BTS World Tour Generates $5.3 Billion in Economic Impact Across 44 Cities

The analysis team at NH Investment & Securities estimated that BTS’s world tour, which will cover 44 cities, will create an economic impact of approximately 8 trillion won, equivalent to $5.3 billion. The team referred to this phenomenon as “BTSnomics,” explaining that the figure includes not only direct revenues but also secondary consumption.

Maria Herrera, a utility worker from Vancouver, Canada, worked extra hours for weeks to afford a trip to Korea, spending around 5,000 Canadian dollars (approximately 3,644 dollars) to attend a concert in Seoul. Maria and her two daughters decided to experience the concert atmosphere in Gwanghwamun Square without tickets. Their planned activities included cosmetic services such as Botox treatments, facials, and hair care. Maria said, “We don’t get our hair done in Canada,” adding that they wanted to treat themselves while in Korea. She also mentioned that her family plans to attend another BTS concert in Toronto.

Following the announcement of the tour schedule, demand for accommodations in the cities where concerts will take place surged. In Goyang, hotel search volume increased by 8 times compared to the week before the announcement, while in Busan, where concerts are scheduled in June, searches rose by 47%. Among Korean fans, the most significant increase in search volume was observed for Kuala Lumpur among the Asian-Pacific tour locations.

Sales of BTS merchandise also skyrocketed. At Shinsegae Duty Free’s Myeongdong flagship store, one week before the Seoul concerts, sales of various merchandise items such as glow sticks, blankets, and dolls increased by 430% compared to the previous week.

Analysts also highly valued the potential for additional revenue. This is because BTS uses a central stage design that allows unobstructed views and increases the capacity to accommodate more fans. As a result, analysts estimated that ticket sales revenue could reach up to 2.7 trillion won.

The world tours of Taylor Swift and Coldplay are also considered examples of events that have influenced local economies.

The world tour will begin on April 9 in Goyang and continue through April 11 and 12. Concerts in Busan are scheduled for June 12 and 13. Major cities around the world, including Las Vegas, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Tokyo, and Singapore, are included in the tour itinerary.