Reminiscing on the good old days makes us feel relaxed and fuzzy, especially when society is undergoing tough times. Amid the pandemic, retro culture has been rapidly regaining traction and popularity, becoming a new renaissance, despite the seeming immortality of digital streaming services. At the center of the renaissance is music: no longer the exclusive property of the older generation, but also now a demandable culture for Korean youngsters. With the revival of vinyl records, places where you can enjoy the warmth and depth of LPs are popping up everywhere in Seoul. Below are three different places in Seoul that have emerged as trending spots to experience the vibrant and nostalgic sound of vinyl music. 

1. Music Complex Seoul

       LP shops have become common place in Seoul recently, but Music Complex Seoul is no ordinary vinyl shop. When headed to Jongno, look for the Music Complex Seoul, a great place to really “listen” to music. Centered in the lively district of Insa-dong, Music Complex Seoul is located on the fifth floor of a Cultural Complex, Annyoung Insa-dong. When you first step in, an intense red and black interior greets the eye, amplifying a classy and chill vibe. The shelves are packed with LPs of various genres, so you may dig an album that suits your taste. Each person should have at least one beverage or drink - latte, tea, beer, etc. Coffee that costs 10,000 won on average may feel a bit expensive, but it includes the seat fee. In addition to group seats, there are also single window seats arranged with turntables and headsets allocated for individual listeners. The guidelines for using the turntables are super easy for newcomers, so do not hesitate to visit even if you are new to vinyl. 

2. K-pop Museum Café Jam-sil

      The K-pop Museum Café, a place where K-pop music lives and breathes is located in the Lotte World Mall, Jam-sil. A branched of the K-pop museum in Gyeongju province, this Seoul location is a Korean-style retro music café where you can experience the history of music trends in Korea. When entering the café, you may immediately be fascinated by the old-timely music of Yoo Jae-ha and Lee Moon-sae flowing out from the speaker. Inside the shop, the walls are tightly occupied by albums ranging from the 70s to the 90s. Selling chocolate latte, coffee, and cookies, Korean films are played from the beam projector as well, making the atmosphere more sentimental. If you want to keep yourself away from loud noises, you can sit on a vintage couch, special seats that allow you to listen to CD players. Keep your ears open to the nostalgic melodies that the vinyl and turntable make. 
 

3. Hyundai Card Vinyl and Plastic 

       If you are a music nerd, Hyundai Card Vinyl and Plastic in Itaewon, Seoul is the perfect place to excite your auditory and visual senses. Featuring three floors and a lower ground floor, Hyundai Card Vinyl and Plastic is a massive repository of vinyl records opened by Hyundai Card. With a meticulously curated inventory, it holds over 4,000 vinyl LPs and 8,000 CDs. The gigantic architecture with high metal and glass mixed exterior overwhelms the visitors at first, also serving as an exclusive photo spot for your Instagram. The “Vinyl 200 Picks” section on the first floor is where you can listen to selected CDs of the most influential artists, such as Oasis, The Beatles, and Chet Baker. Moreover, all products including vinyl and classic turntables are provided with a 20 percent discount for Hyundai Card users. Unlike the Music Library, which is only accessible to Hyundai Card users, this spot is open to all. Stop by this music hub and enjoy diverse music that comforts your drained life.