Hallyu Guide: Free & Paid Ways to Meet Celebrities in Korea
Free Ways to Meet Celebrities in Korea
Watching Concerts & Buskings
Attending concerts in Korea is an unforgettable experience, especially for fans of Kpop idols. Korea is renowned for its spectacular live performances, complete with incredible stage design, lighting, and sound. Whether you're a seasoned concert-goer or planning your first visit, here's what you need to know about experiencing concerts in Korea. Here are ways to watch concerts in Korea for FREE:
TICKET GIVEAWAYS
Follow entertainment companies, fan sites, ticketing platforms, and official Korea tourism organizations on social media. They often host giveaways and contests where you can win free tickets.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Korea hosts numerous festivals where artists perform for free, especially university festivals that take place at the end of each semester (Spring: April-May; Autumn: October-November). Check online for festival schedules and locations.
BUSKINGS
Korea's busking culture is a dynamic blend of music, dance, and performance art. Popular areas like Hongdae, Insadong, and Myeongdong are hotspots for street performances, attracting both locals and tourists. These performances range from solo singers and instrumentalists to dance crews and acrobats.
Some Kpop idols still do buskings even if they have a fanbase already. Most of the time these are surprise or unannounced. Even if they announce it, they only do so a day or a few hours before the performance. You just have to be always updated on the schedule of your faves and must be in Korea already to be part of this.
MUSIC SHOWS
Popular music programs like Inkigayo, SBS The Show, Music Bank, and M Countdown offer free entry to live recordings or free concerts outside their studios. Check their websites for audience application details and be prepared to apply early.
Watching Kpop Music Shows
Here's a more detailed guide in watching Kpop music shows in Korea for FREE!
MUSIC SHOW SCHEDULE & VENUE
There’s a music show every day of the week!
These Kpop shows are usually filmed in these locations:
Here is how you can apply as an audience of these music shows:
APPLY AS A FAN CLUB MEMBER
Fan club members often get priority for show recordings. Here’s how to join in:
📌 PRE-RECORDING: Takes place early and edits are aired later. Check your favorite group’s fan café or official websites for details on location, time, and application forms.
📌 REQUIREMENTS: Usually include your official light stick, latest album, fan club ID, and a Korean mobile number.
All who register get a number and the first ones (fastest) up to how many participants are needed are the fans who can attend. For example, if they only need 50 people then, the first 50 persons will have a sure slot. But remember to only enter your details on the specified time or else your application will be void. For example, if the announcement says that application starts at 6:00 PM, only submit your form at exactly 6:00 PM onwards. And then the winners are announced usually a day before the recording.
📌 WAITING LIST: Others (non-winners) take chances by arriving early at the venue with complete requirements and being on the waitlist. Make to bring all the requirements should you decide to do this.
APPLY THROUGH MUSIC SHOW’S WEBSITE & MOBILE APP
If you miss fan club registration, try these online options. Make sure your IP address is outside Korea when creating an account and applying.
✅️ KBS Music Bank: Apply via their website as an overseas foreigner. Apply for seats from Thursday 9:00 AM to Friday midnight, one week prior to the broadcast. Winners are announced Monday evening. Reserved 2 seats per person if you win.
✅️ SBS Inkigayo & The Show: Use SBS’ mobile app to apply. Look for the 방청신청 이벤트 (Audience application event) banner. Apply Thursday to Wednesday; winners are announced on Thursday the following week.
WAITING AFTER RECORDING
You can also opt to just wait outside the recording studio before or after pre-recording and live show. If you choose to do that, I suggest that you go to Music Bank filmed at KBS Building. You can have a high chance to see your favorite Kpop idols there on their pre-recording in the morning and live show in the afternoon. Note however that KBS has another building where they sometimes film Music Bank so make sure to check for any possible changes on the venue.
Watching Live Radio Shows
Open radio shows are viewable radio programs where fans can watch through a glass that separates them from the DJ and guests. These shows are a great way to see Kpop idols promoting their new albums and other media personalities, including Kdrama actors. Networks like MBC and KBS provide these opportunities for fans.
