It’s a country where the old and new are intertwined. It’s a country of contrasts but this is what makes it so captivating.

The first stop on my itinerary will be in Seoul. I'll be experiencing the hustle & bustle here for 3 days after heading to Busan, where I'll stay for the rest of the trip. It is more laid-back, everything happens at a slower pace there. And as you know, I'm an ARMY so prepare to see some destinations with BTS's traces =)  
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Day 1

3:00 a.m. - 5:00 a.m.: Prepare and pack things up, check-in at the airport
5:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.: Fly to Seoul from Hanoi. Here I come, Seoul!
9:00 a.m - 12:00 p.m: Eat at the airport & check-in/rest at the hotel (Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun)
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m: Explore the Hongdae neighborhood. Hongdae is the heart and soul of Seoul, and there are hundreds of cafes, clubs, gaming centers, and live performances there. This hip place is full of youngsters in search of fun. Must not forget to try the 34-cm tall ice cream, go karaoke, and admire the K-pop performers.
2:30 p.m - 4:00 p.m.: Visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace, the biggest and most impressive out of all the palaces in Seoul. Gotta get my camera ready and explore the courtyards and admire its beautiful architecture. Some of the locals and tourists alike are dressed in beautiful traditional Korean dresses called "hanbok". Maybe I'd also rent one to immerse myself in this local culture.
4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.: Have a panorama view of Seoul through the observatory on top of the Namsan Seoul Tower. It also has several free viewing platforms, restaurants, and a few museums. The best time to visit is at sunset so that's why I plan to visit it in the evening. Seeing the whole city up high is a truly unique experience.
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.: Enjoy my dinner in Yoojung Sikdang. It is the restaurant that cared for the members of BTS during their hard days as K-pop rookies. It is located near the dance studio at which they had their practice sessions. I'm gonna order the grilled black pork belly with gojuchang (chili paste) sauce and dolsot (hot stone pot) bibimbap cuz that's what BTS usually have for their dinners a decade ago. 
7:00 p.m: Get back to the hotel and take a shower & rest after a tiring day of trolling around Seoul. 

Day 2

7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.: Wake up & do personal hygiene & have breakfast at the hotel
8:15 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.: Sipping my beverage, munching on snacks, and buying (or just looking at) the cutesy souvenirs in BT21 – LINE Friends Cafe & Store. It is a theme cafe + merchandise store that adds charms and cuteness to the famous Garosugil street. BTS is the first artist to join the ‘FRIENDS CREATORS’ Project as they have a strong influence on the world, and are great storytellers of our time.
9:45 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.: Visit the old studio HYBE (Big Hit Entertainment), where the amazing journey of BTS began =)). While Big Hit has moved into a much bigger, more official space now, the original location is where it all began. It is where BTS started their incredible journey with blood, sweat, and tears U_U. There are ARMYs from all over the world who have written messages on the walls there. 
11:00 a.m - 12:30 p.m.: Gobble down homemade pizzas in Laundry Pizza. This restaurant has a notable design, featuring walls decorated with washing machine doors of retro colors giving a very cozy and vintage vibe that visitors can soak their eyes in while enjoying crunchy pizza slices with a variety of toppings. Laundry Pizza is also a famous filming location for K-Pop MVs and magazine shoots. BTS's famous album "Love Yourself: Her"'s photoshoot was taken here.
-Relax for a while before continuing my trip-
2:00 p.m - 3:30 p.m.: Explore Bukchon Hanok Village. This traditional village with traditional homes is a glimpse into Seoul’s past. Since there is no entrance fee to this village so tourists can wander around and admire it for as long as they want. 
4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.:  Wander along the K-Star Road and take photos with Korean idols' "Gangnamdols". "Gangnamdols" are 3-meter-tall sculptures with symbolic images of the famous K-pop groups printed on the human-scale bear doll. Fans of BTS or Girls' Generation can find their idols' "Gangnamdols" there.
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.: Does “Oppa Gangnam Style” sound familiar to you? Well, the song is about one of the neighborhoods of Seoul – Gangnam. It’s the place where the youth meets and has fun with lots of cool shops and cafes. The first thing I'd do here is to take a photo at the Gangnam Style Horse Dance Stage while doing the famous dance=)

Day 3

Just like yesterday, I'll wake up & do personal hygiene & have breakfast at the hotel from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.: Get artistic at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP). I'm quite interested in modern and contemporary architecture and art so that's why DDP is in my journey. This building is a wonder of architecture. With its round shapes and metal look, this place houses fashion shows, exhibitions, live performances, and almost anything related to art.
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.: Visit Namdaemun Market. It is opened in 1964, which means this market has been around for almost 60 years! There are over 10,000 shops selling souvenirs, clothes, electronics, fruits & vegetables, and street food at affordable prices here.
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.: Lunch & rest. I'd grab a burger and fries at a nearby Mcdonald's or Lotteria.
2:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.: Step into the future at Seoullo 7017. This former highway transformed into a pedestrian walkway makes me feel like stepping into the future. Made out of glass and hosting more than 24,000 plants and trees, Seoullo 7017 is perfect for a short walk. Tourists can admire the skyline or sit for a few minutes and watch the traffic below them.
3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.: Chilling at "The Min's", which is known for frequent visits by the members of Bangtan Boys. Inside the café, visitors will be able to see a wide array of pictures and autographs of BTS, as well as hand-written letters written by the members. Some of the pictures depict them drinking lemonade and cherryade, which become the most popular drinks on the menu. The cute and homey café is a perfect place to escape the blistering sun.
4:30 p.m - 5:30 p.m: Visit the Han River and rent a bike to pedal along the river while chillaxing and enjoying the fresh air. There are parks and walkways along the river, which become very busy during the summer. Plus, who knows if I could meet leader Kim of BTS cycling there =)?
6:00 p.m. -  7:00 p.m.: Treat me to a feast in BBQ Olive Chicken Cafe for the last day in Seoul. Mmm, who can resist fried chickens coated in olive or dipped in soy garlic?
7:30 p.m.: Shower & rest so I can have enuff energy for tomorrow's trip to Busan

