We may earn commission from the affiliate links on this page (at not extra cost to you), but we only recommend products we love. We promise!
Headed to your first-ever K-pop concert?
Seeing your favorite boy group or soloist in person for the first time is such a memorable experience. By concert D-Day, you've already have gone through so much as a fan: From scoping out the concert venue beforehand (Araneta Coliseum versus Mall of Asia Arena versus Philippine Arena?), to successfully securing your ticket, to planning your concert outfit (are you ready, PH BLINKs?). But it's vital to know what to bring to a K-pop concert, because the last thing you want to deal with is arriving at the concert venue then realizing you’ve forgotten something.
If you need some pointers on how to prep for a K-pop concert, then you’re in the right place! Don't be the person that weighs themself down by bringing a ton of unnecessary items; all you need are the essentials.
What To Bring To A K-pop Concert
1. Concert Ticket
The most important item—for how can you enter the venue without your ticket? Take note that minors, people with disabilities (PWD), and pregnant women need to present a waiver upon entry.
If you bought your ticket online via the SM Tickets website, print a hard copy of the voucher and claim the physical ticket at an SM Tickets branch (or the SM Tickets Coral Way booth on D-Day, if you're watching at the Mall of Asia Arena).
Tip: Check when your ticket redemption period ends, because sometimes you won't be allowed to claim it on the day of the concert.
2. Wallet (with Vaccination Card and Valid ID)
You definitely need money, and it's a good idea to bring some cash, just in cash e-wallet transactions aren't working. Possible up-for-purchase items: Food, drinks, and the all-important fan merch!
Tip: The line for cash-only merch purchases is *usually* shorter, so check the list of official merch available on D-Day and note down the one(s) you're eying. Calculate the total amount needed, and bring small bills in case they don't have change! Btw, most concert promoters will allow either a physical OR digital vaccination card, but check their rules to be sure.
3. Face Mask
Remember: No face mask, no entry. You can also bring a small hand sanitizer or alcohol spray to keep clean post-snacking.
4. Smartphone
The perfect keepsake of the night's best memories, fancams and photos (and if you're lucky, a selfie with your idol!) are a post-concert mainstay. Most phones nowadays have great video and sound quality, so you can share your experience with your K-pop besties on social media.
And since professional cameras and telephoto/detachable lenses are not allowed, if you want high-quality fancams then it might be time to invest in a good smartphone. I personally use a Samsung S21 Ultra 5G, and I cannot recommend this smartphone enough as a "concert phone." It has 1) great zoom capabilities (and image stabilization) for that HD—or 4K!—footage, 2) long battery life so it lasts all night, and 3) lots of storage space—I got the 256GB model—so you don't have to worry about deleting later.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G DUAL SIM 12GB RAM+256GB, P28,676, Lazada
You can also opt for the P26,018 128GB single-sim version if you don't need that much storage space. Or, if you want the newest model, you can upgrade to the top of the line Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (the 256GB version costs P81,210, the 512GB version costs P87,160, and the 1TB version costs P89,700) if you plan on taking a ton of super zoomed-in 4k footage.
5. Portable Charger
Even if your phone has amazing battery life, you certainly wouldn't want to risk attending a concert without a backup plan. Imagine your phone dying on you in the middle of your ults performing your favorite song?! TALK ABOUT *UTTER HEARTBREAK.*
A portable charger is even more valuable if you plan on going to the venue early to meet up with friends—if you spend the whole day on your phone, you need to make sure it's at 100% in time for the concert!
Anker PowerCore 20,000mAh Powerbank, P2,876, Lazada
6. Lightstick
Carrying around a lightstick while walking around your concert venue is a great way to spot—or be spotted by—your fellow fans! You can purchase a lightstick in advance through your fave group or idol’s official merch shop, though you need to buy them early to account for shipping time from Korea. Local K-pop stores on Shopee or Lazada might carry some in stock, and check the concert hashtag on Twitter for any accounts selling them "onhand" (AKA it's already in the PH).
Tip: Give your lightstick a unique touch by adding personalized items like a ribbon, fuzzy headpiece, or sticker decal to show off your bias!
