Last Updated on May 4, 2024 by Eden
Seeing k-pop groups perform live in person is a huge thrill. Whether you’re checking out your favorite girl groups or boy groups, there’s nothing like seeing them alongside thousands of screaming fans onstage at a concert venue.
If you’re going to your first kpop concert you’ve probably got some questions about how it works. We’ll walk you through what to expect at a kpop concert so you can have the time of your life while seeing your favorite idols perform.
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What Happens During Kpop Concerts?
Seeing a kpop group live is a unique experience. If you’re only used to pop concerts featuring Western artists, you might be surprised by how different it is.
Here’s how it usually works:
- On the day of the concert, fans with VIP tickets get in line according to their queue number early to attend the soundcheck or meet and greet, and/or get a shot at the barricade.
- Once the concert venue doors open, those with general admission tickets can enter the building and browse official kpop merch, grab snacks, or mingle with other k-pop fans.
- There’s usually no opening act; k-pop artists take the stage and perform a setlist that lasts two to three hours.
- In between songs, group members chat with the crowd or play games.
- Between setlists, members will go offstage to change outfits and down some water while a VCR plays for the crowd.
- K-pop acts usually perform the “last” song and leave the stage, only to return after a few minutes break to do an encore that ends with a sentimental or upbeat song.
Once the house lights go up, the show is over and it’s time to leave unless you’ve got access to the send-off or hi-touch afterward. This is when fans line up to watch members of the group say goodbye after the show. You can get some great photos during this time, but only if pictures are allowed.
Kpop music festivals usually work differently, since you’re seeing multiple kpop acts instead of just one. And rather than having assigned seats, the entire crowd might be standing room only.
The best way to get a sense of how a kpop concert works is to ask other fans who have been to live shows or watch one on live stream if you have that option. Korean popular music has gotten so big that lots of groups now stream their shows online so they can reach more fans.
What to Expect at a Kpop Concert
Going to a kpop concert for the first time doesn’t have to be stressful! Here’s a list of what to expect at a kpop concert before the show, during, and after.
1. Parking
One of the biggest headaches of going to a kpop concert is finding a place to park.
If you’re seeing a show at a venue in the middle of a major city like Los Angeles or Atlanta, you might be driving around for a while looking for an available spot or lot.
Here’s a simple tip: Buy parking when you buy your tickets.
Sites like Ticketmaster sell k-pop concert tickets and parking passes together. Parking passes might run $20 to $30 but you can usually choose a parking garage or lot that’s a short walk to the venue and as long as you have a pass, you’re guaranteed a spot.
2. Lines
Going to a kpop concert usually means standing in a long line at some point. For example, there are usually lines to:
- Get into the venue
- Use the restroom
- Buy official kpop merch
- Purchase food and drinks
There may be other lines after the show if you’re waiting your turn for the hi-touch or send-off. Here are some tips for navigating the lines:
- If you’re using mobile tickets have your ticket link or QR code ready to scan before you get to the door.
- Fill up on snacks and drinks before the show so you don’t have to buy them at the venue. (And bring plenty of water bottles if you’ll be spending hours outside in the heat.)
- Pick up a lightstick or other merch at a kpop store near you.
And if you’re wondering what time to get to the venue, doors usually open an hour to an hour and a half before the show. If you buy a top tier ticket you may have early access as a VIP benefit.
If you’re VIP, then you may arrive around 8 or 9 am, depending on when you need to get in line for the sound check or a preshow meet and greet if there is one. VIP tickets can tax your bank account but they can give you a perfect opportunity to see your faves up close before or after the show.
3. Security checks
Most concert venues have security checkpoints you’ll need to pass through before you can get in the door. The two most common are a metal detector and bag checks.
At the metal detector, you’ll be asked to put your phone and other items you’re carrying on a table or in a basket and walk through the machine. If the machine goes off you may be scanned manually with a wand to check for any prohibited metal objects.
