The dream of every K-Pop fan coming to Korea is, of course, to be able to meet their favorite artist. Because the chance to be in South Korea might not come twice, fans want to make the most of it while they're here. And even if they might not bump into an idol in the middle of the street, there are plenty of ways to get to see them while being in South Korea, and especially in the capital, Seoul. If you come during summer, you might have a chance to see your idols in other cities as well thanks to summer festivals all around Korea, such as the "Waterbomb Festival", but the rest of the year, you have more chances to see celebrities if you stay in Seoul.
Of course, the most efficient way to see your favorite group or artist would be to directly attend their concerts, if they have any while you're in Korea. Concerts in Korea are a whole different experience than overseas, so if you have a chance to attend one, you shouldn't miss it. But the advantage of being in Korea is that there are many other opportunities to see your idol than a concert, and some of these occasions might be even better. Most of the time there is less people so it feels more private, and it can also be cheaper than buying concert tickets. So don't hesitate to try your luck on any of those 7 events while you stay in South Korea.
1. Going to your favorite artist's concert
As mentioned previously, the ultimate event to make sure you see your favorite artist would be to go to one of their concert. Usually, concerts are announced a long time in advance, so you'll have time to prepare and include the concert ticket price in your budget for South Korea. You might think that concerts aren't that unique because you can also experience them overseas, but you're wrong. Because concerts in Korea have a completely different atmosphere. If overseas fans tend to sing along an entire song, in Korea fans are very dedicated to do only the fanchants, this way the members know that the fans cheer for them, but fans also get to enjoy the artists' song without background noises.
2. See as many artists as possible at a festival
There are festivals all year long in Korea, so make sure to double check which one will be hold when you're visiting. If you plan to attend any festival, be ready to have a blast. Not only because the ambience of festivals are fire, but mostly because you'll get a chance to see so many artists at once. If you attend a festival while being in South Korea, you'll surely make the most out of your trip. Especially considering that there are festivals by genre of music as well, which can allow you to see many artists from a same category. For example, if you like rappers and K-Hip Hop artists, you should head out to the "RapBeat Festival", you can be almost certain that your favorite artist will be on the lineup.
3. Have tons of laughter at a fanmeeting
Fanmeetings are part of those events that mostly only happen in Korea, especially when it comes to K-Pop groups. So of course, if you have a chance to, try to attend one. You surely won't regret it. Because unlike concerts, fanmeetings are made for both performances and game or interaction time. Indeed during a fanmeeting an artist will mostly talk with the fans, there are often some Q&A sessions organized, where the artist will share some TMI and advice to fans. There are also many games being played during fan meetings, some can be quizzes, 'guess the word' game or even traditional Korean games. Anyway, everything is made so that you have as much fun as possible, that way you can leave the venue with unforgettable memories.
4. Have the best interactions during an artist's promotion
Since you are in Korea, you now have the chance to see your favorite artist perform on a daily basis at weekly music show. May it be "The Show", "Music Bank", or "MCountdown", you can try to get into live broadcasts or pre-recordings to meet your favorite group, or soloist. Some of those weekly shows have a lucky draw system that enable anyone to win ticket to attend live broadcast, so make sure to check the broadcasting channel's website and app to apply for those events. Otherwise, if you are part of a group's official platform such as Weverse, Bstage, or Daeum Cafe, you can try to apply for your group's pre-recordings.Each group and platform have different requirement for joining a group's activities, so always double check the materials needed. These are also exclusive events you can only experience in South Korea, so you should definitely try to get into one and see how it feels.
5. Get closer than ever to your artist by attending a fansign
@ruu_nang
This might be the hardest event to attend while being in Korea, but it is still worth the try. When groups are promoting, they do not only attend music show, they also hold fansigns events, where they get to have a chat with their fans individually as they sign their albums for fans. To get into a fansign, you have to buy the group's album in a certain quantity, and then it's all about luck as winners are drawn randomly through a lucky draw system. But if you do get into a fansign, you will have the time of your life, that's for sure. Because for fans, being able to meet their idols this close, have a chat with them, and even hold hands, is something that truly feels like a dream.
6. Grab a coffee on your idol's birthday
@younju4148
One cultural phenomenon in South Korea are cafe events that are hold for celebrities' birthday. As you spend time in Korea, you might come across some very decorated coffee shops that are celebrating an idol, actor or athlete's birthday. That might seem like a waste of time, but you'll actually get limited edition fan-made goods, and you might also see your idol there. Not all artists do that, but some search for their anniversary cafe and pay a visit to the place in order to thank fans for organizing them. Your chance to meet your idol at such event is quite rare and random, but it's never zero, so do grab your chance. And if anything, you won't leave the place empty handed! Cup holder, photocards, stickers, you name it, fans are going all in for their idol's birthday.
7. Visit the various pop-up stores
IN THE SOOP
Last but not least, while being in Korea you'll also get a chance to visit the various pop-up stores and thema cafe organized to celebrate a group's comeback. Both thema cafe and pop-up stores have goods you can purchase -pop-up stores usually have more than them cafe, and you can also enjoy the special decoration. So far groups such as SEVENTEEN, Stray Kids, ATEEZ, and many more had pop-up stores around Seoul, and all of them were very popular among fans. Because the decoration always matches with the group and their new concept, it is always a one-of-a-kind experience than to visit one of those pop-up stores. And of course, apart from getting amazing pictures, purchasing the limited edition merchandise on-site is one of the funniest thing to do in a pop-up store. Because those goods are the most precious of all.
There are certainly more events you might be able to attend while being in South Korea, depending on the season, the trends and more, so make sure to do your research before coming!
