[FaB] Let's join WP Seoul! [A Beginner's Guide to Overseas FaB Expeditions]

Hello! @KingKazuma here.

The World Premiere for Omen of the Third Age (OMN) was really exciting, wasn't it!

Among the major Flesh and Blood events, the "World Premiere" is quite special.

It is truly a "festival" event where you can play the new set faster than anywhere else in the world.

And it has been announced that the next World Premiere for "Usurp the Shadow Throne" will be held in Seoul, South Korea, in September 2026!

• I'm a bit curious about overseas events

• But it seems like a high hurdle

• I don't know English and I'm nervous

For those who are thinking this, I will summarize:

• What kind of event is a WP?

• What is the atmosphere actually like?

• Is South Korea easy to travel to?

• Can I enjoy it even if it's my first time?

I will cover these points!

What is a World Premiere?

The World Premiere (WP) is a special event where you can experience the new set faster than anywhere else in the world.

Using new cards before they are released, you can play:

• Sealed

• Draft

• Calling

• Side events

and more will be held.

In short,

It's an event like that.

It's more of a "festival" than a "competitive event."

Of course, there are competitive events like the Calling on Saturday and Sunday.

However, the biggest appeal of a WP is

that "no one knows the cards yet."

It is.

While touching the new cards for the first time,

• "Isn't this card crazy!?"

• "That combo exists!?"

• "That hero looks fun!"

you'll constantly hear conversations like that.

It's a very different atmosphere from regular competitive FaB.

At the OMN WP, cards that hadn't been revealed in spoilers appeared from actual packs, and the venue was quite lively.

The excitement of saying things like "Wait, this card is in here!?" happening on-site is a unique experience only found at a World Premiere.

Furthermore, at this WP, as a first-time initiative,

"Mystery cards with different set codes"

were included as surprise cards.

At the time of the WP, there was no official explanation regarding these cards, so
there was a lot of excitement with various speculations flying around, such as

• "What is this!?"

• "Is this the next world setting?"

• "Is this a gimmick for the next set?"

and so on!

Being able to experience

"the moment when players from all over the world discuss and get excited all at once"

in person is something unique to a
World Premiere.

You might even

"be the first person to discover one of those mystery cards"

!

Friday's Sealed is especially fun

The World Premiere starts on Friday.

The large-scale Sealed event on Friday in particular really feels like a "giant prerelease."
Everyone is playing while reading the new cards, so the tense atmosphere typical of competitive events is quite minimal.

It is a very friendly environment.

Even for those who say, "This is my first large event,"
I think it is quite easy to participate.

What is the actual atmosphere of a WP like?

From May 22nd to 24th,
WORLD PREMIERE: PRAGUE
was held.

Official page:

https://fabtcg.com/organised-play/2026/omens-of-the-third-age-world-premiere-prague/

WP is an event with a very strong atmosphere of:

• everyone enjoying new cards together

• being easy for beginners to join

• being easy to interact with overseas players

.

Just by looking at social media,

• pack openings

• new card discussions

• artist interactions

• cosplay

• side events

and more, it truly felt like a "FaB festival."

The cosplay event, in particular, is a rare event held only at WP and Pro Tour class tournaments.

The artist booths are truly magnificent

At events like WP or Pro Tour class,
a large number of FaB artists attend.

• Autographs

• Sketches

• Playmats

• Talks

• Exclusive items

and so on, it has a 'FaB festival' kind of atmosphere.

At Calling Hong Kong, I also
bought a Swabie playmat from artist Faizal Fikri,
had him sign it on the spot,
and it became a really great memory.

For reference, two artists participated in the OMN WP.

The number of participants varies greatly depending on the venue, so I will add that information here as soon as I get it!

*Updated 8/5:
I have summarized the artist booths in a separate article, so please take a look at that! ↓

There are surprisingly many Japanese participants

There are quite a few players from Japan
who participate in large FaB events in Southeast Asia.

In fact, at last year's WP Taipei,
there were quite a lot of people participating from Japan.

Furthermore,
volunteers have set up a public Discord server for participants,

• Local information

• Travel advice

• Hotel advice

• Dining meetups

• Event information sharing

and more,
where participants were interacting quite actively with each other.

Even for people like that,
having an environment where you can exchange information in advance provides a great sense of security.

