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🇰🇷 South Korea /Culture & Society

Seoul's LP Listening Rooms Experience a Resurgence

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • LP record listening rooms are experiencing a revival in Seoul, driven by a resurgence in interest for physical media and retro culture.
  • Venues like 'Wanita Music Listening Room' offer unique experiences with vintage speakers and a wide selection of LPs.
  • Several other popular LP listening rooms are operating across Seoul, catering to a growing demand for immersive music experiences.

Once a popular pastime in the 1960s and 70s, LP record listening rooms are making a comeback in Seoul, fueled by a growing fascination with tangible media and a wave of retro culture. These spaces, which once offered a sanctuary for enjoying music through high-fidelity audio equipment, are once again drawing crowds seeking a more immersive and tactile listening experience.

I recommend experiencing the large listening room with vintage speakers.

— Choi Hee-wonOwner of Wanita Music Listening Room, encouraging patrons to try the venue's premium audio setup.

Venues like the 'Wanita Music Listening Room' in Seongsu-dong are at the forefront of this revival. Opened last year by former flight attendant Choi Hee-won, the establishment boasts a collection of LPs and vintage audio equipment. While headphone listening is available at each table, Choi strongly recommends experiencing the large listening room, which features Altec Lansing speakers and Luxman amplifiers. Patrons can request songs, and if an LP isn't available, it will be played digitally. The rich, warm sound from the 40-year-old speakers creates a powerful yet comforting atmosphere.

"As the culture of enjoying a vintage atmosphere becomes popular, music listening rooms are gradually increasing," Choi noted. "Even our listening room, with its short operating hours, attracts an average of 11 teams daily. Our main customers are in their 20s and 30s who want to experience LPs firsthand."

As the culture of enjoying a vintage atmosphere becomes popular, music listening rooms are gradually increasing.

— Choi Hee-wonChoi Hee-won discussing the growing trend of LP listening rooms.

Beyond Wanita, Seoul hosts several other notable LP listening rooms. 'Music Complex Seoul' in Insadong offers around 20,000 LPs, along with pizza and alcoholic beverages. 'Rehol Music Gallery' in Seongbuk-dong is a haven for classical music enthusiasts, featuring 120,000 LPs, vintage speakers from the 1930s, and tube amplifiers. Here, requested songs are played through different speakers depending on the genre, and the space occasionally hosts classical concerts and lectures.

Arko's basement speakers and amplifiers were serviced, and staff donated LPs and CDs.

— Kim Min-giDirector of Arko's Art Support and Public Relations Center describing the setup of the 'Sound Chamber' listening room.

Reflecting this trend, the Korea Culture and Arts Foundation (Arko) has also opened its own LP listening room, 'Sound Chamber,' in Daehangno. Equipped with vintage Tannoy Westminster Royal speakers and McIntosh amplifiers, the space allows visitors to enjoy their own LPs or those provided. Arko plans to expand its offerings after a trial period, potentially including live broadcasts of musical performances.

This is a space where citizens can bring their own LPs and comfortably enjoy music with vintage audio equipment.

— Kim Min-giDirector of Arko's Art Support and Public Relations Center explaining the purpose of the 'Sound Chamber' listening room.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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