solo trip to korea for bts arirang con
4D3N to Korea bc i somehow won the ticketing war in Jan 🫨 touched down on 12 Apr (exactly on concert day) bc initially there were NO accommodations available for that weekend and so i decided to just touch down on concert day (power of bts & exo holding their concerts that weekend)
but nearer to the concert weekend, i guess ppl who still haven’t secured a ticket cancelled their hotel & airbnb bookings so i managed to secure an airbnb near Konkuk Univ for slightly over $200‼️ super convenient, 5 mins from the metro, situated 1 street away from restaurants, cafes, photo booths etc.
Upon touching down at 9.30am, I commenced my idol-like schedule. Most pop ups were ending that day, so i packed everything almost back to back 😀
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First stop (11.30am): ARIRANG Pop-Up @ SHINSEGAE Main Branch!
Took the airport express bus directly to the venue, arrived 20min late but thankfully they still allowed me to enter & enjoy the full 1-hour reservation. Took some videos & pics & i must say the staff’s photo taking skills are SOLID 10/10…. Then there was the merchandise area!!! It was literally the main reason I went for the pop-up HAHA and i realised most merch sold there were also sold at the concert venue, which means I didn’t have to allocate additional time at the concert venue for merch! 😁 On top of that, they restock the goods after every time-slot so everyone gets a chance to purchase them! Spent slightly over $200 there 💸💸 and realised it’s tax-refundable so even more worth 😝💯 GIRL MATH (still regretting not biting the bullet and buying the limited edition tour jacket korea ver)
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Next stop (1pm): Check-in at Airbnb & put down merch
Asked my airbnb host if I could check-in earlier (or at least put my stuff down before I head to concert) and they were really understanding and nice about it! 🥹 Arrived 3hours earlier than supposed check-in time LOL and saw the cleaning auntie still tidying up the place bc the previous person checked-out late as well. But i explained that I would only be changing + putting my stuff down & would be leaving soon, so she could take her time. She tidied up super fast (room wasn’t v big anws) and left shortly after I arrived so I could prepare properly hehe.
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Third stop (2pm): BTS ARIRANG The City Pop-up @ Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
My slot was 2pm but I left my airbnb at 2pm…. LOL arrived 23 minutes past my slot. I was mentally prepared to be rejected into the venue bc T&Cs actually stated that slots would be cancelled 20mins past the starting time and then just head to eat lunch wtv….
thankfully ‼️ they let me in as well hahaha maybe because it’s already the final day of the pop-up. Went in late soooo ofc the free lightstick strap decos + photoism were all gone/closed already 🥲 but issok I can alw head to the photoism in front of my airbnb hahahah. Managed to do every other activity there~
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Fourth stop (3pm): GOYANG ‼️‼️
The metro ride was LONGGGGG and not to mention, we got told to get off and wait for the next train halfway through so i lost my seat privilege stood for the next 30-40mins or so aft having barely slept a wink on the flight aha….. At this time, my phone was like 60% and port at just 80%. I had to save my port AND phone for concert then post-concert to go home omg.
Ok next post on goyang!!!
Traveling solo to Korea for a BTS concert like Arirang can be both exhilarating and challenging. Having experienced this myself, I'll share some practical tips to help fellow ARMYs get the most out of their trip. Firstly, ticketing for BTS concerts can be fiercely competitive, so winning the ticket is a major triumph! Be sure to monitor official ticket sales closely and prepare ahead by creating accounts on ticketing sites and familiarizing yourself with the process to act fast. If you don't initially secure accommodations nearby, don’t lose hope—last-minute cancellations are common, especially when multiple concerts (like EXO or other K-pop events) occur around the same time. Use apps like Airbnb and hotel booking platforms to check frequently, even on the concert day. Convenience is key. Staying near a major metro like Konkuk University allowed easy access to various pop-up events and the concert venue. It also placed me close to cafes and restaurants, which is great when you’re navigating a busy itinerary solo. Transportation in Seoul is efficient, but some trips—like mine to Goyang—can be long and occasionally interrupted. Always carry a portable power bank to keep your phone charged, especially for capturing memories and using navigation apps. Pop-up events like the BTS ARIRANG pop-ups at Shinsegae and Dongdaemun Design Plaza enrich the concert experience beyond the show itself. These venues often offer exclusive merchandise and interactive activities such as photo booths and lightstick decorations. Plan your schedule to ensure you visit each pop-up during your available timeslots, but be flexible—arriving slightly late might still grant entry, especially on final days. Regarding merchandise, note that many items you find at pop-ups are also sold at the concert venue, and some restock between sessions, making it easier to purchase without extra stress. Remember that purchases in Korea are often tax-refundable, so keep your receipts. Interacting with local hosts can make a big difference. For example, my Airbnb host was understanding and allowed early check-in to drop off my merch and freshen up—a blessing when on a tight schedule. It's always worth asking politely. Lastly, remember to pace yourself. Traveling solo means you’re your own planner and support system. Balancing excitement with rest—especially after a sleepless flight—is essential to enjoy all aspects of the trip fully. Overall, a solo BTS trip offers a unique adventure filled with music, culture, and personal growth. With preparation and a flexible spirit, fellow fans can create unforgettable memories in Korea while fully immersing in the BTS concert experience.
Hey jiejie!!!! U appeared on my fyp❤️