K-pop Concert Essentials You Need to Bring

Original text. Edited by Chelsea Cheetham for Cherry Chu Magazine.

A lot of concert goers think they know how concerts work. If the concert starts at 7:30, they get there at 6:30, walk in, find their seats, maybe get some nachos and a drink, and wait for the fun to begin. This is what I thought as well, and my resume consists of 39 concerts and more to come. I always brought my phone, my wallet, and car keys as nothing else was necessary. That was until I started going to the end all be all that is K-pop concerts. To prepare, I researched endlessly wishing everything were in one spot and I could know the secrets. Even at my first concert, I wanted to feel like I was ready for anything (like if somehow Lee Heeseung bumped into me on the street after camping outside for seven hours). 

Deodorant 

The number one thing to bring, especially if you will be waiting outside for any amount of time, is deodorant. A full stick, a portable one, a little sprayable can, it does not matter. As K-pop concerts become bigger, the wait outside becomes longer and the sun can be hotter than expected. There is little worse than being in a venue, squished up next to others, knowing that you smell bad. If you fall into this worst-case scenario, ask someone around you! At the end of the day, it is natural and other fans there want you to feel and smell your best too.  

Perfume 

Perfume isn’t as important as deodorant, but it is a wonderful thing to have, especially if you are in general admission. It gives an extra boost of confidence and who doesn’t want to smell good? So, pack a perfume sample or have a travel perfume! It will also act as a connector to those around you. If it smells good and you are starting to become friends, they’ll be asking you for a spritz. 

Remember to pack things that are important to you. For me, that’s my RJ and lightstick.  

Portable charger  

Camping or waiting outside before a concert for hours, both call for a portable charger. These can be bought cheap so don’t worry about dropping a ton on an excellent quality portable charger, unless you are looking for something long term.  

Extra storage on your phone  

If you are someone that likes to record all your favorite songs at concerts, or are close enough to take fancams, have enough storage available on your phone to do so. A lot of people suggest getting flash drives or putting their bigger files on a computer before the concert to free up space. 

Stray Kids performed almost 30 songs at their concert. Be prepared to film every one. 

Download your ticket  

A lot of venues have a tap choice now so that you can put your concert ticket in your Apple or Samsung Wallet, tap, and enter the venue. It seems stressful at first, but as venues are adapting, fans are too, and it is making the lines go faster which will get you to your spot or the merch lines faster as well. 

Concerts build community. Make friends at concerts and have each other's backs.  

Nail glue/cosmetics 

Mistakes happen. Nails come off, sweat moves your powder, and mascara runs. If this is going to happen before the concert, don’t let it put a damper on your day and be prepared instead. Pack nail glue, face powder, mascara, and if you have space, facial wipes. Personally, I will always pack my nail glue and black pencil eyeliner. Everyone has a preference. 

Comfortable shoes  

Everyone wants to show their fabulous side, and K-pop concerts are synonymous with fashion shows, but make sure your cute is also comfortable. The easiest way to do this is by wearing shoes that fit your taste, fit your outfit, and don’t give you a blister three songs in. If you are in general admission, take your height into consideration. Don’t wear heels if you know that you are going to be blocking the view of the fans behind you. If you think wearing a shoe with some height might make it easier for you to see, try it out! 

A comfortable outfit overall is always a plus. Try matching an album cover or recreating your bias’s outfit from a music video or performance.  

Photocard of your bias  

Having a photocard on the back of your phone or in a holder and attaching it to your outfit adds the cutest vibes into your look and will start instant conversation with those around you. It’s simple, fun, and might get you some freebies. 

Freebies I got for having a Seungmin photocard in my phone case. Reminder: stan Seungmin. 

Some storage (pockets, purse, bag, etc.) 

All of these items need a place to stay so an outfit with pockets, a clear backpack, or a small purse is a must. If you go with the pockets option, put everything in your pockets while you are home and jump around a bit, aka make sure that you won’t be having one hand in the air and the other holding your waistband while dancing to your favorite songs. Be informed of the bag requirements at the venue as well. If you show up with a bag that is not permitted, they will make you throw it away or put it in your car. 

Most importantly, if you end up forgetting anything on this list, have a mascara smudge, or don’t get to record every song because your phone is at 20%, it’s okay. K-pop is supposed to be fun. Regardless, you will have the best night of your life. So, go crazy and enjoy your time!  

What will you always bring to a K-pop concert?