Busan is the hometown of two BTS members — Jimin (Park Jimin) and Jungkook (Jeon Jungkook) — and the backdrop of the group’s landmark 2022 Busan concert. For K-pop and K-drama fans, it offers a real sense of the city these artists grew up in, with coastlines, alleyways and cultural landmarks that appear throughout Korean pop culture. This guide covers what to visit, what the connection is and how to build a K-culture itinerary in Busan.
Last updated: June 2026.
Why is Busan important to BTS?
Jimin was born and raised in Busan, and Jungkook moved there as a child before relocating to Seoul. Both attended school in the city before being accepted to Big Hit Entertainment as teenagers. Busan represents the group’s roots — their regional accents, their early memories and the coastal aesthetic that has appeared in their music and promotional content. In October 2022, BTS held a landmark free outdoor concert at Busan’s Asiad Main Stadium (아시아드 주경기장) as part of South Korea’s bid to host the 2030 World Expo — drawing over 100,000 fans at the venue alone, with millions more watching the global live stream. Gwangalli Bridge was used as a dramatic backdrop for much of the event’s visual identity.
Where did Jimin and Jungkook grow up in Busan?
Jimin grew up in the Geumjeong-gu (금정구) area of Busan and attended Busan Arts High School (부산예술고등학교, 부예고) in Haeundae-gu before transferring to the Korea Arts High School in Seoul at 17. Jungkook grew up in Banyeo-dong (반여동) in Haeundae-gu and attended Baekyang Middle School (백양중학교) before moving to Seoul after being scouted by Big Hit. Neither family home is open for visits, and respectful fans skip residential areas — but the neighborhoods and schools give context for the city that shaped them. Tip: focus on the public cultural spaces rather than seeking out private addresses.
K-culture fan spots to visit in Busan
| Place | K-culture connection | Metro access |
|---|---|---|
| Gwangalli Beach & Gwangan Bridge | Visual backdrop of the 2022 BTS Busan concert; appears in city promotional content | Line 2 → Gwangan |
| Gamcheon Culture Village | Featured in Busan promotional campaigns and K-drama/variety content; mural art | Line 1 → Toseong + bus |
| Asiad Main Stadium (아시아드 주경기장) | Site of the BTS 2022 Busan World Expo Concert | Line 2 → Sports Complex Stn |
| Haeundae Beach | Iconic Busan backdrop in K-drama and music content; both members’ school district | Line 2 → Haeundae |
| Huinnyeoul Culture Village (흰여울마을) | K-drama filming location (seen in multiple dramas and films) | Line 1 → Nampo + bus |
| Busan Cinema Center (BIFF) | Host of the Busan International Film Festival; K-drama & film premieres | Line 2 → Centum City |
What happened at the 2022 BTS Busan concert?
“BTS 2022 Busan World Expo Concert: Yet to Come” was held on 15 October 2022 at Busan Asiad Main Stadium as part of Busan’s bid to host the 2030 World Expo. Admission was free; the concert was globally live-streamed via Weverse and broadcast on Korean TV. All seven members performed together (one of the last full-group shows before their hiatus), and the Gwangan Bridge was lit up in special colors for the occasion. The event drew an estimated 100,000 in-person attendees and tens of millions of online viewers worldwide, making it one of the largest K-pop events ever held in Busan.
K-drama filming locations in Busan
Busan’s photogenic backdrops have made it a popular filming location for Korean dramas and films. Huinnyeoul Culture Village (흰여울마을) on Yeongdo island — a hillside village with sea views and pastel-painted walls — has appeared in multiple dramas and the film The Thieves. Gamcheon Culture Village is another regular filming location, used for its layered, colourful streets. Haeundae Beach appeared in the disaster film Haeundae (2009). The BIFF Cinema Center hosts premieres and film screenings year-round. See our Gamcheon guide and Huinnyeoul guide for visitor details.
How to plan a K-culture day in Busan
A K-culture day works well as a loop from central Busan: start at Gamcheon Culture Village (morning, before the crowds), cross to Huinnyeoul Village on Yeongdo (a 20-minute taxi from Gamcheon), then take the metro to Gwangalli for an afternoon walk along the beach and photos of the bridge. End with dinner in Seomyeon (BTS members’ former neighbourhood) before the evening night scene. For a longer trip, build this into a broader Busan itinerary — see the perfect 3-day Busan itinerary.
K-culture Busan FAQ
Can I visit BTS members’ homes in Busan?
The family homes are private residences, and visiting them is not recommended — it is considered disrespectful by ARMY (BTS fan community) etiquette. Focus on the public cultural spaces (Gwangalli, Gamcheon, Haeundae) that reflect Busan’s identity and where both members have been publicly photographed.
Is there a BTS museum or exhibition in Busan?
There is no permanent BTS museum in Busan as of 2026. Pop-up exhibitions and K-pop stores have appeared periodically — check Weverse, Naver and Visit Busan for current events during your trip.
What K-pop merchandise or fan shops are in Busan?
Seomyeon and Haeundae have K-pop goods stores and photo-card trading spots. The largest concentration is in the Seomyeon underground shopping district (서면 지하상가). Check local listings for current shops, as these change frequently.
Is Busan worth visiting for K-drama fans even without BTS?
Yes. Busan has appeared in dozens of Korean films and dramas quite independently of BTS — its industrial port, colourful hillside villages and dramatic coastline make it one of the most-filmed cities in Korea. The city has its own film festival (BIFF, one of Asia’s most prestigious) and a year-round connection to Korean screen culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I actually visit the places where Jimin and Jungkook grew up?
Their childhood home addresses are private and not open to visitors out of respect for the families. However, you can visit the neighborhoods they grew up in and the schools they attended from the outside—Geumjeong-gu and Haeundae-gu have plenty of public cultural spaces nearby that give context to their early life.
Is the BTS Busan concert still happening? Can I go?
The landmark concert was held once on October 15, 2022, at Asiad Main Stadium as a free outdoor event for the World Expo bid. It was a one-time event, though the venue itself is accessible as a tourist site and many fans visit to see where the historic concert took place.
How do I get to Gwangalli Beach and Gwangan Bridge from downtown Busan?
Gwangalli Beach and bridge are easily accessible via Line 2 of the subway—get off at Gwangan Station. The bridge is one of Busan's most iconic photo spots and was dramatically featured in BTS content and the 2022 concert visuals.
Are the K-drama filming villages worth visiting, and which is easiest to reach?
Both Gamcheon Culture Village and Huinnyeoul Culture Village are popular with K-drama fans. Gamcheon is known for its colorful layered streets and is typically reached via Line 1 to Toseong Station plus a bus, while Huinnyeoul offers sea views and pastel-painted buildings and is accessible from Nampo Station plus bus.
What's the best way to plan a K-culture itinerary in Busan?
Focus on public cultural spaces like Gwangalli Beach, Haeundae Beach, the two culture villages, Asiad Main Stadium, and the Busan Cinema Center—all have good public transit access. Plan to spend 2-3 days exploring these spots, but check current opening hours and transit schedules on official websites before visiting, as details can change.