ARMYs Cross Borders: How Bogotá Is Welcoming BTS

K-pop group BTS is set to perform its first full-group concert in Colombia, and Bogotá is preparing a citywide welcome. The city has named the members "Honored Guests" and will illuminate major buildings in purple and run additional transit services to help concertgoers get home.

On Sept. 30, the Bogotá city government issued Decreto 413 de 2026, officially designating BTS as "Huésped de Honor," or "Honored Guest." According to local outlet El Universal, it has been about 10 years since Bogotá last granted the title.

The honor is awarded by Bogotá's mayor to distinguished visitors who have contributed to citizens' welfare or the city's development in fields including the arts, sports, politics, science and education. The city cited BTS's role in bringing Korean music and culture to global audiences and influencing younger generations since its debut in 2013. Officials also expressed hope that the visit would raise Bogotá's profile as a hub for cultural and creative industries and a host of international events.

"BTS is more than just a band," Bogotá Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán said. "We want the people coming to the concert and visiting Bogotá to experience the city itself." He added, "The city of Bogotá recognizes that this visit is a special event for the city as well, and we will welcome them here as our Honored Guests."

About 18.4% of tickets for the concerts were sold outside Colombia, roughly twice the overseas purchase share for a typical concert held in the country. Flight bookings to Bogotá for travel between Sept. 30 and Oct. 4 increased 46.6% compared with the same period last year. Domestic bookings rose 59.3%, while international bookings climbed 39.5%.

The shows are also expected to boost tourism spending. The tourism observatory under Bogotá's tourism authority estimates that concertgoers attending the two shows on Oct. 2 and 3 will spend more than $29.9 million, equivalent to 99 billion Colombian pesos (approximately 40.6 billion won), on food and drink, accommodation, local transportation, shopping and souvenirs.

Bogotá will light up City Hall and Torre Colpatria, one of its signature landmarks, in purple to welcome the group. On both concert dates, eight additional transit routes will connect stations near the venue with major areas of the city after the shows end. Service frequency will be adjusted according to demand to help concertgoers get home smoothly.

Bogotá is the first stop on BTS's South American tour, marking the first time all seven members will perform together in Colombia. The group will then head to Lima, Perú; Santiago, Chile; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and São Paulo, Brazil.