Many artists in one place: 4 music festivals in December

Hero Rock Festival suits anyone who wants to end the year comparing sets from a range of rock bands. It runs December 18–20 at Songdo Convensia, and the official lineup includes YB, Boohwal, Guckkasten, Lacuna Coil, Daybreak and Crying Nut, among others. That doesn't mean every listed act plays on a single day, so choose your day based on the daily lineup and timetable.

Each day starts at 10:30 a.m., and the festival is open to all ages. General admission is 77,000 won for a 1-day pass, 119,000 won for a 2-day pass and 129,000 won for a 3-day pass; if you simply read it as "all seats 129,000 won," it's easy to confuse with a single-day ticket. It's best to pin down the day your favorite act plays first, then choose the number of days and combination. The official running time is listed as 690 minutes, so plan for a long stay, and entry is by mobile ticket in the Melon Ticket app only. Plan breaks and meals between sets, and how you'll get home after the last stage.

Daegu Hip-Hop Festival takes place December 25 and 26 in Halls 4 and 5 of EXCO's East Wing. The official lineup lists BewhY, BOBBY, ASH ISLAND and Colde, among others, so you can choose from many artists' sets at one event. It's worth a look if you want a hip-hop twist on Christmas, or if you're planning a winter trip to Daegu around a favorite rapper's set.

Both days are announced to start at noon, and the event is rated ages 8 and up. A general one-day pass is 109,000 won and a two-day pass is 200,000 won, so check the performance dates before choosing a ticket. The official running time is listed as 600 minutes, so expect a longer day than a solo concert. EXCO is divided into an East Wing and a West Wing, so set your destination to the East Wing at 110 Yutongdanji-ro. Be ready for mobile-ticket entry through the Melon Ticket app, and check the final timetable for a specific artist's set time.

If you'd like to spend a year-end weekend in Suwon with music from many acts, take a look at Something New Music Festival. It's held December 26 and 27 at Suwon Convention Center, and the first lineup announcement includes 10CM, Geoni, Guacamole, Rothy, Sunwoo Jung-a, Lee O-wook, Car, the garden and Future Fear Club. It's a good lineup to weigh up if it's hard to pick a single solo concert, or if you're going with someone who wants to discover new music together.

Both days start at 1 p.m., the official running time is 400 minutes, and it's open to all ages. A 1-day pass is 110,000 won and a 2-day pass is 160,000 won. Not everyone on the announced lineup plays both days, so check the performers and running order for each day before choosing. Your destination is Suwon Convention Center at 140 Gwanggyojungang-ro, which is a different venue from Gyeonggi Arts Center. If you plan to add a meal or a walk in Gwanggyo, it's a good idea to read the break and re-entry conditions for the long festival day first.

One Way Festival is a Christian music event centered on worship and sharing. Its focus differs from a general pop music festival, so it suits people looking for CCM and music gatherings of faith communities. It's held December 26 and 27 in Hall 10 of KINTEX Exhibition Center 2, and both days are announced to start at noon. Know what kind of event it is first, then decide whether to go with friends or family.

The official early-bird tickets are listed at 66,000 won for a 1-day pass and 77,000 won for a 2-day pass. Early-bird pricing depends on the sales phase, so check your preferred date and the price currently on offer together on the booking screen. It's open to all ages, and the official running time is 540 minutes. Entry is by mobile ticket in the Melon Ticket app only, so get the app ready in advance. Set your destination to Hall 10 of Exhibition Center 2 so you don't mix it up with other year-end shows at KINTEX, and plan your day with the long stay and the trip home in mind.