A concert by BTS will take place in Busan on October 15th, in the hope that Busan will be chosen to host the World Expo 2030. As Busan is the hometown of BTS members Jimin and Jungkook, the concert has a special meaning for BTS and their fans. My itinerary in Busan included places meaningful to Jimin and Jungkook.

The Jungkook Route

Baekyang Elementary School – Paekyang Middle School – Mandeok Lego Village – Seokbulsa Temple – Mandeok Pass Trail Observation Deck – Hwamyeon Arboretum – Hwamyeong Eco Park – Gamcheon Culture Village

Jungkook's alma maters, Baekyang Elementary School and Paekyang Middle School, are popular pilgrimage spots for BTS fans. Baekyang Elementary School is a 10-minute walk from Exit No. 1 of Mandeok Station. I looked around the neighborhood where Jungkook grew up as I was walking like taking a stroll. Peaceful and quiet Mandeok-dong has a friendly and warm atmosphere.
The colorful roofs in Mandeok Lego Village, which lies just next to Baekyang Elementary School and Paekyang Middle School, looks like LEGO blocks from a high point. There are 54 households friendly clustered in an apartment built in 1986. The road from Baekyang Elementary School to Mandeok Lego Village and Paekyang Middle School was lovely, so it was good for taking pictures. While taking a walk, I thought Jungkook grew up in a lovely neighborhood.

Baekyang Elementary School
12, Sangni-ro 18beon-gil, Buk-gu, Busan
Exit No. 3 of Mandeok Station on Busan Metro Line No. 3 → Transfer to town shuttle bus Bukgu 9 at Mandeok Station Bus Stop → A 1-minute walk from 304, Good Morning Hill Bus Stop

Paekyang Middle School / Mandeok Lego Village
70, Sangni-ro, Buk-gu, Busan / 40, Eunhaengnamu-ro 23beon-gil, Buk-gu, Busan
Exit No. 3 of Mandeok Station on Busan Metro Line No. 3 → Transfer to town shuttle bus Bukgu 8 or Bukgu 9 at Mandeok Station Bus Stop → A 9-minute walk / A 5-minute walk from Baegyang Mall Bus Stop

After looking around Jungkook’s alma mater, I walked to Byeongpungam Seokbulsa Temple situated in the green mountains. Located at about 1.7km from Paekyang Middle School, Seokbulsa Temple can be reached by walking for about 30 minutes at a leisurely pace through a beautiful road. There are Instagrammable cafes on the way to Seokbulsa Temple, along with a path through the dense forest. In addition to walking trails, there are driveways and public parking lots, so you can either walk or drive.

The temple’s name is derived from the magnificent cliff that surrounds it like a folding screen (called “Byeongpung” in Korean). Besides the temple's distinctive appearance, Mandeok-dong's panoramic view is a must-see. Taking a walk along Jungkook's memorable places can help you get away from the city and relax in beautiful nature, which is why it’s a worthwhile route if you are a BTS fan traveling to Busan.

Seokbulsa Temple
143-79, Mandeokgogae-gil, Buk-gu, Busan
10 minutes by taxi from Exit No. 1 of Mandeok Station on Busan Metro Line No. 3
Parking: Seokbulsa Temple Parking Lot

Visit other tourist destinations near Mandeok-dong, the hometown of Jung Kook, and explore the hidden charms of Busan. The Nurigil Observation Deck on Mandeok Pass creates a beautiful view especially at dusk because of all the lightings. We recommend you to go there by car. Located on Jangsan Mountain in Haeundae, it’s a special place to enjoy a panoramic view of the Marine City as well as the picturesque scenery of Hwangnyeongsan Mountain. The beautiful night view of the city seen from the darkness of the mountain will make your time in Busan more special.

Mandeok Pass Trail Observation Deck
San 153-8, Oncheon-dong, Dongnae-gu, Busan
Exit 11, Minam Station, Subway Line 4 → 12-minute taxi ride

Don’t forget to visit Hwamyeong Arboretum, which is one of the best places to see autumn leaves. The splendid landscape with trees and flowers can help you heal yourself, especially when the leaves are red. The forest air is rich in phytoncide, making it a great place to relax and meditate. The greenhouse is also worth a visit as there are many rare plants to appreciate and so is the maze of trees, where children can play hide and seek. When the weather gets cooler and leaves become colorful, many families and couple alike visit Hwamyeong Arboretum in Busan to enjoy the autumn foliage.

Hwamyeong Arboretum
299, Sanseong-ro, Buk-gu, Busan
Exit 6 of Hwamyeong Station on Busan Metro Line 2 → Transfer to Village Bus Geumjeong-gu 1 → Get off at Hwamyeong Arboretum
Parking: Hwamyeong Arboretum Parking Lot

So come visit Hwamyeong Ecological Park blooming with cosmos flowers if you happen to be in the area in autumn!
At Hwamyeong Ecological Park, there are yellow cosmos flowers around Parking Lot P3 and pink cosmos flowers in the lotus garden near Parking Lot P4. You can either take a slow walk in the park while enjoying the river breeze or rent a bicycle to take a bike around the area.
The long, beautiful tree-lined trail is a perfect place to walk or ride a bike. Picnic lovers would also love the park, where you can take in the scenery of Nakdonggang River with a snack and drink.

Hwamyeong Eco Park
1718-17, Hwamyeong-dong, Buk-gu, Busan
Exit 5, Hwamyeong Station, Subway Line 2, 10-minute walk
Parking Hwamyeong Eco Park Parking Lot

Gamcheon Culture Village in Saha-gu is a tourist destination in Busan popular for the mural paintings in every alley. One of the buildings has a mural of Jung Kook and Jimin, making it a perfect photo zone for visitors, especially for those who like to take SNS photos!
There are cafes, souvenir shops, and restaurants for tourists in this fairy-like village, so you can take your time touring around the area.
There are so many photo spots thanks to all the pretty and colorful murals. Both Chimmy and Cooky are from Busan, and Gamcheon Culture Village is one place to go to if you are fan.

Gamcheon Culture Village
203, Gamnae 2-ro, Saha-gu, Busan
Exit 6, Toseong Station, Subway Line 1 → Transfer to Town Bus Seogu-2 at Pusan National University Hospital → Kamjung Elementary School‧Gamcheon Culture Village, 3-minute walk
Parking: Gamcheon Public Parking Lot 2