Busan Unites: Temples, Churches, and Citizens Prepare for BTS' Homecoming Concerts

BUSAN -- With BTS set to perform at Busan Asiad Main Stadium on June 12 and 13, South Korea's second-largest city is preparing for what officials expect will be an influx of roughly 100,000 visitors from around the world. The effort is part of "BTS The City Arirang," a citywide tourism initiative running from June 5 to 21 that includes exhibitions, fan experiences, cultural programs and special events across Busan.

"We are turning the entire city into a festival," Kim Dong-hoon, director of the Tourism Policy Division at Busan Metropolitan City, told The Korea Herald.

The preparations go beyond a typical concert weekend. These performances coincide with BTS' anniversary celebrations and are met with immense global demand following the group's reunion after military service. Previous BTS-related events have garnered significant international media attention, with fan discussions online dominated by overseas ticket demand.

For Busan, this event is a prime opportunity to showcase the city's appeal beyond the concert itself. "We hope visitors leave with good memories of Busan and see it as a city they would like to visit again," Kim added.

The excitement, however, has been tempered by challenges. Following the concert announcement, Busan faced criticism for sharply inflated accommodation prices, with some listings appearing online at drastically higher rates. This controversy sparked national conversations about tourism pricing and Busan's image among international visitors.

"We had been following the news for months about lodging establishments charging 10 to 50 times the usual rate," said Ven. Jang San, a monk overseeing the templestay program at Beomeosa, a historic Buddhist temple. "It even got to the point where some fans were saying they wouldn't spend a single dime in the city." Troubled by the potential for a negative visitor experience, Ven. Jang San expressed a personal desire for international fans to have a positive encounter in Korea, especially in Busan.

In response, Beomeosa offered free temple stay accommodations for international fans, providing lodging for about 20 guests per night. This initiative inspired a broader citywide effort, with other temples, churches, universities, public institutions, and civic organizations stepping forward to provide affordable lodging through Busan's "Fair Accommodation" campaign.

"Korea has become a very capitalist country now where a lot of emphasis is put on money and personal wealth," Ven. Jang San observed. "But Korean people still have this sense of unity to gather and work together in times of need, especially if it's for the greater good." Kim, the Busan official, described this response as a "ripple effect," attributing it to the "Busan spirit" – a mentality of "Let's give it a shot" and a drive to do things properly when committed, which he believes spread positive energy throughout the city.

The ultimate goal for both the city and the temple is simple: "We hope they remember Beomeosa and Busan as a warm place where they are always welcome," Ven. Jang San stated.

A significant part of the enthusiasm stems from Busan's special connection to BTS. Two members, Jimin and Jungkook, were born and raised in the city, and their local roots are a source of immense pride. Fans often visit places associated with their childhoods, and Jimin's father's cafe, Z-Millennial (formerly Magnate), has become a popular destination.

"I think that's a very significant factor," Kim said. "Many people in Busan feel a sense of pride because Jimin and Jungkook are from here." This sentiment highlights that for many residents, BTS represents not just a global phenomenon but a cherished local success story.

However, the scale of event preparations has also ignited debate. Public-sector employees and labor unions questioned the allocation of municipal resources and employee time to a privately organized event. In response, the city transitioned to a voluntary participation system, emphasizing the necessity of extensive coordination for public safety around venues and transportation hubs.

By Tuesday, 390 city employees had volunteered to support operations near the concert venue, focusing on traffic control, crowd management, and safety measures in high-traffic areas.

Busan, already a top tourist destination, welcomed 2.93 million foreign visitors in 2024 and 3.64 million in 2025, marking a significant increase. Leading up to the concerts, organizers across the city adapted their plans with BTS fans in mind.

At Beomeosa, monks considered adding purple accents to the temple grounds. The Welcome Center near Busan Station, a key project in the city's BTS tourism campaign, featured "Random Play" dance events, K-beauty experiences, photo booths, multilingual assistance, and a citywide stamp rally designed to encourage exploration beyond the concert venue. These adjustments reflect a concerted effort to ensure the city and the concert complement each other.

Other city initiatives include a "Love Song Lounge" on Haeundae Beach, adaptations to the annual Port Village cultural event, and special content at The Bay 101. Gwangalli Beach will host a lighting show on the Gwangan Bridge and a drone show, linked to the Gwangalli Eobang Festival.

Beomeosa's preparations also cater to concertgoers' schedules. Ven. Jang San mentioned discussions about additional lighting for safe return after concerts and tailoring programs and meals for international guests. The templestay program, typically not hosting guests at night, is adapting for fans returning late.

While Busan traditionally attracts visitors from Taiwan, China, Japan, the U.S., and Vietnam, the BTS concerts are expected to draw a more diverse global audience. Templestay participants at Beomeosa alone come from countries like Peru, Mongolia, Poland, and the Philippines, with ages ranging from their 20s to 60s.

After months of planning and public discussion, Busan's preparations are coming to fruition. Organizers are eager to welcome visitors worldwide. "A handful of accommodation providers seeking excessive profits can end up damaging the image of the entire city," city official Kim stated. "But Busan is full of kind people, honest business owners, and great food. I hope visitors put those concerns aside, come stay with us and enjoy everything the city has to offer."