I Almost Didn't Write This Post — Here's Why I Changed My Mind
Honestly, I wasn't sure a post about BTS filming locations would be worth the effort. I'm not what you'd call a die-hard ARMY — I appreciate the music, sure, but I'd never printed a lightstick itinerary or sobbed at an airport. When a friend suggested I trace the spots from the Permission to Dance music video during my June trip to Korea, I figured it would be a quick afternoon of selfies and moving on.
I was wrong. What I didn't expect was how these locations — stripped of the music video magic, standing there in the honest summer light — were genuinely interesting places on their own. Some are tucked into neighborhoods I'd never have visited otherwise. Others sit on rooftops with views that make you stop mid-sentence. The BTS connection is the hook, but the locations themselves are the reward. I spent two full days chasing them down, sweating through my shirt in the June humidity, and came away thinking: this is actually a solid way to explore corners of Seoul and beyond that most travel guides skip entirely.
🗣️ Even 10 Korean phrases change how locals treat you. A Korean phrasebook on Amazon downloaded to your phone goes a long way — especially outside Seoul.
What surprised me most was the mix of people doing the same thing. Couples in their fifties with a printed screenshot from the video. A retired teacher from Melbourne who told me she'd become an ARMY during lockdown. A pair of friends from Texas who just wanted to see something different. None of them fit the stereotype, and honestly, neither did I. If you're planning a Korea trip in summer 2026 and you're even mildly curious about where Permission to Dance was filmed, this guide gives you the real, ground-level details — costs, transport, what's actually photogenic, and what's frankly not worth the detour.
🎟️ Pre-book this activity on Klook. Prices are competitive and cancellation is usually flexible.
I wrote this after visiting in June 2026, so all prices, hours, and conditions are current as of this month. Let's get into it.
What Is Permission to Dance and Where Was It Filmed?
BTS's Permission to Dance was released in July 2021 as a feel-good summer anthem co-written with Ed Sheeran. The music video features the seven members dancing across colorful sets — desert-inspired open spaces, a laundromat, a rooftop, and wide urban plazas. While the music video blends both real Korean locations and stylized studio sets, several identifiable spots in and around Seoul became pilgrimage points for fans worldwide.
The primary filming locations include areas in Seoul's Yongsan and Jongno districts, the Hybe Insight building area in Yongsan, a recognizable rooftop near Nodeul Island, and the wide-open public plazas that served as backdrops. Some scenes were filmed on constructed sets at studios, but the outdoor and transitional shots use real places you can visit today in 2026.
As of June 2026, all locations listed below are publicly accessible. None require special permission or fan club membership — they're regular spots in the city. The key is knowing exactly where to go and what angle to look for, because without context, you could walk right past them.
Best Time to Visit These Locations
| Season | Crowds | Weather | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Moderate | Mild, 12–22°C | Cherry blossoms add extra photo appeal |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | High (peak BTS anniversary tourism) | Hot & humid, 25–33°C | Matches the MV's summer vibe; bring water and sunscreen |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | Low–Moderate | Crisp, 10–22°C | Best overall comfort for walking between sites |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Low | Cold, -5–5°C | Rooftop locations are brutally windy; not recommended |
💡 You can book tickets for this in advance on Klook — often cheaper than buying at the door, and you skip the queue.
💡 Pro Tip: June and July see a spike in BTS-related tourism because of the song's July 2021 release anniversary. If you want the locations mostly to yourself, visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning before 10am — weekend afternoons are when fan groups organize photo meetups.
How Do You Get to the BTS Filming Locations from Seoul?
All major Permission to Dance filming locations are within Seoul's metro network, making them accessible without renting a car. The most efficient way to connect them is via Seoul Metro Lines 1, 4, and 6, plus one short taxi ride.
From Incheon Airport, take the AREX express train to Seoul Station (43 minutes, ₩9,500 / ~$7). From Seoul Station, you're already in Yongsan-gu, which is home to the densest cluster of PTD spots. If you're staying in Myeongdong, Hongdae, or Gangnam, budget 20–40 minutes by subway to reach the first location.
