BTS Live D-3: Seoul turning purple with fans in BTS color pouring in
By Yoo Na-hyunPosted : March 18, 2026, 17:26Updated : March 18, 2026, 17:41
Japanese tourists pose for photos with Gwanghwamun Square, the venue for the upcoming BTS performance, in the background at the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History in Jongno District, Seoul, March 18, 2026. AJP Yoo Na-hyun
SEOUL, March 18 (AJP) -Seoul is turning purple as fans adorned in the color pour into the capital with three days to go before the Gwanghwamun performance.
Central districts including Gwanghwamun Square and Myeongdong are seeing a steady influx of visitors, many gathering near the concert venue or exploring nearby streets in anticipation of the event.
BTS merchandise is displayed at a K-pop goods shop in Myeongdong, Jung District, Seoul, three days ahead of the group’s performance at Gwanghwamun Square, March 18, 2026. AJP Yoo Na-hyun
In Myeongdong, a BTS merchandise shop was packed with fans purchasing albums and official goods, offering an early glimpse of the commercial momentum surrounding the comeback.
“March is usually a slow season, but we’re seeing a clear increase in foreign visitors ahead of the concert,” a staff member at the shop said, adding that new albums will be prominently displayed in line with the band’s March 20 release.
Tourists browse BTS merchandise at a K-pop goods shop in Myeongdong, Jung District, Seoul, March 18, 2026. AJP Yoo Na-hyun
Tourists pass by a shop selling BTS K-pop merchandise in Myeongdong, Jung District, Seoul, March 18, 2026. AJP Yoo Na-hyun
Tourists crowd Myeongdong Street in Jung District, Seoul, despite the rain, March 18, 2026. AJP Yoo Na-hyun
Around Gwanghwamun, fans were spotted taking photos, scouting the venue and soaking in the atmosphere ahead of what is expected to be one of the largest K-pop events in recent years.
The BTS performance will take place at Gwanghwamun Square at 8 p.m. on March 20 and will be livestreamed globally via Netflix.
A foreign tourist watches the stage installation for the upcoming BTS performance at Gwanghwamun Square in Jongno District, Seoul, March 18, 2026. AJP Yoo Na-hyun