BTS Comeback Fuels Tourism Boom in Busan and Seoul
As the global K-Pop sensation BTS embarks on a new world tour following the completion of their mandatory military service, both Busan and Seoul are preparing for a surge in tourism. The group’s highly anticipated comeback performance on March 21, 2026, at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul and upcoming concerts in Busan on June 12-13, 2026, are expected to draw hundreds of thousands of fans and provide a significant economic boost to both cities.
Seoul Gears Up for Historic Comeback Performance
BTS chose Gwanghwamun Square, a historically and culturally significant location in Seoul, for their comeback performance. According to HYBE Music Group APAC, the decision was driven by Bang Si-Hyuk, HYBE’s leader, who emphasized the importance of holding the event in Korea to celebrate the group’s origins and its global impact [Billboard]. Gwanghwamun Square, a site historically used for public gatherings and demonstrations, symbolizes democracy and harmony in Korea and has been recently renovated with advanced digital and multimedia facilities [Billboard]. The performance will also be broadcast on Netflix.
Busan Transforms to Welcome ARMY
The city of Busan is actively preparing to welcome fans attending the June concerts, with a particular focus on the Ami-dong neighborhood. Recognizing the similarity between the neighborhood’s name and the group’s fandom, “ARMY,” the Seo District is launching the “ARMY comes to Ami” campaign to transform the area into a dedicated destination for fans [Korea Times]. This initiative is inspired by the success of Daegok Station in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, which became a popular tourist spot due to its name’s association with baseball star Shohei Ohtani [Korea Times].
Plans for Ami-dong include the installation of purple landscape lighting on Mount Cheonma – purple being the signature color of BTS and its fans – and the creation of photo zones and pop-up stores [Korea Times]. Local officials are even considering a change to the neighborhood’s official English spelling from “AMI” to “ARMY” [Korea Times]. The city hopes to connect fans with other local attractions, including Gamcheon Cultural Village, the Tombstone Cultural Village, and the Ami Catholic Church [Korea Times].
Safety and Order Prioritized for Fans
Both RM and Jin of BTS have urged fans to prioritize safety and maintain order at the concerts. In posts on Weverse, they requested that fans follow the guidance of field staff and safety personnel to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone [Billboard]. RM also expressed gratitude to the police, fire department, and local governments for their efforts in ensuring fan safety [Billboard].
Expanding BTS-Related Experiences
Beyond the concerts, various BTS-related experiences are available for fans visiting Korea. These include visiting the HYBE building in Yongsan, exploring cafes and restaurants run by BTS family members, and taking tours of filming locations from the “In The SOOP” series [Korea Travel Easy].