I recommend using a T-money card (available at any convenience store, ₩4,000 deposit / ~$3) and loading ₩20,000–₩30,000 for a full day of metro-hopping. Taxis between nearby spots run ₩4,500–₩8,000 (~$3.30–$5.80) and are a smart move when humidity hits 80% in June.
🇰🇷 Useful Korean — Getting Around
- 여기 가 주세요 (yeo-gi ga ju-se-yo) — "Please take me here" (show map to taxi driver)
- 감사합니다 (gam-sa-ham-ni-da) — "Thank you (formal)"
- 얼마예요? (eol-ma-ye-yo?) — "How much?"
- 천천히 말해 주세요 (cheon-cheon-hi mal-hae ju-se-yo) — "Please speak slowly"🎬 Planning session fuel: GrooveSeoul Studio — Korean café and city vibe videos that make you want to book the trip faster.
Day 1: Yongsan District — The Heart of PTD Filming
Yongsan is where the BTS connection runs deepest. This is home to Hybe's headquarters, the surrounding streets that appear in multiple BTS videos, and the urban textures that define the Permission to Dance aesthetic.
Stop 1: Hybe Insight & Surroundings (Yongsan)
Hybe Insight — the immersive BTS museum experience at the Hybe building — is the natural starting point. While Permission to Dance wasn't filmed inside the museum, the exterior plaza and surrounding streets are recognizable from behind-the-scenes content and transitional video shots. The wide sidewalks and modern architecture here match the clean, open look of several MV frames.
📍 Address: 42 Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
📍 View on Google Maps
🚇 Getting there: Line 1 or KTX, Yongsan Station Exit 3 (8 min walk)
⏱️ Time needed: 1.5–2 hours (museum) + 30 min (exterior photos)
💴 Admission: ₩22,000 (~$16) for Hybe Insight as of 2026; exterior is free
The plaza area is best photographed in the morning before 11am when the glass facade catches eastern light. I visited at 9:30am on a Wednesday and had the exterior nearly to myself — by noon, tour groups had arrived.
Personally, the museum itself is impressive even if you're not a superfan. The sound rooms and choreography exhibits are genuinely well-designed. But I'll be honest — if you're purely here for PTD filming spots, you can skip the museum and just explore the exterior for free.
Stop 2: Yongsan-gu Side Streets & Mural Walls
Several of the colorful background walls and urban textures in Permission to Dance match the newly redeveloped side streets east of Yongsan Station. The area has been transformed with public art installations and low-rise cafés that echo the video's saturated color palette.
Walk east from the Hybe building along Hangang-daero 21-gil and you'll find the pastel-painted walls and wide low-traffic streets that PTD fans recognize. The specific orange-and-blue wall seen in several fan recreation photos is at the corner of a residential block about 7 minutes on foot from Hybe.
📍 Address: Hangang-daero 21-gil area, Yongsan-gu (no single address — it's a walking zone)
📍 View on Google Maps
🚇 Getting there: Walk from Hybe Insight (7 min)
⏱️ Time needed: 30–45 minutes
💴 Cost: Free
Stop 3: Nodeul Island Area
Nodeul Island, sitting in the middle of the Han River, has a rooftop performance space and open-air terraces that match the wide, elevated shots in Permission to Dance. The rooftop of the Nodeul Island cultural complex gives you that sky-meets-city panorama that BTS danced against.
📍 Address: 445 Nodeul-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (Nodeul Island)
📍 View on Google Maps
🚇 Getting there: Line 9, Nodeul Station Exit 2 (12 min walk across the bridge), or taxi from Yongsan Station (₩6,000 / ~$4.40)
⏱️ Time needed: 1–1.5 hours
💴 Admission: Free (rooftop and terrace access); café and restaurant inside
I stood on the Nodeul rooftop around 5pm and the breeze off the Han River cut right through the June heat — the smell of the river mixed with grilled corn from a snack cart below. It was one of those moments that felt more like a memory than a tourist stop. The light at golden hour is unreal here.
Day 1 Lunch & Coffee Break
After a morning of walking, you'll want to sit down somewhere air-conditioned. Café Mula near Yongsan Station (5 min walk) is a spacious, quiet spot with padded seating and good iced Americanos for ₩5,500 (~$4). For lunch, the Yongsan Shinsegae food court (inside the department store near the station) has sit-down Korean options from ₩12,000–₩18,000 (~$9–$13) with English menus and card payment everywhere.
