SEOUL, March 16 (AJP) - Seoul is poised to burst into light and sound this weekend as a quarter million fans descend on the Korean capital for a comeback performance by the mega-group BTS.
The concert in Gwanghwamun Square will be the first in four years, following the completion of mandatory military service by the group members. The performance will follow the release Friday of ARIRANG, BTS’ fifth studio album.
All 22,000 concert seats sold out rapidly, underscoring global demand for the return of the world’s most influential K-pop act.
Seoul is making the best of the global attention, with a city-wide “BTS THE CITY ARIRANG SEOUL” campaign running from Friday thru April 19, and featuring fan events, cultural programs, and public installations across major landmarks throughout the capital.
The city’s project effectively expands the concert from the stage to all of Seoul itself, turning it into spaces where visitors can encounter the music and themes of the new album.
Foreign fans have already begun arriving in the Myeongdong and Hongdae areas of the city ahead of the concert week, filling K-pop merchandise stores and popular fan gathering spots.
Landmarks lighting up across Seoul
Many of Seoul’s most recognizable landmarks will be lit up in celebration of the BTS comeback.
Displays will appear Friday and Saturday at 15 locations across the city, including the Sebitseom floating islands on the Han River.
A 500-meter stretch of the walkway along the downtown Cheonggyecheon stream between the Ogansugyo and Beodeuldari bridges will turn into an “Arirang Light Walk” nighttime promenade featuring lighting installations and visual elements inspired by BTS and the new album.
With the installation running from April 6 through April 19, visitors will be able to experience themed displays as they take a springtime stroll along one of Seoul’s most popular urban public spaces.
Meanwhile, the Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain, one of the capital’s best-known riverside light shows, will stage special performances set to BTS music Saturday and Sunday, pairing the group’s songs with the nighttime skyline of the Han River.
Across the city, ten large media facade screens will display welcome messages for visiting fans, while banners will line Sejong-daero, the main boulevard leading to Gwanghwamun Square.
To assist international visitors, multilingual welcome messages will also appear at major tourist sites and traditional markets.
Fan events and interactive experiences
The citywide project also introduces several fan participation programs.
At Yeouido Hangang Park, a riverside park along the Han River, there will be a temporary venue titled the “Love Song Lounge” Friday and Saturday.
The space will host listening sessions, busking performances and fan activities linked to the album’s campaign theme, “What Is Your Love Song?”
Fans can also take part in a stamp rally connecting multiple BTS-themed locations across Seoul.
Meanwhile, Dongdaemun Design Plaza, the landmark cultural complex designed by architect Zaha Hadid, will host additional programs including a music light show and live performances from April 6 to April 12.
Events along the Han River
Celebrations will extend beyond central Seoul to the Han River and surrounding districts.
The 2026 Seoul Spring Festival will run from April 10 to May 5, while the opening performance of the Han River Drone Light Show is scheduled for April 10.
Visitors can also explore the river with a one-day unlimited Hangang bus pass offered on Friday and Saturday, providing views of landmarks such as Sebitseom and N Seoul Tower from the water.
Traditional and contemporary performances will also take place at river terminals in Mangwon, Yeouido and Apgujeong under the program “Arirang on Seoul Stage.”
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