Image: [INSIDE SEVENTEEN] DxS T1 홈그라운드 비하인드 (DxS T1 HOME GROUND Performance Sketch) / YouTube
Image: [INSIDE SEVENTEEN] DxS T1 홈그라운드 비하인드 (DxS T1 HOME GROUND Performance Sketch) / YouTube
Chasing SEVENTEEN in South Korea: A Complete Pilgrimage Travel Guide for CARATs
Why Chase SEVENTEEN in South Korea
Since their debut, SEVENTEEN has become one of the most iconic groups in K-pop history, thanks to their unique "13-member, three-unit" structure and stunning stage presence. For CARATs, a trip to Seoul is more than just tourism—it's a spiritual journey of belonging. From the members' personal vlogs and variety show filming locations to the electrifying atmosphere of world tour concerts, these all have real locations in South Korea that allow fans to physically step into their idols' world.
In recent years, SEVENTEEN's world tour concert attendance has broken records time and again, with the Seoul concerts being a must-see "home game" for CARATs. Whether it's an encore show on world tour, year-end award ceremony stages, or large-scale solo concerts at major stadiums, Seoul venues often hold the most complete and memorable experiences. For international CARATs, walking into KSPO Dome, the Olympic Gymnastics Arena, or Gocheok Sky Dome and seeing the light sticks—Carat Bongs—light up the darkness is an emotional experience that no screen broadcast can replicate.
Beyond concerts, Seoul is also the city where SEVENTEEN can often be spotted. From cafes near their agency to restaurants the members have mentioned, TV studios where music shows are filmed, and even places members visit for workouts, every location could hold a "I wish I had been there" story. For fans who genuinely love this group, combining fan pilgrimages with travel offers a rare opportunity to deeply experience Korean culture.
It's worth noting that SEVENTEEN has also collaborated with Korean esports organization T1, producing special stage videos. In those clips, the members performed and filmed at T1's home arena in Seoul, transforming what was originally an esports space into a new landmark on CARATs' pilgrimage lists. This reminds all CARATs: K-pop idols' footprints aren't limited to the entertainment industry—cross-industry collaboration venues are equally worth visiting.
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Must-Visit Landmarks
The following is a curated list of SEVENTEEN-related locations that CARATs visiting Seoul should add to their itinerary, complete with geographical and background information for easier trip planning.
KSPO Dome (Olympic Gymnastics Arena)
Located within the Olympic Park in Songpa-gu, Seoul, KSPO Dome (formerly known as Olympic Gymnastics Arena) is a iconic venue that hosts many K-pop groups' solo concerts and year-end award ceremonies. SEVENTEEN has held multiple encore shows and major events here. The venue has excellent facilities and convenient transportation, accessible via Exit 6 of the Seoul Olympic Stadium station on Line 9. If you get the chance to watch a performance here, it's strongly recommended to arrive early—fan support booths and various fan club gatherings are common in the surrounding area.
Gocheok Sky Dome
The Gocheok Sky Dome is located in Guro-gu, Seoul. It's a multi-purpose indoor stadium primarily used for baseball games, with a capacity of over 16,000. SEVENTEEN has held large-scale solo concerts here during world tours, and the venue's impressive scale is perfect for CARATs who love grand, spectacular settings. Accessible via Line 2 to "Daegyo Station" or "World Cup Stadium Station," the area has abundant restaurants and convenience stores, making it convenient for concert-day supplies.
Seoul Olympic Park
Olympic Park is not just home to KSPO Dome—it's a large complex perfect for strolling, picnicking, and photography. SEVENTEEN has filmed variety show content in this area. With landmarks like the Peace Gate and souvenir sculptures from countries around the world, CARATs can enjoy both the pilgrimage experience and Seoul's relaxed side. Accessible via Line 5's Olympic Park station or Line 9's Seoul Olympic Stadium station.
PLEDIS Entertainment Merch / HYBE Headquarters
SEVENTEEN is under PLEDIS Entertainment, which after integration into HYBE, has its main offices primarily located in the Gangnam area of Seoul. While the companies are not open to the general public, fans can still take photos and check in at nearby cafes and restaurants, and purchase exclusive merchandise. The nearest metro stations are "Nonhyeon Station" or "Sinnonhyeon Station" on Line 7 or the Shinbundang Line.
