal jet lag, tight schedules
Similar booking patterns are emerging across Southeast Asia.
With only a one- to two-hour time difference between Jakarta and Seoul, Indonesian travelers face minimal jet lag compared with long-haul markets. However, arrivals on March 21 leave little buffer time, making careful schedule coordination important.
Flights departing Jakarta on March 20 and returning March 23 remain available, with most routes involving one stop through regional hubs and overnight connections.
Compared with routes from the United States or Europe, Southeast Asia itineraries offer relatively affordable round-trip fares while aligning closely with a March 20 arrival and March 23 departure schedule.
Europe: Overnight stability, flexible options
For travelers departing from Paris, Seoul is seven to eight hours ahead, and nonstop flights averaging around 12 hours provide a relatively stable overnight option.
For the March 19–23 window, both nonstop and connecting itineraries remain available. While connecting routes extend overall travel time, they often offer noticeable cost savings.
A March 19 departure still allows arrival in Seoul on March 20, providing a full day of buffer before the central Seoul performance.
Getting into the city
Beyond flight schedules, on-the-ground logistics are also part of travel planning.
Incheon International Airport is located about one hour from central Seoul by Airport Railroad Express (AREX) or taxi. Late-afternoon arrivals on March 20 typically allow same-day hotel check-in without difficulty.
Fans arriving late on March 21 may face tighter schedules, especially during peak evening traffic hours.
Entry requirements
International travelers are also advised to review entry rules before departure.
U.S. and French passport holders may enter South Korea visa-free for stays of up to 90 days. While a K-ETA is normally required, the requirement is currently waived through 2026.
Indonesian travelers generally need a short-term tourist visa and should apply in advance through a Korean embassy or designated visa center.
Countdown to Gwanghwamun
With just over a month to go, flight searches suggest that overseas fans are already mapping out their journeys to Seoul.
As travel plans take shape, the road to Gwanghwamun is well underway for ARMY across continents ahead of BTS’s long-awaited open-air return.
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