🇰🇷 Useful Korean — Food & Cafés
- 이거 주세요 (i-geo ju-se-yo) — "This one, please" (point at menu)
- 물 주세요 (mul ju-se-yo) — "Water, please"
- 덜 맵게 해 주세요 (deol maep-ge hae ju-se-yo) — "Less spicy, please"
- 카드 돼요? (ka-deu dwae-yo?) — "Do you accept card?"
Day 2: Jongno, Studio Replicas & the Wider PTD Universe
Day 2 moves north into Jongno-gu and covers the broader PTD-adjacent spots — including studio-set-inspired locations and the cultural landmarks that round out a BTS-themed Seoul trip.
Stop 4: Gwanghwamun Plaza & Surrounding Open Spaces
The wide, flat public plazas in Permission to Dance — where BTS dances in the desert-inspired open sections — were largely filmed on sets. But Gwanghwamun Plaza, freshly renovated and reopened, captures the same expansive, symmetrical feel. It's become a popular spot for ARMY recreation photos because of the unobstructed sightlines and the mountain backdrop of Bugaksan.
📍 Address: 172 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
📍 View on Google Maps
🚇 Getting there: Line 5, Gwanghwamun Station Exit 2 (immediate)
⏱️ Time needed: 45 min–1 hour
💴 Cost: Free
Gwanghwamun Plaza is one of Seoul's most photographed spots in 2026. The morning light between 7:00–8:30am is when the plaza is nearly empty and the sun hits the Gwanghwamun Gate perfectly. By 10am, it's a sea of tour groups.
Stop 5: Ihwa Mural Village
While not a direct PTD filming location, Ihwa Mural Village in Jongno-gu has become an unofficial BTS pilgrimage stop because its colorful walls and staircase art mirror the video's visual language so closely. Many ARMY visit here to recreate the pastel-colored scenes from the MV.
📍 Address: Ihwa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Ihwa Mural Village)
📍 View on Google Maps
🚇 Getting there: Line 4, Hyehwa Station Exit 2 (10 min uphill walk)
⏱️ Time needed: 1–1.5 hours
💴 Cost: Free
The village is a residential area, so keep your voice down and don't block doorways for photos. Some murals have been removed over the years because residents grew frustrated with tourist noise. Respect the neighborhood — it's someone's home.
Stop 6: The Laundromat Aesthetic — Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu
The laundromat scene in Permission to Dance was filmed on a constructed set, but the aesthetic has been replicated by several laundromat-themed cafés in Seoul's Mapo-gu area. Laundry Project in Seogyo-dong (near Hongdae) is the most photogenic and has become a known ARMY meetup spot. The interior features working vintage washers, neon signage, and the exact pastel-and-chrome look from the video.
📍 Address: 32-15 Wausan-ro 29-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (Laundry Project — confirm current status before visiting)
📍 View on Google Maps
🚇 Getting there: Line 2, Hongik University Station Exit 9 (6 min walk)
⏱️ Time needed: 30–45 minutes
💴 Cost: Free entry; drinks from ₩5,000 (~$3.60)
🏡 If you're basing yourself here for a few nights, Agoda tends to have the best rates for Korean guesthouses and business hotels — filter by 'free cancellation' to keep flexibility.
The Honest Downside — What Wasn't Worth the Hype
I want to be straight with you. Not every "PTD filming location" list you'll find online is accurate. Several blogs list generic Seoul landmarks and loosely claim they're connected to the video when they're not. Here's what I found disappointing:
The desert/open field scenes don't exist in Seoul. These were filmed on studio sets. If anyone tells you there's a real outdoor desert location in Korea from this video, they're wrong. Don't waste a half-day chasing something that isn't there.
Some spots are just… walls. The Yongsan side street murals are genuinely fun if you enjoy photography and architecture. But if you're expecting a dramatic, recognizable set piece, a painted wall on a residential street can feel anticlimactic. Manage your expectations — the magic was in the lighting, the choreography, and the post-production, not in the physical location.