For this WP Seoul as well,
since it is expected that many players from Japan will participate,
the possibility of a similar Discord community being set up is quite high.

If I catch any information,
I plan to add it to this article!

*Added on 7/22 below

The Discord server has been set up!
For those going to WP, and even those thinking "maybe I want to go...", please join and get a feel for the atmosphere!!

Seoul is extremely easy to get to

You might brace yourself when you hear "overseas event," but
South Korea is quite low difficulty.

The flight is short

• Tokyo → Seoul: approx. 2-3 hours

• Osaka → Seoul: Approx. 1.5 to 2 hours

Honestly, it feels quite similar to domestic travel.

Rather than an "overseas expedition,"

"a slightly distant large-scale FaB expedition"

is closer to how it feels.

Passports are easier to get than you think

Many people think this, but
it has become much easier now.

Starting in 2025,
online applications via Myna Portal have become possible.

You can register your face photo and necessary information from your smartphone,
so it is quite convenient.

Myna Portal:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Guide:

https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/toko/passport/index.html

Furthermore, from July 2026,
passport acquisition costs are scheduled to be significantly reduced.

For a 10-year passport,

is the planned price.

That is quite significant.

The hurdle of doing so has
lowered significantly.

If you haven't obtained a passport yet,
why not consider getting one on this occasion?

*Please check the latest information regarding system changes before applying.

Entering South Korea is actually quite easy

I think many people feel this way.

However, South Korea is a country
with a very large number of Japanese travelers,
so it is quite accessible even for overseas travel beginners.

Seoul, in particular, has

• Japanese signage

• English signage

• information for Japanese visitors

in abundance.

Airport signage is also easy to understand.

Things to do upon entry

Basically,

• presenting your passport

• immigration inspection

• baggage claim

is about it.

Also, unless the system changes by September,
you will need to complete a pre-registration similar to an electronic arrival card (e-Arrival Card).

However, this tends to change slightly every year,
so be sure to check the latest information as the event approaches.

Korea Tourism Organization:

https://www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr/portal/main/index.do?locale=JP

Returning to Japan is also quite easy

When returning home,

• passport

• customs declaration

is usually all it takes.

Currently, if you use "Visit Japan Web",
you can pre-register your customs declaration and other details.

It is very convenient as you just need to show the QR code at the airport.

Visit Japan Web:

https://www.vjw.digital.go.jp/

Even if you only speak Japanese, you will probably be fine

This is probably the thing people worry about most
when attending overseas events.

• hotel check-in

• Restaurants

• Shopping

• Train travel

• Airport

and so on.

There must be many people who feel this way.

However, Seoul is actually quite easy to navigate.

There are many signs in Japanese and English

Since there are many Japanese tourists in Seoul,

• stations

• airports

• tourist spots

• large chain stores

and the like
have plenty of signs in Japanese and English.

The subway route map is easy to understand, and
if you use Google Maps or NAVER Map,
it is quite easy to get around.

For hotels, you can basically get by just by showing your passport

Hotel check-in is also,

• presenting your passport

• confirming your name

• credit card

and that's about all it takes.

Recently, there's an atmosphere where translation apps are assumed, so
showing your smartphone screen will usually get the point across.

If you're still worried,
choosing a Japanese-affiliated hotel is also a very good option.

In Seoul,

• Japanese support available

• staff who can speak Japanese

there are quite a few hotels like this.

For those people,
it is highly recommended, even if just to "buy peace of mind" at first.

There are also a fair number of Toyoko Inn hotels in South Korea.

At restaurants, you can often get by just by pointing.

In South Korea, there are also many restaurants with menus that include photos.

At worst,

will get you through it.

Also, translation apps are quite powerful these days.

With Papago or Google Translate,

• typing in Japanese

• and showing the screen

is often enough to get your point across.

There is really no need to be able to speak perfectly.

In fact, even among those who come to overseas FaB events,

• many aren't that good at English

• or don't know the local language.

There are quite a few people like that.

But,

• translation apps,

• gestures,

• and help from those around you

will surprisingly help you manage.

WP in particular has a very strong atmosphere of "let's all enjoy the new set together!", so I think there will be many people who will help you if you are in trouble.

So,

you might find that going just once changes your perspective entirely.

