Where To Find Live Hip Hop In Seoul

A thriving underground hip-hop community has emerged in Seoul over the years.

By Paige Stewart for My Guide Seoul

When one ponders Korea's music industry, chart-topping K-pop groups such as Big Bang or 2ne1 usually monopolize their thoughts. What many do not realize, however, is the flourishing underground hip-hop scene that has matured in major cities like Seoul. While you may have already heard some mainstream K-pop infused with hip-hop, do not be deceived—Korea has far more to offer than just Psy and G-Dragon. The following compilation lists the foremost venues and regular live shows where one can immerse themselves in the finest hip-hop talent Seoul has to offer.

Iron Mic - Rocky Mountain Tavern, Itaewon. Admission: Free. *Every second Saturday of the month at 10:30

Iron Mic is a delightful affair that sees a host of regular participants returning to spontaneously freestyle, exhibit their beatboxing skills, and showcase their vocal prowess. The atmosphere is one of positivity and relaxation. No one takes themselves too seriously, and the event serves as a platform for artists to exchange ideas, contribute, and create. The event is divided into three segments. The first segment commences with an impromptu freestyle session, followed by the challenge of an MC rapping faster than a beatboxer in the second segment. The final section entails selecting a female member of the audience to be serenaded by competing artists. With newcomers enthusiastically encouraged to join the mixture of expatriates and locals who attend monthly, Iron Mic proves to be a veritable extravaganza. For further information and updates on this event, visit facebook.com/pages/Iron-Mic-Freestyle-Session/111034565623933.

Clash – Various venues. Tickets: 10,000 – 15,000 won, with funds contributing to charity. *Every three months at 10pm

Hailed as a philanthropic concert, Clash melds together a diverse range of expat, local hip-hop, and indie rock bands under the banner "Two worlds collide for the greater good." Each concert raises funds for a designated charity, including The Korean Unwed Mothers' Families Association, The Butterfly Fund, and Angel House, to name but a few. These shows often feature an extensive lineup and provide an excellent opportunity to sample the abundant talent currently performing across Seoul. For more information on the upcoming event, including the lineup, venue, the designated charity, and ticket discounts, join the community at facebook.com/groups/243869689040587/.

MadDecent – Dojo Lounge, Itaewon. Admission: Free. Approximately once per month at 10pm

Despite Dojo Lounge's unassuming underground locale, it offers an unconventional live experience. Propelled together in close quarters, the performers are in direct, intimate contact with their audience. The absence of a stage generates an intimate house party ambiance, with the majority of attendees consisting of artists or regulars endorsing local talent. Accomplished bartenders serve a variety of enjoyable cocktails to savor while enjoying the spectacle. To stay informed about the next event's schedule, visit the Potty Mouth Productions page at facebook.com/potty.mouth.

Freestyle Fridays, Flow, Itaewon. Admission: Free. *Every first Friday of the month at 9pm

This freestyle event boasts a formidable reputation within Seoul's underground hip-hop scene. Participants prefer not to label it as a battle, but rather a competition to ascertain South Korea's premier freestyle rapper. Contestants must abide by simple rules: respect the crowd, refrain from personal beef with other competitors, and adhere to the given topic. Artists from around the world have partaken in this competition to determine South Korea's freestyle prowess, evoking the spirit of a classic matchup between a champion and an underdog. Winners receive a variety of prizes, and everyone can indulge in complimentary shots at midnight. For further details on this event, visit facebook.com/events/370400689741620/? or the Iconz Media page at facebook.com/ICONZMEDIALLC.

Open Mic - Bar Americano, Itaewon. Admission: Free. Every Thursday at 9pm

If you possess dancing, singing, rapping, rhyming, joke-telling, instrumental-playing, or any other entertaining talent, you are warmly invited to sign up for this open mic event. Thirteen spots are reserved, with an additional 2-3 spots available for walk-ins. Boasting primarily local or expat hip-hop artists as performers, this event provides an opportunity to witness some of Seoul's most skilled artists in a relaxed and light-hearted setting. Animated hosts and $1 drinks for ladies promise an evening of amusement. For more information, visit facebook.com/events/531919630151836 or send an email to itaewonopenmic@gmail.com.

Seoul Streetz - Various locations. Price ranges vary. *Promotion parties every third Friday at Nori Bar, Sinchon. Larger shows occur every few months

Seoul Streetz encapsulates a collaborative effort between expat and local hip-hop artists, boasting an exuberant fusion of fresh talent. Each show showcases a combination of returning performers, new talents, and special guests, resulting in a unique experience and a distinct ambiance at every show. Seoul Streetz also hosts performances in outdoor locations, ranging from venue entrances to Hongdae Park. To stay updated on the latest shows, visit facebook.com/seoul.streetz.

Symphonic Sessions - Various locations. Operating hours: 9pm-4am. Admission: 10,000 won. *Occurring once every three months

Symphonic Sessions enthralls attendees with its exceptional lineup. Showcasing around 30-40 artists, the shows themselves span approximately seven hours. These performances alternate between Seoul and Busan, featuring both local talent and expatriate artists from each city. Symphonic Sessions emphasizes collaborations among artists and the bonds forged between performers and the audience. To stay informed about the next show, visit K Dot Productions at facebook.com/kdot.productions or Potty Mouth Productions at facebook.com/potty.mouth.

Night Vibe - 101.3eFM. Broadcasting hours: 7 days a week, 10pm-12am

Finally, it is essential to mention Night Vibe, a radio show hosted by Elliot Ashby and Pinnacle TheHustler, two expatriate hip-hop artists. As the first (and only) radio show solely dedicated to hip-hop in South Korea, Night Vibe airs live seven days a week from 10pm until midnight. While showcasing a wide array of hip-hop, ranging from old school to contemporary, the show frequently features interviews, freestyles, and Q&A sessions with both local and international hip-hop artists. Download the app or visit Tbsefm.seoul.kr/efm/NightVibe/ to tune into this extraordinary program.