🎙️MBC GARDEN STUDIO
MBC's Garden Studio at Digital Media City is a hotspot for live radio shows featuring Kpop idols like Idol Radio and Starry Night. Watch through a glass window as idols promote their albums and occasionally enjoy free merchandise or live mini-concerts right outside.
📻 KBS COOL FM AND KBS HAPPY FM
KBS hosts two open radio stations in the KBS Building: Cool FM and Happy FM. Cool FM plays 90s Kpop hits, while Happy FM features the latest tracks. Both stations regularly host Kpop idols and have idol DJs, making it a fantastic way to see your favorite stars for free! They are located in the KBS Building where the KBS ON Experience Hall is.
Waiting After Musical Performances
If your favorite Kdrama star or Kpop idol also happens to be a musical actor, there's another free way to meet them in Korea. And that's by waiting for them after their musical performance. Watching their musical is the best experience you could have but if you are short on a budget, you can just take your chances by doing this. Before going to the venue, check out some tagged photos and videos of your favorite artist to check if their management allows this so you won't waste your time.
It usually happens at the parking lot or sometimes in the lobby if the venue has no basement parking. Some cast are even happy to give their autographs to the waiting fans and accept gifts and letters. Of course, seeing your favorite Hallyu artists up close and personal would be exciting but respecting their personal space is important too.
Visiting Entertainment Agencies & Café Sightings
Visit the entertainment agencies of your favorite Hallyu artists and grab a coffee at their affiliated cafes. Allocate time wisely, especially if you are a multi-stan, as agencies are scattered across Seoul. In my years of traveling in Korea, I've personally met a few Kpop idols while visiting their agencies and affiliated coffee shop. I even got a chance to be in the same counter as them while ordering a coffee.
Although there is a slim chance that you will see or bump into them, you'll never know what your destiny has in-store for you. Here are some of the well-known entertainment agencies in Korea and their locations:
Mapo Area: YG & WM
Yongsan Area: HYBE
Gang Area: JYP
Seongsu Area: Cube Entertainment and SM Entertainment
If you are going to visit Cube Entertainment or SM Entertainment building in Seongsu, you can also drop by these places:
Airport Sightings
You can see Korean celebrities for free at the airport whenever they have schedule overseas. As a fan, you might be aware whenever they have schedule outside of Korea which means that they will have to go to the airport. The most common ones that they use for transit are Incheon International Airport and Gimpo International Airport. Of course, in doing this, remember to respect their personal space and just try to see them from afar especially if they look uncomfortable being closely followed.
Paid Ways to Meet Celebrities in Korea
Purchasing Concert or Fan Meet Tickets
Purchasing concert or fan meet tickets in Korea can be competitive, especially for popular artists. Tickets are usually sold through the websites below. They are foreigner-friendly and accept foreign cards for payment. Book your ticket online and redeem it at the venue.
There are usually two rounds of ticket sales: pre-selling for official fan club members and regular sales for the general public. Pre-sale tickets are often limited to one per member, while regular sales may allow 2-4 tickets per person.
TICKET COST
Ticket prices vary depending on the artists and the seating. VIP or standing VIP tickets range from ₩100,000 to ₩150,000, while general admission can be as low as ₩40,000. It's best to buy tickets early, as they sell out quickly.
TIPS IN BUYING TICKETS
✅ Create an Account in Advance: Set up your account on ticketing websites using your real name, matching your passport or Residence Card (formerly ARC).
✅ Set an Alarm: Be ready when tickets go on sale. Open the ticketing site at least an hour before the selling time. Have your payment details ready to copy and paste for faster transactions.
✅ Bring Your Tickets and ID: Bring your concert tickets on the day of the event, along with your passport or RC to claim them if you reserve your tickets online.
❌ Be Wary of Resellers: If you miss out on official tickets, be cautious with resellers who may charge double or triple the original price. Ensure they are legitimate before exchanging money.
