Last Updated on May 4, 2024 by Cute Frog
Going to a kpop concert can be so much fun, especially if you’re seeing your favorite artist onstage for the first time. It’s not unusual for k-pop fans to attend concerts in a group but you can still have an amazing experience if you’re going to a kpop concert alone.
Not sure what to expect? We’ll walk you through the most important things to know about attending k-pop shows solo.
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Can You Go to a Kpop Concert Alone?
It might seem like the obvious answer is yes, anyone can go to a kpop concert alone, but that’s not always true. Minors might not be able to go to a kpop concert alone if the show promoter sets a minimum age limit or the concert venue has age restrictions.
For example, when OnlyOneOf came to the U.S. for their Grand America Tour last year, certain tour stops were 18+. Seventeen year olds and under were allowed only if they had an adult present.
Some concert venues are all ages but others aren’t. Checking the ticketing site or the venue’s site should tell you whether you can see your favorite k-pop group solo if you’re a minor.
5 Tips for Going to a Kpop Concert Alone
Going to k-pop concerts alone can feel a little intimidating, especially if it’s your first k-pop concert. Here’s how to have a good time and enjoy your concert experience from start to finish.
1. Choose your tickets wisely
The first thing to decide if you’re going to a kpop concert alone is where you want to be during the show. For a lot of international and Korean fans, going to k-pop concerts is all about getting barricade so you have a front row view.
The barricade is the space immediately in front of the stage. And standing there has its pros and cons.
You’ll be able to see your favorite k-pop artists up close, which beats sitting in the nosebleed section. On the other hand, if tickets are standing room only you’ll be on your feet the entire show. And while you usually won’t see a mosh pit at a kpop show, there’s still a lot of pushing and shoving.
You might need to buy VIP tickets to have a shot at barricade. Even then, you might be standing in a long line on the day of the concert to try and snag a spot at the front.
But, you can definitely have a great time in the pit and make new friends with other kpop fans. That’s a huge plus if you’re going alone and want to make some connections.
It’s usually a good idea to buy concert tickets as soon as they go on sale. Waiting until the last minute means you might be left with two price ranges: the most expensive tickets from resellers or the cheapest tickets, which put you the farthest distance from the stage.
Pro tip: Follow your favorite kpop artists on social media so you know when concert ticket announcements will drop.
2. Plan your trip to and from the venue
Concert venues usually open an hour or two before the show starts, giving you enough time to browse the official merch stand, find your seats, and get a snack.
Some people like to get to the concert venue super early, even if they’re not VIP ticket holders trying to get barricade. You might go early and mingle with other kpop fans in the crowd, or wait until just before the doors open if you don’t want to spend a lot of time hanging around outside.
If you’re traveling solo it’s important to keep safety in mind, especially if you’re in a city you’re not familiar with. Here are a few things to remember as you plan how to get to and from the concert venue.
- Choose a well-lit place to park if you’re driving. Many ticketing sites let you prepay for parking in a parking garage or lot close to the venue when you buy your tickets.
- Stay aware while walking to and from your car and if possible, walk with or close to a group of other fans.
- If you’re taking an Uber or other ride-sharing service, wait inside for your driver to pick you up and match the license plate, car make and model, and driver photo with what’s shown in the app before getting in the vehicle.
- Let friends or family members know where you are, what time you plan to leave to go to the venue, and when you expect to be back. If you’re taking an Uber, share your trip status with friends and family through the app.
- If you’re taking public transportation (like a bus, train, or subway) check which routes you need to take and what you’ll need to pay the fare. Also, be aware of when public transit stops running if it’s not 24/7 in the city where you’re attending a show.
And it should go without saying but don’t accept rides from people you don’t know. If you’re worried about being stranded by your Uber driver or there not being any cars available, you might want to save numbers for local taxi companies in your phone before the show.
Related post: What to Expect at a Kpop Concert (10 Things You Should Know)
3. Pack your kpop concert kit
As you’re planning your trip you’ll need to decide what to take to a kpop concert. Here are some of the most helpful things to have if you’re going to a kpop concert alone.
- Portable phone charger. A portable power bank is a must-have if you’re going to a kpop show by yourself since you don’t want to be left stranded with a dead battery.
- Cash and a debit card or credit card. Some concert venues are cashless and only accept debit cards or credit cards as payment but you might still need cash to cover parking fees or pay for public transportation. It’s a good idea to keep a little of both in your kpop concert bag.
- Emergency whistle. Concert venues usually don’t allow you to bring in anything that could be considered a weapon, including pepper spray, tasers, or pocketknives. If you’re worried about being able to defend yourself while alone, carrying an emergency whistle can get the attention of other people around you if you need help.
Of course, you’ll also want to take other things to the show, like your lightstick or a sign with a fan-made slogan. Those things can help you have a good time at the show while you’re staying safe.
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4. Stay safe in the venue
If you’re at a kpop concert alone and don’t know anyone, it’s always good to be aware of your surroundings. Here are a few safety tips to remember.
- Always watch your drinks, even if you’re just chugging water.
- Keep your bag and personal items in your sight at all times.
- Consider keeping cash or credit cards/debit cards on you versus in your bag, in case your bag gets stolen.
- Seek out venue security if anyone is harassing you or doing anything suspicious, like following you to the restrooms.
- Know where the exits are and how to get to them.
And if you’re standing in the pit area, you might want to read up on what to do in a crowd crush to avoid being injured or trapped.
5. Enjoy the show
Once you’re at the venue, you’ll be surrounded by other people with the same interests as you, which is a great chance to make new friends. But only if you want to.
If you’re an introvert and don’t feel comfortable making small talk, then it’s okay to keep to yourself and focus on the show.
On the other hand, if you’re an extrovert then you might have no problem chatting up other fans to talk about the expected setlist or how crazy ticket prices were for the concert. Or you might trade social media accounts so you can follow one another.
The most important thing is to enjoy yourself. Whether you’re attending a Blackpink concert with tens of thousands of fans or seeing your ults at a venue that seats 500 people, remember what you came for: to see your faves perform live onstage.
Don’t let the idea of going alone stop you from having an amazing concert experience!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are kpop concerts safe?
K-pop concerts are generally safe events since concert venues have security measures in place. Some of the best ways to stay safe at a kpop concert, especially if you’re going alone, include letting friends and family members know where you’ll be, paying attention to your surroundings, and not leaving the venue with anyone that you don’t know.
Can I go to kpop concert alone at 14?
Whether you can go to a kpop concert alone at 14 will depend on the show’s promoter or the concert venue. If the promoter or the venue sets an age limit, then you may not be able to go in without an adult if you’re under 18.
Can you have a good time at a kpop concert alone?
You can absolutely have a good time at kpop concerts by yourself and you don’t need to have someone with you to enjoy the show. And if you’re at all outgoing you might strike up some new friendships with other fans you meet at the show.
Final Thoughts
Going to kpop concerts alone doesn’t have to be scary at all. As long as you’re planning ahead, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy yourself. Just remember to consider safety if you’ll be out and about in a strange city by yourself.
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