15 destinations to holiday like your favourite K-Pop group
Planning on a 2023 getaway? Here are the locations you should travel to, inspired by your favourite K-Pop groups.
BTS took a trip to the snowy sites in New Zealand for their Bon Voyage reality show. Image credit: Twitter/@BTS_twt
1. Christchurch, New Zealand
Rolling hills, snowy mountains, and crystal clear glacier lakes. That’s what’s in store if you follow in the footsteps of BTS on one of their famous Bon Voyage trips. Road trip from Christchurch, taking pit stops at places like Omarama, Mount Cook, Queenstown, and Glenorchy. Visit Mount John Observatory for stargazing, the hot tubs at Omarama, and arrive in the snowing mountain tops of Glenorchy via helicopter.
2. Koh Samui, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and Krabi, Thailand
Thailand is a popular holiday location, and of course, the home country of some idols. Head to Bangkok to relive NCT’s trip to the city in NCT Life, which sees member Ten showing the members what his home city has to offer. Fellow Thai idol, BLACKPINK’s Lisa, similarly shows Jisoo, Rose, and Jennie around the island in BLACKPINK House. Head to Koh Samui for the jet skiing that saw the idols zooming across the waves. Meanwhile any Shawols should head to Krabi Island for a healing trip among tropical wildlife, just like SHINee’s Onew did in One Fine Day.
3. Yogyakarta, Indonesia
You may remember that Super Junior and TVXQ teamed up to travel through Indonesia as part of Analog Trip — a show that saw them ditch smartphones and get back to basics. Head to Bali for an island break, which is where the K-Pop groups started the first night of their trip. However, if you really want to emulate Analog Trip, grab a backpack and start making your way around the city of Yogyakarta.
4. Bergen, Norway
The wondrous Scandinavian landscapes of Norway made it into BTS’s Northern European holiday as part of Bon Voyage. Head to Bergen, then the small village of Flåm which is encased in mountainous beauty (but don’t copy Jimin and leave your luggage on the coach). Expect to see the peaceful Sognefjord, and give bike riding across the rocky terrain a go.
5. Big Island and Oahu Island, Hawaii
Hawaii is no stranger to vacationing idols, and it’s no surprise when the island offers warm climes and tropical wildlife. Look around the city of Honolulu before heading to the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve for some epic sightseeing. BLACKPINK stayed in Kahala Hotel & Resort, which is where you can take part in the dolphin experience they had. If you’re a fan of boy bands you may also have spotted that B.A.P. visited the island as part of One Fine Day. And of course, pro-travellers BTS have also hit up Oahu and Big Island in Hawaii as part of Bon Voyage.
6. Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Province, or Chuncheon Lake, South Korea
If you’ve been watching Hybe’s In the Soop series then you may be yearning for a camp style forest holiday with pals. Both SEVENTEEN and BTS have shown us the healing properties of a ‘friendcation’ in the wilderness. The purpose-built In the Soop house hit headlines because it was available to rent via AirBnB. However, its renting has since come to an end. You can still emulate the trip by holidaying in Gangwon Province, or more specifically Pyeongchang-gun. Otherwise, head towards Chuncheon, where you can rent the lake house BTS stayed in during the first season of In the Soop.
HYBE’s In The Soop series saw boy group SEVENTEEN take a nature vacation. Image credit: Twitter/ @pledis_17
7. Sydney, Australia
Numerous idol groups have gone down-under to holiday in Sydney. Of course, there’s plenty of well known landmarks like the opera house, harbour bridge, and the botanic gardens. If you’re into working out while on holiday then head to Earlwood gym where ATEEZ’s Jongho got involved in arm wrestling during ATEEZ TREASURE FILM. Otherwise take the train, like Yunho and Wooyoung, from Strathfield to Epping to explore the city in greater detail. Of course, we can’t mention Australia without mentioning Stray Kids whose very own Bang Chan and Felix are locals. Head to the wildlife park to have the same koala and kangaroo experience as the members, or visit the food market in Strathfield which Felix excellently guided the members around.
8. Jeju Island, South Korea
Gorgeous beaches, caves, and hills will greet you at the popular Korean holiday destination, Jeju Island. It’s said to be a beauty spot all year round, so it’s no surprise so many K-Pop groups have visited over the years, including GOT7, MONSTA X, and VIXX. Perhaps drive along the coastal roads like MONSTA X’s Minhyuk, Hyungwon, and Joohoney. Or take part in some jet surfing in the sea like Shownu, Wonho, Kihyun, and I.M.
9. Japan
As Japan is only a stone's throw away from Korea, it has become the destination for a lot of travel idol reality TV shows. Those who’ve visited include EXO, NU’EST, SHINee, Girl’s Day, and SEVENTEEN. Some of the most popular places to visit include the Tottori Prefecture, Osaka, and Okinawa. HYBE girl group LE SSERAFIM also visited earlier this year and showed fans around Tokyo during their break from their hectic schedule — fans of the cute Sanrio characters will appreciate their trip to the Sanrio store!
You can find out more about travelling to Japan, either physically or virtually, in this previous Cherry Chu article.
10. Kaohsiung and Kenting, Taiwan
Taiwan (or more specifically, Kaohsiung and Kenting) promises aqua-coloured waters, sandy beaches, and beautiful weather. Any astute EXO-L may notice these destinations from one of EXO’s reality TV shows,Travel The World on EXO's Ladder. If you want to take a leaf out of the group’s book, then perhaps try circuit racing, games, and lots of dining out.
11. Piran, Slovenia
Fancying a trip to Europe? Are you a Red Velvet fan? Think about adding Piran in Slovenia to your travel list. The destination featured in Red Velvet’s Level Up Project where the group spent time together on a healing holiday. Consider finding a cosy coffee shop like Seulgi, wander along the streets discovering the city like Yeri, and admire the architecture like Joy.
12. France
Good food, amazing views, and regional variety are what you expect throughout a trip to France, which is why Girls’ Generation visited during their reality show ‘Girls For Rest’. Take your pals and go horseback riding, cook up a storm, and wander around taking in the spectacular views and architecture.
13. Lucerne, Switzerland
Expect medieval architecture nestled against snowy mountains in the Swiss city of Lucerne. The eagle-eyed will notice that Super Junior once visited this destination to explore and climb the nearby Mount Rigi. Meanwhile, SHINee’s Taemin also headed to the city to take on an adrenaline-inducing skydive in SHINee’s Wonderful Day.
14. Tongyeong, South Korea
You may be familiar with Korean tourist hotspots like Seoul, Busan, and Jeju Island, but have you heard of Tongyeong? The Southern coastal region has played host to the boy group B1A4 and is rife with fresh seafood. To emulate their journey, rent an RV and take a drive between Tongyeong and Geoje Island to enjoy Korea’s countryside in full.
15. Cebu, Philippines
If beautiful waterfalls and sandy beaches are your thing, then head to Cebu to follow in the footsteps of GFRIEND during One Fine Day. Of course, there’s plenty of idyllic spots to unwind and relax, but any Buddy out there may want to have a more action-packed escape like the group. If so, head to Jpark Island Resort & Waterpark, where the group stayed on their very first trip abroad.
Back in 2015, GFRIEND’s One Fine Day explored the Philippines. Image credit: Twitter/@GFRDofficial
Of course, we haven’t included all the destinations that K-Pop idols have visited during their reality TV shows. So, comment any we’ve missed and tell us where you’d like to go!
Edited by Gabii Rayner.
