Korean Job Discussion Forums

[pheeeel]

Hi, I'm going to S. Korea in April to teach English. I'm in the processing of choosing a place to live. I'd like to be in a place with some other musicians, particurly anybody who's into metal (influences: Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, John Petrucci, Metallica, Opeth, In Flames, Iron Maiden, Children of Bodom, King Diamond, Mercyful Fate, Pink Floyd, classical).

I don't know how prevalent metal is in Korea. Should I stick to the Seoul area to be safe? Or will any major city have a large enough foreign community to find some like-minded musicians?
I was thinking Incheon, so if you're into this kind of music, give me a PM, or anywhere in Korea for that matter.
Thanks, bye

[RACETRAITOR]

Metal is huge in Korea. My brother-in-law's the guitarist for a metal band called Helldown that plays '80s-inspired stuff. There are a lot of bands and they have the potential to get pretty big. There's also a brilliant hardcore scene if you're into that, although it's smaller. You really should stick to Seoul if you want to be involved in any metal scene.

[pheeeel]

Thanks! Thats just what I hoped to hear.
Good day.

[bobbyhanlon]

yep.. people love that kind of stuff here.
if you go to the hongdae area in seoul, there are quite a few practice rooms with drumkits, PA, amps, etc., that cost about 15000won or less per hour, where you and some like-minded shredders can give it some. every time i've been to one of these places at least half of the other bands in there are always playing some kind of 80s metal full of masturbatory guitar solos.
once you get some tunes together, there are quite a few clubs to gig at as well. just make sure you live near or in hongdae.. thats the place you'll want to be.

[SirFink]

Thankfully for you, Korea is firmly stuck in the '80s. You and your mullet will fit right in.

[cibomatto]

[RACETRAITOR]

I've seen a lot of practice rooms in Hongdae. They seem like they're cheap to rent. Another thing some bands do is get hired to do a regular gig at some club, like Freebird or WASP. Hardly anyone comes, they get paid, and they get to practice with a good sound system weekly.