Chasing Flavors: A BTS Foodie Pilgrimage in South Korea
As a devoted BTS fan, I embarked on a solo pilgrimage to South Korea to celebrate the band's 10-year anniversary during Festa. Despite BTS being on hiatus, ARMYs like me flocked to various BTS-related sites in South Korea to feel closer to our beloved Bangtan Boys. The journey was filled with encounters with fellow ARMYs from around the world and visits to iconic locations associated with BTS, including their old dorm, talent company headquarters, and filming sites for their reality series. Of course, indulging in BTS-inspired food experiences was a highlight of my trip.
My first stop was Magnate, Jimin's dad's café in Busan, where I enjoyed a delightful meal surrounded by messages from ARMYs to Jimin and BTS. The café's elegant design and cozy ambiance made it a perfect spot to savor a grape-blueberry pastry, a ham and cheese sandwich, and a peach ice tea. The flavors were subtle yet satisfying, setting the tone for a fantastic day in Busan.
In Seoul, I visited Yoojung Sikdang, a restaurant frequented by BTS during their trainee days. The purple rice bibimbap with pork served in a hot stone pot was a flavorful delight, accompanied by a savory soup that complemented the dish perfectly. The affordable price and BTS-themed decor added to the overall experience, making it a must-visit for any ARMY looking to dine like BTS.
Exploring BTS' old dorm site led me to a café where I enjoyed a sausage roll, a chocolate chip cookie, and a yuzu iced tea in Jin and Suga's old room. The flavors were exceptional, and the atmosphere, adorned with Post-It notes and a shrine to J-Hope, added to the nostalgia of the visit. Despite a disappointment at Jin's brother's shabu shabu restaurant being closed, I continued my BTS foodie journey.
One of the highlights was trying the Kekeke fried chicken from 60 Gye Chicken, a restaurant favored by Jungkook. Ordering takeout for dinner, I savored the crispy chicken pieces over two meals, savoring the delicious flavors that Jungkook himself enjoyed. The experience was a fitting end to my BTS food pilgrimage in South Korea.
In conclusion, my BTS foodie pilgrimage in South Korea was a memorable and fulfilling experience, allowing me to connect with fellow ARMYs and indulge in delicious meals inspired by the Bangtan Boys. Despite the band's hiatus, the spirit of BTS was alive in every bite, making it a journey I will cherish forever.