What to Bring to a K-pop Concert: 20 Items You Need in Your Concert Bag

Got tickets to your favorite K-pop act? Here’s what to bring to a K-pop concert so you’re ready!

If you know one thing about me, it’s that I will go to a concert. I WILL GO. Attending K-pop concerts is slightly different from normal pop concerts. It’s not too different, but if it is your first time going, you will definitely have fun and learn a lot about K-pop fandom culture. Trust me, I’ve had the most fun and also felt the safest at K-pop concerts. I’ve gone one by myself. You will get your money’s worth.

The fans also make the experience way more enjoyable. Fans pass out free items and merch. If there is a fan project, you’ll know about it for sure once you start walking around. Venues, K-pop stores or Boba tea shops, and the group’s record label may even have events for you to attend.

If you want to read about my experiences at K-pop concerts, here are a few blog posts where I documented my K-pop concert experiences:

• BTS PTD – Las Vegas, NV
• Stray Kids – Fort Worth, TX

I also tagged along with my cousin to see Monsta X, KARD, and BM! I have also seen TWICE, Mamamoo, The Rose (I loved their concert so much), and ATEEZ. So, I know a thing or two about a K-pop concert.

 

What to expect at a K-pop concert?

Before I list things, I want to give a little information about what to expect at a K-pop concert. I remember I went to my first concert ever aka a K-pop concert and I kind of was overwhelmed but fascinated.

What you should expect is to have fun. You will meet so many fans and people who just understand you—this is why I honestly go to concerts because it’s so comforting to meet someone who understands the music that you love.

However, one thing that is specific to K-pop concerts is that you will see people passing out freebies. I have noticed that other fandoms outside of the K-pop world have started to do that, but K-pop fandoms are the OGs of doing it. They’ll probably be a fan project depending on your fandom—be on the lookout for that.

Longer concerts. I’ve been to mainly K-pop concerts and they tend to last around 2 hours to even 3 hours. Be prepared to be at the concert for a bit. Also, most of them do not have opening acts. 

Outfits. K-pop fans will dress up for sure. I’ve seen wedding dresses at some concerts…but K-pop fans typically dress in their groups’ color or based on an era. It’s so cool waiting in line and trying to figure out which era or who is someone’s bias based on their outfit. 

If it is your first time, I recommend not to not worry. K-pop fans are some of the nicest fans I met. My tips are to be early before the doors open.

If you are worried about socializing, then I recommend asking who someone’s bias is or favorite era/song that usually gets the conversation started. (That’s what I did at the Stray Kids concert when I went alone and ended up speaking to more people than ever).

Also, tons of confetti. Every concert I’ve been to had tons of confetti. So if you’re on the floor, be ready to be coated in confetti.

What To Bring to A K-pop Concert

1. Your TICKETS!!

You need your tickets. Make sure you have them on your phone or printed out. You absolutely NEED THIS. You will not be able to get into the venue without them. I always have my Wallet app ready while I’m in line and triple-check my Ticketmaster before leaving my apartment.

2. Clear Bag

Most venues will require you to have a clear bag. I recommend looking up the dimensions you need for your venue since it changes from each one. I now have a concert bag because I go to so many now where I have important items (like the ones I’m going to list) in my clear bag so it’s not a hassle to find it before leaving.

However, I will admit that I was able to bring my small backpack to a smaller venue where KARD performed in 2022. That is the only place that didn’t make me or my group shove something into a clear bag. Also, Allegiant Stadium was allowing huge clear bags for BTS’ PTD in Las Vegas. I was struggling with my tiny bag because there were so many freebies. That size is fine for most other concerts, but omg ARMY came through with the free stuff.

 

3. Phone

I feel like you HAVE to bring your phone. You’ll need it for your concert tickets and to also capture videos of the show.

4. Wallet & Keys

This is even more important if you drive and plan to buy any merch or snacks. Venues will likely allow your wallet. I’ve brought mine in, but it was always in my clear bag along with my keys. Make sure to keep track of them.

5. Travel Sized Sunscreen

One thing you will want to bring to a K-pop concert, especially if you are going to be in the sun waiting in line, is sunscreen. This is so important for summer concerts. I recommend any travel-sized sunscreen. I learned hard in Las Vegas and might have gotten a little burned—the sun was disrespectful. Bring and WEAR your sunscreen. 

