Korean Job Discussion Forums

[almightyze]

I know I'm kind of leading myself into a letdown here. That said, been wondering: Outside of Kpop and traditional Korean music, what other music genres have developed in the country, and where would I be able to see the music in action? I've overheard mentions of Korean punk and metal in Busan, but not much else. Is there anything in particular that stands out?

[Jake_Kim]

트롯트.

[toby99]

I'm not exactly sure how to classify them, but "Nell" is a pretty solid, somewhat popular non-pop group. From the songs I've heard they might be considered "adult-contemporary" in the west. Apparently they got their start playing venues in Hongdae.

[taobenli]

You pretty much have to go to Hongdae (or some of the music festivals) to see good live, indie or other alternative music, but it is out there. Some of the smaller cities have small scenes, too (Gwangju, etc.- heck, even where I am in Jeonju has some decent university bands).

Check out this link for shows (mostly, but not all, in Hongdae):
http://www.koreagigguide.com/concert-calendar/

The many festivals coming up this weekend look fun, and there's even one that's not in Seoul. I would also recommend Galaxy Express, who I notice from that gig guide I just posted is playing on the 10th in Hongdae.

There's a rock festival in Daejeon on Oct. 16th, the first of its kind and absolutely free:
http://www.daejeonaccess.info/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=249%3Athe-1st-daejeon-rock-festival-oct16th-organizer-qaa&catid=159%3Adispatchesfromthekoreanundertow&Itemid=92#tb

(Crap that's a long link. How do you do tinyurls again?)
Anyway, search for it in google.

I see there's also a festival that looks pretty awesome in Seoul on the 24th and 25th, called the Grand Mint Festival.

October is a great month for festivals, hiking and music in Korea. I love Korea so much during this season that I just wish it would never get cold (or hot, for that matter) again.

Finally, if you want to just listen to some non-pop Korean music here's a blog with a lot of opportunities to listen:

http://koreangoldfishie.blogspot.com/

[almightyze]

Thanks for the input, taobenli. Kind of what I was looking for.

Also, tinyurl.com?

[JBomb]

A K Girl I hang out with now and then has gotten me into 10cm Kind of fun guitar based band.

[Missihippi]

Clazziquai is a cool group:

along the lines of postal service:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrenvX71Dzw

or cherry filter

along the lines of evanesence:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQFQMLOwPOc

[redaxe]

This is the best song ever written in the Korean language:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omgG3nFP7S0

RUX is freaking awesome and they play live in Hongdae all the time, go see them.

[geldedgoat]

Where/when in Hongdae?

[Vagabundo]

[taobenli]

I've never heard the music of 10 cm, but they seem to be featured at all the upcoming festivals. I should probably check them out, I like guitar bands well enough...

[redaxe]

Also, if anyone doesn't know about this site yet, check out http://www.koreagigguide.com/
It basically lists schedules of every concert in South Korea, from the massive stadium ones to the underground punk shows in little clubs--and it's not just for Seoul, either. Some shows in Daegu, Daejeon, and Busan.

There's like, several different rock shows every single weekend at places like FF, Spot, and Badabie in Hongdae, and usually one or two at Stomper's in Itaewon as well.

Edit: whoops, i see someone already posted it. Great site though.

[redaxe]

[Globutron]

[Vagabundo]