The heat in June is serious. I underestimated how draining it would be to walk between outdoor locations in 31°C heat with 75% humidity. My shirt was soaked by noon both days. If you're in your 40s, 50s, or 60s and not accustomed to subtropical summers, build in air-conditioned breaks every 90 minutes or you'll hit a wall.
How Much Does a BTS Filming Location Trip Cost in 2026?
Here's exactly what I spent over two days visiting all the locations in this guide, traveling as a couple.
| Item | Detail | KRW | USD (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport | T-money card + top-up (2 days) | ₩25,000 | ~$18 |
| Transport | 2 taxi rides (Nodeul + Ihwa) | ₩11,000 | ~$8 |
| Hybe Insight | 1 ticket | ₩22,000 | ~$16 |
| Food | Day 1 lunch + coffee | ₩22,000 | ~$16 |
| Food | Day 1 dinner (Korean BBQ near Yongsan) | ₩38,000 | ~$28 |
| Food | Day 2 lunch + coffee | ₩20,000 | ~$15 |
| Food | Day 2 dinner (Hongdae area) | ₩32,000 | ~$23 |
| Drinks / snacks | Convenience store water, ice cream | ₩8,000 | ~$6 |
| Accommodation | Mid-range hotel near Yongsan (1 night) | ₩130,000 | ~$95 |
| Total | Per person, 2D1N | ₩308,000 | ~$225 |
Budget Tier Breakdown (Per Person, Per Day — 2026)
| Comfortable | Premium | Splurge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per day | ₩100K–150K (~$73–110) | ₩200K–350K (~$145–255) | ₩450K+ (~$330+) |
| Stay | Clean business hotel / Airbnb | 4-star hotel (Yongsan, Myeongdong) | Boutique hotel / JW Marriott |
| Food | Cafeteria + café + convenience store | Sit-down restaurants + cocktail bar | Fine dining + rooftop bar |
| Transport | Metro only | Metro + occasional taxi | Private car / taxi everywhere |
How Long Do You Need for the PTD Locations?
Two full days is the sweet spot for a comfortable, unhurried visit to all six locations in this guide. You could compress it into one very long day if you start at 8am and skip the museum, but I wouldn't recommend it — especially in summer. The heat alone will slow you down, and rushing between sites strips the enjoyment.
If you only have a half-day, prioritize Hybe Insight exterior + Nodeul Island + Gwanghwamun Plaza. These three give you the strongest visual connection to the video and are all reachable within a 40-minute metro radius.
Practical Tips & Warnings for Summer 2026
1. Hydration is non-negotiable. Seoul in June averages 28–32°C with humidity above 70%. Every convenience store (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven) sells water for ₩800–₩1,000. Buy a bottle at every stop. I'm not exaggerating — I went through six bottles on Day 1.
2. Carry a portable fan. Every Korean you see will have a small USB rechargeable fan clipped to their bag or neck. Pick one up at Daiso (₩3,000–₩5,000 / ~$2.20–$3.60) near any major station. It's a game-changer.
3. Download Naver Map, not just Google Maps. Google Maps works in Korea but is often inaccurate for walking directions and bus routes. Naver Map (available in English) is what locals use and it's dramatically more accurate for transit times. As of 2026, it also shows real-time subway congestion.
4. Card payments work almost everywhere. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at all cafés, restaurants, and convenience stores mentioned in this guide. The only exception: some street food vendors at traditional markets may be cash-only. Carry ₩20,000 in cash as backup.
5. Respect residential areas. Ihwa Mural Village and the Yongsan side streets are neighborhoods where people live. Don't shout, don't play music from speakers, don't sit on private steps. Residents have actively campaigned to remove murals because of tourist behavior. Be the visitor who proves them wrong.
6. Sunscreen and hats are essential. The rooftop at Nodeul Island and the open plaza at Gwanghwamun have zero shade. Apply SPF 50 before you leave your hotel and reapply at lunch. Korean pharmacies (약국, yak-guk) sell excellent sunscreen for ₩8,000–₩15,000.
7. The last entry at Hybe Insight is 7:00pm — not 8pm as some older blog posts state. As of 2026, hours are 10:30am–7:30pm (last entry 7:00pm), closed Mondays. Confirm on the Hybe Insight app before visiting.
