The Australian Government has issued a fresh travel alert for South Korea in the lead-up to a massive BTS concert comeback in Seoul.
While the overall travel advice for the country remains at the lowest level (“Exercise normal safety precautions”), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) reports that the South Korean Government has raised its crisis alert to “caution” (level 2 of 4) ahead of the BTS concert, which takes place on Saturday.
In the Jongno-gu and Jung-gu districts of Seoul, Korea’s terrorism alert has also been raised to “attention” (level 2 of 4) until midnight on 21 March.
“Local authorities have strengthened their security and patrol operations around the area,” DFAT’s Smartraveller website states.
According to the department, over a quarter of a million people are predicted to attend the free BTS concert, which marks the supergroup’s live return.
“A large public concert is being held at Gwanghwamun Square on 21 March, with around 260,000 spectators expected to attend,” it states.
“Public transport around Gwanghwamun Square, including City Hall, Gyeongbukgung and Gwanghwamun train stations will be affected. Traffic controls, including road closures around the area will begin on 20 March.”
Gwanghwamun Square is also in close proximity to the US Embassy – and DFAT warns Aussies in the South Korean capital to “avoid Israeli and US diplomatic missions and locations associated with Israeli, Jewish and US interests”.
Seoul surge
In October 2025, the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) reported a 12 per cent year-on-year increase in Australian visitation to South Korea. According to KTO, around 1.36 million inbound travellers visited Seoul in July 2025 alone, a 23 per cent year-on-year jump.
The rise followed the release of KPop Demon Hunters (KDH), a record-breaking Netflix series and movie.
“Children are singing, dancing and talking about Korean culture like never before and it’s been incredible to see that level of excitement from the next cohort of travellers with some already begging their parents to visit,” KTO Sydney Office Director Hyeongjoon Kim said at the time.
According to data released by KTO and PassportCard Australia travel insurance last year, almost two-thirds of Aussies (65%) said the explosion of Korean pop culture – led by BTS and KDH – made them more likely to travel to South Korea.
KARRYON UNPACKS: Major global events increasingly drive travel, and sometimes security alerts. For travel advisors booking South Korea, it’s a reminder that pop culture tourism can move crowds fast. Stay informed.
