BTS at Gwanghwamun — What to Expect
BTS has chosen Gwanghwamun — the symbolic heart of Seoul — for their comeback event this week.
Whether you're an ARMY flying in for the event or a traveler who happens to be in Seoul, this guide covers everything you need to know about the Gwanghwamun area: the best spots to visit, where to eat, how to get there, and what to do before and after the event.
ARMY Tips: Arrive early to secure a good spot. Gwanghwamun Square is an open public space, so expect large crowds.
Bring a portable charger, water, and sunscreen. The closest convenience stores are in the Gwanghwamun Station underground shopping area.
Highlights Around Gwanghwamun Square
1. Gwanghwamun Square (광화문광장)
Seoul's grand civic square was fully renovated in 2023, transforming it into a wide pedestrian-friendly space with fountains, greenery, and underground galleries.
The towering statues of King Sejong the Great and Admiral Yi Sun-sin stand here against the dramatic backdrop of Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bugaksan Mountain.
At sunset (around 5:53 PM — a time BTS fans know well), the golden light hitting the square and palace gate is spectacular.
- Photo Spot: Stand in front of the King Sejong statue facing north — Gwanghwamun Gate and the mountains frame the shot perfectly
- Time needed: 30 minutes
- Nearest station: Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5, Exit 2)
2. Gwanghwamun Gate & Gyeongbokgung Palace (광화문 & 경복궁)
Gwanghwamun is the main gate of Gyeongbokgung, Korea's grandest royal palace. The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony takes place daily at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM (except Tuesdays) and is free to watch.
If you have time, enter the palace grounds — the throne hall, pavilions, and rear garden are magnificent.
Rent a hanbok from nearby shops for free palace admission and stunning photos.
- Photo Spot: Gwanghwamun Gate from the square (full-frontal shot) or Hyangwonjeong Pavilion inside the palace
- Time needed: 30 min (gate + ceremony) / 1.5–2 hours (full palace)
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (closed Tuesdays)
- Admission: 3,000 KRW (free with hanbok)
- Nearest station: Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3, Exit 5)
For a deep dive into the palaces, see our Seoul Royal Palaces Guide.
3. Sejong Center for the Performing Arts (세종문화회관)
Adjacent to Gwanghwamun Square, the Sejong Center is Seoul's premier performing arts venue and a frequent host of major K-Pop events.
The grand staircase in front makes a striking photo backdrop. Check the event calendar — there may be additional performances tied to the BTS comeback week.
- Photo Spot: The front staircase with the building's modernist facade behind you
- Time needed: 15–30 minutes (exterior)
- Nearest station: Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5, Exit 1)
4. National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Seoul (국립현대미술관 서울관)
A 10-minute walk from the palace, MMCA Seoul is set in a beautiful courtyard complex that blends traditional and contemporary architecture.
Some exhibitions are free, and the courtyard alone is worth a visit for photos. A calm contrast to the energy of the square.
- Photo Spot: The central courtyard with its mix of old and new architecture
- Time needed: 1–1.5 hours
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (closed Mondays)
- Nearest station: Anguk Station (Line 3, Exit 1)
5. Cheongwadae — The Blue House (청와대)
The former presidential residence was opened to the public in 2022 for the first time in 74 years.
The grounds sit against the forested slope of Bugaksan Mountain and offer a peaceful walk with views over the city.
- Photo Spot: The main building lawn, with the blue-tiled roof and mountain behind
- Time needed: 1–1.5 hours
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (closed Mondays)
- Nearest station: Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3, Exit 4)
Suggested Walking Route
Start at Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5, Exit 2). Walk north across Gwanghwamun Square, pausing at the King Sejong and Admiral Yi statues (30 min). Continue to Gwanghwamun Gate for the Royal Guard Ceremony or enter Gyeongbokgung (30 min – 2 hours).
Exit the palace and walk east along Samcheong-ro to MMCA Seoul (1 hour). From there, walk north to the Cheongwadae area (1 hour).
Want to keep walking? Continue east into Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong for another 2 hours of traditional Seoul.
BTS and Gwanghwamun — The Connection
Gwanghwamun holds a special place in BTS lore. The area's atmosphere — where ancient palace walls meet modern Seoul — mirrors BTS's own blend of tradition and contemporary artistry.
Fans often visit the square around 5:53 PM, a nod to the golden hour that gives this part of Seoul its most cinematic light.
Beyond the comeback event, Gwanghwamun has hosted some of Korea's largest outdoor cultural events, making it a natural stage for K-Pop's biggest act.
Looking for more K-Pop spots in Seoul? Check our K-Pop Fan Seoul Guide for HYBE INSIGHT, K-Star Road, and more.
Nearby Restaurants
The Gwanghwamun and Jongno area is packed with excellent Korean restaurants — from traditional set meals to hearty soups.
- Gwanghwamunjip (광화문집): A local institution for Korean set meals (bibimbap, doenjang jjigae). 5 min walk from the square.
- Tosokchon Samgyetang (토속촌삼계탕): Seoul's most famous ginseng chicken soup restaurant, near Gyeongbokgung. Expect a queue.
- Jongno area cafes: Dozens of hanok-converted cafes along Samcheong-ro for coffee and desserts after your walk.
For the full restaurant list, see Jongno-gu food guide.
Getting There
Gwanghwamun is in the center of Seoul and easy to reach from anywhere by subway.
- Closest station: Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5, Exit 2) — 1 min walk to the square
- Alternative: Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3, Exit 5) — 3 min walk to the palace gate
- From Myeongdong: Line 4 → Chungmuro → Line 3 → Gyeongbokgung (21 min)
- From Hongdae: Line 2 → Chungjeongno → Line 5 → Gwanghwamun (25 min)
- From Gangnam: Line 3 direct → Gyeongbokgung (30 min)
Practical Tips
- On event day, use public transit — parking near Gwanghwamun will be extremely limited
- Rent hanbok near Gyeongbokgung Station Exit 5 (15,000–30,000 KRW for 2–4 hours) for free palace entry and great photos
- Royal Guard Changing Ceremony: daily 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM (except Tuesdays) — free
- Download Naver Map for accurate Seoul subway directions (more reliable than Google Maps in Korea)
- T-money card (3,000 KRW deposit at any station) works on all subways, buses, and some convenience stores
- Restrooms: Gwanghwamun Square underground, inside Gyeongbokgung, and at Sejong Center
- Weather check: March in Seoul can be chilly (5–15°C). Bring layers if visiting in the evening
