Walking in the Golden Maknae's Footsteps: A Stroll Through BTS Jungkook's Hometown, Mandeok-dong, Busan

BTS is a global superstar team with a very special connection to Busan—two of the seven members, Jimin and Jungkook, call the city their hometown.

Jungkook, who recently made history as the first K-pop solo artist to surpass 2 billion streams on Spotify in 2024, spent his childhood in Mandeok-dong. Join us on a journey to trace his memories and footsteps through his old neighborhood. We've even included a recommended BTS song for each spot!

The Jungkook Tour Course

Baegyang Elementary School – Baegyang Middle School – Mandeok Lego Village – Mandeok Duck Folk Village – Seokbulsa Temple

1. The School Years: Baegyang Elementary & Middle School

The first stop is Baegyang Elementary School, where Jungkook attended from the first to the sixth grade. The playground, where he surely played energetically, is still filled with the sound of children’s laughter today. It’s fun to imagine the school path he walked thousands of times as he dreamed of becoming a singer.

Just nearby is Baegyang Middle School, which he attended before moving to Seoul.

Recommended Songs:
• 'Born Singer' (Captures the emotion of his debut).
• 'Ma City' (Features lyrics highlighting the members’ hometowns, including the "Busan Sea").
• 'Euphoria' (Jungkook’s solo track)

• Location:

• Baegyang Elementary: 12 Sangri-ro 18beon-gil, Buk-gu, Busan
• Baegyang Middle: 70 Sangri-ro, Buk-gu, Busan

• Transportation: Subway Line 3, Mandeok Station (Exit 3), approx. 15-minute walk.

2. Mandeok Lego Village: A Splash of Color

Near the elementary school is Mandeok Lego Village. The name immediately makes sense when you see the vibrant, colorful roofs of the buildings. Built in 1986, the collective housing's bright, varied rooftops resemble toy blocks, earning it the name "Lego Village."

The overall atmosphere is bright, lively, and quite exotic, making it a popular spot for photographers.

Recommended Song: 'Go Go' (고민보다 GO) – Matches the village's cheerful mood.

A Traveler's Note: This is a real residential area, so please be respectful and avoid making excessive noise.

• Location: 40 Eunhaengnamu-ro 23beon-gil, Buk-gu, Busan.
• Transportation: Subway Line 3, Mandeok Station (Exit 1), approx. 10-minute walk.

3. Mandeok Duck Folk Village: Busan's Must-Try Cuisine

One of the most popular places in the Mandeok neighborhood is the Mandeok Duck Folk Village. This alley, lined with duck meat restaurants giving off an appetizing aroma, is famous even within Busan for its delicious local food.

If you are a hungry traveler, stop here! Enjoy the savory duck meat with aromatic chives. It’s a satisfying meal that rivals any fancy feast.

• Location: 68 Mandeokgogae-gil, Buk-gu, Busan.
• Transportation: Subway Line 3, Mandeok Station (Exit 3) → Transfer to Village Bus Buk-gu 8 → Get off at Hanshin Apt. Front Gate, approx. 5-minute walk.

4. Seokbulsa Temple: Escape to Serenity

For a true city escape, head to Byeongpungam Seokbulsa Temple. Named 'Byeongpungam' (Folding Screen Rock) because the sheer cliffs surround the temple like a protective screen, it offers a stunning view overlooking the entire Mandeok-dong area.

The beauty of the delicate stone Buddhas carved into the cliff face makes the temple incredibly mysterious and tranquil. If you are looking for quiet healing beneath the rock face, this is the place.

Recommended Song: 'BUTTERFLY' – Listening to this song surrounded by nature will make the scenery below feel like a BTS music video.

• Location:143-79 Mandeokgogae-gil, Buk-gu, Busan.
• Transportation: Subway Line 3, Mandeok Station (Exit 1) → Take a Taxi.

A Walk Through Precious Time

Jungkook was the youngest member to debut with BTS, making the time he spent growing up in Busan his most significant childhood memory. That unique time, and the remnants of those memories, are all here in Mandeok-dong. Walking in the steps of the Golden Maknae is an experience every fan will cherish.

Source: Busan newsletter