Table of Contents
Introduction
It is that time of year, every summer thousands of locals and tourists attend the annual Waterbomb Festival. Whether you have never heard of it before or are eager to learn more about it, continue reading to see how this can fit in your schedule or travel itinerary!
What Is Waterbomb?
Waterbomb is considered the biggest water music festival in South Korea. But, it is not just a typical concert. It is a day full of fun, music, and water everywhere you can imagine. Those who attend are divided into two groups depending on the ticket purchased. Every location and year has different colors. For example Team Yellow vs. Team Green or Team Pink vs. Team Purple. When artists are announced to the lineup, they also are assigned to a designated team.
On the day of the festival, many guests buy merchandise such as Waterbomb guns which can be used to spray water on everyone at the venue. There are intervals where people will go around spraying one another, as well as during the music performances with water cannons near the stage. It is a friendly competition and high energy environment that you can experience while hearing some of your favorite K-pop, K-hip hop, and EDM artists take over the stage with their recent or most popular hits with a one of a kind performance themed outfits created specifically for the event.
History of the Festival
It first began in 2015, in the Jamsil Sports Complex and had a variety of artists. Today, Waterbomb is held in several cities across South Korea, including Seoul, Busan, Sokcho, Daegu, Daejeon, and Jeju (depending on the year)
Waterbomb has expanded internationally to:
- Japan
- Thailand
- Singapore
- The United Arab Emirates
- China(Macau and Hong Kong)
- Philippines
- Indonesia
- Vietnam
- The United States
Why is Waterbomb So Popular?
Source: Waterbomb
During the hot summers, it is a great event to cool off. Every year the lineup does change which allows for ongoing excitement and engagement from fans and guests that attend the event. You can note that it is a highly Instagrammable event where even Korean celebrities will go and post along with other famous influencers.
For international visitors, it allows for an immersive and interactive cultural music experience. It has gained a lot of popularity.
Ticketing Information
Pricing
Did you know that the early bird sale starts as early as a year before the event? Information regarding the next summer is available as soon as the fall season. The prices range from as low as ₩88,000-₩154,000. Typically the festival is over the course of a three day weekend, and prices can vary depending on demand as well. Once the early bird tickets sell out the prices will increase as well. If you were looking to purchase tickets closer to the event, prices average to be about ₩143,000-₩165,000.
The advantage of purchasing tickets early on, is a guarantee of lower prices but you will not know the artist lineup until it begins being announced around February or March. Don’t worry, there is a return policy. Usually you are expected to pay a small cancellation fee. If the day of the event is near, the higher the cancellation fee will be overall. Each platform varies in the cancellation policies so, it is good to familiarize yourself with them before purchasing.
Source: Waterbomb
Tickets can be purchased on official tickets on the Waterbomb Official website. There will be links to Korean or English sites to then buy your ticket for your preferred day.
Age Limit
Waterbomb is generally a 19+ event in South Korea. Admission will require a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a passport for international visitors.
Age restrictions may vary for different Waterbomb events in other countries, so always check the official event website before purchasing tickets.
How to Prepare for the Festival
You will want to prepare a few things before the day of the event to allow for a smooth and fun experience.
What to Bring
- Make sure to have your ticket saved and ready to scan at the entrance
- Follow the bag size protocols. A lot of people prefer bringing clear small bags to hold their items or waterproof phone pouches
- Waterproof goggles or glasses to protect your eyes from water(optional)
- Bring a portable charger! After taking a lot of pictures and videos, you do not want your phone to be low on battery.
- Sunscreen!!
- Bringing a card!(cashless event)
- Bring an extra change of clothes/towel. Lockers are available on the Waterbomb website for pre-booking or onsite purchase between ₩7,000-₩10,000
During the Festival
- Be sure to stay hydrated, concession stands are available for food and drink purchases
- Apply your sunscreen!
Source: Waterbomb
What to Wear
Since the event is a day-long festivity, it is up to you to decide what you want to wear. Depending on the person, you may want to dress for comfort or for style. Overall, the key idea is that you want to wear something that will hold up in the water. For example, swimwear, water shoes or sandals, waterproof makeup, or ponchos.
After the event, your spare clothes or towel will definitely come in handy after all of the water from the day.
What to Expect at the Festival
Source: Waterbomb
There is a lot more to expect than what you may know. After first arriving you will need to go through a quick security check and then you are on your way. There will be water cannons and guns spraying water everywhere, especially during the performances. When the artists come on stage, it is very high energy and a lot of times they come closer to the audience and spray them with water as well.
One thing that surprised me is the variety of food and drink options available to purchase. It was in an indoor and separate section, allowing for a nice break between performances. There are also outdoor options near the stages as well. Surprisingly there are many pop up booths which have previously included BIODERMA, NAVER, and TONYMOLY. Longtime sponsor of the event, Sprite also hosts interactive booths where visitors can participate in activities and win prizes. There are also plenty of photo opportunities throughout the venue, including official Waterbomb backdrops and photo booths.
If you are looking for a souvenir or exclusive Waterbomb merchandise, there is a stand which has official water guns, water glasses, towels, t-shirts, hats, accessories, etc.
Artist Lineup
Source: JYP Entertainment
As mentioned, the artist lineup does vary every year with some similar artists performing as well. Many newer and trending K-Pop artists are expecting to take the stage this summer including:
- Alpha Drive One
- Kiss of Life
- RIIZE
- 82Major
- KickFlip
Some soloists that are expected to perform are:
- Sunmi
- Taemin
- Karina(aespa)
- Taeyong(NCT)
K-Hip Hop artists include:
- Jay Park
- Gray
- Zico
EDM artists include:
- Maddix
- Diplo
- Nghtmre
Tips for First Time Visitors
- Arrive earlier than expected, as there may be delays getting into the venue depending on the time of day.Protect your phone and other electronics with a waterproof pouch to avoid water damage.
- Don't forget to apply sunscreen before entering the festival and reapply it throughout the day.Stay hydrated and make time to eat between performances.Pack light.
- Unless you plan to rent a locker, carry only the essentials and avoid bringing valuables.
- Plan your transportation in advance. Waterbomb shuttle buses may be available, or you can use public transportation or a taxi to return to your accommodation after the festival.
The official Waterbomb website also offers a FAQ page for any other questions you may have.
Final Thoughts
Source: Visit Seoul
If you're visiting South Korea during the summer, Waterbomb is definitely worth adding to your itinerary. Whether you're a K-pop fan, music lover, or simply looking for a unique summer experience, Waterbomb offers something for everyone. So grab your swimwear and get ready to go!
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