After 1,460 days apart — four years, three months, and countless solo projects later — BTS is back. All seven members. The last time the world saw RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook perform together as a full group was in June 2022, before South Korea’s mandatory military service scattered them across army bases from Yeoncheon to Wonju. One by one, they enlisted. One by one, they returned. And by June 2025, all seven had completed their service, setting the stage for what is already shaping up to be the biggest musical event of 2026.
The numbers tell the story before the music even drops: ARIRANG, their 5th studio album, racked up 4.06 million pre-orders within seven days — the first album in history to breach the 4-million mark in a single week. Their world tour spans 23 countries, 34 cities, and 82+ shows. Every European date sold out within the hour. And on March 21, an estimated 260,000 fans will gather at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul for a free comeback show streamed live on Netflix to 190+ countries.
This guide covers everything international fans and ARMY need to know: the album details, full tour schedule with pricing, the Seoul comeback events, where to buy official merch, BTS pilgrimage spots across the city, and practical travel tips for anyone planning to fly to Korea for the occasion.
The Album: Everything About ARIRANG
ARIRANG is BTS’s 5th Korean-language studio album, following Map of the Soul: 7 (2020). It contains 14 tracks plus one Apple Music-exclusive bonus track titled “ARMYRANG.” The album drops on March 20, 2026.
Why “Arirang”?
Arirang (아리랑) is Korea’s most iconic folk song — a melody that has been sung across the Korean Peninsula for over 600 years. UNESCO recognized it as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2012. The song’s core themes are separation, longing, and reunion — emotions that mirror BTS’s own journey through military enlistment and their return to ARMY. By naming the album ARIRANG, BTS anchors their global comeback in the deepest roots of Korean musical identity.
Pre-Release Campaign: “What Is Your Love Song?”
In the weeks before the album announcement, mysterious QR code posters appeared on streets in Seoul, New York, and London bearing the question “What Is Your Love Song?” Scanning the codes led fans to an interactive microsite where they could share their own love songs, which were woven into a global audio mosaic. The campaign generated massive social media engagement before BTS even confirmed their comeback date.
Album Versions and Contents
| Version | Key Inclusions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rooted in Korea Ver. | 84-page photobook, 7 photocards | Traditional Korean aesthetics |
| Rooted in Music Ver. | 82-page photobook, 7 film photos | Music-focused concept |
| Living Legend Ver. | 54-page poster book, 7 Archive Tags | Legacy and career retrospective |
| Colored Vinyl (7 types) | Member-specific colored vinyl | RM (Silver), Jin (Pink), SUGA (Clear), j-hope (Orange), Jimin (Blue), V (Green), Jung Kook (Purple) |
All vinyl editions sold out within 20 minutes on Weverse Shop US. Spotify pre-saves surpassed 3 million, the highest for any Asian artist in the platform’s history.
Pre-Order Records
With 4.06 million copies pre-ordered in just seven days, ARIRANG shattered the previous first-week pre-order record. To put this in perspective: most platinum-certified albums in the US sell 1 million copies total. BTS achieved four times that number before a single track was officially released.
World Tour: 23 Countries, 34 Cities, 82+ Shows
The BTS WORLD TOUR schedule is the group’s most ambitious yet, covering six continents over the course of roughly 12 months. Below is a breakdown by region.
Tour Kickoff: South Korea
| Date | City | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| April 9–11, 2026 | Goyang, South Korea | Kintex Arena (Opening Shows) |
North America
| Date | City |
|---|---|
| May–July 2026 | Tampa |
| El Paso | |
| Stanford | |
| Las Vegas | |
| East Rutherford (New Jersey) | |
| Boston | |
| Baltimore | |
| Arlington | |
| Toronto | |
| Chicago | |
| Los Angeles |
Europe
| City | Sellout Time |
|---|---|
| Madrid | 37 minutes |
| Brussels | 42 minutes |
| London | 30 minutes |
| Munich | 39 minutes |
| Paris | 42 minutes |
Every European date sold out in under an hour — London led the pack at just 30 minutes. If you missed out, resale is your only option (see ticket pricing below).
Latin America
| City |
|---|
| Bogotá, Colombia |
| Lima, Peru |
| Santiago, Chile |
| Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| São Paulo, Brazil |
Asia & Oceania
| City |
|---|
| Melbourne, Australia |
| Sydney, Australia |
| Kaohsiung, Taiwan |
| Bangkok, Thailand |
| Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia |
| Singapore |
| Jakarta, Indonesia |
| Hong Kong |
| Manila, Philippines |
Ticket Pricing
| Channel | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Official (Face Value) | $100 – $377 | Ticketmaster, Weverse, Interpark Global |
| StubHub (Resale) | From $167 | Prices vary by city and date |
| VividSeats (Resale) | $585 – $6,445 | Premium/floor seats at highest prices |
Buying tips: Official tickets are distributed through Ticketmaster (North America, Europe), Weverse (fan-verified presale globally), and Interpark Global (Korea and select Asian dates). For resale, always verify the platform’s buyer protection policy before purchasing. Prices on resale markets tend to drop slightly in the final 2–3 weeks before each show as holders who can no longer attend release their tickets.
