2025 BTS Seoul Pilgrimage Guide – Walk in Their Footsteps

A Day in the Footsteps of BTS: Seoul 2025 Fan Itinerary

Start with the heartbeat of their past — the places where BTS shared meals, solitude, and artistic reflections.

When you think of BTS, you might picture explosive concerts and global awards. But behind all that glitter lies the quieter Seoul that shaped them — cozy diners, nostalgic cafes, and tucked-away bookstores where dreams took root. If you're an ARMY visiting Korea, this curated itinerary lets you follow in their footsteps and feel that same connection, one stop at a time.

11:00 AM – Yoojung Sikdang

“Where the BTS bond was first nourished — over bulgogi and egg rolls.”

Before the fame, there was Yoojung Sikdang — a modest eatery in Gangnam that served as a second home during BTS’s trainee days. The walls still bear traces of those early years, covered with fan notes, framed photos, and a warmth that speaks louder than any gourmet plating. Dishes like doenjang-jjigae and spicy bulgogi remain unchanged, just like the memories.

• Location: 14 Dosan-daero 28-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
• Hours: Daily 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Tip: Go early to avoid queues. The lunch crowd, especially on weekends, can be intense.

1:30 PM – Superstar Tteokbokki

“Tteokbokki with a side of global ARMY love.”

Located near Yongsan, Superstar Tteokbokki is a fan-run restaurant that feels like a love letter to BTS. Inside, you’ll find fan art, Polaroids, signed merch, and even dedicated BTS playlists. The dishes? Spicy tteokbokki, crispy seaweed rolls, and cheese-covered rice balls that are as fiery as the fan passion that built this space.

• Location: 49-1 Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
• Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Tip: The owner is an ARMY — strike up a conversation and you may hear heartfelt BTS stories.

3:30 PM – Hakrim Dabang

“Sit where RM once paused and breathe in Seoul’s history.”

Tucked behind Hyehwa Station, Hakrim Dabang is a time capsule café from 1956. One of RM’s favorite spots, it’s filled with wooden tables, vintage décor, and LP jazz that gives the space a warm hum. As you sip Vienna coffee and nibble on cream cheese cake, it’s easy to see why he’d retreat here to reflect, write, or simply be.

• Location: 119 Daehak-ro, 2F, Jongno-gu
• Hours: Daily 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Last Order 10:00 PM)
• Tip: Request a window seat for sunlight-drenched writing sessions.

5:30 PM – HYBE Insight Building (Hongdae)

“Still sacred ground — even after the exhibitions end.”

Although j-hope’s solo exhibit “AND WHAT?” ended in June 2025, the HYBE Insight building remains a mecca for fans. Located atop AK Plaza in Hongdae, this space has hosted numerous BTS exhibitions. Fans still gather outside, take photos near the entrance, and feel the lingering creative energy within.

• Location: AK Plaza 17F, 188 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
• Note: No current exhibition is running as of June 2025, but the site remains visit-worthy.

8:00 PM – Daeo Bookstore

“End your day in the most poetic way — just like RM.”

Tucked in Seochon, Daeo Bookstore is Seoul’s oldest independent bookstore and was personally visited by RM. It’s not large, but it holds weight. You’ll find poetry, political essays, and photography collections stacked neatly beside postcards and café tables. It’s where books and silence say more than noise ever could.

• Location: 55 Jahamun-ro 7-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• Hours: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Tip: Entry requires ordering a drink or buying a postcard. Worth every won.

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Bonus Tip – BTS Pilgrimage Tour Option

If you're short on time or prefer a guided experience, consider booking a dedicated BTS Seoul Day Tour. These include key filming locations, BTS-linked cafés, and exclusive photo ops with the comfort of transportation and English-speaking guides.

👉 Book Here: BTS Seoul Day Tour – GetYourGuide

This guided tour includes:

• Key BTS filming and fan spots
• Comfortable transportation
• English-speaking guide
• Photo opportunities and more

Disclosure: This is an affiliate link. Booking through it helps support this blog at no extra cost to you.

Final Thoughts

This itinerary isn’t about chasing stardom. It’s about walking through the quiet places where BTS built their dreams. Whether you're sipping coffee where RM once wrote or enjoying the same stew the members ate as trainees, each step brings you closer to the people behind the phenomenon. In following their journey, you might just find inspiration for your own.