6. Portable Phone Charger/Backup Charger

Do not be like me at Stray Kids’ concert running out of the venue because I was on five percent and needed to charge. I was capturing everything. Buy a portable charger before the concert and have it charged because that kinda happened to me in Las Vegas for PTD. Also, be aware of your phone’s battery because during the concert it will go down quickly, especially if you are recording and posting to social media.

7. Lightstick

Lightsticks are what set K-pop concerts apart from other pop concerts—aside from the amazing fan engagement and almost 3 hours of performing. Your K-pop act will likely have one but some do not. I recommend checking out their merch website or going to a local K-pop store to see if they have any in stock.

There might be a chance you can get one right before the concert, but lately most of the K-pop concerts, aside from BTS’s, I wasn’t able to get one. I recommend getting it when the group is NOT on tour when demand is low.

8. Umbrella

Check the weather on the day of your concert. For Stray Kids in Fort Worth, it started drizzling, so I was glad I brought an umbrella. Also, pack a little poncho. I learned so hard when it was raining after Ed Sheeran’s concert and my umbrella turned upside down because of the wind. 

9. Merch

I know you’re probably going to buy some there. But people bought stuffed animals and photocards for the concerts I’ve been to. I also noticed tons of photo card holders on people’s bags like this:

10. Posters

If you want to be creative and bring a poster, then you can at a K-pop concert. You’ll likely going to get an interaction from what I’ve seen. I also notice that some fans even bring their country’s flags if they travel from outside of the country. 

But if you do bring a poster, please have concert etiquette and try not to block people’s views. I understand you want to be noticed, but be courteous.  

11. Hand Sanitizer

It’s good to have a mini hand sanitizer, especially if you plan to get food. You will not want to go in that long line to the bathroom to wash your hands. Also, it’s going to be a lot of people so sanitizer will help prevent any germs from spreading.

It’s post-pandemic, but you can still bring a mask. Plenty of people still do. I had a Stray Kids-themed mask from Etsy for my concert since the original date was in 2022 and mask policies were still implemented. The concerts I went to in 2024 didn’t have any rules about masks or anything, but I’d still recommend bringing some hand sanitizer.

12. Extra Hair Tie or Hair Tools

It’s another just-in-case item. I always bring extra scrunchies and bobby pins. It may be windy or rainy and you may need to switch up your hair.

13. Earplugs

This is one item I was like…I’m young and can handle the loud noise. I’ve been to a few concerts before and didn’t have earplugs. But I understand now why so many parents at concerts wear earplugs, especially if you have seats next to speakers.

I wish I had brought some for the Stray Kids concert because I was taken aback by how loud it was that close to the stage. My original seats were like 14 rows back on the floor—they moved me up to the 4^th row because of Ticketmaster sold me a seat that didn’t exist. I didn’t know! I felt the bass in my stomach and organs, lol.

14. Mini first aid kit or band-aids

Bring a few items just in case you get hurt or fall. I think the venue’s staff may be able to help you out, but I like to bring a few band-aids for my feet and disinfectant wipes.

Not K-pop, but I actually learned the hard way at my Harry Styles concert in Austin about wearing not-so-comfortable shoes and standing for like 5 hours in General Ad/Floor. My feet were red from the back of my heels. I had to put band-aids on the back of my heels on my second day because it was painful.

15. Cash

Just in case. I think most venues are cashless nowadays. I think Allegiant Stadium where BTS performed had a no-cash policy. But you can bring cash in case. Check your venue’s policy on cash, too!

16. Lip balm or light makeup products for touch-ups

Bringing lip gloss, mascara, or eyeliner to touch up your makeup will be useful, if you plan to be at the venue earlier (e.g. soundcheck). I wouldn’t bring more than 2 makeup products since it’ll take up space in your bag and you’re likely not going to do your makeup during the show.

17. Extra batteries (for lightstick)

I think most lightsticks already come with batteries when you buy them at the venue, but if you have an older one, then it’ll be a good idea to have extra batteries. You should check what kind your group’s lightsticks are, then buy them. I also think some merch vendors even sell them, but just in case, bring a few.