BLACKPINK Hammer Lightstick Holder Strap, P255, Lazada
7. Extra batteries for your lightstick
Triple-check the exact battery type you'll need at least *two weeks* before the concert—most lightsticks nowadays use three AAA batteries, but give yourself enough time to buy a new set, just in case!
If you forgot to take the batteries out after your last concert, chances are the battery case is ruined due to corrosion. There are several hacks on how to "save" it, but another alternative is buying a new one. Just remember to take better care of the replacement!
Lightstick AAA Battery Socket, P200, Shopee
8. The Concert Bag
How else will you manage to carry all your items? Most concert promoters forbid bags larger than 12 inches by 12 inches, so this pastel backpack in the Mini size fits perfectly!
Doughnut MACAROON MINI NAVY SERIES Backpack 7L in Ivory + Pink, P1,490, Lazada
It's roomy enough on the inside to hold all your belongings—and its multiple dividers and pockets make it easy to organize all your essentials. There's an inside pocket for your phone, a zip mesh enclosure for small items (like earphones to listen to the concert set list while waiting in line, or extra batteries), a zip pocket for valuables like your wallet, and a spacious main compartment for big items like your lightstick! Place things like tissue or alcohol spray in the front pocket for easy reach.
9. Portable fan
When you're standing in the sweltering heat because your concert venue is 1) an open-air stadium, or 2) festival grounds, you'll be thankful for the slightest bit of relief. Insert: the portable fan!
It can get extremely hot and stuffy while waiting outside in the sun, so if you plan on going to the venue early to queue (or meet fellow fans and trade merch) better carry around a mini rechargeable fan. Keep cool and save that arm-waving energy for your lightstick!
JISULIFE Mini Fan, P399 (Normal 2000mAh unit) to P599 (Plus 4500mAh unit), Shopee
This rechargeable handheld fan uses type-C fast charging (in up to three hours) and comes in two versions: Normal (2000mAh) and Plus (4500mAh). The Normal unit has two gears, weighs 129g, and lasts up to 24 hours in first gear. Meanwhile, the Plus unit has three gears, weighs 180g, and can last up to 46 hours.
It's adorable bear-inspired design comes in five colors: blue, brown, green, pink, and white. The fan also has other uses: It has a flashlight, and can act as a powerbank to recharge your phone!*
*Editors' note: According to the description, an iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro can be charged up to 1.5x, while an iPhone 11 Pro Max can be charged up to 1.2x.
10. A mini emergency kit
You're supposed to enjoy yourself at a concert, but accidents can happen. If you're a concert veteran, then these items won't be a surprise to you—make sure to bring band aids, sanitary pads and/or tampons, and pain meds or pain relief patches (for headaches and bodyaches). If you still have space, include items like tissues, an extra hair tie or two, and some mints or gum.
H&L GOODS Portable First Aid Kit Small Medicine Bag, P47 (Small) to P55 (Medium), Shopee
It's always good to be prepared, so if you need any medicines like inhalers, vitamins, or maintenance meds please don't ensure you have them on hand! Regularly assess yourself if you still feel okay during the duration of the whole show.
These items aren't must-haves, but they definitely improve your concert experience:
- A film camera: We've all seen it—idols love taking selfies with lucky fans (and other idols, like SUPER JUNIOR's Yesung, take the polaroid for themselves. LOL!)
- Foldable umbrella or rain jacket: It's officially *hot girl summer*, but even if rainy szn is over it's good practice to check the weather on concert day just to be safe.
Also take note on the items you are NOT allowed to bring inside the venue:
- Outside food and drink: The Mall of Asia Arena and Philippine Arena have food stalls at the venue, so you can purchase consumables inside.
- Oversized banners: Check your concert promoter's social media accounts for the permitted size, since it can vary between A3 and A4.
- Overly-large headbands or lightsticks: Headbands or lightsticks exceeding 30 cm (12 inches) will not be allowed inside the venue.
Most importantly, bring YOURSELF! Have fun and enjoy an amazing night with your fellow stans.
Links are updated regularly and as much as possible, but note that products can run out of stock, discounts can expire, and listed prices can change without prior notice.