photo: Tripadvisor; Paul Ancheta / Flickr/A fan holding 'You Never Walk Alone' album by BTS in front of the Hyangho Beach bus stop; BTS Skytrain in Bangkok
It started as a coincidence—BTS and Bangkok’s Skytrain sharing a name. But across Asia, the connection between the band and rail runs far deeper.
K-pop’s global dominance is well established, but BTS's influence now stretches far beyond the music charts. From elevated trains in Bangkok to high-speed rail lines across South Korea, the group has become entangled with public transport networks in ways few could have predicted.
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Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain: A Playful Coincidence Meets Urban Efficiency
While the acronym BTS officially stands for Bangkok Mass Transit System, the overlap with the world-famous boy band has become a running joke among K-pop fans. Tourists from around the globe delight in taking photos under signs reading BTS Skytrain, often tagging them with playful captions about "riding BTS in Thailand."
Yet the BTS Skytrain is more than a coincidence; it’s one of Bangkok's most vital transport links. According to Tripadvisor, the network has over 60 stations across three lines, connecting major attractions such as Chatuchak Market, ICONSIAM, and Lumpini Park. Traveloka points out the Sukhumvit and Silom lines in particular, noting their efficiency and direct access to cultural hotspots. The system is elevated, unlike the underground MRT, and remains a top choice for visitors due to its affordability and convenience. Traveloka explains that Rabbit Cards, the rechargeable fare cards used on the BTS, are only valid on privately operated segments, requiring an extra charge for government-run stations. Still, for most tourists, single-ride or day passes include the entire system, with a full-day unlimited ticket costing 140 baht (EUR 3.81).
South Korea’s KTX and the Rise of the BTS Pilgrimage
Back in BTS's home country, South Korea's extensive railway system has become a critical part of fan tourism. According to Statista, BTS concerts, such as those held at Seoul Olympic Stadium, have attracted tens of thousands of international fans, many of whom rely on trains to get to the venue. Fans also use the KTX high-speed rail to embark on what has become known as the BTS pilgrimage. This often includes stops at iconic locations like Jumunjin's Hyangho Beach bus stop (from the You Never Walk Alone album cover), Dadaepo Beach in Busan, and Iryeong Station, featured in the Spring Day music video.
The Jakarta Post notes these destnations' growing popularity among global ARMYs (BTS fans) looking to recreate memorable scenes. RM, the band’s leader, is known for his love of trains, often sharing photos from trips to art galleries around Korea. His rail journeys, however, have become a point of controversy.
When Curiosity Crosses the Line: The Korail Privacy Scandal
In 2023, a Korail employee was found to have accessed RM’s personal travel records 18 times between 2019 and 2022. As reported by both Korea JoongAng Daily and The Straits Times, the employee used their access to the reservation system to track RM’s movements and even went to Dongdaegu Station in hopes of seeing him in person. Korail responded by launching an internal investigation and promised reforms, including a system that requires employees to justify access to personal data. "We will have a real-time tracking system established by the end of the year," the company stated, stressing the urgent need for stronger privacy protections in public services.
The scandal ignited a broader debate about data ethics in Korea's public infrastructure. While the efficiency of the railway system is undisputed, the misuse of data has raised questions about how to protect public figures who rely on public services like everyone else.
Rail-Fuelled Fan Tourism and Economic Ripple Effects of BTS
The popularity of BTS-related travel destinations has inadvertently boosted local economies and revived interest in regional train travel. As The Jakarta Post reports, locations like Metasequoia Road in Damyang, Banpo Hangang Park, and even restaurants frequented by BTS members during their trainee days are now stops on unofficial fan itineraries. Many of these locations are accessible via local or high-speed rail, making train travel an integral part of the fan experience. According to fans, part of the appeal is the journey itself. Whether it's riding through the countryside to reach Jungkook’s hometown of Busan or taking a quiet trip to the seaside to visit a BTS landmark, trains offer both accessibility and a sense of connection to the band's roots.
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Sources: Tripadvisor, Traveloka, The Jakarta Post, Statista, Korea JoongAng Daily, The Straits Times