MBC, SBS, KBS TV Studios (Music Show Filming Locations)
During comeback periods, SEVENTEEN almost consistently appears on music shows including M Countdown, Music Bank, Show! Music Core, and The Show. MBC is located in Sangam-dong's Digital Media City, accessible via Line 6's "World Cup Stadium Station" or "Digital Media City Station"; KBS is in Yeouido; and SBS is in Mok-dong. While not all recordings are open to audience taping, some shows offer free or paid audience seats—CARATs should follow official announcements for application details.
T1 Home Ground Arena
Located in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, T1 Home Ground is the dedicated arena of the renowned Korean esports team T1, also open for various performances and events. When SEVENTEEN collaborated with T1 for cross-industry content, they filmed special stages here, turning this esports venue into a new pilgrimage hotspot for CARATs. The venue is near Line 2's Samseong Station and the COEX shopping area, making it perfect to combine with shopping itineraries.
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Transportation & Accommodation Tips
Airport to City
The most convenient way from Incheon International Airport to Seoul is the AREX Airport Express, which takes approximately 40 minutes to Seoul Station. The all-stop trains take about an hour. For budget travelers, airport buses are available, going directly to major tourist areas like Gangnam, Hongdae, and Myeongdong at reasonable prices. While Gimpo Airport has fewer flights, it's closer to the city center, making it ideal for travelers transferring from Japan or Southeast Asia.
City Transportation
Seoul's subway system has excellent coverage, with virtually all fan-related attractions accessible by metro. We recommend purchasing a T-money card, which can be used for subways, buses, and even small purchases at convenience stores. If your itinerary focuses on Gangnam, Yeouido, or Samseong-dong areas, the Shinbundang Line is faster than regular subway routes—a real time-saver for fan pilgrims.
Accommodation Options
If planning your trip around concert venues, consider these areas:
- Gangnam / Samseong: Near PLEDIS company area, T1 Home Ground, and COEX. Ideal for CARATs focused on fan activities and shopping.
- Jamsil / Songpa: Near Olympic Park and KSPO Dome. Walking distance or a short metro ride to concert venues.
- Hongdae / Mapo: Direct AREX access, abundant flight and hotel options, vibrant nightlife. Perfect for young CARATs.
- Myeongdong / Jongno: Convenient transportation, dense restaurant options, most beginner-friendly for first-time Seoul visitors.
Budget-wise, business hotels range from approximately NT$2,000-4,000 per night, while design-focused hostels can go as low as NT$1,000 per bed. For a traditional Korean experience, there are many hanok (Korean traditional houses) inns available in Bukchon and Insadong areas.
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Local Food Recommendations
Must-Try Korean Cuisine
When visiting Seoul, Korean BBQ, spicy tteokbokki, army stew, Korean fried chicken, ginseng chicken soup, and bibimbap are practically essentials on every traveler's list. For BBQ, we recommend "Korean beef" or "pork belly" specialty restaurants in Hongdae, Sinchon, or Gangnam areas. For affordable local favorites popular among students and office workers, "Kimbap Heaven" and "Grandma's Spicy Tteokbokki" have branches everywhere—great options for quick meals.
Idol Cafés & Fan打卡 Restaurants
The Gangnam and Cheongdam-dong areas have many establishments known as "idol cafés," featuring refined decor, creative drinks, and frequently hosting celebrities and idol groups for private visits. CARATs can search for the latest "打卡" (check-in) information on Weverse, Twitter (X), and Xiaohongshu. Korea's café culture is thriving, with average spending around NT$150-300 per person. The spacious seating makes these cafes perfect for fan pilgrims to rest and organize photos and videos from the day.
Traditional Market Snacks
Gwangjang Market's drugstore kimbap, green bean pancakes, and raw beef; Namdaemun Market's knife-cut noodles, dumplings; and Myeongdong's Night Market's hotteok, egg bread, and fish-shaped pastry are all great spots for CARATs to refuel between concerts. We recommend carrying some cash, as some stalls may not accept credit cards or mobile payments.