Buying Ticket to a Kpop Music Show
If you want to watch a Kpop music show live with a guaranteed seat and FREE VIP Seoul Tour package, you can easily book a ticket to SBS The Show. This music show happens every Tuesday at SBS Prism Tower.
Get up to 5% off when you use the code: 𝗞𝗢𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗙𝗜𝗟𝗘𝗦𝗞𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞
Participating in Fan Sign Events
Ever dreamt of meeting your favorite Korean celebrities up close and personal? Here's a complete guide on how to get into fan sign events in Korea and have that once-in-a-lifetime experience!
KNOW THEIR FAN SIGN EVENTS SCHEDULE
Stay updated on fan sign event schedules by:
✅ Joining official fan cafés or membership sites for timely announcements.
✅ Following your favorites’ social media accounts for event news.
BUY ALBUMS OR MERCHANDISE AT PARTICIPATING STORES
To enter a fan sign event, purchase albums or merchandise from specific stores. Here’s how:
✅ OFFLINE: Visit the store, buy the album or merch, and fill out a form with your details (name, mobile number). Ensure it matches your passport.
✅ ONLINE: Purchase through official websites or apps. Provide details like your name, birthday, mobile number, email, and sometimes a Korean mobile number. Use auto-translate tools if needed.
WAIT FOR THE RESULT OF THE FAN SIGN EVENT
After your purchase, check the store’s website for the list of winners. They usually provide a link for this. Keep an eye on it and hope for the best!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
❓ Am I automatically qualified if I buy an album?
Buying an album or merch gives you an entry to a lottery. More albums or merch means more entries, but it’s all about luck!
❓ How many albums should I buy?
The number varies. Some win with a few, others buy dozens or even hundreds! Do what’s reasonable for your budget.
❓ Can they deliver albums bought in bulk?
Yes, many stores offer delivery for a small fee.
❓ Are pre-order benefits guaranteed?
Extras like posters depend on availability and stock. Check with the store first if they are available before placing your order.
❓ Can someone buy on my behalf?
Yes, especially for physical stores. Ensure they use your details accurately.
ATTENDING THE EVENT
If you win, here’s what to do:
✅ Bring Your ID: Verification is required at the event.
✅ Be On Time: Arrive early to secure your spot and get ready.
✅ Follow Rules: No photos or videos are usually allowed when talking to the idols but you you can film on your seat. You can either setup a tripod or ask someone else to film it for you.
✅ Respect the event guidelines and enjoy your moment!
INTERACTING WITH THE HALLYU STARS
Make the most of your time by:
✅ Preparing in Advance: Think about what you want to say briefly but meaningfully. For solo artist, it usually lasts up to 3 minutes per participant. For groups, normally it only lasts 1 to 2 minutes per member. Letters and gifts are optional. Some companies don't even allow certain items to be given to the artists. Take note of these things before the event.
✅ Staying Calm: Nerves are normal, but try to stay composed and cherish the moment.
Watching Musical Performances
As an ultimate fan, you shouldn't pass up the chance to watch musicals in Korea if your favorite Korean celebrity is a musical actor. These multi-talented performers showcase their acting, singing, and dancing live on stage without cuts, delivering mesmerizing performances. The incredible stage production, complete with stunning props, lighting, and sound, enhances the performance. The live band accompanying the show is another highlight, making musicals in Korea a must-watch for any fan.
BUYING TICKETS
Compared to concerts and fan meets, buying musical tickets is less competitive especially if the show will be running for a few months. That way, you can choose the date and time that is most convenient for your schedule. Any musical production usually has multiple actors playing the same role so make sure to check the date and time when your fave Korean star is performing. You can do this by checking the:
✅ Official website or social media account of the musical production
✅ Social media account of your favorite artist and their tagged photos
✅ Company announcements on artist's website or fan cafe
✅ Asking your fellow fans for help
✨ You can also send me a message on Instagram and I'll help you search for their schedule. Just add any amount of tip to this free guide (see bottom section) avail this assistance.