The Comeback Show: March 21 at Gwanghwamun
One day after ARIRANG drops, BTS will perform a free outdoor comeback show at Gwanghwamun Square in the heart of Seoul. This is not a ticketed concert — it is a public event organized in collaboration with the Seoul Metropolitan Government.
Event Details
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, March 21, 2026 |
| Time | 8:00 PM KST |
| Location | Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul |
| Expected Attendance | 260,000 |
| Live Stream | Netflix (190+ countries simultaneously) |
On March 27, Netflix will also release BTS: THE RETURN, a documentary covering the members’ military service, reunion, and the making of ARIRANG.
Accommodation warning: If you’re planning to be in Seoul for this event, book immediately. Hotels near Gwanghwamun and the broader Jongno district have seen rates spike from their usual ₩100,000/night to ₩800,000+ per night — an eightfold increase. Consider staying in adjacent neighborhoods like Mapo (Hongdae) or Yongsan (Itaewon) and taking the subway, which runs until midnight on Saturdays.
BTS THE CITY ARIRANG SEOUL (March 20 – April 12)
Seoul itself becomes a BTS experience during the “BTS THE CITY ARIRANG SEOUL” campaign, running from March 20 through April 12, 2026. This is an official collaboration between HYBE and the Seoul Metropolitan Government that transforms landmarks and neighborhoods across the capital into immersive BTS-themed spaces.
Key Activations
- Sungnyemun (Namdaemun Gate): Media façade projections featuring ARIRANG album visuals on one of Seoul’s most iconic historical gates.
- N Seoul Tower: Special BTS-themed lighting and media installations visible from across the city.
- Yeouido Hangang Park: A dedicated BTS lounge space along the Han River, featuring listening stations, photo zones, and pop-up merchandise.
- Hidden Lyrics Trail: BTS song lyrics installed on alleyway walls, staircases, and along Garosu-gil in Sinsa-dong — essentially a city-wide scavenger hunt for fans.
The CITY campaign turns a concert trip into a full multi-day Seoul experience. Even fans without concert tickets will find plenty to do across the city during this three-week window.
Where to Buy BTS Merch
Whether you’re shopping from abroad or walking through Seoul, here is where to find official BTS merchandise and albums.
Online Stores
| Store | What to Expect | Shipping |
|---|---|---|
| Weverse Shop (Global/US) | Limited editions, pre-order benefits (POB photocards), fan club exclusives | Global shipping from Korea or US warehouse |
| BTS Official Store (US) | Exclusive photocards, US-market editions | US domestic shipping |
| Cokodive | Wide K-pop merch selection, bundled deals | International shipping specialist |
| Oppa Store | Albums, lightsticks, accessories | International shipping specialist |
Seoul Offline Stores
| Store | Location | What to Find |
|---|---|---|
| Myeongdong Underground K-Pop Shops | Exit 6, Myeongdong Station | 3–4 K-pop shops in the underground arcade; albums, photocards, posters |
| WithMuu | Myeongdong & Hongdae branches | Official albums, ARMY Bombs (lightsticks), merchandise |
| Hallyu Storm | Hongdae | Massive photocard inventory, trading culture |
| Beat Road | Hongdae | 3-story K-pop megastore with albums, merch, and fan goods |
Pro tip: If you are collecting photocards, the Hongdae area is the center of Korea’s photocard trading culture. Many stores have dedicated trading boards where fans pin the cards they want to trade. Arrive early on weekends for the best selection.
BTS Pilgrimage: Must-Visit Spots in Seoul
For fans making the trip to Seoul, the city is filled with locations tied to BTS’s history — from their trainee days to iconic music video filming sites.
| Location | What It Is | Practical Info |
|---|---|---|
| HYBE Insight | Official HYBE museum in Yongsan — costumes, trophies, interactive exhibits | Reservation required (book via HYBE Insight website). Ages 14+ only. Nearest station: Singyongsan |
| Hyuga Café (휴가) | The building that housed BTS’s original dorm, now converted into a café | Gangnam area. Fan-run photo zone inside |
| Yoojeong Sikdang (유정식당) | The restaurant BTS frequented during their debut era | Budget-friendly Korean home cooking. Yongsan area |
| Old Big Hit Building (Nonhyeon-dong) | The original Big Hit Entertainment office where BTS trained and debuted | Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam. Exterior only — now a different business |
| Yongma Land | Abandoned amusement park — filming location for “We Are Bulletproof Pt. 2” MV | Jungnang-gu. Admission fee required. Hauntingly photogenic |
| Dongho Bridge | “I NEED U” MV filming location | Han River bridge. Accessible on foot or by bike via the Hangang bike path |
| Dae Jang Geum Park (Yongin) | “Daechwita” MV filming location — traditional Korean palace set | About 1 hour from Seoul by bus. Also known as Korean Folk Village/MBC Dramia |
Guided tours: KoreaTravelEasy operates a dedicated BTS Fan Day Tour running every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. The tour visits multiple BTS-related locations with English-speaking guides and includes transportation between sites.
