Why I Traveled to Gangneung to Chase BTS Filming Locations
I'll be honest — I never planned to be the person standing on a random beach in Gangneung at 7 a.m., phone in hand, trying to recreate a screenshot from a BTS music video. But here I was, shoes off, waves lapping at my ankles, grinning like an idiot because the light hitting the water looked exactly like it did in that behind-the-scenes clip.
Gangneung had been on my Korea bucket list for a while. The coffee culture, the coastline, the proximity to the mountains — it's a genuinely beautiful destination that most foreign tourists skip in favor of Busan or Jeju. But when I realized just how many BTS moments were filmed in this coastal city — from album jacket photos to variety show segments to personal vlogs — the trip became non-negotiable.
✅ For tours and day trips around this area, Klook has a solid selection with English guides available.
{{photo: Gangneung ocean coastline Korea}}
What surprised me most was how easy it was to find these spots. Gangneung isn't a sprawling metropolis. It's compact, walkable in parts, and the locals are used to K-pop fans showing up with screenshots asking "Where is this?" The city has quietly embraced its status as a filming destination without turning everything into a cheesy tourist trap. The BTS-related locations blend naturally into the city's existing charm — beaches, cafés, pine forests, and traditional markets that are worth visiting regardless of your fandom status.
💡 You can book tickets for this in advance on Klook — often cheaper than buying at the door, and you skip the queue.
Personally, I think July is one of the best times to go. Yes, it's peak summer and yes, it gets humid. But the beaches are alive, the seafood is at its freshest, and the energy of the city feels completely different from the quieter shoulder seasons. Just pack sunscreen and a portable fan — you'll need both.
Gangneung Overview – What You Need to Know Before Going
Gangneung sits on Korea's east coast in Gangwon Province, about 230 km from Seoul. It's best known for its stunning beaches (Gyeongpo Beach, Jumunjin), its obsessive coffee culture (the city has more cafés per capita than almost anywhere in Korea), and its connection to Korean pop culture — including multiple BTS filming locations.
Best time to visit: July and August for beach weather, though expect crowds and occasional rain showers. The ocean breeze keeps it slightly cooler than inland cities, but midday temperatures still push 30°C (86°F). September is a calmer alternative if you want fewer crowds.
Getting there from Seoul: The KTX high-speed train runs from Seoul Station or Cheongnyangni Station to Gangneung Station in about 1 hour 50 minutes. A standard ticket costs around ₩27,600 (~$20 USD) one way. Book through the Korail app or website — English is supported. During July weekends, trains sell out fast, so book at least 3–5 days ahead.
Alternatively, express buses run from Seoul's Express Bus Terminal (Gangnam) to Gangneung in about 2.5–3 hours for around ₩17,000–₩21,000 (~$12–$15 USD). Cheaper but less comfortable.
Getting around Gangneung: Local buses connect major sites, but service can be infrequent. I'd strongly recommend renting a car if you have an International Driving Permit — it makes hitting multiple filming spots in one day much more realistic. Taxis are affordable for short hops (₩5,000–₩10,000 between most spots), and you can use the Kakao T app to call one.
Budget range: Gangneung is noticeably cheaper than Seoul. Expect ₩120,000–₩180,000 (~$87–$131 USD) per day covering accommodation, food, transport, and activities.
🇰🇷 Useful Korean — Getting Around
- 여기 가 주세요 (yeo-gi ga ju-se-yo) — "Please take me here" (show your map to the taxi driver)
- 강릉역 어디예요? (Gang-neung-yeok eo-di-ye-yo?) — "Where is Gangneung Station?"
- 감사합니다 (gam-sa-ham-ni-da) — "Thank you (formal)"
- 천천히 말해 주세요 (cheon-cheon-hi mal-hae ju-se-yo) — "Please speak slowly"🎧 Good background for trip planning — GrooveSeoul Studio posts café ambience and night-view footage from across Korea. Worth bookmarking.
BTS Filming Locations Itinerary – A Full Day in Gangneung
Here's the route I followed, optimized so you're not zigzagging across the city. I started early to beat the summer heat and the crowds. You can realistically hit all of these in one packed day, or spread them across two days for a more relaxed pace.
