One of the things that most impresses foreign visitors to Seoul is the vibrant nightlife of the city. Seoulites proudly say that it is the safe streets of Seoul that make this possible. Stores and restaurants remain open until the wee hours of the morning, and makgeolli bars and street food stands are filled with late-night shoppers and other locals. Night street performances in June also bring new animation to the city’s nightlife.


Seoul’s midnight groove

The neighborhood of Hongik University, or simply “Hongdae,” is popular for its entertainment and nightlife among young people. Music fans tired of the same old commercial music flock to Hongdae in search of unique and talented indie bands. The underground clubs in this cultural area feature performances by young indie bands experimenting with music. But the underground clubs aren’t the only places where you can enjoy music.

Musicians from all backgrounds perform on the streets around Hongdae, and the most popular spot is Hongdae playground, the small courtyard just off the campus of Hongik University. Throughout the week, musicians and singers perform after dark in the playground, but it’s on Friday nights when popular indie bands gear up and fill the night air with live music. Passersby are free to stop and listen to the performances and enjoy the free spirit of Hongdae. There are other great venues all across the city where people can enjoy free music. KOREA happily guides you to just a few of those places.

Namsangol Traditional Music Night

Visitors to the Namsangol Hanok Village at the northern foot of Namsan (Mt. Nam) will be able to see Hanoks, traditional Korean houses from the Joseon Dynasty, amid the harmony of traditional Korean music.
On the weekends in June, Namsangol Traditional Music Night will be held from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. with performances of pansori (a genre of traditional Korean music where a vocalist sings and chants a story), taepyeongmu dance (a traditional dance performed to wish for peace of the nation), and traditional concerts of gugak (traditional Korean music).

Information
When every Saturday and Sunday during April 14 to June 30 at 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Where Cheon Wu Gak Stage in Namsangol Hanok Village
Inquiries: 82-2-2264-4412

Spring Lawn on the Stage of 2012 Gwanghwamun Madang

The Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Seoul presents outdoor cultural performances every year. A small stage is set up in front of the main stairs of the Sejong Center, and the stairs serve as a great amphitheater for spectators.
This year, the center has arranged concerts for each season. During “Spring Lawn—Open and Beginning,” the first of the seasonal series, people will be able to enjoy variations of all types of music performed live: jazz, pop, classical, fusion gugak (traditional Korean music), and more.

Information
When every day except Mondays between May 5 June 30; performances begin at 6:30 p.m. on weekdays and 4:00 p.m. on weekends Where main stairs of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts
Inquiries: 82-2-399-1143 or www.sejongpac.or.kr


Deoksugung Pungnyu

The Cultural Heritage Administration and Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation are hosting Deoksugung Pungnyu, a cultural performance event at Jeonggwanheon Hall of Deoksugung Palace, once the resting area for Emperor Gojong of the Joseon Dynasty. From May to September, maestros of traditional Korean music will perform every Thursday evening from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Deoksugung Palace is the only palace in Seoul that opens its doors to the public after hours, and this is one of those rare occasions when you can enjoy traditional Korean music at Jeonggwanheon Hall. The event will be open to the first 100 visitors to the palace of the evening on a first-come, firstserve basis.

Information
When every Thursday from May 10 to Sep 20 at 7:00 p.m. Where Jeonggwanheon Hall at Deoksugung Palace
Inquiries: 82-2- 3011-2155 or www.chf.or.kr


*Article from Korea Magazine (June 2012)