Following MAMAMOO to Singapore

How This Trip Happened

I hadn't actually planned to travel at all. But I couldn't get tickets to MAMAMOO's Taiwan concert — and based on fan reports afterward, it seemed like most of the seats went to connections PR lists. The failed ticket hunt, combined with election stress and work burnout at the time, had me completely drained. I even lost a small patch of hair — the first time that had ever happened.

To make up for the disappointment, I decided to follow MAMAMOO to Singapore.

But the night before Singapore tickets went on sale, I got a cold. Half-delirious after taking medicine, I forgot to set an alarm and woke up after the sale window had closed. Just as I was sinking into despair, I spotted someone in a fan group offering a transfer ticket. I replied in seconds — and finally had my ticket!! That same afternoon, through tears, I booked flights, accommodation, and a rough five-day itinerary all in one go. It wasn't a cold. It was heartache all along >////<

Most Singapore travel information online is from pre-2020. Everything I found was a bit uncertain, so I'm documenting this as a travel log in case it helps anyone. Info on pre-trip prep, arrival, and transit, solo capsule hotel stays, and solo travel sightseeing spots are in separate posts.

This one focuses on going to a concert abroad for the first time.

The Venue

Since I'd visited the Urban Redevelopment Authority's city planning gallery, I already had some sense of Singapore's major venues: Singapore Sports Hub (55,000), Esplanade (1,600), Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre (6,000). This concert was at The Star Performing Arts Centre in Buona Vista — capacity around 5,000, not too far from the city center. It's about 20–30 minutes from Chinatown.

Since I needed to pick up merchandise in the morning, I dropped everything back at the hotel over lunch, had Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice and visited the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, then headed to the venue.

On the escalator, I spotted a display of past performances the venue had hosted. The interior reminds me a little of the National Concert Hall — classic red seating with great sightlines thanks to tiered seating. Staff were very strict about phones. The Singaporean fan next to me said they're like that at every show here. Even so, the venue's acoustics were impressive — moments I expected to blow out never did.

One thing I loved: the building is a mixed-use complex with two floors of restaurants and cafes. Since the organizers offered fan sound-check access, I was able to relax at a café between soundcheck and doors. I'd recommend Swee Lee Social Club — the latte was great and there are power outlets at the seats.

For transit: take the MRT to Buona Vista station and walk about five minutes along the covered gray walkway to the mall.

I don't think staying nearby is necessary. Anywhere along the Green (East West) or Yellow/Orange (Circle) line gives you a direct or one-transfer ride to the venue. I chose to stay near Chinatown for other itinerary reasons — it was about 15–20 minutes by train.

If you need water or snacks, there's a small department store and Watsons in the mall basement. CS Fresh supermarket is also great. At the venue itself, bottled water was sold — premium water only at SGD 6 each (about TWD 144). Buy in advance if you can.

The concert itself is on the top floor. Staff-directed queuing was well-organized and not too crowded. Though it's semi-outdoor, rain doesn't reach in and it doesn't get stuffy.

Solo Concert Achievement Unlocked!

I was lucky enough to get a Cat 1 ticket from a fellow fan, which included soundcheck access. The Singaporean organizer was impressively punctual — just follow the schedule they provide. Tickets were QR code only, so printing wasn't strictly necessary.

I brought my laptop because I had work to do while traveling. Before leaving I'd been a bit nervous about security, but noticed plenty of others working on laptops during breaks. Felt less alone immediately 😂. Security only checks for cameras — nothing else really.

The one downside of the Singapore show: no photos allowed. Staff rushed over the moment they spotted a lit phone screen, even during the encore. Still, a lot of people managed to sneak shots. The fan next to me — who'd won a send-off entry — said Singapore shows are always like this, and she agreed it was annoying.

Why I Got Into MAMAMOO

1. Their variety show energy

During the pandemic I had a lot of time at home scrolling. YouTube randomly pushed me a clip of Hwasa eating grilled sausage, and within days I'd watched all their variety content. Some highlights:

• What Are You Playing — Return Expedition: YouTube went into full recommendation mode after this. Note: some clips are hard to find due to Li Xiaoyi controversy.
• I Live Alone — Hwasa cuts: Hwasa is so naturally herself — I love that. The spin-off Hangout with Yoo (2020) is a must-watch.
• 160302 Weekly Idol: The episode that really pulled me in — especially Wheein.
• 2019 MAMAMOO F/W Concert: After watching this I started actually listening to their music.

Official full fan from summer 2020. My bias is Wheein, but honestly I love all four of them. Some other variety shows worth watching:

• MMMTV (2014–2021): early episodes are genuinely hilarious. Quality dropped as the editing changed and they became more reserved.
• Showtime (201607): a perfectly contrasting study of conventional vs. unconventional
• When the Minister is Asleep (201812): only 30 minutes but absolutely hilarious
• Emotional Camping (202010): Solar is incredibly cute here
• Queendom (201908): the variety show that expanded my circle
• MAMAMOO Three Meals (202106): anniversary video, so natural, I rewatch it sometimes

2. Their live performance

But the reason I've kept following them for years is the music. The release pace is relentless — between group albums, solo albums, and collaborations, it feels like something new almost every month. RBW isn't the best company, but compared to artists at major labels who get shelved indefinitely, their exposure rate is genuinely touching.

Every time I listen to a studio album I think the live version is better. Here's my Wheein top 10 (by release date):

• Anymore (20170308) — I didn't think this could be performed live. She proved me wrong.
• EASY (20180417) — an underrated single with no promotion
• 25 (20190314)
• Good bye (20190904) — the MV is stunning
• With My Tears (20200501) — heard this in Hospital Playlist in context — instant tears
• Miss U (20200913) — collab with Jvde Milez
• TRASH (20210413)
• Butterfly (20210413)
• I wish (20211119) — OST from The Red Sleeve
• You, you (20220213) — webtoon OST, been playing this on repeat whenever I'm down

Listen here:

A Few Concert Reflections

I actually did end up getting a Taiwan concert ticket through a friend — but the seat was at a nearly zero-degree angle from the stage with only the big screen visible, right next to the speakers. The audio was so loud it felt like my ears might bleed. And the seats at the Linkou Arena are infamously small and uncomfortable. The overall experience was pretty rough, which made getting to Singapore feel like finally arriving at the real show.

Going to a concert alone turned out to be far less lonely than I expected. When your four favorite people are about to walk onstage, it's easy to connect with whoever is next to you. The fan beside me even brought a laminated photo of herself with the members from years ago — so endearing.

Watching their performance power up close — the way they dance full routines and sing completely live simultaneously, not a breath out of place — the question really is: how many thousands of hours of practice does that take? Hwasa's stage presence is magnetic. Solar kept doing the 🤟🏼 gesture while calling out Singaporean slang — adorable.

Near the end, as always, the crowd grew louder with every song. I've never experienced that kind of audience momentum as clearly anywhere else. The fan cheer during I Won't Let You Go (놓지않을게) — the members seemed completely unfazed. These four cannot act surprised to save their lives 😂.

In their closing remarks they mentioned that weekday concerts are always a worry, and they were genuinely moved that so many people came. They promised to continue — and they said this at every stop of the tour. Maybe because fans are always quietly worried each group concert might be the last, I hope they keep performing together for a long time.