Seoul is implementing extensive transportation restrictions around Gwanghwamun for BTS's comeback concert on the 21st, including subway station closures and road blockades.
On the 21st of this month, a highly anticipated comeback concert for the globally popular K-pop group BTS will take place in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, prompting city authorities to implement significant transportation restrictions to manage the expected large influx of both domestic and international fans. Starting from 5 AM, selected entrances at subway stations such as Gwanghwamun, City Hall, and Gyeongbokgung will sequentially close, with all entrances shutting down between 2 to 3 PM. Furthermore, trains will pass through these stations without stopping until 10 PM, forcing attendees to use alternative stations.
In addition to subway adjustments, major roads around Gwanghwamun, including Sejong-daero, will be entirely closed from 9 PM on the 20th until 6 AM on the 22nd. Other roads, such as Sajik-ro and Saemunan-ro, will also experience blockades at specific times on the concert day. A total of 51 bus routes, including local services, will be rerouted from 9 PM, and all public bike rental stations within a 1 km radius of the venue will cease operations from the 19th until the 22nd.
To accommodate the expected increase in foreign tourists, Seoul city plans to provide multilingual transit information in English, Chinese, Japanese, and other languages. Furthermore, they will also provide real-time traffic updates through mapping applications, ensuring that concert-goers and tourists can navigate the area efficiently despite the disruptions. Several measures will also be taken on the day of the event to prevent illegal parking, ensuring smooth traffic flow around the venue, as city officials expect overwhelming attendance for this major event.
