According to The Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange, an estimated 800,000 tourists from around the world visit Korea each year because of their love for BTS. Now, the group is helping to boost local tourism too. Local governments around the country are using these four BTS-themed attractions to market their cities to ARMYs everywhere.
1. Maengbang Beach
BTS had several sets of teasers for their Butter CD, but one of the fan favorite concepts had to be their beach photoshoot. The way the members sunned themselves by the shore had everyone wishing they could spend a day at the seafront with them.
But while a beach day with BTS may be just a daydream, fans can now visit a “BTS Photo Zone” on Maengbang Beach where the teasers were shot. After the photos dropped, Samcheok city government in Gangwon province say they were inundated with inquiries about restoring the set so ARMYs could visit.
Luckily for fans, the city was happy to oblige. Now, the parasols, sunbeds, volleyball net, and referee chair are all set up for fans to take selfies at. In the future, the local government even plans to set up a BTS sculpture on Maengbang Beach and create a stamp tour that follows some of the members’ recommended sites in Samcheok.
2. Hyangho Beach bus stop
This bus stop at Hyangho Beach has been one of the most recognizable BTS landmarks since it appeared on the cover of You Never Walk Alone in 2017.
Situated in Gangneung city, Gangwon province, the bus stop was actually demolished after BTS’s photoshoot. However, at the request of eager ARMYs, Gangneung’s local government decided to restore the bus stop to its original glory in July 2018.
Despite not being part of any current bus route, the bus stop attracts visitors throughout the year who want to take a photo at the iconic site. The city even plays BTS songs at the bus stop for 10 hours a day to make the experience even more enjoyable.
3. Ueum Island
BTS’s “Spring Day” music video is filled with picturesque scenes, but one that’s captured the most attention over the years is the ending shot among the tall reeds.
The location of the scene? Ueum Island in Hwaseong city, Gyeonggi province. The island has long been popular for its dinosaur fossil digging sites, but now, it’s being promoted for its connection to BTS. These days, photography-loving ARMYs travel there to take photos among the reeds.
4. Dae Jang Geum Park
Even the members’ solo music video locations are being used as local tourism marketing opportunities. One such location is Dae Jang Geum Park in Yongin city, Gyeonggi province—the site where Suga‘s “Daechwita” was recorded.
“Daechwita” attracted tons of attention upon release for its inclusion of Korean culture, from Suga’s hanbok to the traditional Korean hanok houses in the video. At Dae Jang Geum Park, visitors from around the world can try on royal costumes from eras gone by and follow in Suga’s footsteps.
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