The global fanbase of BTS, known as ARMY, is undertaking extensive international travel to attend upcoming concerts, transforming concert attendance into significant travel events. Fans are planning multi-week trips, incorporating cultural experiences and themed itineraries around the performances, demonstrating a dedicated level of commitment to the group and its associated content.
The motivation behind this travel surge extends beyond simple admiration for the K-pop group. Coco, a BTS fan, explained that her interest in the group began after a friend found comfort in their music during a hard time. “It made me decide to capture a closer listen, having heard a couple of their songs previously,” Coco said. “I took the time to listen to their discography and realised their lyricism and storytelling was beautiful and their songs for their fans were so heartfelt…It was so incredibly fun, and it had been a long time since a music group really enlivened and inspired me.”
Another fan, Lee-Zhang, highlighted the artistry and dedication inherent in BTS’s performances. She expressed being “very impressed by people who really put a lot of effort into their work and those who hone their craft.” Lee-Zhang described BTS as “incredible” on stage, noting the “amount of physical discipline and training you have to do to [sing and dance simultaneously on stage]. And then they’re writing songs too.”
For many fans, the concerts serve as anchors for broader travel plans. Zhang is planning a two-week trip to London and Paris, framing the concerts as the centerpiece of a larger vacation. “For London and Paris, it will be a two-week trip where we’re likely to explore local attractions, catch some shows and musicals and if possible, other concerts happening that period,” she stated.
Fans are also creating itineraries inspired by BTS content. Coco intends to visit Jeju Island as part of her trip to Busan, referencing locations featured in the Disney+ reality series Are You Sure?!, where BTS members Jimin and Jungkook visited. In Europe, fans are embracing “Namjooning” – a practice inspired by BTS leader RM, involving visits to museums and immersion in nature.
The phenomenon of “Travelling ARMYs” extends to shows around the world, as reported by CNA Lifestyle, highlighting the global reach and dedicated following of the group.
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