Day 4

6:00 a.m. - 7:30 a.m.: Pack things up & breakfast & check-out at the hotel. Goodbye Seoul!
8:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.: Travel to Busan by KTX high-speed train.  The cities are connected by the Gyeongbu line, offering some of the most scenic views in the country so I'll see many lovely scenes along my ride. 
10:15 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.: Get off the train and check-in & rest at the hotel (Hotel Nongshim)
12:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.: Lunch & explore around the hotel 
Different from the busy Seoul, Busan is the perfect choice for a few days of unwinding. 
1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.: Explore the colorful Gamcheon Culture Village. This village is full of street art and art pieces, scattered along the streets and alleys. It is a delight to discover it and uncover its secrets. And ofc, I wouldn't forget to try the raindrop cake. It looks like a drop of water and it is said to be savory! 
3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.: Next spot is Jungkook's elementary school, Baekyang Elementary School =). This school is very big and maybe just been renovated. Baekyang Elementary School is bigger compared to some of the schools that the other BTS members attended. There was a large playground and a garden. Btw, Kookie is super adorable since he's a little boy. I'm so envious of his cuteness ahhh ^^
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.: Eat at Busan Fish Market - the biggest fish market in South Korea. There are almost every species of edible sea creature displayed on thousands of stalls, waiting to find their customers. Some small, some wide, some colorful, the fish sit displayed alongside vegetables. I can even go to one of the restaurants and try the seafood.
7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.: Fill my tummy with European fare at the Mediterranean-inspired eatery in the hotel.
8:00 p.m.: Take a rest in the pure hot spring water in the hotel's hot spring spa, Heosimcheong, which is the largest hot spring spa in Asia =) 

Day 5

7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.: Wake up & do personal hygiene & have breakfast at the hotel
8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.: Shopping on Gwangbokro Cultural & Fashion Street. With well-known international brands and local brands alike, this shopping street is perfect for visitors in search of fab clothing and shoes (including me :)) There is almost everything here but some aren't affordable at all =(
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.: Relax at Busan Citizens Park. What makes it special is that V visited this place and uploaded his picture on Twitter. The road on which he took the photo is the most visited spot in the park. Ppl have fun imitating the pose stepping up with 1 foot while holding up an umbrella. 
Man-made, white sand beach, a beautiful fountain with lovely sceneries, this is so like Busan.
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.: Taste 'Dongnae Milmyeon' at Nampo-dong Food Alley. Milmyeon is a representative menu of Busan which tastes spicy, sweet, and sour. Joonie visited the place and was posted on fans' Twitter. He ate it from the store and took home another plate. Guess he really liked it! The table RM dined at has now become a “photo zone” decorated with his photos and pictures of the dishes he ordered. ARMYs can take keepsake photos here while enjoying the appetizing food Monie ate!
2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.: Visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. This scenic spot is one of the main attractions of Busan and is visited by both locals and foreigners. With dozens of shrines, statues, and stupas, this temple offers some incredible views of the sea.
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.: Have fun at Hoedong Maru. From learning about nutrition, cooking, and gardening to creating diverse products using wood, fabrics, recyclable materials, 3D printers, and 3D pens, Hoedong Maru, formerly Hoedong Elementary School (Lachimolala's elementary school =)) offers various age-appropriate programs, particularly drawing attention from international ARMYs. ChimChim also appeared in the promotion of the Hoedong Maru to encourage people to visit :)

Day 6

7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.: Wake up & do personal hygiene & have breakfast at the hotel
8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.: Enjoy the calm atmosphere at Dadaepo Beach. Jimin visited and posed for a photo looking as if he supported the sun turning red and going down on his hand. Since then, this pose has been ARMYs’ favorite. Travelers would definitely fall in love with the scenery of the cozy sea with golden waves.
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.: Treat me to a hotpot and barbecue in Obanjang restaurant. Yum yum!
1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.: Last destination, Geumjeong-gu café. Equipped with its own roasting facility, this café is known for producing the winner of the 2019 World Barista Championship. Every season, new fruit beverages are launched in collaboration with local farms. It’s a perfect place to unwind and curb tourists' travel fatigue.
3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.: Head back to the hotel, pack things up & check out. Goodbye Busan and South Korea!
4:30 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.: Take the KTX train back to Seoul
7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.: Fly back to Hanoi & have dinner right on the plane. Exhausted!

Wrap-up

Seoul and Busan are both beautiful, intriguing cities that offer plenty of tourist attractions.
Spending one week in South Korea is enough to uncover the secrets of both of these cities by following my itinerary =) 

While visiting them, travelers can discover the fast-paced life of Seoul and the laid-back vibe of Busan. I hope I can have a chance to come here and experience life in South Korea soon. Hope you guys can, too!
(For ARMYs)

Above all, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of South Korea. After all, this is the place where BTS was born and raised. The place where they stood persistently together through difficult times, where they rosed to prominence from a band that received hatred, disdain, and ignorance from other ppl. It inspired them to be the no. 1 boy group that they are today, so it’s definitely worth exploring. Check out the BTS stan locations, but also be sure to explore all that South Korea has to offer. It’s going to be memorable. Happy travel!

읽어 주셔서 감사합니다
Ilg-eo jusyeoseo gamsahabnida
Thanks for reading!