I notice I've never posted blog entry at AFF before, but I figure I'd like to try this time since I think I have some things to share regarding my last trip to Seoul. It wasn't much, really but I had a lot of fun and I wanna share some stories! I name this post...

"Before Stepping These Two Feet On The Epicenter of K-Pop-quake"

.... a.k.a arriving in Seoul, me and my sisters have swore (pinky swear, no blood or animal was sacrificed in the process) that we had to see at least one music show, any shows. So we did a research here and there which later we found out that it was a must and very crucial to find all the music shows filming addresses and read fan accounts of people who have been there. I personally recommend this blog.

It is also a must to check which bands / singers are currently appearing on music shows. Because to get into every music shows, attendants have to queue up with one fanclub. Based on my experience, getting in through new idols' / solo singer's / middle class groups' / rookies' fanclubs are much more easier... And comfortable. Believe me.

Their fans are mostly friendly and very united. From my observation at Music Core and Inkigayo, fans of more famous groups / older groups are "extremely excited" (symptoms were showed through ear-hurting shrieks, Olympic runner speed and constant 'radar' eyes which detected idols' vans very effectively). They may also have more complicated requirements (like official banner, etc. those high-priced fangirling equipments) and usually they come in a group of a LOT of people, resulting in smaller chance for poor foreign fans whose-korean-language-skill-is-based-on-TV-dramas to get in.

Although, I must say, a pretty fluent Korean speaker would be a sent-from-Heaven (in my case, my cousin).

Not to forget, at least the latest CD of one particular singers / bands whose fanclub you'd like to hitchhike is a must-bring. I'm talking about the Korean version CD. I notice some groups, for example B2ST, release CD in other country's version through companies like Universal Music, etc. Well as far as I know, I have a 'Fiction & Fact' CD which is printed and published in Indonesia only. I didn't have the chance to try one of the CDs I bought in my country's music store as my ticket to fanclub queue, but I saw no overseas fans brought CD in other version than Korean, so not recommend!

For CDs though, I guess it's better to buy Korean CDs at the local music stores (the ones which are air-conditioned, equipped with audio player for listening preview or have charts), like M2U. I visited one of M2U branches in Sinchon (Sinchon Station exit 3, turn right at Natuur Ice Cream store, walk straight) and Evan Records at COEX mall (Samseong Station).

Why so whereas there are also lots of CD stores who looked like they sell in cheap price in Myeongdong (which sometimes they don't)?

Because these more-comfortable stores have the Hanteo Chart signs. I don't know, but I felt legal when I bought CDs of idols that I support, was really counted to the holy chart. Besides, all CD prices (and goodies too I believe) truly are cheaper in Seoul than buying from local sellers in other country. I saved 20-30 USD on every CDs that I bought: A-Pink, 4Minute, Trouble Maker, GD&TOP, etc. The price varies from 11,000 to 14,000 won, but new release is usually up to 17,000 won.

Last, but not least, on the D-day there is no excuses not to get up early. Since most queue starts on 6 freaking AM in the morning, we must take off as late as 5.30AM... that because we have planned to take taxi. If taking the subway, as late as 5AM we have to be at the platform waiting for trains because from what I've experienced, Seoul's metro somewhat takes longer time to travel than those in Singapore. Probably because of the size of the city, but I really like to take the metro. Especially when passing the Han River. Great view and I can never get tired of it!

Anyway, I recommend taking taxis. Simply show the address of the music show filming sites and prepare your cash. They can cost up to 20,000 won. With that amount, I can get 10 of 20cm tall ice cream in Myeongdong...

• Mnet M! Countdown: 마포구, 상암동, 1606번지 CJ E&M센터 2층 or Line 6 Digital Media City station, exit 2
• KBS Music Bank: 서울특별시, 영등포구, 여의도동 18 or Line 9 National Assembly Station, exit 4, take the first right turn
• MBC Music Core: 경기도 고양시 일산 동구 장항동 869번지 일산 MBC드림센터 or Line 3 Jeongbalsan Station, exit 1, then... ask anyone about 'MBC Dream Center' it's a pretty long walk from the station.
• SBS Inkigayo: 서울특별시 강서구 등촌동 or Line 9 Gayang Satation exit 10, walk staright

Now those are the things I remember so far. I will post an account of my Music Core and A-Pink after Inkigayo experience later, I guess, you know, if I'm not so lazy to move these delicate fingers to type. LOL!

P.S: We got APink Bomi's signed photo, a polaroid picture with APink Namjoo and we saw 4Minute Hyuna, but... No B2ST, no BTOB, no Infinite *sobs*