Once you've already confirmed their show schedule, you can usually buy your ticket from the same websites previously mentioned:
TICKET COST
Ticket prices vary depending on the show and seating type. VIP tickets range from ₩100,000 to ₩170,000, while balcony or mezzanine seats range from ₩40,000 to ₩90,000. Some websites charge a service fee of ₩3,000 to ₩8,000 per ticket.
Some musical productions offer discounts and promotions such as:
🏷️ Discounts for early bookings
🎁 Loyalty Rewards: Collect stamps or stickers by attending multiple shows to earn free tickets.
EXPERIENCE BEFORE THE SHOW
Arriving 30 minutes before the show is crucial, especially if you need to claim your ticket at the venue. Late arrivals must wait until the second half to enter. Musicals typically last 120 to 150 minutes, with a 20 to 30-minute intermission for a break.
Limited official merchandise, like program books, mugs, and keyrings, are often sold at the venue before the show. Photo walls, decorated elevators, and banners create perfect spots for pre-show photos.
REMINDERS DURING THE SHOW
✅ Punctuality: Arrive on time to avoid missing the start.
⛔ No Photos or Videos: Respect the performers and fellow audience members by not taking photos or videos.
🤫 Silence: Keep noise to a minimum to enjoy the performance.
⛔ Phones Off: Turn off your mobile phones to avoid disruptions.
✅ Proper Seating: Sit in your designated seat.
⛔ No Eating: Eating inside the hall is not allowed.
Attending Movie Screening with Stage Greetings
Experiencing a stage greeting in Korea is a unique opportunity to meet your favorite actors in person during the first to second week of a movie's release. These events are highly anticipated, as they allow fans to interact with actors. However, getting tickets can be challenging due to the unpredictable release times.
ANNOUNCEMENT & TIMING
Approximately two weeks before the movie release, information about stage greetings, including date, time, and cinema location, is usually announced on social media platforms of the movie producer like Instagram and Twitter. However, the exact time of ticket release is not specified, which means constant monitoring of cinema websites is necessary.
CHALLENGES FOR FOREIGNERS
For foreigners without a Korean ID, phone number, or credit card, booking tickets online can be impossible. Proxy services online can assist, but they charge by the hour, which can become costly due to the unpredictable nature of ticket releases.
PRACTICAL SOLUTION
✅ Arrive in Korea Early: Once in Korea, check the websites of the specific cinemas hosting the stage greetings.
✅ Monitor Ticket Availability: Regularly refresh the cinema websites to check for available tickets. Be persistent and patient.
✅ Buy Tickets in Person: Visit the cinema in person to purchase tickets. This method can be more reliable, especially for securing good seats. You can buy tickets for same-day or future dates.
MOVIE THEATERS IN KOREA
The well-known movie theaters in Korea are CGV, Lotte Cinema and Megabox. You can find some them in major tourist locations in Korea such as in Myeongdong, Hongdae and Gangnam.
General Reminders
✅ Check the Artist's Schedule: Before heading to Korea, find out if your faves have a comeback, movie/series promotion or musical performance and check their appearance schedules.
Not sure how to find their concert/musical schedule? Let me assist you! Just add any amount of tip to this free guide (see bottom section) then send me a message on Instagram to avail this assistance. I'll try to search all possible schedule fit to your travel dates. In case there's none, the tip given is non-refundable.
✅ Purchase your tickets early and arrive on time when attending events in Korea.
✅ Be Patient: Dealing with crowds and long waits is worth it to see your favorites up close
✅ Prepare a Letter (Optional): Write a letter to your favorite K-stars as you might get a chance to hand it to them.
✅ Meeting your favorite Korean celebrities in Korea is definitely dream come true! But make sure to always follow the rules and respect their personal space.
Discounted Kpop & Kdrama Activities & Tours
KPOP
KDRAMA
Free Kpop & Kdrama Itineraries
Where to Buy Kpop and Kdrama OST Albums & Merch
MYEONGDONG
HONGDAE
INSADONG
GANGNAM
Notes:
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2️⃣ Leaving a tip (scroll down).
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