I'm not fluent in English either, but
at Calling Hong Kong, things worked out better than I expected.

The venue is "KINTEX 2"

The venue for this WP Seoul is

KINTEX 2

it is.

KINTEX is
a very large exhibition and event venue in Korea.

Many gaming events and exhibitions are held there, so

"a venue accustomed to large-scale events"

is a reassuring thought.

Some people might think,

"Overseas event venues seem a bit intimidating..."
but it is a very "proper, large-scale event facility."

Where is KINTEX?

KINTEX is
a large exhibition center located a bit to the west of central Seoul.

What you might call,

• Myeong-dong

• Hongdae

• Dongdaemun

It's not exactly in the middle of tourist areas like
that.

However,

• subway

• GTX-A

• taxi

and other means are perfectly accessible.

The feeling is like,

• Tokyo city center → Makuhari Messe

• Osaka city center → Intex Osaka

something like that,
a common experience for large event expeditions
is a close image.

It's not exactly

in the middle of nowhere.

The GTX-A is quite convenient

The recently opened

high-speed railway line called

"GTX-A" is very convenient.

In particular,

• Seoul Station

• KINTEX Station

the travel time is quite fast,

taking about 16 minutes (+ about a 10-minute walk from the station to the venue).

You can arrive in that time.

Moreover, the cost is,

around 4,000 to 5,000 won one way (about 400 to 500 yen).

It is a bit more expensive than a regular subway,

but it's a price range where you'd think,

"It's totally worth it if it saves time."

It has become quite accessible.

Taking a taxi is also a realistic option.

In South Korea,
taxi fares are relatively cheaper than in Japan.

From central Seoul to KINTEX,

• about 30 to 60 minutes

• about 25,000 to 60,000 won (about 2,500 to 6,000 yen).

That is a rough estimate.

In particular,

• Early morning

• Late-night travel

• Lots of luggage

• Riding together with multiple people

It is quite convenient in cases like these.

"Accommodation near the venue" or "Accommodation in central Seoul"

For this WP,

• Staying near the venue to prioritize FaB

• Staying in central Seoul to enjoy sightseeing as well

I think both are perfectly viable options.

Especially in central Seoul,

• restaurants

• cafes

• sightseeing

• shopping

and more are quite well-developed, so

"FaB + Korea trip"

it seems like a great fit for those who want to enjoy it as such.

Just be a little careful with map apps

In South Korea,
Google Maps can be a bit weak at times.

Therefore,

• NAVER Map

• Kakao Map

and similar apps are highly recommended to have installed in advance for peace of mind.

They are also very convenient for searching subway routes.

Korean food is genuinely excellent

In Seoul,

• Korean BBQ

• fried chicken

• cafes

• street food

• late-night dining

and more make
"post-event meals" a lot of fun.

FaB players in particular
often end up going out for food after events.

Why not try enjoying FaB abroad!?

If you watch "Neighboring Country Gourmet," which also features Yutaka Matsushige, you'll definitely want to eat Korean food.

How much does it actually cost?

I think that's the common impression.

But WP Korea is actually one of the most accessible FaB overseas events to attend.

Roughly speaking, assuming a 4-day, 3-night trip from Japan to Seoul,

• Airfare: around 20,000 to 70,000 yen

• Hotel: around 10,000 to 60,000 yen

• Food expenses: around 10,000 to 20,000 yen

is a good estimate.

If you save quite a bit,
the total will be around 50,000 to 80,000 yen.

Even if you travel with a certain level of comfort,
it seems likely to stay within the 100,000 to 150,000 yen range.

Depending on the season and the hotel,
it might not be much different from a large-scale domestic trip.

In particular,

• using LCCs

• sharing a hotel room

• booking early

can make it much easier to keep costs down.

Conversely,

• "I want to do some sightseeing while I'm at it!"

• "I want to eat delicious food!"

• "I want a comfortable hotel!"

If that's the case,
the costs will go up accordingly.

However,

I think Seoul is in a quite realistic price range.
For example,

compared to,

• a major event expedition from Tokyo to Fukuoka

• a major event expedition from Hokkaido to Tokyo

and so on,
there are quite a few cases where you'll think,
"It might not be that different from what I expected."

