Have you had a “sweet night” like a “winter bear” this month? I bet you have because we are going to visit V’s hometown, Geochang! First, here’s an interesting fact to consider: Kim Taehyung (V), was born in Bisan-dong, the western part of Daegu, but he was raised in Geochang city in South Gyeongsang Province. This homely place is filled with many plants and trees so it’s no surprise that V says he is from a family of farmers .
If you already watched the drama Hwarang in which V played a role, you will find it easy to understand about the place where they filmed it. It is similar to two famous attractions in Daegu, Haeinsa Temple and Gyeongju. If you were not familiar with these places before, let us show you the way!
Haeinsa temple is located in Gayasan National Park in Hapcheon, Gyeongnam. It is a Buddhist Temple and is one of Korea’s three largest temples, founded by two monks, Suneung and Ijung. The name of “Haein” is taken from the expression “Haeinsammae of Hwaeomgyeong" (Buddhist scripture), which refers to the truly enlightened world of Buddha and our naturally undefiled mind. For Gyeongju, it is a coastal city located in the far southeastern corner of North Gyeongsang Province. It was the capital of Silla during the Three Kingdoms (57BC – 668AD) and the Great Silla Kingdom (668AD-935AD) for over 1,000 years. Now, Gyeongju is known as “the museum without walls” because of the vast number of cultural properties and archaeological sites in the city. The city's name "Gyeongju" was established in around 935AD by King Taejo, meaning "Congratulatory district".
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How is it? Full of historic places right? Now, hop on a ride and we are going to other places to learn more about V’s childhood in daycare and schools he attended. First place is Bisan 4-dong Daycare center. This is the first place where V started his journey before going to elementary school. It is located on 34 Gukchaebosang-ro 76-gil, Bisan 4(sa)-dong, Seo-gu, Daegu.
However, it’s already been renovated into a new building from recent information. Continuing our tour, there is Daegu Jeil High school which is located only a two-minute walk away from the daycare center. It is a public high school and a Korean Arts High School that V attended before launching into his dream of becoming a K-pop Idol.
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After visiting V’s school, let’s go down to a beautiful spot where we can refresh our minds and feel relaxed. Welcome to our next destination, Dalseong Park. Established in 1905, it is a big park with 129,700 square meters of space, where visitors can enjoy facilities such as walking paths, a zoo, an exhibition hall, tennis courts, a shop, etc. Don’t forget to check out a special spot where V created a beautiful childhood memory in 2015 near a big tree with many benches in the background.
Enough playing around the park - let’s walk to Seomun Market station which is not far away from the park and do some window shopping! This market is the biggest traditional market in the area where you can find many local specialties and traditional Korean goods, such as Korean style hair-pins. You can also fill your tummy with lots of food, including flat dumplings — Suga’s specialty.
Feeling excited? Hold it! There is more good news related to V and Daegu. 13 buses ran through Seoul down to his hometown Daegu printed with his image and birthday wishes on his last birthday in 2020. On top of that, Daegu city made a tour package that promotes his and Suga’s hometown. They will be releasing these vlogs on Daegu City’s official YouTube channel and will request for the videos to be shared with the overseas branch of the Korea Tourism Organization.
They will also be creating a tour titled the ‘Hallyu Sky Train Tour’ that connects the bus tour package ‘Hallyu 724 Bus Tour’ and Subway line 3. They plan to confirm these tours by the first half of this year in order to bring in foreign tourists after the COVID-19 pandemic slows down.
We are at the end of the line now. Have you already felt V’s inner child through exploring his hometown? We hope you have! Now, pack your luggage, eat lots of chicken noodle soup, and write a wish list for next month because we are going to Hobi’s hometown, Gwangju next! Let’s meet again and have fun together traveling Army!
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Written by Tobing Edited by Clare
Checked by: Esma