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Pre-Trip Preparation
Documents & Internet
- Check passport validity (recommended at least 6+ months) and whether you need to apply for K-ETA.
- Purchase a local SIM card, eSIM, or rent a WiFi device. While large venues like T1 Home Ground and Olympic Park have relatively stable network coverage, concert venues often suffer from network congestion. We recommend downloading Weverse, maps, and translation apps in advance.
- Prepare the appropriate plug adapters for South Korea (Type C and F round pins).
Concert & Event Preparation
- Confirm concert dates, showtimes, and ticket sale dates. Join CARAT community groups for the latest updates.
- Purchase tickets through official platforms (such as Interpark, Yes24, Melon Ticket). Prepare a Korean credit card or internationally accepted payment method. If you miss out on tickets, follow secondhand platforms and trusted resellers, but stay vigilant against scams.
- Pay attention to venue restrictions on fan support items like light sticks, photocards, and banners. Items larger than A3 size are typically not allowed.
- Download official Weverse and fan club support tutorials in advance to familiarize yourself with chant slogans and support songs.
Clothing & Seasonal Tips
Seoul has four distinct seasons. Winters are cold and dry (averaging -5°C to 5°C), while summers are hot and humid (averaging 25-35°C). We recommend layering your outfits and bringing rain gear. Concert venues usually have strong air conditioning, so bringing a light jacket or shawl is advised.
Currency & Payment
Many stores in Korea now accept Apple Pay and Kakao Pay, but some street food vendors and traditional markets still prefer cash. We recommend exchanging some Korean won at the airport or downtown in advance, and keeping an internationally usable credit card as your primary payment method.
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Sample Itineraries
3 Days 2 Nights Essentials
- Day 1: Arrive at Incheon Airport → AREX to Seoul → Check in at Gangnam hotel → Hongdae shopping and Korean BBQ dinner → Connect with friends on Weverse for fan support coordination
- Day 2: Morning visit to PLEDIS / HYBE neighborhood → COEX shopping → Afternoon at KSPO Dome or Olympic Park for a stroll → Evening SEVENTEEN concert → Late-night chicken and beer after the show
- Day 3: Gwangjang Market breakfast → MBC Sangam-dong or Yeouido TV station area pilgrimage → AREX to airport for departure
4 Days 3 Nights Comfort Version
- Day 1: Arrive in Seoul → Check in at Jamsil hotel → Familiarize yourself with the Jamsil Sports Complex area
- Day 2: Full day in Gangnam Samseong-dong (PLEDIS neighborhood, T1 Home Ground, COEX) → Apgujeong Rodeo Street shopping
- Day 3: Olympic Park and KSPO Dome neighborhood pilgrimage → Concert night
- Day 4: Bukchon Hanok Village and Samcheong-dong stroll → Insadong souvenir shopping → Airport departure
5 Days 4 Nights Deep Dive
- Day 1: Arrive in Seoul, explore Myeongdong and Jongno to get familiar with the city center
- Day 2: Hongdae, Sinchon, and Yonsei University area shopping, experience the youthful energy of university districts
- Day 3: PLEDIS company, T1 Home Ground, and Gangnam underground shopping
- Day 4: Concert day, combined with Olympic Park stroll
- Day 5: Namdaemun and Seoul Station area for last-minute shopping before heading to the airport
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Closing Thoughts
For CARATs, Seoul is never just a city—it's an emotional space that resonates with SEVENTEEN. From the cheers and chants at concerts to the streets and cafés where idols have walked, every moment can become a precious memory to cherish forever. When planning your trip, we recommend staying flexible and balancing "pilgrimage" with "experience"—completing your fan bucket list while also enjoying the local culture and hospitality. Whether it's your first visit or your Nth return to Seoul, as long as you carry sincere hearts, every journey becomes a beautiful new beginning to get closer to SEVENTEEN. Wishing all CARATs safe travels—we look forward to meeting you in the stands!
