Follow BTS' Trail to Traditional Places in Korea, Come on!

 

K-Pop group Bangtan Boys or better known as BTS did not let their international fame cover their Korean roots. From time to time, they made music videos at Gyeongbokgung palace wearing hanbok, and even appeared on NBC talk shows wearing hanbok. In Korea, they visited many traditional places, creating a fun tour course for the army, as BTS fans are called, who want to follow in their footsteps. Let's start!

Korea Furniture Museum

Recently, BTS appeared on the latest episode of “You Quiz on the Block,” which was filmed at this museum. Actually, BTS is not the only celebrity who has visited this attraction. The museum's guest book lists the names of famous international figures such as Xi Jinping, Brad Pitt, and Martha Stewart.

The Korea Furniture Museum is a unique museum that collects and displays traditional Korean wooden furniture. Items are grouped according to their location and use in traditional houses, as well as by material and region of origin. The museum takes in ten traditional houses on a hill in Seongbuk-dong that have been restored over the past fifteen years. By walking around the museum, visitors can also learn about the basic structure of a hanok house, including its distinctive interior design, floral latticework, chimney, and front yard.

Visits to the museum are very limited for those with reservations only. The tour is accompanied by a guide and lasts about an hour. This museum tour is a great way to learn more about traditional Korean culture.

 Awon Museum & Hotel

The Awon Museum & Hotel became the shooting location for the 2019 BTS Summer Package. In this album, BTS also visited nearby tourist attractions such as Soyang Oseongje House and Uibongsanseong Fortress, which have become increasingly popular. The house itself was originally built in Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do, but was moved to its current location within Oseong Wanju Hanok Village. Despite the move, the 250-year-old house retains the lifestyle of a scholar from the Joseon era.

Awon Hotel can be divided into four rooms, including Cheonjiin – Manhyudang Hall, which was used for the cover image of the 2019 BTS Summer Package. The other rooms are Sarangchae – Yeonhadang Hall, Anchae Hall – Seolhwadang, and Byeolchae Room – Cheonmokdasil. Each area is open for tours, photo-taking and even overnight stays. On the other hand, the Awon Museum displays modern art at the Oz Gallery. The gallery also serves a tea and coffee menu. To be more relaxed, visitors can take a walk in the bamboo forest which is located right behind the hotel.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

For the army or not, the Gyeongbokgung palace is a must-visit tourist attraction when traveling to Korea.

BTS put on a great show in front of the Geunjeongjeon hall, the main building of Gyeongbokgung palace. BTS' performance, dressed in traditional hanbok, was recorded for an episode of The Tonight Show, starring Jimmy Fallon on NBC in September 2020. After performing the song "Idol" in front of the Geunjeongjeon hall, they also performed "Microcosm" in front of the Gyeonghoeru pavilion. Their appearance was made even more spectacular thanks to the use of hundreds of drones. The pavilion seemed to float above the surrounding pond. This pavilion is very popular in spring, because of the beauty of the cherry blossom trees that bloom around the pond.

Korean House

Korea House also has connections with BTS. The cover image of the BTS issue of Billboard magazine was taken at Nogeumjeong Pavilion, Korea House. Apart from group photos, they also take individual photos here.

Korea House is a multi-complex that promotes all kinds of Korean traditions, from traditional food to performing arts, and traditional wedding ceremonies. Visitors can try the royal table d'hote's royal menu, watch traditional performances, and even participate in cultural programs.