With bag check, someone will look into your bag and they might use a wooden dowel to move things around. Again, this is to make sure you aren’t bringing anything into the venue that you’re not supposed to have.
If you have something that you’re not supposed to, venue security may confiscate it or ask you to leave it with them until the show is over.
Pro tip: Many venues have a clear bag policy so you may need to invest in a kpop concert bag before you head to the show. Amazon is a great place to find concert-approved clear bags and you can also shop online kpop stores.
4. Fan chants
Fan chants are a regular feature of kpop concerts and you’ll often hear the whole crowd joining in. You can also see fans chanting along when groups perform on music shows in South Korea.
Some fan chants are song-specific, like the ‘break the wall chant’ that Ateez fans do when the group performs “Guerilla”. Other fan chants are just reciting the members’ names in order starting with the leader and going from oldest to youngest.
Before the show is a good time to learn a fan chant or two, even if it’s just the members’ names.
You can check social media or YouTube for fan chant tutorials for your favorite groups. And if you find the chants (or the music) to be too loud you might want to bring along some earplugs to mute the sound.
5. Photocards and freebies
It’s not unusual for k-pop stans to hand out freebies to other fans before the show.
Some fans do it for the fun of it or to make new kpop friends. Others see it as a great way to promote something.
For example, when we saw TXT in Atlanta in 2022, we gave out photo strips and candy with business cards to promote our Etsy kpop shop.
You’ll also see people with different kpop accessories, like cute photocard holders, keychains, and lightstick charms. You might want to spend a little time shopping for accessories to find ones that match your aesthetic.
6. Payments
Chances are you’ll need or want to buy something at the show and it’s a good idea to bring multiple forms of payment with you to a kpop concert.
Some concert venues are cashless, meaning you’ll only be able to use a debit card or credit card to pay. But you might need cash to cover public transportation fares or parking fees.
If you’re worried about cash being stolen, you might keep it somewhere on you instead of in your bag. You can also add your credit card or debit card to a mobile wallet app so you can pay with your phone.
7. Concert fits
One of the best things about going to a kpop concert is a chance to show off your fashion style. And believe me, you’ll see a LOT of unique styles at a kpop show.
Some of the easiest kpop concert outfits to put together pair up basic pieces that are cute and comfy.
So, you might wear a denim jacket with a bright color mini skirt and chunky sneakers. Or your perfect pieces might include wide-leg pants/cargo pants with a crop top and a pair of combat boots.
Argyle prints, checkered patterns, and cute or coquette aesthetics are all popular styles. And lots of fans like to imitate their favorite music video or comeback concept looks.
If you need kpop concert outfit ideas you can find lots of trendy looks on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. Try searching for terms like ‘kpop concert outfit women example’ or ‘kpop concert outfit men example’ to find outfit possibilities that match your style.
Pro tip: Remember that you’re most likely going to be standing for the entire time or most of it so choose comfortable clothing. Denim shorts or high-heeled shoes may look amazing on you but if they’re constantly riding up or pinching your toes you may wish you’d chosen a different outfit.
8. Slogans and picket fans
Kpop fans often show their support for their favorite groups by bringing signs featuring a fan-made slogan or a picket with their favorite member’s face. If you’re interested in bringing a fan-made sign check the venue’s website to make sure those are allowed first.
And if you don’t have time to make a sign you might be able to score one at the show. When I saw TXT perform live, fans were given banners to hold up at the end of the group’s concert as a special surprise for the members.
These kinds of fan engagements make the show more enjoyable and help you feel more connected to the group.
9. Hi touch/send-off
If you opted for premium vs. cheap tickets then you might be able to see group members off after the show. Hi touch and send-off usually take place immediately after the concert ends and you may need to dip out of the show a little early to get the best place in line.
You’ll wait for the members to come out and you might have a chance to briefly chat with them or give them a high five. Photo opportunities aren’t always allowed so be sure to check the event details to make sure you can snap a pic of your bias or take an impromptu group photo.
