SEOUL, February 12 (AJP) — Five-star hotels offering bird’s-eye views of Gwanghwamun are already fully booked for the March 21–22 weekend, when BTS is set to stage its long-awaited comeback concerts.
No-vacancy signs now stretch to mid-tier and budget hotels in Myeongdong and Jongno, while prices continue to climb. On major booking platforms, some three-star properties within walking distance of Gwanghwamun are charging nearly triple their usual rates.
For fans traveling from outside the capital — and from abroad — AJP advises looking a few subway stops beyond central Seoul, toward Itaewon, where a wider range of affordable and mid-priced accommodations remains available.
“Booking inquiries have increased significantly in recent weeks, but we are not planning to raise our room rates,” said the owner of A One Hotel Itaewon, located about a three-minute walk from Itaewon Station.
Owner Heo Seong-jin said the hotel recently completed renovations but chose to keep prices stable. About 70 percent of his guests are international travelers, reflecting the area’s long-standing global profile.
“Even if guests don’t speak Korean, we can communicate comfortably in English,” Heo said. “The stay may last only a few days, but the trust we build is meant to last much longer.”
With thousands of BTS fans expected, the hotel has reinforced hygiene and service standards ahead of the peak period.
Pricing approaches differ even within the same neighborhood.
Near Exit 1 of Itaewon Station, Hamilton Hotel Seoul remains one of the district’s best-known landmarks. Opened in the 1970s, it has long benefited from direct access to Subway Line 6.
A staff member said international guests account for the majority of visitors and that room rates were adjusted modestly for the concert period.
“Usually we have around 60 rooms available, but only about 15 remain for those dates,” he said. “Looking at the booking pace, we can really feel the BTS effect.”
While larger properties have moved prices in line with demand, many small and mid-sized operators have opted for stability over short-term gains, preserving long-term customer relationships.
The result is a patchwork market in which pricing reflects each operator’s strategy as much as supply and demand.
From $15 Beds to Mid-Range Comfort
One of Itaewon’s main advantages is its unusually wide price spectrum.
At Seoul Cube Itaewon, a six-bed mixed dormitory for March 21–23 is currently listed at about $15 per night (around $16 including taxes and fees), with free Wi-Fi and cancellation.
Mid-range dormitory options are also available. G Guesthouse Itaewon, near Exit 4 of Itaewon Station, is offering a women-only four-bed dormitory for about 89,000 won ($67) per night, including breakfast.
Availability, however, is tightening rapidly.
At Sounds Inn Itaewon, near Noksapyeong Station, only one room remained for March 19 as of this week.
“Foreign guests began booking from mid-March,” a manager said. “We’re offering rooms at around 60,000 won per night.”
The operator is also preparing to open a new branch near Gwanghwamun in early March to accommodate rising demand.
For fans traveling in pairs or small groups, many two- to four-person rooms in Itaewon offer further cost savings through shared stays.
Location Still Matters
Beyond price, accessibility remains a decisive factor.
Connected by Subway Line 6, Itaewon provides relatively direct access to central Seoul.
Gwanghwamun can be reached in about 20 minutes, including transfers — a manageable commute even late at night.
For international visitors unfamiliar with Seoul’s transport system, this balance between distance and convenience helps reduce post-concert fatigue and logistical stress.
Extending the Stay
Itaewon also allows fans to extend their experience beyond the concert itself.
Its proximity to Namsan, home to N Seoul Tower, offers panoramic views of the city. Nearby Han River parks provide popular settings for late-night walks and informal gatherings.
Meanwhile, Gyeongnidan-gil and surrounding streets, where many cafes and restaurants stay open late, allow visitors to continue exploring after the show.
From Itaewon Station, riverside districts such as Banpo and Ichon can be reached in about 10 to 15 minutes by public transit or taxi.
AJP Tip:
With availability tightening and prices still rising, fans planning to attend the March concerts are advised to:
• Book early, especially for budget and mid-range options
• Consider shared rooms to reduce per-person costs
• Prioritize access to Subway Line 6 for smoother travel
• Check cancellation policies as demand fluctuates
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