Korean Job Discussion Forums

furtakk · Joined: 02 Jun 2009

I tried searching as best as I could, but could not really find too much info on this.

Anyhow I'm leaving for Korea in about a week and a half and had a couple of questions for those who either know expats who DJ in Korea or those that do themselves.

How easy is it to get a gig as a foreigner (I'm going to be in Daegu)? I'm not looking to play a big venue (although I wouldn't turn something like that down), but more just something small where I kind of have the freedom to do my own thing.

I'd be on an E2 visa. Would I get in trouble for this? I would not be looking to get paid, but I read somewhere that DJs are considered 'entertainers' or something, and even if it's voluntary you could get in trouble with immigration.

I'm not going to be able to bring my turntables over, but I will be packing my needles and serato (vinyl emulation) just in case! Don't think I can go a whole year without a couple gigs.

JasperTeach · Joined: 13 Apr 2009

I'm also interested in this, but for Seoul. Anyone know?

seoulsucker · Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2009 7:51 pm Post subject:

PM me.

furtakk · Joined: 02 Jun 2009

filosoof · Joined: 13 Jul 2009

I am going to be in Daegu too and would also be interested Seoulsucker. Lets all have a powwow.

furtakk · Joined: 02 Jun 2009

co-sign on the powwow.

i need more posts still. dumb.

tomoyopop · Joined: 10 Jul 2009 Location: USA

That's really cool. What kind of stuff do you play?

stuey11 · Joined: 13 Jun 2003 Location: Seoul

drop me a mail to [email protected]

might be able to help you out

red_devil · Joined: 30 Jun 2008 Location: Korea

My best advice if you're just starting here is (i'm assuming you know your stuff) be the cheapest of anyone, and even do some freebies. If you ARE good you will get in quite fast, and once your name get's around you can charge full rates - and you're in. Of course connections can shortcut the overall process. Some of my friends DJ here as expats.

OnTheOtherSide · Joined: 29 Feb 2008

And make sure you have a kool name, like DJ JaZzY JeFf yo.

djnickname · Joined: 19 Dec 2006 Location: Canada

I lived in Daegu last year and tried to dj there...

I don't know about now, but then, there was a club called 'Sundooboo' that played House, Breaks, Electro type stuff. Mostly played by foreigners who lived in Daegu for several years, but the bar was run by a Korean girl.

I tried my best to get in there, but I played drum and bass, and I don't think they were really feelin that. Anyway, I got to know them, and they seemed open for me to play at some point, but soon after i stopped going for a little while, they closed down.

And that was the ONLY bar in Daegu that catered to underground electronic music as far as I know...and those dudes said it was the only one as well, and they must have known since they had both been there for 7+ years.

Too bad, cause there were fun some nights. Maybe its re-started, or there is a new venue...who knows?

Daegu nightlife is kinda wack, if your into underground shit...clubs yes, but that music, rare or never. Foreigners hang at the same places. Even the hip hop selection was weak at times...although there were some decent sets I saw at Frog.

Seoul is where its at, and maybe Busan. Hongdae area had some really good jams. 'Junglist' nights at Club Cargo were off the hook ...good crowd that seemed to go for anything.

filosoof · Joined: 13 Jul 2009

beckett · Joined: 22 Jul 2009 Location: Ireland

out of interest how would a set of technics cost in seoul? and mixers also ?
Id imagine there much cheaper than in the uk or states.

furtakk · Joined: 02 Jun 2009

i've tried searching as well, but haven't had much luck. craigslist in most major north american/eu cities usually have dozens of pairs for sale, but nothing so far in seoul.

worst comes to worst you can always buy/bring a cheap midi controller and use ssl in internal mode or go the traktor/ableton route.

filosoof · Joined: 13 Jul 2009

Got mine in Taipei.