Have you watched BTS In the SOOP Season 2, a reality entertainment show that features BTS healing in forests? The peaceful place where BTS stayed is in Pyeongchang, Gangwon State. A one-day bus tour program is offered to visit the filming location where BTS members stayed!
On an early Saturday morning in August, people of various nationalities gathered in front of AMID Hotel Seoul near Jonggak Station on Seoul Subway Line 1. A total of 21 participants from Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, the Netherlands, the United States, Germany, and one Korean took a bus and departed to Gangwon State with the guide.

In front of In the SOOP store in Phoenix Pyeongchang, they transferred to the shuttle bus to get to the filming location. Before riding the shuttle bus, they got some time to look around the In the SOOP store so that they could see and purchase various kinds of products.

On the shuttle bus ride to the filming location, BTS songs played on the speakers. Regardless of nationality, they started singing songs together. After some time, they finally saw the “In the SOOP” filming location, making the BTS fans extremely excited. Even before entering the building, they were busy taking pictures of the area.

The participants had time to look around the main building and the bedroom where each BTS member stayed, and single travelers helped take pictures of each other.
TAt rooms where their favorite member stayed, participants took more time not to miss any details. Through Polaroid pictures, the participants were able to choose one BTS member and take a picture with him.

The tour course on Saturday and Sunday includes the BTS Bus Stop at Hyangho Beach in Gangneung, where BTS took the album photo for You Never Walk Alone. The BTS Bus Stop, surrounded by the beautiful sea and beach, is always crowded with tourists who want to take pictures. The tour participants seemed extremely excited to visit the scene from the BTS album, and they happily waited in line to take memorable photos. (The Friday course includes Seoul’s HiKR Ground to participate in K-pop and K-contents programs rather than the Hyangho Beach Bus Stop.)

The tour participants are provided with snacks at the rest area and official products of “In the SOOP.” At the highway rest area, they had a chance to try popular Korean snacks, including tornado potatoes or sausage and rice cake skewers. Those who tried Korean snacks for the first time were highly satisfied, showing thumbs up.

Even though the trip from Seoul to Gangwon State took a long time because it was during the vacation season, every participant was highly satisfied with the tour. They said they were so happy to see the space where BTS stayed and get memorable gifts, such as official products of “In the SOOP” and pictures with BTS.

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