Stop 1: Jumunjin Beach (BTS Album Photo Location)
This is the spot. Jumunjin Beach is where the iconic "You Never Walk Alone" album cover photo was taken — the members standing on the breakwater with the ocean stretching out behind them. The exact location is the Jumunjin Breakwater (방파제), and honestly, you'll know it when you see it because there's almost always someone posing there.
{{photo: Jumunjin beach breakwater Korea}}
I got there around 8 a.m. and had the breakwater almost to myself for about 20 minutes before other fans started arriving. By 10 a.m., there was a small line. The rocks can be slippery, especially with morning dew or after rain — wear shoes with grip, not sandals.
📍 Address: Jumunjin-eup, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do (jumunjin breakwater area)
📍 View on Google Maps
🚇 Getting there: Bus 300 or 302 from Gangneung Station → Jumunjin (~30 min), then 10-min walk. Taxi about ₩15,000 (~$11)
⏱️ Time needed: 45 minutes – 1 hour
💴 Admission: Free
Insider tip: The nearby Jumunjin Fish Market opens early and sells the freshest raw fish (회, hoe) you'll find anywhere. Grab a seafood breakfast for ₩15,000–₩20,000 (~$11–$15). It's chaotic, loud, and absolutely wonderful.
Stop 2: BTS Bus Stop (Jumunjin)
Just a 5-minute walk from the beach, you'll find the famous "BTS Bus Stop" — an art installation created by Gangneung city in tribute to the album. It features silhouettes of the seven members and has become one of the most Instagrammed spots in all of Gangwon Province. When I visited, someone had left fresh flowers and handwritten letters tucked into the bench. It was genuinely moving.
📍 Address: Near Jumunjin Beach, Jumunjin-eup, Gangneung-si (clearly signposted)
📍 View on Google Maps
🚇 Getting there: Walk from Jumunjin Beach (5 min)
⏱️ Time needed: 20–30 minutes
💴 Admission: Free
Insider tip: Visit right after the beach — the morning light makes for much better photos. By afternoon, the sun is directly overhead and washes everything out.
Stop 3: Gyeongpo Beach & Gyeongpo Lake
Gyeongpo Beach appeared in several BTS content pieces, including behind-the-scenes footage and personal vlogs. It's Gangneung's most famous beach — wide, long, and backed by pine trees. In July, the water is warm enough to swim, and the beach is well-maintained with showers, changing rooms, and lifeguards.
What I didn't expect was how beautiful Gyeongpo Lake is, sitting just behind the beach. It's a peaceful contrast to the ocean — surrounded by cherry blossom trees (gorgeous in spring, shady in summer) with a walking path that takes about an hour to complete. BTS members have been photographed in this area during visits to Gangneung.
{{photo: Gyeongpo beach Gangneung summer}}
📍 Address: Gyeongpo-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
📍 View on Google Maps
🚇 Getting there: Bus 202 from Gangneung Station (~20 min). Taxi ₩8,000 (~$6)
⏱️ Time needed: 1.5–2 hours (beach + lake walk)
💴 Admission: Free
Insider tip: The cafés along the lakeside road are among Korea's best. Terarosa Coffee Gangneung, a famous local roastery, is a 10-minute walk from the lake. A latte runs about ₩6,500 (~$4.70) — pricey for Korea but absolutely worth it.
🏨 For hotels in this area, I usually check Agoda first — Korean accommodation prices are often 15–20% lower there than on other platforms, especially for mid-range stays.
Stop 4: Anmok Beach Coffee Street
Anmok Beach (안목해변) is famous for its "Coffee Street" — a stretch of dozens of ocean-view cafés lining the coast. BTS content has featured this area, and it captures the relaxed, aesthetic vibe that Gangneung is known for. Even if you're not a huge coffee person, sitting in a glass-walled café watching waves crash while sipping a flat white is a core Gangneung experience.
📍 Address: Changhae-ro 17beon-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
📍 View on Google Maps
🚇 Getting there: Bus 202 from Gyeongpo Beach or taxi ₩6,000 (~$4.30)
⏱️ Time needed: 1–1.5 hours
💴 Admission: Free (budget ₩5,000–₩8,000 for coffee)
Insider tip: Skip the first few cafés you see — they tend to be the most crowded and overpriced. Walk further down the street (south) for better views and shorter waits. "Bohemian Roasters" is a local favorite.