🇰🇷 Useful Korean — At Cultural Sites
- 안녕하세요 (an-nyeong-ha-se-yo) — "Hello / Good day"
- 사진 찍어도 돼요? (sa-jin jji-geo-do dwae-yo?) — "May I take a photo?"
- 죄송합니다 (joe-song-ham-ni-da) — "I'm sorry / Excuse me"
- 괜찮아요 (gwaen-cha-na-yo) — "It's okay / No problem"
Is Visiting BTS Filming Locations Worth It If You're Not a Superfan?
Yes — but with a caveat. The locations themselves are genuinely interesting parts of Seoul that most tourists skip. Nodeul Island alone is worth the trip for the river views. Hybe Insight is a well-designed museum even if you can only name three BTS songs. And the Yongsan neighborhood is rapidly becoming one of Seoul's most exciting areas for food and architecture.
The caveat: if you expect to stand on the exact spot where Jungkook danced and feel the earth move, you'll be disappointed. Many scenes were studio sets. The real outdoor locations are beautiful but understated. The value is in using the BTS connection as a lens to explore Seoul differently — not as a shrine to visit.
For couples or friends in their 40s–60s who want a themed day that's more interesting than another temple visit, this itinerary delivers. It's walkable (with taxi shortcuts), the food options are excellent, and you'll see parts of Seoul that the standard "Top 10" guides ignore.
✅ Trip Checklist
- [ ] Book Hybe Insight tickets 2–3 weeks in advance via the official app
- [ ] Download Naver Map (English version) for accurate Seoul transit directions
- [ ] Buy a T-money card at the airport or any convenience store (₩4,000 deposit)
- [ ] Load ₩20,000–₩30,000 onto T-money for two days of metro + bus
- [ ] Carry ₩20,000 cash as backup for small vendors
- [ ] Pack sunscreen (SPF 50), a hat, and a refillable water bottle
- [ ] Buy a portable USB fan at Daiso (₩3,000–₩5,000)
- [ ] Save screenshots of specific MV frames on your phone for angle-matching at each location
- [ ] Charge your phone fully — you'll use maps, camera, and translation apps all day
- [ ] Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip (some streets are steep, Ihwa Village especially)
FAQ
Q: Were all the Permission to Dance scenes filmed in Seoul?
A: No. The desert and wide-open field scenes were filmed on constructed studio sets. The identifiable outdoor locations — Hybe exterior area, Nodeul Island vicinity, and various urban streets — are in Seoul's Yongsan and Jongno districts.
Q: Do I need to buy tickets in advance for any of these locations?
A: Only for Hybe Insight, which requires advance booking (₩22,000 per ticket as of 2026). All other locations in this guide — Nodeul Island, Gwanghwamun Plaza, Ihwa Mural Village, the Yongsan side streets — are free and open to the public.
Q: Is this trip doable with limited mobility or knee problems?
A: Mostly yes. Gwanghwamun Plaza, Hybe exterior, and Nodeul Island are flat and accessible. Ihwa Mural Village involves steep hills and stairs — take a taxi to the top and walk downhill, or skip it entirely. Summer heat is the bigger physical challenge.
Q: Can I visit all locations in one day?
A: Technically yes, but I wouldn't recommend it in summer. The heat and humidity in June make continuous outdoor walking exhausting. Two relaxed days with air-conditioned breaks is far more enjoyable, especially for travelers over 40.
Q: Is there English signage at these locations?
A: Hybe Insight has full English support. Gwanghwamun Plaza has English signs. Nodeul Island has partial English. Ihwa Village and Yongsan side streets have minimal English — this is where Naver Map and a translation app (Papago is the best for Korean) become essential.
Q: What's the best season to visit these spots?
A: Autumn (September–November) offers the most comfortable walking weather. Summer (June–August) matches the video's seasonal mood and has the longest daylight hours, but the heat is intense. Avoid winter for rooftop locations — the wind is brutal.
Q: Are there BTS-themed cafés or shops near these locations?
A: Yes. The Yongsan and Hongdae areas have several BTS-themed or K-pop merchandise shops. The most established is the Hybe Merch store inside the Hybe building. Independent K-pop shops in Hongdae sell unofficial PTD merchandise. Prices range from ₩5,000–₩50,000 (~$3.60–$36) depending on the item.
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