K-pop sensation BTS on March 21 performs in its event "BTS Comeback Live: Arirang" at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul's Jongno-gu District. (Big Hit Music/Netflix)

By Kim Seon Ah

Busan Metropolitan City on May 18 said its large tourism project will use the entire city to coincide with the June 12-13 concerts of K-pop sensation BTS.

The plan is to turn the city into a cultural and tourism space to expand the concerts beyond a simple event.

Busan will encourage tourists to stay before and after the BTS events under a four-part strategy of "hospitality, experience, gastronomy and lasting impression." Welcome programs and centers will be offered at Gimhae International Airport and Busan Station, and landscape lights installed at landmarks such as Gwangan Bridge and Nurimaru APEC House will create a festive atmosphere.

Around 1,000 drones will decorate the night sky of Gwangalli Beach and Song Sang-hyeon Square will host the event "The Red Moment Busan" featuring performances, photo zones and interactive booths. A city tour bus decorated with the sign "BTS The City" and regional sightseeing courses are also scheduled.

Pier 1 of Busan Port will host the event Port Village Busan 2026, highlighting nearby food and beverage businesses. Hwamyeong Eco Park will host the Star Sea Busan Night Market.

The city government will open booths promoting tourism in Busan and offer welcome kits to attract repeat visitors.

"The concerts will offer an opportunity to promote Busan's safety management capacity and city brand to the world," acting Busan Mayor Kim Kyung-duk said. "We will do our best to ensure that the inspiration from the concerts leads to experiences and gastronomy throughout the city, so that Busan is remembered as a world-class tourist city that people want to visit again and again."

sofiakim218@korea.kr