🇰🇷 Useful Korean — Cafés & Food
- 이거 주세요 (i-geo ju-se-yo) — "This one, please" (pointing at menu)
- 덜 달게 해 주세요 (deol dal-ge hae ju-se-yo) — "Less sweet, please"
- 카드 돼요? (ka-deu dwae-yo?) — "Do you accept card?"
- 맛있다! (ma-sit-da!) — "This is delicious!"
- 포장해 주세요 (po-jang-hae ju-se-yo) — "To go, please"
Stop 5: Gangneung Jungang Market (중앙시장)
This traditional market is a filming favorite for Korean variety shows, and BTS members have been spotted and filmed in traditional markets during Gangneung visits. It's a genuine working market — not a tourist recreation — selling everything from fresh tofu (Gangneung's famous sundubu) to dried squid to handmade rice cakes.
I spent about an hour here eating my way through the stalls. The handmade sundubu (soft tofu stew) is a must — Gangneung is literally the tofu capital of Korea. A bowl costs about ₩8,000–₩10,000 (~$6–$7) and comes with a spread of side dishes.
📍 Address: 21 Geumseong-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
📍 View on Google Maps
🚇 Getting there: 10-minute walk from Gangneung Station or bus to City Center
⏱️ Time needed: 1–1.5 hours
💴 Admission: Free (food budget ₩10,000–₩20,000)
Insider tip: Many stalls are cash-only, though this is slowly changing. Have at least ₩20,000 in cash before entering. ATMs at any CU or GS25 convenience store accept international cards.
Stop 6: Haslla Art World
This ocean-cliff museum and sculpture park has appeared in various Korean celebrity content and travel shows. Whether or not it's a confirmed BTS location, it's stunning — outdoor sculptures overlooking the East Sea, indoor galleries, and a glass-walled café perched on the edge of a cliff. It gave me major "Butter" music video energy.
📍 Address: 1441 Yulgok-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
📍 View on Google Maps
🚇 Getting there: Taxi from central Gangneung ₩12,000 (~$9) or rental car
⏱️ Time needed: 1.5–2 hours
💴 Admission: ₩18,000 (~$13 USD) for museum + sculpture park
Insider tip: The sunset from the outdoor sculpture park is legitimately one of the most beautiful things I've seen in Korea. Time your visit to arrive 1.5 hours before sunset.
Real Cost Breakdown
| Item | Detail | KRW | USD (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport | KTX round trip Seoul–Gangneung | ₩55,200 | ~$40 |
| Local transport | Buses + 2 taxi rides | ₩30,000 | ~$22 |
| Accommodation | Guesthouse near Gyeongpo (1 night) | ₩50,000 | ~$36 |
| Food | Seafood breakfast + tofu lunch + café + dinner | ₩45,000 | ~$33 |
| Entrance fees | Haslla Art World | ₩18,000 | ~$13 |
| Coffee | 2 café stops | ₩13,000 | ~$9 |
| Other | T-money top-up + misc snacks | ₩10,000 | ~$7 |
| Total | 2D1N budget (solo) | ₩221,200 | ~$160 |
Practical Tips & Warnings for Visiting Gangneung in July
1. Book KTX tickets early. July is peak season for Gangneung. Weekend trains sell out days in advance. Book through the Korail app the moment tickets open (usually one month ahead). If trains are full, the intercity bus is a reliable backup.
2. Carry cash. While Seoul is basically cashless, smaller Gangneung shops, market stalls, and some beach vendors still prefer cash. I'd recommend having ₩50,000–₩70,000 on hand. International ATMs are at every convenience store.
3. July = monsoon season. Expect sudden rain showers, sometimes heavy. Pack a compact umbrella and a waterproof phone pouch. I got caught in a 20-minute downpour at Jumunjin that came out of nowhere. The upside? After the rain cleared, the sky turned this incredible pink-orange that made for the best photos of the trip.