Seoul Travel Tips for International ARMY
If the comeback or the tour is bringing you to South Korea for the first time, here is what you need to know before you land.
Entry Requirements
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| K-ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) | Currently waived for 67 countries until December 31, 2026. Check if your country qualifies at k-eta.go.kr |
| e-Arrival Card | Required for all visitors. Complete at www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr at least 3 days before arrival. Replaces the paper arrival card previously filled out on the plane |
| Visa | Citizens from most Western countries receive visa-free entry for 90 days. Check with your local Korean embassy for your specific nationality |
Getting Around Seoul
| Transport Option | Details |
|---|---|
| T-money Card | ₩2,500–3,000 at any convenience store. Works on subway, bus, and taxis. BT21 character designs available — a collectible in itself |
| Seoul Climate Card | Unlimited public transit pass. 1-day ₩5,000 / 3-day ₩12,000 / 7-day ₩20,000. Launched January 2026. Available at Incheon Airport and major subway stations |
Key Subway Stations for ARMY
| Destination | Nearest Station | Line |
|---|---|---|
| HYBE / HYBE Insight | Singyongsan Station | Line 4 |
| Gwanghwamun Square | Gwanghwamun Station | Line 5 |
| Hongdae (merch shopping) | Hongik Univ. Station | Line 2 / Airport Railroad |
| Myeongdong (merch shopping) | Myeongdong Station | Line 4 |
Where to Stay
| Neighborhood | Best For | Price Range (per night) |
|---|---|---|
| Yongsan / Itaewon | Closest to HYBE HQ, English-friendly restaurants and cafés | ₩80,000 – ₩250,000 |
| Hongdae / Hapjeong | Best for K-pop merch shopping, youth culture, nightlife | ₩60,000 – ₩200,000 |
| Myeongdong / Jongno | Central tourist area, close to Gwanghwamun, palaces, and shopping | ₩70,000 – ₩300,000 |
Note on pricing: The accommodation prices above reflect normal rates. During the March 20–21 comeback weekend and the April 9–11 Goyang tour dates, expect prices in all areas to surge significantly. Book as early as possible.
The Numbers: BTS Economic Impact
BTS is not just a musical act — they are a measurable economic force. Here is what the data shows heading into 2026.
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| Annual contribution to the South Korean economy | ~$5 billion USD |
| Projected ARIRANG tour revenue (12-month cycle) | $1 billion+ |
| Estimated ticket revenue alone | $660 million |
| Estimated merchandise revenue | $350 million (additional) |
| K-Beauty US imports increase post-BTS comeback | +34% |
| Busan travel search increase after tour announcement | +3,855% |
| São Paulo bus ticket searches increase | 600x normal |
The so-called “BTS Effect” extends well beyond the music industry. When BTS announces a tour stop in a city, the local economy around that venue — hotels, restaurants, transportation, retail — sees an immediate and measurable spike. The 34% increase in K-Beauty imports to the US following comeback announcements reflects a well-documented halo effect: renewed global interest in BTS drives broader curiosity about Korean products and culture.
Key Dates Timeline
For easy reference, here is every major date international fans should know.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| March 20, 2026 | ARIRANG album release + BTS THE CITY ARIRANG SEOUL begins |
| March 21, 2026 | Gwanghwamun comeback show (8 PM KST, Netflix live stream) |
| March 27, 2026 | BTS: THE RETURN documentary premieres on Netflix |
| April 9–11, 2026 | World tour begins — Goyang, South Korea |
| April 12, 2026 | BTS THE CITY ARIRANG SEOUL ends |
| May – September 2026 | North America and Europe legs |
| October 2026 onward | Latin America, Asia, and Oceania legs |
The title ARIRANG carries the weight of six centuries of Korean musical tradition — a song about parting, about the ache of distance, and about the promise of meeting again on the other side of the mountain pass. For 4 years, 7 members served their country while millions of fans around the world waited. That wait is over. The mountain has been crossed. Whether you are streaming the album from your bedroom, watching the Gwanghwamun show on Netflix, standing in a stadium in São Paulo or London, or walking through the streets of Seoul surrounded by lyrics printed on alley walls — ARIRANG marks the moment BTS and ARMY find each other again.