Busan: Buddhist temples in Busan and surrounding areas are set to provide accommodation for fans of the K-pop supergroup BTS, as the group prepares for its world tour concerts in South Korea's southeastern city next month. This initiative comes amid rising accommodation costs in Busan, sparked by the upcoming concerts scheduled for June 12-13, which have led to discontent among fans over steep room rates.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism announced that several temples, including Beomeo Temple, Naewonjeong Temple, Hongbeop Temple, and Seonam Temple in Busan, as well as Seongju Temple and Daegwang Temple in Changwon, Tongdo Temple in Yangsan, and Pyochung Temple in Miryang, will offer their temple-stay quarters and other spaces to visitors. These will be available either free of charge or at budget-friendly prices, providing an affordable alternative for concertgoers.
Beyond just accommodation, some temples plan to offer meals and the chance to experience traditional Korean culture and Buddhist practices. Organizers are also considering providing interpretation support to assist international visitors, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for all attendees.
Guests will need to adhere to temple rules, including specific check-in and check-out times and communal living guidelines, as these spaces are traditionally used by monastics. The Cultural Corps emphasized that the BTS concerts are a significant cultural event attracting fans globally and expressed a desire to share the temples' spirit of generosity and hospitality, hoping visitors leave with lasting positive memories of Busan.