Busan is a favorite city of BTS fans because it is Jimin and Jungkook’s hometown. In this tour, you’ll explore the Busan High School of Arts, where Jimin nurtured his dreams as a dancer, and visit the Gopchang Salon, a frequent go-to for Jungkook! You can also visit a café run by Jimin’s father or try some egg mandu (dumplings) that Jimin used to eat on his way home from school. Take photos copying V and Jimin’s poses at Busan Citizens Park and Oryukdo Skywalk. These places can be hard to find, but you’re not alone on this tour. Our capable guides will take you there by car! It’s twice as fun when shared with fellow ARMYs from other countries.

Every Friday at 08:30, tour participants meet in front of Gate 1 at Busan Station. Here, ARMY and their families from around the world, including Japan, the Philippines, Hong Kong, the United States, and France, gather. An English-speaking guide will lead you to a minibus. Listen to BTS songs playing inside the bus; regardless of nationality or age, everyone harmoniously sings BTS songs.

Our first stop is Gamcheon Culture Village, one of the famous tourist attractions we can’t miss in Busan. The Little Prince Photo Zone, offering a picturesque view of the Gamcheon Culture Village, is immensely popular among foreigners. There are long lines on weekends, but you can take photos without waiting because it’s early Friday morning. On the way to the Little Prince Photo Zone, you’ll encounter a mural of Jimin and Jungkook. As you witness the two of them holding roses, any fatigue from the early morning rush will dissipate, feeling refreshed.

After 90 minutes of free time, we will proceed to Seodong Maze Market. Going to Manna Bunsik in the market, you can try egg mandu, Jimin’s favorite from childhood. In addition to this delicacy, the menu offers tteokbokki, sundae, and chive pancakes. Korean soul food seems to align with the palates of foreigners, who delightfully relish the food. In particular, after eating Jimin’s egg mandu, expressions of “Delicious~,” and “Oishi~” can be heard.

Next, we head to Busan High School of Arts, where Jimin has nurtured his dream as a dancer. For ARMY, this school holds a special meaning as it allows them to see Jimin’s journey as a singer—every statue, every tree, everything that Jimin might have encountered. However, getting here on your own can be challenging, as it is a 15-minute walk from the nearest subway station, and the school is closed to the public when classes are in session. It’s impressive how the tour makes it so easy to visit.

The Oryukdo Skywalk, as introduced by Jimin in his Vlog, offers an exhilarating experience when you walk along the dizzying skywalk and witness the Igidae Cliff Coast and Haeundae scenery along with the indigo sea. Following the guide down the stairs, you’ll encounter the exact spot where Jimin stood in his Vlog. Be sure to take videos and photos just like Jimin did.

The highlight of the day is Café Magnate, owned by Jimin’s father and is a mecca for ARMY worldwide. At the entrance, a table adorned with photos of Jimin and a guest book filled with messages from ARMY worldwide greet you. I left my own message, excited that Jimin might read it one day. A Japanese fan who bought Jimin’s cat-themed T-shirt looks like she’s on cloud nine.

Busan Citizens Park is where V took a stroll and snapped a photo the day before their concert in 2019. Although the park is large, the guide will help you find it quickly. There are “V’s photo spots” and his footprints on the ground, and thanks to the guide who prepared umbrellas, everyone in the group enjoyed taking the same photos as V.

The last stop was Gopchang Salon. This restaurant is run by Jungkook’s uncle, who is close to him, so Jungkook frequently visits. Inside, you’ll find a seat where Jungkook used to dine, and walls adorned with BTS photos. We ate spicy gopchang (grilled pork small intestines) and savory galbi grilled over briquettes with a mozzarella cheese that melts to eat like a fondue. We also enjoy rice balls and steamed eggs on the side. The tour is intimate, ranging from 4 to 10 participants, so we get to know each other quickly. We exchanged contact information and said our goodbyes.

* This column was written in September 2023. Please check the information before the trip, as it is subject to change.