K-pop boyband Tour of Jimin’s Memory

If you’re a BTS fan curious about Jimin’s roots, or simply interested in experiencing Busan beyond its famous beaches and markets, the K-pop Boyband Tour of Jimin’s Memory offers a unique peek into his early life. This 8-hour journey takes you through the places that shaped him—far from the spotlight—complemented by stories that fans and newcomers alike will find engaging.

What makes this tour appealing? First, you get to visit Jimin’s elementary and middle schools, connecting with the humble beginnings of a global superstar. Second, the experience is filled with local flavor, from his favorite restaurant to a family-run cafe. Third, the scenic stops like Oryukdo Skywalk offer stunning views and perfect photo opportunities. That said, the tour’s focus on Jimin’s childhood may feel a bit niche if you’re not a dedicated K-pop fan, and the pace might be a tad brisk for some. Still, if you’re eager to explore Busan with a personal twist, this is a distinctive choice.

Key Points

• Authentic Local Experience: Visit personal sites and eateries linked to Jimin’s upbringing.
• Engaging Stories: Guides share lesser-known anecdotes that deepen your understanding of his early life.
• Scenic Highlights: Enjoy picturesque locations like Oryukdo Island and a popular photo zone.
• Convenient and Comfortable: The tour includes transportation, lunch, and an easy-to-follow itinerary.
• Value for Fans: For under $110, get a personalized journey with rich storytelling.
• Limited Group Size: Max 40 travelers, making it intimate enough to ask questions and engage.

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Visiting Jimin’s Elementary School: Hoedongmaru

Our journey begins at Hoedong Elementary School, which holds sentimental value as Jimin’s alma mater. Although the school closed in 2018, it has been transformed into Hoedongmaru, an educational experience space. This move from a traditional school to a space dedicated to learning and remembrance is quite meaningful; it offers a glimpse into Jimin’s childhood environment, which many fans find touching.

Expect about an hour here, during which your guide will share stories about Jimin’s early years and how his school life influenced his later pursuits. The admission is free, but the emotional connection is priceless—standing on the very grounds where Jimin once played, you can imagine the youthful dreams that would eventually bring him onto global stages.

Yunsan Middle School: A Quiet Resting Spot

Next, you’ll visit Yunsan Middle School, another of Jimin’s educational landmarks now repurposed as the Busan Forest Center. This site isn’t a bustling school anymore; rather, it’s a tranquil space for residents to enjoy nature and recreational activities. It’s a quiet spot where the past meets peace, and the guide will tell stories about Jimin’s time here and how this environment might have nurtured his early passion for dance and music.

Since it’s used as a community space with various experience programs, it’s a laid-back stop, offering a serene contrast to the busy city. Expect about an hour, with free admission, and a chance to reflect on how these humble beginnings helped shape his resilient personality.

Busan Arts High School: A Dream Begins

On to Busan Arts High School, where Jimin’s dreams of blending dance and music took shape. Visiting this high school is quite inspiring. The guide will recount how Jimin envisioned his future here, aspiring to become a performer. The campus itself may not be grand, but its significance is immense for fans—a pilgrimage to the place where his ambitions first took form.

This stop allows about an hour, giving you a chance to see the environment that fostered his artistic development. Walking around, you might imagine him practicing tirelessly, dreaming of one day performing on stages worldwide.

Yongmungak: Jimin’s Favorite Restaurant

No journey about Jimin is complete without sampling Yongmungak, a Chinese restaurant open for over 30 years and a favorite of his since childhood. Known for its traditional dishes, this spot offers a delicious taste of local cuisine. Here, you can indulge in Jimin’s favorite dishes, making this meal a highlight for food lovers.

Spending about 1.5 hours, this stop offers a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy authentic flavors. The connection to Jimin’s personal tastes adds an intimate touch to the experience—it’s not just sightseeing but also tasting parts of his daily life.

Oryukdo Skywalk: Scenic Views and BTS Photo Zone

After a hearty lunch, the tour proceeds to Oryukdo Island, famous for its striking rock formations and sweeping ocean views. Recently, it gained additional fame thanks to a BTS Jimin photo zone—a dedicated spot where fans can capture moments with the backdrop of his favorite scenic location.

This stop lasts about an hour, offering stunning photo opportunities. Whether you’re a photogenic traveler or just want to enjoy the natural beauty, Oryukdo provides a memorable setting. The photo zone makes it perfect for social media, but even without a camera, the view alone is worth the visit.

