WATERBOMB Seoul Guide
We had already been to the famous Boryeong Mud Festival and loved every minute of it. So we were excited to experience another festival, this time centered around water, music, and high-energy fun.
What Is WATERBOMB?
WATERBOMB is a music festival that combines water fights, live performances, food, and non-stop dancing. It started in 2015 in Seoul and has now expanded to other regions in in Korea and other cities across Asia.
One of the festival’s unique features is the team concept. Attendees choose between two teams (for example, green and yellow in Seoul), which then compete in energy and crowd engagement. When buying your ticket, you pick a team, but in reality, it is more about fun than serious competition.
How To Get Tickets To WATERBOMB
We bought our tickets in advance through Melon Ticket, but you can also use platforms like Klook, Naver, and Queens Smile. Just keep in mind that tickets must be purchased before the event. The Seoul edition of WATERBOMB runs for three days, and you can choose a three-day pass or just a single day ticket. We paid 145,000 won (about 106 US dollars) for a one-day ticket. The event runs from 12 PM to 10 PM and features top-tier performers, so the price felt worth it. You will need to show a valid ID such as a passport or ARC when entering.
Getting To WATERBOMB Seoul
WATERBOMB used to be held at the Jamsil Sports Complex, but in 2024, it moved to KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. We chose to drive since there is a parking garage right under the venue, which made things easier. Whichever route you choose, plan your transportation ahead of time to avoid stress. If you are not driving, there are a few transportation options:
What To Pack and Prepare
WATERBOMB is all about getting wet, so come prepared. Here is what we packed:
We stayed for the whole day and were happy we dressed comfortably. You can also reserve a locker in advance to store your things. If you want to be near the stage, expect to be completely soaked multiple times by massive powerful water guns. It is all part of the experience.
The Festival Experience
We chose to attend on Saturday, not knowing the lineup ahead of time. Luckily, the performers turned out to be amazing. After scanning our tickets, we were given a yellow towel for our team and a wristband we had to wear for the rest of the day. You are not allowed to get into the venue or purchase anything without a wristband, so don’t lose it. But, once you have your band you can enter or exit the venue at any time.
We passed through the indoor food court and made our way outside. The outdoor area included photo zones, bars, and a huge main stage. It was a bit smaller than I imagined, but still lively and energetic. The weather was just right, with partly cloudy skies and manageable humidity making for a perfect festival day.
Food at WATERBOMB
If there is one thing I recommend, it is to book your food in advance. We ordered through Queens Smile and were able to schedule a pick-up time. The indoor food court was dark, cool, and air-conditioned which was the perfect break from the outdoor action. There were plenty of tables and chairs, and the food selection was overwhelming in the best way. We ate a Buldak cheese sausage omelet, pork belly kimchi rice bowl, shrimp pad Thai, and for dessert we had an acai bowl. It was on the pricier side, but nothing out of the ordinary for a festival.
Performances and Highlights
The performances started about an hour after entry and continued throughout the day. There was a great mix of girl groups, rappers, DJs, and solo artists. Saturday’s lineup included: tripleS, Skull and Haha, fromis_9, Karina (aespa), Huta (BTOB Minhyuk), Lee Youngji, Jeon Somi, Ten, Loco, and Jay Park.
In between sets, various DJs kept the crowd moving. Although we did not recognize many of them, the music was still great and added to the vibe. Here are a few of our personal highlights.
Lee Youngji
I first discovered Lee Youngji through her Youtube show No Prepare Youngji. She is a rapper and singer with a very unique and powerful voice. Of all the artists we saw, she completely owned the stage with her energy and charisma. She performed hits like Small Girl, Smoke, and Witch, and the crowd was loving it.
Loco
I knew Loco from some old songs, and he instantly won everyone over with his smile. Even though he is known as a rapper, his style blends different genres. He performed Don’t, Matcha High, OPPA, and more. Out of every performance, he hyped up the crowd the most. Everyone was jumping and screaming to the music, it was awesome.
Jay Park
Jay Park closed the show, and it was the perfect finale. He is basically the king of WATERBOMB, performing at events all over Korea and Asia. I have been a fan since his 2PM days, so seeing him live was a dream. He performed all his biggest hits like GANADARA, MOMMAE, Keep It Sexy, McNasty, and more. He even brought out special guests like Loco and Jeon Somi, and his stage presence was unreal.
Tips For First-Timers
1: Bring goggles
If you get anywhere near the stage or standing areas, you WILL get wet. Even if you avoid the water canons, people are constantly spraying water, but that’s the point of WATERBOMB! Sunglasses are okay, but full coverage goggles will make things much easier.
2: Pack a towel and waterproof bag
All of your clothes will be thoroughly soaked by the end of the day. A waterproof bag with a towel is the perfect way to quickly begin to dry as soon as the night is over. It gets cold at the end, so a change of clothes is a great idea as well.
3: Plan extra time for public transit
Because so many people are taking transit to and from the venue, it can add an extra hour or two from normal travel times. Be sure to factor that in, especially if you want to see specific artists. It only gets worse throughout the day.
4: Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen
When you’re soaking wet, it’s hard to remember that you’re still sweating and burning in the sun. Make sure to drink a lot of water and apply waterproof sunscreen multiple times throughout the day.
5: Reserve lockers and food in advance
If you arrive early in the day, the food court and lockers have no line. However, any time after 3-4pm gets much busier. Lockers will be full, and the food court will have a longer wait, so we recommend paying in advance to make your trip as smooth as possible.
Final Thoughts
WATERBOMB was a full day of music, dancing, and getting absolutely soaked. It was chaotic in the best way and unlike any other festival I have been to. If you are in Korea during the summer, it is definitely worth checking out.
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