The Unspoken Rules of Concerts in Korea
With the globalization of K-Pop, many fans are making the trip to attend concerts in Korea. However, Korean fan culture is different compared to experiences fans have in other parts of the world, and there are a few things that fans won't know until they experience it for themselves. These tips will help you be in the know and make your experience that much more memorable.
For essential survival tips at Korean concerts (or any concert really), check out this article.
Before the Show
Concert activities typically start several hours before the show. If a concert were to begin at 7 p.m., it is not uncommon that things would start to occur around 12 or 1 p.m.
Respect the Line
For international fans, lines are serious business. For those who have attended concerts while standing in other countries, the line to get a barricade spot starts hours earlier and sometimes even days before the concert. This is not the case in Korea. Standing is done by the number listed on your ticket. These lines usually start two hours before doors open. Merch lines, on the other hand, often begin the night before. Many Korean concert attendees operate group orders, so getting enough merch to fill these orders is very important. With merch lines, many people line up the evening before until the location closes for the evening. A good example is Olympic Park in the Songpa-gu neighborhood of Seoul. The park is the home of several venues that are often used for concerts and closes at 12:30 a.m. At this time, no one should be on the property, or you risk being arrested. In lieu of being in line, you have to put a paper with contact information, number of people, and your name as well as a bag (or other item) to mark your spot. You then come back on the first train and resume your spot in line. Your spot from the night before is still your spot. You don’t move forward and you don’t move back. Respect others in the line and they will respect you.
Give Something, Get Something
Fansite freebies are a very common thing to receive at concerts. However, not all freebies come from fansites. A lot of fans who travel in for concerts will prepare little treat bags, stickers, heat packs, and other items to share with fans at the venue. If someone gives you a freebie, out of consideration it is always good to have something to give in return. It is okay if you are not able to prepare things, as most people don’t expect you to know these customs at first. An easy thing to do is buy bulk packs of hot packs or lollipops and pass them out.
No Such Thing As Too Much Merch
This is the time to show off. If you have a doll of every member, bring them! If you have merch from three consecutive eras, wear it! Some fansites will require you to “prove” you are a fan of that member to get their freebies. Even smaller merch pieces are enough to get people's attention. This is also where fans have the opportunity to creatively style merch in a way they wouldn’t for everyday wear. Let your creative side fly.
During The Show
This is the main way that international concerts and domestic concerts in Korea differ. Understanding the etiquette can mean the difference between a wonderful and terrible experience.
Be Mindful of Those Around You
One of the main differences about Korean concerts is that if you have seats, you do not stand up. This is really the one rule that makes life difficult for some international fans because when we are hype we are hype. Another thing to make note of is where your lightstick and banners are. Anything higher than shoulder level is going to get looks and even some complaints, though this tends to be suffocating for those of us who enjoy losing ourselves in the moment. Be aware of where your limbs are at all times and try not to block the people behind you with your light stick and banner.
Cheers Not Screams
A band member waves, someone screams. They drink water, someone screams. They try to open their mouth to speak, everyone screams. This is how it often works in concerts outside of South Korea. No one likes it, but many people never do anything about it. However in Korea, you will get “SHHHH”ed and told to quiet down if you are being too loud or rude. Cheer when it's appropriate but don’t scream like someone is killing you at every moment. It’s okay to be loud but it's not okay to be loud when you should be listening. Moments like mentions and mid-song are not times to be screaming your head off. Instead, keep your energy for the fanchants and cheer extra loudly for your favorite members.
After The Show
It is super common to wait behind the venue as members and their staff are leaving at the end of a concert. Venues in Korea anticipate this, so they rope off waiting areas for fans. Just like there is etiquette for before and during the concert, there's always things to remember at the end of the concert.
Respect the Members’ Boundaries
The members and their team just finished a long work day. The staff frantically prepared the group members for the stage. The members just left their blood, sweat, and tears on the stage for your enjoyment. When they exit the building, you can call for them and wave, but don’t scream and push towards them. Think about how you would feel if someone rushed you after a long day at work. Send-offs are often quiet affairs to have one last moment with your favorite member before they leave for the day, not an extension of the concert. If you are tired, they are even more tired.
No Flash, No Flash, No Flash
At send-offs, you must not use flash on a camera. At all. It is often dark when the members are leaving and the flash will hurt them and others around you. A lot of send-off videos that make it online are really dark and hard to see because the only lighting is from street lamps around the venue. Not using flash allows for everyone to have a comfortable viewing experience.
Final Thoughts
Though many of these points may seem like common sense, knowing the cultural differences and “unspoken rules” will help lesson the amount of awkward situations bound to happen during someone’s first concert in Korea.