K-pop group Bangtan Boys, more commonly called BTS, hasn’t let their international fame cloud their Korean roots. In the past, they filmed a music video at Gyeongbokgung Palace while dressed in hanbok, and even appeared on an NBC talk show wearing hanbok. In Korea, they visited many traditional places, creating a wonderful tour course for BTS fans looking to follow in their footsteps.
Korea Furniture Museum
BTS made an appearance in a recent episode of “You Quiz on the Block,” filmed at the Korea Furniture Museum. They aren’t the only celebrities to have visited this attraction. The guestbook includes famous international figures such as Xi Jinping, Brad Pitt, and Martha Stewart!
The Korea Furniture Museum is a unique museum that collects and displays Korea’s traditional wooden furniture. Items are grouped according to their location and use in traditional houses, as well as by material, and region of origin.
The museum takes up ten traditional houses on a hill in Seongbuk-dong that have been restored over fifteen years. By touring the museum, you can also learn about the basic structure of hanok houses, including their typical interior design, flower-patterned lattice work, chimney, and front yard.
Admission to the museum is strictly limited to those with a reservation, and tours are led by a guide, lasting approximately one hour. Through the guided tour, you can learn more about the Korean housing culture, harmonizing the furniture and nature. The museum is a great way to learn more about the beautiful traditional culture of Korea.
Awon Museum & Hotel
Awon Museum & Hotel was a filming location of the 2019 BTS Summer Package. In the film, the members of BTS also visited nearby attractions like Soyang Oseongje House and Uibongsanseong Fortress, quickly raising their popularity. The house itself was originally built in Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do, but was move to the current location within Wanju Oseong Hanok Village.
Despite the move, the 250-year-old house still maintains the dignity of a scholar’s lifestyle from the Joseon era.
Awon Hotel can largely be divided into four spaces, including Cheonjiin – Manhyudang Hall, which was used for the cover image of 2019 BTS Summer Package.
The other spaces are Sarangchae – Yeonhadang Hall, Anchae – Seolhwadang Hall, and Byeolchae – Cheonmokdasil Room. Each area is open to touring, taking photos, and even spending the night in.
The ground below Awon Hotel is the Awon Museum, displaying modern art in the Oz Gallery. The gallery also serves a limited menu of teas and coffee. For more leisure, you can walk in the bamboo forest growing behind the hotel.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
If you’re a BTS fan, then you have to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace! They recorded a large performance here!
BTS recorded in front of Geunjeongjeon Hall of Gyeongbokgung Palace, registered as National Treasure No. 223 and the main building in the palace. Their performance, wearing traditional hanbok, was recorded for an episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on NBC in September of 2020.
After performing “Idol” in front of Geunjeongjeon Hall, they also performed “Mikrokosmos” in front of Gyeonghoeru Pavilion. Their performance was made even more spectacular thanks to the use of hundreds of drones. The pavilion appears to float atop the pond around it. It is especially popular in spring, when the weeping cherry trees around the pond are in bloom.
In May of 2015, BTS also performed before a brightly lit Heungnyemun Gate for a KBS music show. At that time, they were jokingly referred to as Heungtan Boys.
Korea House
Korea House also has connections with BTS. The cover image for the BTS edition of the Billboard magazine was taken here at Nogeumjeong Pavilion. In addition to group photos, they also took individual photos here.
Korea House is a multicomplex promoting all types of Korean traditions, from traditional food to performing arts, and even traditional wedding ceremonies.
Visitors can try a royal table d’hote, watch traditional performances, and even participate in cultural programs.
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Established in 1950 as Asia’s first national theater, National Theater of Korea presents diverse performances spanning over Korea’s traditional arts, ballet and opera performances. World renowned performance groups and organizations from overseas often hold performances here as well. The theater is composed of Haeoreum Theater, the main hall; Daloreum Theater, a smaller theater; Byeoloreum Theater, with a customizable stage; and Haneul Theater, an outdoor stage.
Korea’s unique traditional architecture is merged with modern design to create the grand yet elegant appearance of Sejong Center. Sejong Center holds a variety of performances of diverse genres including traditional Korean, classics, and even crossovers. The main theater, Grand Theater, has a wide stage equipped with the largest pipe organ in Asia. Sejong Center is a popular attraction among tourists as it is located across from Gwanghwamun Square and Gyeongbokgung Palace.
The building of Seoul Museum of Art, which was once used for the Supreme Court, is highly recognized for its splendid modern image after undergoing renovation. Featured exhibitions are not limited to traditional arts, but include a wide range of media including architecture, films, music, fashion, handicraft, and even works that do not belong to any specific genre. The museum also features non-Western artwork, such as those from Africa and Latin America. If you are visiting Deoksugung Palace, consider adding Seoul Museum of Art to your schedule as they are located right next to each other.
Located inside Seoul Arts Center, Hangaram Art Museum features various plastic arts. It consists of six exhibition halls and an art shop. Most featured exhibitions are based on modern art, making it easier for youths to approach the world of art. Often visited by people watching performances at Seoul Arts Center, Hangaram Art Museum makes it comfortable to explore with pleasant, open-style exhibition halls.
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