10. Safety
Here’s one more tip for what to expect at a kpop concert: Know the signs of a crowd crush.
It’s easy for fans to get excited and start pushing or shoving. If you’re stuck at the front of the barricade, that’s a great way to get an injury. Reading up on what to do in a crowd surge can help you stay safe.
What to Expect at a Kpop Concert FAQs
Do kpop concerts have opening acts?
K-pop artists usually don’t have opening acts at their concerts. There may be exceptions if a touring group wants to introduce a pre-debut or recently debuted rookie group they share a label with. During the Ateez world tour in 2023, they had their junior group Xikers perform two songs to warm up the crowd for some of their North American tour dates.
Do kpop concerts sell lightsticks?
Kpop concerts can sell light sticks and other kpop merch. If you’re buying an official kpop lightstick at the show, make sure you bring some batteries along with you. From personal experiences at concerts, I’ve seen fans buy lightsticks only to realize they didn’t come with batteries.
How long are kpop concerts?
Kpop concerts usually last anywhere from an hour and a half to three hours. The setlist and concert length can depend on the group, the venue, and the event. When Ateez performed at Coachella in 2024, for instance, they had a 40-minute time limit but their regular concerts usually run two and a half hours. The same is true for other kpop groups who’ve performed at festivals, like TXT and Stray Kids.
Is there a kpop concert age limit?
Kpop concerts may have age limits if the concert promoter or venue requires them. For example, when OnlyOneOf toured the United States in 2023 some of the tour stops were 18+. Minors may need to check the ticketing site or venue’s details to find out if they’ll be able to attend a k-pop show without an adult present.
Are kpop concerts safe?
This is an important question to ask if you’re not sure what to expect at a kpop concert. Kpop concerts are typically just as safe as any other concert, but it’s important to be safety aware.
For example, it’s a good idea to let friends and family know where you’ll be if you’re going to a kpop concert alone. If you’re taking an Uber or Lyft it’s also smart to verify the driver and vehicle details with what’s showing in your app. And if you’re taking public transportation it’s wise to plan out your route and know what payment methods you’ll be able to use to cover your fare.
Do kpop concerts have a dress code?
Concert venues can impose a dress code and prohibit fans from wearing clothing that’s considered hazardous, offensive, or too provocative. For example, a jacket that’s covered in spikes, a t-shirt with a racial slur, or a see-through dress that exposes the most private areas of your body would likely not be allowed. Checking the policy beforehand can help you have the best k-pop concert experience without running into any snags because of your outfit.
What to bring to a kpop concert?
If you’re heading to an upcoming concert, the first thing to consider is what to include in your concert bag. Some of the most important things to remember are your tickets, a portable battery charger, extra batteries for your lightstick, and your wallet. You’ll also want to bring enough water to keep cool and hydrated outside the venue while you’re waiting for the doors to open.
Where to buy kpop concert tickets?
International fans can buy kpop concert tickets on sites like Ticketmaster and AXS. You can also buy resale tickets through StubHub. If you want to get the best tickets (meaning VIP), be aware that there are different dates when they go on sale versus general public tickets. You may need a presale code to land a spot in the queue for VIP.
If you don’t have the budget for VIP, you can still find great deals on tickets but you might have to best fast since general public seats can sell out quickly. You’ll need to plan carefully and have a little bit of good luck on your side.
Keep in mind that ticket prices don’t include processing fees. You may want to put a little extra in your ticket budget to cover the fees, which can easily add another $25 to $100 per ticket.
Final Thoughts
Singing along to your favorite group’s songs in a crowd of other k-pop stans can feel like a dream come true, especially if you’ve been able to score good seats. If it’s your first time at a kpop show the last thing you want is to show up unprepared. Knowing what to expect at a kpop concert can help you have a great time from start to finish. And once you get that first one out of the way you can start planning for your next kpop concert!
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