So… the day has come. Your ult group is finally coming to your city. You’ve got the ticket (after fighting through Ticketmaster queues like a warrior), the lightstick’s charged, your outfit is laid out on the bed like it’s prom night, and your emotions? Let’s just say they’re… unstable.
Whether you’re seeing BTS, TWICE, Stray Kids, BLACKPINK, SEVENTEEN, ATEEZ, or NewJeans, this isn’t just a concert—it’s a spiritual awakening. But if you’ve never been to a K-pop show before, there’s a lot you might not expect. And a lot you’ll want to be prepared for—because these concerts? They hit different.
So here it is: the ultimate first-timer’s fan guide to surviving (and thriving at) your first K-pop concert. From pre-show prep to post-show feels, I got you covered.
1. GET YOUR TICKET STRAIGHT. LIKE, RIGHT NOW.
You’d be surprised how many people think “I’ll just buy one the week of the show.” NO. This isn’t your local indie band at a dive bar. K-pop tickets move fast, and resale can be chaotic.
Pro tips:
- Screenshot your ticket & save it to your wallet app
- Check the venue’s ticket policy (some require printed copies!)
- Arrive early if you have VIP or soundcheck access
Don’t forget your ID if your ticket is will-call or has your name on it.
2. PACK YOUR CONCERT BAG WISELY
Your bag = your survival kit. But also, keep it small because bag checks are brutal and venues have size limits.
Essentials:
- Phone (with lots of storage for fancams, duh)
- Portable charger (you will drain your battery from filming your bias’s every move)
- Water bottle (check if sealed bottles are allowed)
- Tissues (for sweat… or crying)
- ID, cash/card
- Lip balm & gum (concerts get dry and LOUD)
No professional cameras, glow-up fans, or anything you wouldn’t want taken from you at the door.
3. LEARN THE FANCHANTS (OR AT LEAST PRETEND TO)
You do not want to be that one person yelling lyrics during a fanchant break. Fanchants are serious business—especially in Korea or with groups like SEVENTEEN or TXT, where fans will literally practice outside before the show.
How to prep:
- Watch live performances and notice when fans yell certain names or phrases
- Search for “(group name) fanchant guide” on YouTube
- Don’t stress if you can’t memorize them all—just join in when you can!
Bonus: When you nail the fanchant, your soul ascends. Trust me.
4. CHOOSE YOUR OUTFIT FOR COMFORT + VIBE
Yes, you want to slay. But you also want to survive 2-3 hours of jumping, screaming, and possibly crying.
Outfit ideas:
- Your bias’s merch (if you’ve got it, flaunt it)
- Coordinated color themes (e.g. OT7 purple, Carat blue, BLINK black & pink)
- Comfy shoes (unless you want to be carried out mid-encore)
Avoid: heels, corsets, or anything you can’t move/dance/scream in.
5. CHARGE YOUR LIGHTSTICK + SYNC IT IF NEEDED
If you shelled out $50+ for that beautiful, bouncy, bias-blessing lightstick—USE IT.
- Sync it via Bluetooth if the venue supports it (they often change colors during songs!)
- Bring extra batteries or charge it ahead of time
- Hold it high but not wild—respect the fans behind you
Don’t have a lightstick? Your phone flashlight or glow bracelet works too. You’re still valid, bestie.
6. MENTALLY PREPARE FOR… EVERYTHING
You will:
- See your bias up close and forget how to breathe
- Make eye contact and wonder if it was real (it was)
- Scream lyrics you didn’t know you memorized
- Cry during a ballad you weren’t even that into before
- Feel post-concert sadness before it’s even over
This is normal. This is the K-pop experience.
7. RECORD WISELY—BUT DON’T WATCH THE WHOLE THING THROUGH YOUR SCREEN
Yes, you want that iconic fancam. But if you spend the entire show behind your phone, you’ll miss the magic.
Tips:
- Record only your favorite parts (intro, bias solo, crowd chants)
- Take breaks to just experience the moment
- Don’t block others—use chest height or angle your phone
And remember: your memory >>> any blurry fancam.
8. MAKE FRIENDS—THIS IS A FANDOM FESTIVAL
The energy at a K-pop concert is unreal because you’re surrounded by people who love the same chaotic, talented humans you do.
Ways to make friends:
- Trade freebies (photo cards, stickers, bracelets)
- Compliment someone’s outfit/lightstick
- Join pre-show events organized by fans or local fanbases
- Dance in line—someone will join you
Some of my closest friends started with a random “OMG you stan Jeonghan too???” in line.
9. EAT BEFORE. HYDRATE. PEE EARLY.
Simple, but so necessary.
- Eat something filling before the show (you will be on your feet for hours)
- Hydrate early, but not too much (bathroom lines are tragic)
- Use the bathroom right before finding your seat
You don’t want to be the one sprinting to the restroom during “Mic Drop.”
10. STAY FOR THE ENCORE + AFTER-SHOW SURPRISES
K-pop encores are not optional. They’re where the real chaos, tears, fan interactions, and funny moments happen.
Plus, some groups do:
- Special messages
- Acapella versions of songs
- Random member antics (looking at you, SEVENTEEN and Stray Kids)
Wait a little after the lights go up. There’s almost always a secret encore vibe—or fan chants just for fun.
11. POST-CONCERT SADNESS IS REAL (AND OKAY)
You’ll go home. You’ll rewatch your videos 300 times. You’ll cry when your bias says “Thank you, I love you.” You’ll scroll TikTok for fancams. You’ll miss it.
This is the post-concert blues, and we all go through it.
Remedy:
- Talk about it with fellow fans
- Start saving for the next one
- Print your favorite pics and turn them into keepsakes
- Post your favorite moments using #MyKpopConcertMemory
It’ll pass. But the memory? That stays forever.
Final Thoughts
Your first K-pop concert is not just a concert. It’s a wild, heart-filling, possibly life-changing event that’ll live in your soul forever. Be present. Scream unapologetically. Dance like no one’s watching—except your bias, because let’s be honest, they totally saw you.