Cover Seooreung is among the popular destinations in Goyang, the first stop of the BTS World Tour in 2026 (Photo: Korea.net/Wikimedia Commons)
Seooreung is among the popular destinations in Goyang, the first stop of the BTS World Tour in 2026 (Photo: Korea.net/Wikimedia Commons)
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Before BTS returns to the stage in April 2026, explore the cafés, parks, museums and neighbourhoods that shaped Goyang—and its most famous resident
When BTS launches their 2026 World Tour in Goyang, South Korea, this April, hundreds of thousands of fans will descend upon BTS leader RM’s hometown. But beyond the stadium lies something more intimate: the emotional geography of Kim Nam-joon’s formative years. Goyang, a planned satellite city northwest of Seoul, has transformed from a quiet bedroom community into a pilgrimage site for ARMY worldwide. To ‘Namjoon’—as fans call this sentimental journey—is to trace the lakes and streets referenced in his lyrics, particularly in “Ma City”. Here are seven essential stops, BTS-focused and beyond—for your pre-concert pilgrimage.
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Goyang Tourist Information Centre: the 18-metre ‘welcome’ from RM
This colossal mural, measuring 18 metres by 12 metres, marks the official starting point of any BTS tour. Created by fandom group MoNiJunNi in collaboration with Goyang’s municipal government, the artwork celebrates RM’s birthday and features the quote “I live so I love” alongside the city’s cat mascot. Inside, collect maps and immerse yourself in Goyang’s charming Goyangi branding before continuing your journey.
Squirrel Town mukjip: traditional Korean food with acorn specialties
Located in the Aenigol food street near Pungsan Station, Squirrel Town mukjip holds a framed RM autograph that confirms his patronage. The traditional restaurant was originally known for their dishes made with dotori-muk—acorn jelly, hence the name—but diners also come for their samgyetang, a deeply comforting and nourishing chicken soup. The second-floor waiting lounge serves complimentary tea whilst you queue—a thoughtful touch that enhances this culinary pilgrimage.
Ilsan Lake Park: the picturesque lake in ‘Ma City’
“Ma City” from The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Part 2 immortalised this location in BTS lore—RM’s lyrics reference the lake and flowers that define his hometown. Spanning 990,000 square metres as one of Asia's largest artificial lakes, the park embodies the lyrical landscape he described. Walking the 9.1-kilometre trail connects you to the actual geography behind his words. Fans also seek the exact bench where RM photographed a squirrel in a famous social media post.
Aesugyo Bridge: the Jimin connection
This picturesque bridge delivers a bonus BTS moment—Jimin visited here with singer Ha Sung-woon, making it doubly significant for fans. The bridge offers spectacular sunset photography opportunities over the lake. It’s a quieter destination, perfect for reflection before the concert chaos begins.
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Bamridan-gil: the chestnut village cafe quarter
This gentrified neighbourhood transforms quiet residential blocks into a haven for brunch enthusiasts and coffee connoisseurs. Low-rise villas house independent cafes with treats like chestnut cream cookies. The tree-lined streets provide an aesthetic respite between pilgrimage stops, offering Instagram-worthy moments that capture Goyang’s contemporary lifestyle.
Seooreung: the West Five Royal Tombs
Beyond K-pop fandom lies Goyang’s ancient soul. A Unesco World Heritage Site, Seooreung houses five royal tombs from the Joseon Dynasty, including King Sukjong’s resting place. The expansive pine forests and contemplative stone structures offer a serene counterpoint to concert energy. The tombs’ geomantic design reflects Korea’s traditional relationship with nature—a perspective that deepens any understanding of the country.
Goyang Sports Complex: the 2026 tour venue
Goyang Sports Complex is where it all comes full circle—RM, with BTS, returns home as a global icon. Visit before concert days to scout transport links from Daehwa Station and understand the layout. Standing here before the tour kicks off offers a poignant moment: you’ve walked his past, and soon you’ll witness his present triumph.
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After more than a decade in lifestyle media, Clifford has mastered the art of writing seriously about things that are fun—and writing fun things about people who take themselves very seriously. At Tatler Asia, he helped steer its flagship lists, Tatler’s Most Influential and Asia’s Most Stylish. And today, he leads T-Labs, Tatler Asia’s content innovation hub, where he continues the noble pursuit of lifestyle storytelling, spinning stories on wealth, entertainment, necessary style, Hallyu, Hollywood, beauty and more for audiences across Asia.
