SBS Inkigayo Super Concert in Gwangju! (My First Kpop Concert in Korea)

Last April 28, my 7th day in Korea, I woke up with a different beat. I was a bit more energetic, excited, and I knew this was going to be one of the highlights of this "Chasing Spring" Korea 2019 trip!

I went out of our room to our guesthouse owner cooking breakfast for us: Kimchi Pancakes! Ahhh the smell of hot food in the morning! I was the first one on the table, and had a fresh batch of what they call the kimchijeon, it tastes so so good! I think it's the best out there!

I went out early and it was raining. I had to drop by a convenience store just to get a clear plastic umbrella at around Php 220. Kahit nag kukuripot ako, it turned out to be a good decision as I was able to maximize it when I lined up outdoors for the ticket exchange and it was raining really hard.



Super gloomy in the morning, but the booths were all ready for the huge crowd!

Compared to the other cities I went to earlier on, I amazed myself with my mastery of Gwangju's bus system. It was easier, and I had a smooth bus ride to the venue without even asking strangers or the bus driver for directions (and just used my online maps and trusty TEP Wireless).

I was in Gwangju World Cup Stadium at around 9am, and the gates were already open for ticket claiming and activity booths. Merchants were setting up outside in preparation for a great sales day. They were selling caps, binoculars, stickers, shirts, light sticks, and all sorts of Kpop unofficial merch carrying the names and faces of those performing that night.

Kpop merch by the entrance of the stadium:










It was still raining while I was in line for my ticket, and although patience was tested, 99% of me was just so excited to get this over with and secure my seat that night. I was with other international fans from all over the world--mostly ARMYs wearing their headbands or Bangtan shirts with pride. I am in the right place!

When I got my wristband, I went out for lunch and do a little bit of sightseeing since it was still early to stay in the venue (it was 11am, the stadium itself will be opened at around 4pm).



They also gave us a passport booklet. I did not open it because I think I was too excited for the concert and getting some merch! Turns out, if I had all the stamps in the activity booths at the venue, they'll give authentic BT21 merch as prizes! Huhu!






The food stalls inside the gates were already filled with concert goers waiting for the stadium the open:








My iced americano and a free lollipop from the kind ahjussi vendor:


When it was finally time to enter, I made sure to walk first at the very center of the upper sections to see the view of the venue from this angle. Sobrang ganda!







Can't help it! Final photo op with the stage before the concert begins!


And finally, the concert starts with a countdown and fireworks! By this time, everyone's so hyped to see their favorite Korean stars perform live!

Sharing pictures of the artists + their setlist for the night. Each of the bands (except BTS) also performed 1 dance challenge, super cute nila and very game!





Cherry Bullet
Q&A




NATURE




The Boyz
Bloom Bloom



IZ*ONE
Violeta
Up


TXT
Cat & Dog
Crown





N. Flying
Spring Memories (I just discovered this band and song here, and love ko sila!)
Rooftop




 I'm So Hot
Bboom Bboom

Love Battery




TWICE
Fancy
Yes Or Yes
Dance The Night Away




Ang go-gorgeous nila!


See you soon in Manila, Twice!!!

BTS
Boy With Luv
DNA
Make It Right
IDOL



When BTS came up the stage, you'll notice the shift of energy. Everyone's on FIRE! Would have wanted to stand up and I am not even a dance-y type of person, but bawal! Their spirit is so contagious! I just want to jump jump jump!





If you ask me for my bias, definitely it's V or Taehyung just because I was introduced to BTS because of him! I've first known Taehyung as an actor in Hwarang, since I am originally a Kdrama girl since 2016.

No regrets stanning this person, though, I love his soulful voice, his cute antics whenever I watch random BTS videos on Youtube, and the fact that he also loves classic artists like Van Gogh! He is also very insightful, his messages during concerts to the ARMYs are all heartfelt and raw.













The daily paper in Gwangju the next day featured the SBS Super Concert on the front page, baby!

And since pictures will never do any justice to the experience, sharing clips I (attempted) to record during the concert day! I also posted these on my IG Story Highlights and IGTV @anagon. :)

That's it for this blog post! I hope that in my own little way I was able to take you to the concert and shared the happiness with you. Enjoy the videos!

Special thanks to Korea Tourism Organization Manila for having me!