4. Sunscreen is not optional. The coastal UV in July is brutal. Korean convenience stores sell excellent sunscreen (look for "Biore" or "Innisfree" brands, ₩8,000–₩15,000), but bring your own if you prefer a specific SPF. Reapply every 2 hours, especially at the beach.
5. Don't skip Gangneung's tofu village. Chodang Sundubu Village (초당순두부마을) near Gyeongpo is a cluster of restaurants all specializing in fresh soft tofu. It's a 10-minute taxi from the beach. This is a genuine local food tradition, not a tourist gimmick — the tofu is made with seawater and tastes completely different from what you've had before.
6. Respect the breakwater. At Jumunjin, the rocks are not fenced. People climb out for photos, but waves can be unpredictable. I saw someone nearly slip into the water while trying to get the perfect shot. Stay cautious, especially after rain when the concrete is slick.
7. Download Naver Map, not Google Maps. Google Maps is notoriously unreliable in Korea. Naver Map (available in English) gives accurate bus routes, walking directions, and real-time transit info. Kakao Map is the other solid option.
{{photo: Korea traditional market food stall}}
🇰🇷 Useful Korean — Markets & Shopping
- 얼마예요? (eol-ma-ye-yo?) — "How much is it?"
- 깎아 주세요 (kka-kka ju-se-yo) — "Can I get a discount?"
- 이거 있어요? (i-geo i-sseo-yo?) — "Do you have this?"
- 그냥 볼게요 (geu-nyang bol-ge-yo) — "Just browsing, thanks"
✅ Trip Checklist
- [ ] Book KTX tickets Seoul → Gangneung at least 5 days ahead (peak July)
- [ ] Download Naver Map and Kakao T (taxi app) with English settings
- [ ] Pack sunscreen, umbrella, waterproof phone pouch, and comfortable walking shoes
- [ ] Carry ₩50,000+ cash for markets and small vendors
- [ ] Save BTS filming location screenshots on your phone for reference
- [ ] Charge a portable battery pack — you'll be taking hundreds of photos
- [ ] Check weather forecast morning-of and adjust beach timing if storms are expected
- [ ] Get a T-money card at any convenience store (₩2,500 for the card + top-up)
- [ ] Book accommodation near Gyeongpo Beach or Gangneung Station for easiest access
- [ ] Bring a light jacket — ocean breezes get cool in the evening even in July
FAQ
Q: Can I visit all BTS Gangneung filming locations in one day?
A: Yes, but it'll be a full day. I started at 8 a.m. and finished around 7 p.m. with a lunch break. If you want to actually swim at the beach or linger at cafés, spread it across two days.
Q: Is the BTS Bus Stop at Jumunjin still there?
A: As of my visit, yes — it was well-maintained and clearly signposted. Gangneung city treats it as a permanent installation. Confirm before visiting as public art installations can occasionally be moved for maintenance.
Q: Do I need to rent a car in Gangneung?
A: Not strictly necessary, but it makes the day much easier. Public buses connect major spots but run infrequently (every 20–40 minutes on some routes). Taxis are affordable for short distances. If you're visiting with friends, splitting a rental car (about ₩50,000–₩70,000/day) is the most efficient option.
Q: Is Gangneung worth visiting if I'm not a BTS fan?
A: Absolutely. Gangneung is one of Korea's most beautiful coastal cities with incredible food, world-class coffee culture, and gorgeous scenery. The BTS connection is a bonus, not the only reason to go.
Q: How far is Gangneung from Seoul?
A: About 230 km east of Seoul. The KTX takes roughly 1 hour 50 minutes. By bus, expect 2.5–3 hours depending on traffic.
Q: Is July too hot or rainy for Gangneung?
A: July is warm (28–32°C / 82–90°F) with occasional monsoon showers. The ocean breeze helps, and rain showers are usually short. Personally, I think the summer energy and beach atmosphere make it worth dealing with a little sweat and rain.
Q: Are there any BTS-themed shops or cafés in Gangneung?
A: There's no official BTS pop-up as of my visit, but several cafés near the BTS Bus Stop sell unofficial fan merchandise and photo cards. The gift shops near Jumunjin Beach also stock BTS-related postcards and stickers. For official merchandise, your best bet is the HYBE Insight store in Seoul.
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{{photo: Gangneung sunset ocean Korea summer}}
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