The BTS Bus Stop in Gangneung (Hyangho Beach): I Visited the "Spring Day" Bus Stop, and Here's Everything You Need to Know

 I'll be honest — at first I thought, "Do I really need to travel all the way out there just to see a bus stop?" But the moment I arrived at Hyangho Beach and stood in front of it, I understood in about one second why people from all over the world come to Gangneung just to see this one tiny bus stop. The sea is right there, the sound of the waves is so close, and this lonely little bus stop standing in front of it somehow tugs at your heart. So today I'm going to share everything about my visit to the BTS Bus Stop in Jumunjin, Gangneung — how to get there, photo tips, and all the food and attractions nearby. Nothing left out.

Where exactly is the BTS Bus Stop?

Let's start with the location. The address is 8-55 Hyangho-ri, Jumunjin-eup, Gangneung-si, Gangwon State, right on Hyangho Beach. It's literally next to Jumunjin Beach, so just type "Hyangho Beach" or "BTS Bus Stop" into your navigation app and you'll find it easily.

One thing that confuses first-timers: this is not an actual working bus stop. No buses come here — it's purely a photo spot. So please don't stand there waiting for a bus (kidding!). Coming by car is the most convenient option; you can park along the roadside or use the nearby public parking lot. On weekends and peak season, parking can be a bit of a battle, so mentally prepare yourself.

Why is this bus stop so famous? — "Spring Day" and "YOU NEVER WALK ALONE"

There's exactly one reason this place became a pilgrimage site: BTS. This bus stop is the backdrop for the album jacket (the LEFT version) and the music video of "Spring Day" (봄날) from BTS's repackaged second studio album "YOU NEVER WALK ALONE," released on February 13, 2017.

If you don't already know, "Spring Day" isn't just a hit — it's one of BTS's signature songs that has stayed beloved on Korean music charts for years and years. It's a warm, comforting song meant to console young people living through the same era, and this seaside bus stop captures that exact mood.

Here's the fun part: the bus stop was originally built as a temporary set for the shoot and was torn down afterward. But fans — especially ARMYs from all over the world — kept flooding into Gangneung asking, "Where is that bus stop?" So in 2018, the city of Gangneung rebuilt it to look exactly like the album photo, and that's the photo spot you see today. In a 2019 survey by the Korea Tourism Organization, international Hallyu fans even ranked it the No. 1 "BTS travel destination they most wanted to visit." So this isn't just a selfie spot — it's a genuine pilgrimage site created by a single song.

What it was actually like

The bus stop itself is smaller than you might expect. But the East Sea stretching out behind it overwhelms everything else. On a clear day, the blue of the sky and the blue of the sea blend together so beautifully it almost looks unreal.

There are surprisingly thoughtful details around the stop. There's a purple bench — purple being BTS's symbolic color — and each member's name is written on it, so tons of people sit in their bias's spot for a photo. Walk toward the sand and you'll find a white swing and a rocking swing, and honestly, sitting there gazing at the sea for a moment, all your worries just melt away.

Good news for solo travelers, too: there's a phone stand set up so you can easily get that perfect shot all by yourself. When I went, there were so many international tourists, all taking photos for each other and smiling — the atmosphere was lovely. Even without a shared language, one song called "Spring Day" seemed to make everyone friends.

Real tips for taking great photos

I learned these the hard way, so take notes.

First, go early in the morning. On weekend or holiday afternoons, you'll have to wait in a long line just to get one shot. Go around sunrise and there's no line, the light is gorgeous, and you get a sunrise on top of it all — three wins in one.

Second, wear bright, primary colors. Since the background is blue sea and sky, a vivid red or yellow outfit really pops in photos. Neutral tones tend to blend in.

Third, nighttime is surprisingly pretty too. The stop lights up after dark, giving off a completely different vibe from the daytime. If you have time, visiting both day and night is a great move.

Don't just see the bus stop — stroll along Hyangho & Jumunjin Beach

It would be a real shame to just snap a photo and leave. Hyangho Beach is right in front, connecting to Jumunjin Beach on the side, and behind it there's a lush grove of black pine trees, making for a wonderful walking path. Strolling slowly with the sand under your feet and the sound of the waves, you really feel that "ah, I'm on vacation" feeling.

Food — it'd be a crime to come here and not eat sashimi

Now for the most important part: the food. Just a short drive from the bus stop is Jumunjin Fish Market, one of the most renowned fish markets on the East Coast, around since 1936.

There are a few things you absolutely must try here.

Squid sashimi & mulhoe (cold raw fish soup) — Jumunjin is famous as a squid town, so the squid sashimi is wonderfully chewy and sweet. On a hot day, a bowl of cold, tangy mulhoe is the answer. Pick your live fish at the market, have them prepare it, and you can eat it at a nearby restaurant for just a small table-setting fee.

Squid sundae & shrimp tempura — This is the king of market street food. The squid sundae (stuffed squid) is so packed inside that one bite is genuinely filling, and the freshly fried shrimp tempura is crispy outside, tender inside — one plate disappears in seconds. They pack it neatly too, so it's great to eat on the go.

Pufferfish in winter — If you happen to visit in winter, in-season pufferfish is highly recommended. From December to January, Jumunjin even holds a pufferfish dish festival, which makes the whole place even more lively.

Even getting a big spread of sashimi for the whole family isn't as pricey as you'd think, so it's a must-stop if you're traveling the East Coast.

Things to do — Jumunjin is packed with photogenic spots

After eating, it's time to play. There are so many great photo spots near the bus stop.

Yeongjin Beach (Goblin filming location) — Just a 6-minute drive from Jumunjin Fish Market. This is where they filmed that famous scene from the K-drama "Goblin (Guardian: The Lonely and Great God)," where Kim Shin and Ji Eun-tak meet. Take a photo on the breakwater and you'll feel like the drama's lead. There are plenty of ocean-view cafés and gelato shops nearby, perfect for grabbing a coffee and watching the sea.

Sodol Adeulbawi (Son Rock) Park — Open 24 hours, with free parking and free admission. The sound of waves crashing between the rocks is so refreshing, and it's perfect for a short walk. It's also known as a filming location for "The Glory."

Jumunjin Lighthouse & Jumunjin Port — The harbor has a charm all its own. It's lovely to stroll slowly while watching the fishing boats come in.

Suggested itinerary — fill a whole day like this

Here's the route I actually took.

Early morning: get your best shot at the BTS Bus Stop → stroll Hyangho & Jumunjin Beach → lunch at Jumunjin Fish Market with squid sashimi, squid sundae, and tempura → "Goblin"-vibe photos at Yeongjin Beach → a walk through Sodol Adeulbawi Park → and if you have time, wrap it up with a cup of Gangneung coffee on Anmok Coffee Street.

Do it this way and you'll come home with tons of photos, a full stomach, and a recharged heart — the perfect one-day Jumunjin, Gangneung itinerary.

Final thoughts

At first it was "just a bus stop," but after going, I realized it's so much more than that. A single song turned an ordinary stretch of coastline into a special place that people travel from all over the world to see. ARMY or not, when you stand in front of that sea, the melody of "Spring Day" starts playing in your head automatically, and your heart feels a little warmer. If you're planning a trip to Gangneung, make sure to stop by the Jumunjin BTS Bus Stop. Take some photos, eat some sashimi, soak in the sea — and I promise you'll think, "I'm so glad I came." Happy travels!

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