18. Deodorant or wipes

BTS PTD: Just standing outside waiting. Las Vegas’ heat is so different from Dallas, and I wasn’t prepared to sweat that much. I recommend bringing a mini deodorant or a package of deodorant wipes. I had a mini one like this from Dove with me to use.

19. Mini Fan

For ATEEZ’s concert in July, I was hot. We were outside, and luckily I finally brought my mini fan. I live in Texas, and I need it for the 100-plus weather. I encourage you, especially if you are attending a summer concert to get a fan to cool down a bit. (Also drink water!)

20. Snacks/Water (while waiting in line)

Finally, I 100% recommend getting some snacks or water in before going to wait in line. Depending on your arrival time and when the doors open, you might need some snacks or water to stay hydrated, especially in the summer or warmer climates. Try to stay as hydrated as you can but remember if you are waiting in line, then don’t drink too much because they’ll likely be no bathrooms outside.

Also, you are able to have food outside of most venues. Before getting in line, my friend and I threw away our water bottles because they had vendors yelling “You won’t be able to bring water inside” so since it was our first concert, we didn’t know and tossed it like the people in front of us. We assumed we had to buy water from the venue (which was expensive af) once we stepped on the property.  

Then, while in line, we realized that people still brought theirs because we weren’t inside yet but just outside. Security will make you throw it away when walking inside. So, snack as long as you can because food and water will be overpriced inside.

Again, I always recommend checking with the venue and their policy before you go.

 

Final FAQ:

Q: Can you go to a K-pop concert without a lightstick?

A: Yes! I have been to K-pop concerts without them, and it was completely fine. There are some K-pop groups that don’t have lightsticks, too. No one will shame you. However, you might be able to buy a lightstick in the merch line.

I even bought a fake one…(Do not buy a BTS ARMYBOMB/lightstick on Amazon. I don’t want to talk about it—when I went to the booth the lady said it was a fake. I was in the merch line 3 times already and accepted my L.)

Q:  How much money to bring to a K-pop concert?

A: Honestly, it depends on you and your goals. My typical range is $50-$150.

If you’re driving, you need money for parking which can range from $10-$30 for most venues. UNLESS it’s AT&T Stadium, then be prepared to either pay $45-60 dollars or walk. 😭 Stadium parking is so damn expensive.

Then, if you are getting merch that can get into the 100s—I try to spend no more than $120. Shirts usually go between $30-$60 while sweatshirts are from $50-$90. Lightsticks usually are around $40-$60. I recommend looking at your act’s Instagram or the venues’ Instagram to find out the prices if they do post (BTS & Stray Kids did for my concerts and even my Harry Styles but he’s not K-pop lol.)

Finally, you’ll likely want to eat or get something to drink or snack at least once, and depending on the venue food can begin at $5.

 

Q: What to do at a K-pop concert?

A: One thing that is unique about most K-pop concerts is that fans go all out. There are so many things. You can collect freebies, dance with fans, learn if there is a fan project, buy food (sometimes venues have food trucks), talk with other fans, learn where your seat is ASAP, exchange photocards, learn your group’s chant, or take photos.

The number thing you will notice is the freebies are passed out. Fans pass out freebies such as photocards, keychains, pens, and I think even cups at BTS’s concert. Most fans like to bring gifts for attendees or advertise their Etsy stores. I love free stuff. It kinda reminds me of Mardi Gras since I’m from Louisiana but aren’t parades.

Q: What to wear to a K-pop concert?

A: I might write a completely different blog post about this one. However, I like to dress in the groups’ official colors or match with the concerts’ era. I also think that you should dress comfortably for any concert since it’ll be a few hours of standing and you shouldn’t be in pain. And you should dress however you like—some people go all out with exact outfits from music videos to wedding dresses to a simple T-shirt and pair of jeans. You do you.

Ideas for inspiration:

• Specific outfits in a music video from my biases
• The group’s official colors
• Iconic memes or funny moments
• Concert tee & jeans/skirt/shorts

 

That’s it for this list of what to bring to a K-pop concert. I hope you enjoy your concert and have an amazing time!

Before you go, check out more music/concert-related content:

• The Ultimate BTS Gifts Guide For BTS Fans and ARMY
• How To Get BTS Concert Tickets | 2023 Edition
• 12 BTS Songs About Self Love That Remind Me To Love & Accept Myself