ZM-ILLENNIAL: Jimin’s Family-Run Cafe

Next, you’ll visit ZM-ILLENNIAL, a cafe run by Jimin’s family. This cozy spot has a warm, welcoming atmosphere, and you can listen to BTS music while soaking in the ambiance. It’s a newer attraction, but one that fans find especially meaningful as it offers a glimpse into Jimin’s family environment.

Spending about 1.5 hours here, you can enjoy a drink, connect with the vibe of Jimin’s home life, and appreciate how his roots continue to influence his journey. It’s a personal touch that elevates this tour beyond just sightseeing.

JD Dance Institute: Dreaming of Stardom

The final stop is JD Dance Institute, where Jimin practiced dance and singing in his youth. Although the visit is for watching only, it’s a nostalgic look into his early training ground. For fans, seeing where he honed his skills adds a sense of authenticity and inspiration.

This segment lasts one hour, and while you won’t get a guided tour inside, the significance of the place makes it a worthwhile, reflective conclusion to the day.

Practical Considerations and Value

The tour’s price of $106.05 per person includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a guide, admission fees, and lunch. This all-in-one package offers good value, especially considering the personalized storytelling aspect. The guide, whose storytelling is praised in reviews, enriches the experience with insights and little-known facts about Jimin’s childhood.

The tour is designed for those with moderate physical fitness, as some stops involve walking and standing. While the itinerary is packed into about 8 hours, the pace is generally manageable, with plenty of opportunities to rest, take photos, and enjoy the scenery.

The maximum group size of 40 travelers strikes a balance between intimacy and social atmosphere. The meeting point at LOTTE Department Store in Busan is conveniently located near public transportation, making it accessible for most travelers.

What to Expect

Expect a full day of cultural discovery, local flavors, and scenic vistas—all woven with stories about Jimin’s early life. The focus on lesser-known sites means you’ll skip tourist-heavy spots, gaining a more authentic view of Busan’s everyday charm. The inclusion of a local restaurant and cafe adds personal touches that fans and curious visitors will appreciate.

Potential Drawbacks

Since the tour centers on Jimin’s childhood, it might feel somewhat niche if you’re not a BTS or K-pop enthusiast. The stops are curated to highlight his early life, not major tourist attractions, so travelers seeking iconic Busan sites might want to supplement this tour with others. Also, the pace can be brisk if you want to linger at each location.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience appeals most to dedicated BTS fans, especially those interested in Jimin’s personal background. It’s also suitable for travelers eager to see authentic local spots linked to a global star but who appreciate storytelling and scenic environments. If you’re looking for an educational, heartfelt journey into Jimin’s formative years, this tour offers a meaningful and engaging way to spend a day in Busan.

The Sum Up

The K-pop Boyband Tour of Jimin’s Memory is a thoughtfully curated journey that blends personal storytelling, scenic spots, and local culture. It’s ideal for fans wanting a deeper connection to Jimin’s roots or travelers seeking a meaningful and authentic way to explore Busan. The tour’s inclusion of iconic childhood sites, combined with stunning vistas like Oryukdo, makes for a memorable experience—one that celebrates humble beginnings and future dreams.

While the focus on Jimin’s early life may not satisfy everyone, fans will find it a touching tribute, and non-fans might discover a charming side of Busan they wouldn’t encounter otherwise. Overall, it offers good value, personalized insights, and a chance to see a different facet of South Korea through the eyes of an artist’s journey.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the tour is suitable for most ages, but travelers should have moderate physical fitness as some walking and standing are involved.

Does the tour include entrance fees?
Yes, all entrance fees are included in the price, covering stops like Hoedongmaru, Yunsan Middle School, and others.

What is the meeting point?
You will meet at the LOTTE Department Store in Busan, which is conveniently accessible by public transportation.

How long is each stop?
Most stops are about an hour, with the restaurant and cafe slightly longer at around 1.5 hours each for a relaxed experience.

Are there opportunities for photos?
Absolutely—especially at Oryukdo Skywalk and the BTS photo zone—these spots are popular for capturing memories.

Can I customize the experience?
This is a group tour with a set itinerary, so customization isn’t available, but the guide’s storytelling adds a personal touch.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera or smartphone for photos, and some cash for personal expenses or additional snacks are recommended.

This detailed look at the Jimin Memory Tour should help fans and curious travelers decide if it’s the right fit for their Busan adventure. It’s a meaningful way to connect with the story of a young boy from Busan who became a global icon.