About three years ago, Goyang City unveiled a new tourist attraction after weeks of painting, which is a mural of K-pop star RM of the group BTS.
As a big fan of BTS, I've always been curious about the places where BTS members grew up. During my travels in South Korea, I’ve made it a point to visit these places, particularly those with murals or art installations dedicated to the group. Given Goyang's proximity to Seoul, it was a no-brainer to include it in my itinerary for a quick day trip.
What to Expect at Goyang
The mural is a stunning piece of art, featuring a larger-than-life portrait of RM, with some fun little elements such as his iconic light blue microphone. It also has the words "Goyang Ma City", which is a nice touch since BTS has a song called "Ma City", where each member sang or rapped a few lines about their respective hometowns.
the RM Mural |
This mural is a testament to his immense popularity and global influence. The city commissioned the mural as a tribute to RM and to attract more tourists to the area.
Located close to the mural is Ilsan Lake Park, which is a favorite of RM's. It's a serene park that offers beautiful scenery, walking trails, and plenty of spots for relaxation. You'll also find a few local cafes and restaurants near the Goyang Tourist Information Center. However, there isn't really much to do in this area.
There are other parks and tourist spots in Goyang, but for this trip, I really just wanted to see the mural so I haven't explored them yet. Maybe that will be for another trip.
How to Get to Goyang
My main purpose is to visit the mural, which is located on the side of the Goyang Tourist Information Center. Getting there is pretty easy this city is located just outside Seoul. The information center is connected to Jeongbalsan Station on Line 3, so the best and most convenient way to get there is by subway. From the station, you can take exit 1 or 2.
I was coming from Seoul Station, so I took Line 4 to Chungmuro Station. Then, I transferred to Line 3 and got off at Jeongbalsan Station. The RM mural is right outside the station, on the side of the Goyang Tourist Information Center. If you're coming from another area in Seoul, you can take the subway or bus to any Line 3 station.
Even though Goyang is a small city, it was a nice experience to visit RM's hometown. Seeing the mural and exploring the park was a great way to spend half a day if you're staying in Seoul. If you're a BTS fan and if RM is your bias, I highly recommend visiting Goyang.
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