Especially since Seoul has,

• short flight times

• many hotel options

• many flights from Japan

it is
quite easy to participate in compared to other overseas events.

Other things that might be good to keep in mind

Credit cards are very important

South Korea has a very advanced cashless culture.

Since even street stalls often accept cards,
bringing one VISA or Mastercard will give you great peace of mind.

Conversely, please be aware that JCB is often not accepted overseas!

WOWPASS is very convenient

Something very convenient for traveling in Korea is

the "WOWPASS"

, a prepaid card for travelers.

To put it simply,

• payments

• transportation IC

• currency exchange

are all combined into one,
it's like a convenient card for travelers.

Since WOWPASS includes a Korean transportation IC function (T-money),
it can be used for

• subways

• buses

• convenience stores

• some shops

and more.

Especially in Seoul, where subway travel is very convenient,
it really solves the
"How do I buy a ticket?" problem.

Charging it is also very easy,
and can be done at dedicated machines installed at airports and stations.

What's more,

• Japanese Yen

• Korean Won

You can top up with either.

It's very convenient because you don't have to worry about

not being able to do anything until you exchange money first.

Furthermore,
it also supports topping up with a credit card.

However,
please be aware that there may be a fee when topping up with a card,
so just keep that in mind.

You can use it in ways like

taking Japanese Yen with you and adding only what you need locally,
so I think it's very compatible with overseas travel beginners.

It's also reassuring to have some Korean Won

Although South Korea is quite cashless,

• street food stalls

• some local shops

• emergencies

considering things like these,
it's reassuring to have a little bit of Korean Won on hand.

That said,
there's no real need to exchange a large amount from the start.

Generally speaking,
exchange rates are often better at currency exchange shops in downtown Korea
than in Japan or at the airport.

Especially in Seoul,

• Myeong-dong

• Hongdae

• Dongdaemun

are famous for having competitive currency exchange shops with
relatively good rates.

Therefore,

seems like a very well-balanced approach.

Recently,

• WOWPASS

• credit cards

• cashless payments

are very strong, so
the situations where you need to use Korean Won are much fewer than before.

A little caution regarding outlets and charging

In South Korea,

• outlet shapes

• voltage (volts)

are different from Japan.

Korean power outlets are

• Type C

• Type SE

which are the round-pin type that is standard.

Since Japanese plugs often cannot be inserted as they are,

it is recommended to bring one

"conversion plug".

You can purchase one on Amazon or similar sites for around a few hundred to 1,000 yen.

Also, while Japan uses 100V,
Korea uses 220V.

However,
most modern smartphone and PC chargers

• support 100V-240V

as standard.

Genuine iPhone and Android chargers,
USB-C chargers, etc.,
can basically be used as they are with just a conversion plug in most cases.

(*It is recommended to check the "100-240V" label on your charger just in case.)

Advance preparation for mobile data is recommended

If you cannot connect to the internet abroad,
it can be quite stressful.

• eSIM

• International roaming

• Wi-Fi router

It is recommended to prepare one of these in advance.

Recently, eSIMs have become quite convenient.

https://www.klook.com/ja/activity/109354-south-korea-esim-high-speed-internet-qr-code-voucher/

Translation apps are incredibly powerful.

Nowadays, Google Translate and Papago are quite excellent.

In the worst case,

will usually get you through, so make sure to install them beforehand.

It's okay if you're worried about the rules.

Since it's a new set event,
everyone is naturally reading the cards.

In other words,

is something everyone does.

Furthermore, since Korea is close to Japan,
I assume there will likely be Japanese judges present, so you can rest easy.

Wait, they will be there, right...?
(I will add an update as soon as I get the information.)

In conclusion

A World Premiere is

• the fastest way to experience a new set

• a chance to connect with FaB players from around the world

• a festive atmosphere

• an artist experience

• and overseas travel

all rolled into one, making it
a very special event.

Plus, this time it's being held in Seoul.

If you've been thinking,

"I'd like to try going to an overseas FaB event at least once,"
this is a highly recommended time to do it.

It's not just for competitive players,

but for anyone who loves FaB!

Why not try overseas FaB at WP Seoul!?

Wishing you all a great trip!
Play the Game, See the World!!

*Since the author has not yet been to Korea, if there is any incorrect information, please contact@KingKazuma.