This Is How BTS Broke Every Travel Destination in Seoul With “Arirang”
- lewishooper1
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
From Gwanghwamun to the World, we show you how the 2026 "Arirang" comeback is single-handedly resurrecting and breaking the global economy!
ARMY! The wait is finally over! The world isn't just watching—it's moving. As BTS prepares to drop their 14-track masterpiece, Arirang, on March 20, 2026, the "BTS Effect" has shifted from a cultural trend into a full-blown economic phenomenon. Hotel booking sites have been paralyzed, and global tourism rules are being rewritten!
The Seoul Shutdown
Since the announcement of this year's BTS world tour and the free event in Gwanghwamun Square, downtown Seoul occupancy rates have surged to 100%. Over 20,000 fans are preparing to descend on the square for the historic event on March 21, 2026.
Even luxury hotels like The Plaza and the Four Seasons were fully booked months in advance, while nearby motel prices have tripled to nearly 600,000 KRW per night! The Dojeon team believes that although the event tickets are free, these skyrocketing hotel prices are pricing out locals and business travelers—including some of our own team members.
Fan Responses: Hype vs. Hardship
While global ARMYs are celebrating the return of all seven members, many are taking to social media to vent about sudden hotel cancellations and extreme price gouging. The Dojeon team previously covered the insane hotel prices during the Busan shows; unfortunately, despite past government intervention, Seoul hotels have followed suit to cash in. Some dedicated fans have even joked that they’ll "sleep in their cars" just to be near the square when the first notes of the new album play. What are your plans?
The Billion-Dollar "Arirang" Tour
With 82 shows scheduled across 34 cities, experts predict the tour will generate over $1 billion in revenue and significantly boost South Korea's GDP. This represents a life-changing windfall for the members, with projections suggesting individual earnings could rival those of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. Cities from Tampa to São Paulo are already seeing a 600% spike in transportation searches, proving that wherever BTS goes, the economy follows. (Note: For the price of one night in a local hotel, you could book a return flight and a weekend in Japan for two! Which would you rather do?)
Final Thoughts
The Dojeon team firmly believes that the Arirang era is proving to be more than just a musical comeback; it is a global event that exceeds the impact of any traditional world tour. As governments step in to regulate pricing and safety, one thing remains clear: the bond between BTS and their fans is the most powerful economic engine in the entertainment world today.
Will fans from all backgrounds be able to enjoy the 2026 world tour, or is it becoming an experience only for the wealthy?