BTS, the K-pop juggernaut, has captivated audiences worldwide with hits like “Run BTS”, “Blood Sweat & Tears”, “Save Me”, and “Spring Day” since 2013. While the boyband takes a break to complete their mandatory military service before returning in June 2025, their dedicated fans (ARMY) remain curious about the lives of their favourite members. Jin, the eldest member, recently made history as the first Korean artist to carry the Olympic Torch, further solidifying his global icon status. Let’s explore Gwacheon, South Korea, the city where BTS’ Jin spent his formative years, and discover the place that helped shape this musical powerhouse.
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Kim Seok-jin, or Jin as his fans lovingly call him, is the eldest member of BTS. Renowned for his soaring vocals, Jin has captivated audiences with record-breaking solo tracks like “Awake”, “Epiphany”, “Tonight” and “The Astronaut”. Born in Anyang, Gyeonggi-do, Jin’s formative years were spent in Gwacheon, a city that nurtured his musical talents and influenced his future path to stardom in Seoul.
Jin, the first to join South Korea’s mandatory military service when the boyband took a break in 2022, returned with a bang as his service ended on June 11, 2024.
Seoul, South Korea’s capital, seamlessly blends the modern with the traditional through its skyscrapers like the Lotte World Tower, and ancient palaces like the Gyeongbokgung Palace. Navigate the capital like a pro with our guide to the top free things to do in Seoul.
Just 20 minutes from Seoul, Gwacheon is a small residential town in the Gyeonggi Province of South Korea, offering a delightful escape from the bustling capital city. Popular for hosting several cultural attractions, Gwacheon is perfect for a day trip away from the capital’s metropolitan energy. Here’s our selection of the top things to do in Gwacheon:
Also known as the Seoul Racecourse Park, this iconic race track played host to the 1986 Asian Games and the 1988 Seoul Olympics. You can find the most thoroughbred Korean horses racing for glory at the Korean Derby and the Grand Prix. The park has two grandstands, two sand race tracks, two stable areas to accommodate 1,300 horses, a family park and the Equine Museum. The museum portrays horses’ history and role through the Three Kingdoms, the Goryo Dynasty, the Chosun Dynasty and beyond.
Address: 107 Gyeongmagongwon-daero, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.
How to reach: Seoul’s subway line 4 has the Seoul Racecourse Park Station.
Timing: 9 am to 6 pm
Entry: Tickets start from KRW 2,000.
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Escape to Seoul Land to spend a fun day riding roller coasters and playing arcade games. As the first theme park in South Korea, Seoul Land continues to be an adventure haven for people of all ages. The park is divided into five themed spaces — World Plaza, Adventure Land, Character Town, Tomorrow Land, and Samchulli Land — promising thrilling rides and entertaining live shows.
Address: 181 Gwangmyeong-ro, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.
How to reach: Seoul’s subway line 4 has Grand Park and Seoul Land station.
Timings: 10 am to 7 pm
Entry: Tickets start from KRW 52,000
Reconnect with nature and familiarise yourself with the fauna and flora of Seoul and Gwacheon at the Seoul Grand Park, also home to the Seoul Zoo, the Botanical Garden, and the Healing Forest.
Step into Seoul Zoo, the nation’s first, for a fascinating journey through animal habitats and creatures like lions, elephants, giraffes and rare Western lowland gorillas. Enhance your visit with curated tours designed for an immersive and educational experience. Additionally, insightful ecology lectures spark children’s curiosity and foster a deeper understanding of wildlife conservation.
The Grand Park Botanical Garden, Seoul’s first public arboretum, exhibits 1,567 plant species, including orchids, maple plants, cacti, and more. The garden also hosts the biggest rose festivals in Seoul, boasting 79 unique rose varieties and 38,000 blooms.
The Seoul Grand Park also offers unique experiences like forest bathing and forest healing in the serene natural forests of Mt. Cheonggye. For a truly immersive adventure, pitch a tent at the park’s campsite and spend a night in the heart of Cheonggyesan Valley.
Address: 102 Daegongwongwangjang-ro, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.
How to reach: Seoul’s subway line 4 has the Grand Park Station.
Timings: 9 am to 7 pm
Entry: Starting from KRW 5,000
Spend the day learning about groundbreaking scientific innovations throughout history at the Gwacheon National Science Museum. The museum has the following exhibitions: Science Exploration, Natural History, Korea Science Civilisation Hall, Advanced Technology, Science Future & Fiction, Astronomical Space, Cyber Gallery and Insectarium.
Address: 110 Sanghabeol-ro, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.
How to reach: Seoul’s subway line 4 has the Grand Park Station, and the museum is 10 minutes from there by foot.
Timings: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm (Monday closed)
Entry: Starting from KRW 4,000
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South Korea boasts four National Museums of Modern and Contemporary Art – in Gwacheon, Deoksugung, Seoul, and Cheongju. The Gwacheon Museum is set against the backdrop of Cheonggyesan Mountain and houses the best of modern and contemporary Korean art. Check their website before visiting to learn about the current exhibitions on display at the museum.
Address: 313 Gwangmyeong-ro, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.
How to reach: Seoul’s subway line 4 has the Grand Park Station, and the museum is a 20-minute from there.
Timings: 10 am to 6 pm (Monday closed)
Entry: Starting from KRW 2,000
Originally a vital trade route connecting Gwacheon and Pyeongtaek, the historic 8.7-kilometre-long Gwacheon hiking trail showcases historic sites and tourist attractions like Namtaeryeong Pyoseok, Ononsa Guesthouse, Gwacheon Hyanggyo Entrance, Gaza Well and Indeogwon Historic Site. The hiking trail can be covered in two hours and 30 minutes.
How to reach: Seoul’s subway line 4 has the Namtaeryeong station, an 11-minute walk from Namtaeryeong Pyoseok.
Gwacheon boasts two beautiful mountains, each offering unique experiences for outdoor adventurers in the form of hikes, treks and climbs. Steeped in cultural significance, the Gwanaksan inspires awe with its breathtaking panoramas and rich history. Hike to the summit and discover Yeonjudae Temple, a serene haven offering a glimpse into Korean Buddhist traditions. Gwacheon sits at the foot of Mount Cheonggyesan, also home to iconic tourist attractions like Seoul Grand Park, Seoul Land, the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, the Gwacheon National Science Museum, and the Gwacheon Racecourse Park. Adventurers can climb the two mountains and enjoy the panoramic views of the scenic valley.
How to reach: Seoul’s subway line 4 has the Gwacheon Station, closest to the two mountains.
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(Currency conversions were done at the time of writing.)
(Feature image credit: @Olympic/X )
This story first appeared on Travel+Leisure Asia India.
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