First Timer’s Guide
This guide contains a variety of general information about Ultra Korea and was compiled by the organizers of the event in an effort to, among other things, give you, our first-time attendees a potential roadmap for your first experience at the event and make this experience as positive and safe as possible.
Ticket Options
Two basic types of tickets are available: GA (General Admission) and PGA (Premium General Admission) tickets. Both tickets allow access to all stages and areas of the event other than a few exclusive areas for VVIP ticket-holders only. However, only PGA tickets provide access to the PGA Lounge area (which includes PGA-exclusive facilities, such as toilets, bars, etc.) and a separate PGA-only entrance for expedited entry to the festival venue.
Before the Purchase
Ticket sales begin far in advance of the event. Generally the longer you wait to buy tickets, the more expensive they will be.
Early Bird tickets will be the first tier of tickets available to the general public. These tickets will be sold on a very limited first come, first served basis. Once Early Bird tickets are sold out, sales will close entirely until a later date. Advance tickets will be the next tier of tickets available for purchase, these sales will generally be open for a longer period of time. Once Advance tickets are sold out, Pre-Door tickets will immediately follow.
Buying Your Tickets
DO NOT BUY TICKETS FROM ANYWHERE OTHER THAN THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE: UltraKorea.com. Any time you purchase tickets from a third party (like a friend, a ticket-reselling website, ticket broker, etc), you risk getting scammed. We do not describe the specific methods scammers use because we do not want to give anyone ideas, but each year we deal with some disappointed fans who did not listen to this warning and are stuck outside the event gates with fake or invalid tickets. Please do not be one of them.
When you click the link to buy tickets from the event site, you will be taken to one of the event’s official ticket retailers. From there, it is a simple process to purchase your tickets, but there are a few things that you should keep in mind:
- If you live in Korea, you will be charged for taxes and shipping fees at checkout. These charges will be clearly indicated before your final order confirmation.
- If you live outside of Korea, you will be charged for taxes and service fees at checkout. Ultra Korea does not ship wristbands internationally, therefore international purchasers will be required to pick up their wristbands at Will Call. Information regarding Will Call will be provided closer to the event.
After the Purchase
If you purchase in Korea
- Tickets will be shipped approximately one month before the event. You may change your shipping address or contact information following your purchase if necessary.
- All wristbands MUST be registered per attendee. Your wristband registration is to be completed online based on the instructions included in your ticket mailer as well as on the official website closer to the event. The information you use to purchase your ticket does not need to match the information used to register your wristband. However, the information provided to register your wristband must match that of the attendee.
- Purchases made closer to the festival date will require you to pick up your wristband at Will Call.
If you purchase outside of Korea
- Following your purchase, you will receive an email with your e-ticket. You will then be able to pick up your wristband at Will Call. Information regarding international wristband pickup will be available closer to the event.
- Damaged wristbands will not be accepted at the event. Re-issuance of wristbands are not possible in every case. We suggest that you wear them on the actual dates of the festival and make sure not to damage or lose the wristband.
Ultra Korea features a large variety of electronic music performers. These artists are announced in groups called “phases”. “Phase 1″ is the first lineup announcement, followed by “Phase 2”, and usually “Phase 3″. These phases are not to be confused with “Tiers,” which are used to distinguish ticketing options. “Phase” number simply refers to the order in which artists are announced, and has nothing to do with the day that an artist is playing. An exact schedule of is announced in advance of the event. We recommend using the Ultra Worldwide Mobile App to create your schedule. During the event, you will be notified 15 minutes prior to each scheduled artists’ performance, so you won’t miss a minute of the action.
There are approximately 4 stages at the event. Every single artist on the lineup is schedule to perform, in person, at the event. Usually, the performances are DJ sets, where an artist mixes music on turntables for an extended period of time.
One of the biggest mistakes first-time attendees make is neglecting to explore the entire event. Every year, we have thousands of attendees tell us that their favorite performances of the weekend were from artists that they had never even heard of beforehand, and just stumbled upon the stage and performer accidentally. We go to great lengths to make sure that, no matter where you go or when, you will be able to listen to incredible talent.
You can view all previous event lineups here.
Among one of the more important aspects of enjoying and attending the event is taking care of yourself – such as wearing comfortable shoes and clothing, staying hydrated since summer in Korea is hot and humid and making sure to note where medical staff is available in case you or someone you know has a medical issue.
There are particular measures to attending the event and you should pay close attention because this information may dramatically improve your experience.
- Take note of what items are allowed and are not allowed into the event. Some prohibited items are obvious (no weapons, no illegal drugs, etc.) but some are less obvious. For example, event organizers do not allow normal backpacks that are not made of clear material (plastic, PVC, mesh). A full list of prohibited items, which may be updated based on new circumstances, issues, technologies and problems that may arise, can be found here.
- The event organizers provide free water available at the festival. The various water stations will fill your hydration pack or water bottle (which will be purchased at the event).
- You won’t be able to re-enter the event. If you enter then leave, you will not be able to enter again until the following day. Don’t worry, everything you need can be found inside.
It’s never too late to experience your first Ultra Korea. For a glimpse of what to expect, enjoy this year’s aftermovie and we hope to see you this June!