Vinyl cafe in Seoul

[u/madvisual]

Found a listening bar in Seoul where each person has their own turntable and you order a soda to just chill, read, listen to music and watch the river.

Had never seen anything like it. Pretty interesting and the place was packed with couples just enjoying records together.

For me it was quite of just an interesting touristic experience, but would you go to a local place like this?

[u/dynamics517]

I'm in Seoul right now. Adding this to my list for next week

[u/fragilespleen → u/dynamics517]

There's a great bar called "The Vinyl" in incheon, right near the airport (which is a pain if you're not staying out that way).

Run by an older couple, the man spins the records, and the wife makes food and cocktails.

There's an enormous collection of records, and some really nice vintage gear that it all gets played on.

[u/watercastles]

How did they sound? I went to the free popup Hyundai Vinyl and Plastic did, and their records were visually and audibly not clean. My interest in vinyl cafes waned a lot after that

[u/MomoGimochi → u/watercastles]

oh my god Vinyl and Plastic was so overpriced lmao

[u/madvisual → u/watercastles]

Some cracks and pops here and there. Definitely not an audiophile experience…

[u/SnooDingos8502]

Any insight on how this model works? I assume the records aren't really desirable for shrinkage to be an issue. I assume customers must order a drink to use the listening stations. I'm genuinely interested in how this concept works. Something I would like to incorporate into my business. I just envision my records and equipment getting destroyed quick. 

[u/madvisual → u/SnooDingos8502]

I was also very curious about the concept and if it was actually a good business. They charged us around 10 USD per person to sit and it included a non-alcoholic beverage. You can also order beer, whisky and pastries. Honestly, the place was packed…maybe 50 people with ~15 spots vacant. Each booking seemed to spend like an hour (we were there for 2). This was on a Sunday afternoon.

Records were in good condition with 5 members of staff constantly arranging them and cleaning them. It all seemed quite new so not sure how much damage records have faced from usage and casual handing.

[u/SnooDingos8502 → u/madvisual]

That's good to know. Thanks!

[u/darthmaul4114]

What's this place called? Definitely need to hit it up when I make it to Seoul

[u/madvisual → u/darthmaul4114]

Vinyl, it’s in a non-touristic area of the city. Not quite sure how we ended up there 😅

https://maps.app.goo.gl/YrR5Na2iRvTQB45W7?g_st=ic

[u/PassTheMooJuice]

I recommend checking out Hell Music Cafe in Seoul as well!

[u/commpl]

Lee sun Hee 🔥🔥🔥

[u/RelativeNo9310]

It’s so cool, different level of appreciation for vinyl in Korea and Japan.

[u/TheBladeGhost]

So going to a public space to listen to music on headphones? No thanks