Best first route
The easiest starting point is Seoul: HiKR Ground and Cheonggyecheon for public tourism context, Hongdae for youth music energy, Seongsu for pop-ups and cafes, and Myeongdong for beauty, albums, and snacks.
For a softer regional trip, Gangneung works well because it combines East Coast scenery, coffee streets, beaches, and fan-photo energy without making the whole trip depend on a single celebrity connection.
One day in Seoul
Use the Seoul K-pop Starter Loop if you want subway-friendly movement and a compact first day.
Two days outside Seoul
Use the Gangneung route if you want beaches, cafes, and calmer travel photography.
What to avoid
Private agency buildings, artist homes, private schedules, and unsourced rumors are not travel attractions.