Where to Buy Seventeen Lightstick (Caratbong) in Seoul: Top Offline Stores 2025

Did you arrive in Korea for the Seventeen Concert only to realize you don’t have a Caratbong (Lightstick) yet? Don’t panic!

While online pre-orders often sell out, there are several trusted offline K-pop stores in Seoul where you can buy official lightsticks and albums right now. Here is your guide to finding merchandise in Myeongdong and Hongdae.

Read also: Seventeen Concert 2025 Korea: Venue Directions & Where to Stay

1. Hongdae Area: The Best Stock Availability

Hongdae is the heart of youth culture and arguably the best place to find K-pop merch.

WITHMUU (AK Plaza Hongdae)

This is the most popular official retailer. They usually have the highest stock of lightsticks.

• Location: AK Plaza, 2nd Floor (Exit 4 of Hongik Univ. Station).
• Why go here: It is spacious, official, and they often host pop-up events. They sell batteries too!

Soundwave (The Hyundai Seoul / Lotte Dept. Store)

Soundwave has branches in major department stores. Check the Lotte Department Store (Main Branch in Myeongdong) or the location in Hongdae.

2. Myeongdong Area: Convenient for Tourists

If you are staying in Myeongdong, check these spots.

Music Korea

Located on the 3rd floor of the Nature Republic building (the one with the green exterior). It is very easy to find.

• Tip: They have a wide selection of older albums and sometimes stock older versions of lightsticks.

Myeongdong Underground Shopping Center

Connected to Myeongdong Station (Exits 5 & 6). There are several small K-pop shops here (like “C.T. Record”).

• Warning: Be careful of “unofficial” merch here. Always check for the official holographic sticker on the box.

3. Buying at the Concert Venue

Yes, you can buy the Caratbong at the concert venue (MD Booth) on the day of the show.

• Pros: Guaranteed authenticity.
• Cons: The lines are legendary. You might wait 2-3 hours. Items can sell out early. We highly recommend buying it in the city 1-2 days before.

Important: Before You Go to the Concert

1. Download the Pairing App

The Caratbong Ver.3 requires Bluetooth pairing to sync with the stage lights.
App Name: “SEVENTEEN LIGHT STICK VER3” (Available on App Store / Google Play).
Tip: Do this at your hotel. The internet at the venue will be slow due to the crowd.

2. Batteries (AAA)

The lightstick takes 3 AAA batteries. They are usually NOT included in the box. Buy a pack at a convenience store (CU, GS25) or Daiso before heading to the venue.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I bring batteries on the plane?

Loose Batteries (Alkaline): Yes, you can bring them in both carry-on and checked luggage.
Lithium Batteries (Power Banks): MUST be in carry-on.
Tip: It is safer to remove batteries from the lightstick to prevent it from turning on accidentally and draining power.

How do I know if the lightstick is real (official)?

Official HYBE/Seventeen merchandise will have a shiny holographic sticker on the back of the box. Also, only official lightsticks will connect to the Bluetooth app.

Does Caratbong Ver.2 still work at concerts?

While you can bring Ver.2 to wave it, it does not support central control pairing for recent concerts. To be part of the synchronized light ocean, you need Ver.3.