Hongdae's Indie Scene
Hongdae emanates as a natural magnet, drawing in artists from all corners of the nation.
Hongdae is renowned universally as the foremost destination for live music in South Korea. Situated in proximity to Hongik National University, Seoul's esteemed arts university, Hongdae serves as an inherent allure, enticing artists from all corners of the country, while simultaneously providing opportunities and means for the birth of new talent. The resultant effects are palpable. Strolling through Hongdae on any given weekend, one can expect to witness the youth of Seoul energetically performing on the streets, aiming to captivate passersby. They remain vibrant and genuine, devoid of any sponsorship. Their pursuits are driven solely by their ardor for crafting melodies.
Despite the relative ease of finding these street musicians, the quest to discover indie clubs amidst Hongdae's sea of neon lights poses a challenge. It is no secret that, as of late, Hongdae has become better known for its sprawling clubbing scene. Major clubs have popped up on every street corner, and while music remains a central attraction, people primarily come here to revel in drink and dance.
With this absence of information, DoIndie (www.doindie.co.kr), a foreign-operated website dedicated to indie rock in South Korea, emerges as a beacon of enlightenment. On behalf of all foreigners who seek guidance, they diligently scour the depths of Korean-language websites to gather scattered information and present it cohesively in English.
"Korean websites are cluttered, resembling chaotic cafes that cause inconvenience and hindrance," explains Patrick Connor, founder of DoIndie and a veteran member of Seoul's independent rock movement. "Everything was scattered across various websites... We believed we could offer something superior."
In its mere six months of existence, DoIndie has become an indispensable source of information about the local indie scene. It provides comprehensive details on bands, show locations, and videos of Seoul's indie musicians in both English and Korean. It is rapidly evolving into a one-stop destination for those seeking insights into Seoul's independent rock scene. To better connect artists with their fans and facilitate their immersion into Seoul's music domain, DoIndie conducts interviews with the bands it supports. DoIndie can be likened to having a hip and astute music enthusiast as a companion who possesses extensive knowledge about all bands, venues, and the latest happenings in Seoul's indie rock scene.
A glimpse into DoIndie's reservoir of venues and artists unveils the sheer vastness of the independent rock scene in Korea. Bands are continuously being formed, and shows persistently grace the stage.
The two prominent venues for indie shows are Club FF and its neighboring counterpart, Club Ta. Club FF serves as a "time-honored" indie rock establishment, at least until midnight. Early in the evening, shows captivate the audience before the basement club transforms into a vibrant dance floor under the DJ's command. On the other hand, Club Ta proffers a more relaxed and tranquil ambiance compared to the boisterous FF. Club Ta is also an epicenter for Hongdae's ska and ska-punk scene.
Other renowned indie bars include Strange Fruit, hosting an array of musical genres but leaning towards blues rock. Live music graces its stage almost every night, making it an excellent gathering spot for indie music enthusiasts. Just a short distance from Strange Fruit lie Badabie and Bbang. These establishments have garnered fame as launching pads for some of Seoul's most popular independent rock bands, making them ideal platforms for the discovery of promising acts. For those seeking a unique twist to their indie experience, Prism Hall in nearby Hapjeong Station offers a blend of metal and hip-hop.
Blues, rock, hip-hop, metal, ska, and punk, among numerous other musical genres, paint a vivid picture of the expansive nature of indie rock in Seoul. This musical landscape in Korea is not a recent phenomenon brought forth solely by English-speaking foreigners flocking to the country over the past two decades. To assume such would be an incomplete truth, as Alex Ameter, an indie rock enthusiast who contributed to the launch of venue Powwow, explains. "The independent rock scene has always existed in Korea in one form or another, just as it exists elsewhere across the globe. It persevered through dictatorships, democratization, and continues to exist today," he writes. "However, what has changed is the emergence of new styles, the integration of international influences, and alternative culture."
Independence and resilience have been hallmarks of the indie rock scene, surmounting the various stages of Korea's development. The foreseeable future holds immense potential for expansion, extending beyond niche circles and captivating mainstream audiences. As Koreans have proven their propensity to embrace anything they encounter on television, bands like YB and Ten Centimeters have steered Korea's music industry away from traditional K-pop, at least to some degree. Ten Centimeters, initially an indie rock band hailing from Hongdae, gained nationwide fame following their television debut. Over the past three years, the singer-songwriter genre has witnessed unprecedented growth in Korea, culminating in the annual Grand Mint Festival held in Olympic Park. This festival, dubbed the "Girls' Mint Festival," predominantly draws gatherings of young Korean girls who partake in picnics while passionately cheering for their favorite artists.
Such festivals generate significant enthusiasm within the indie world, extending the reach of this music to a wider audience. Despite the grand scale of some of these events, most participating bands remain independent of major labels, ensuring the music retains its honesty and creative integrity, unencumbered by the controlling influence of major corporations. "It is a thrilling era for discovering Korean music," exclaims Rosemary Duncan, overcome with excitement. "Last year witnessed an unprecedented number of festivals, and many Korean bands are now touring abroad."
For further information about Hongdae's indie rock scene, pay a visit to DoIndie at doindie.co.kr, and be sure to explore their Facebook page.
