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Performers at Lydian by Daniel Lenaghan
Indie music isn’t exclusive just for the fun of it; rather, it refers to the fact that you have to work hard to find those fleeting moments of musical novelty and innovation. Lydian and Bowie are two Hongdae clubs that are about as far as one can go from focus group-friendly pop. Both are tucked into the same corner of Hongdae, several blocks away from the main club area, and both offer a distinct type of music.
Lydian features bands so new they may be only half-formed. Known for local university student bands, the club’s chiefly Korean performers and audiences are treated like family. Lydian is working up to record label status as well, finding and building up bands that pass an audition and demonstrate, above all else, a singular passion for their craft. Catch one of these bands in this intimate, magically lit basement club, but get your drinks across the street at the Buy the Way, as there’s no bar service inside.
Bowie, another basement club with a spacious, sparse interior, is run by Yoshie Kim. Quiet, cute, pigtailed and a self-described “rock junkie,” she spends three nights or so each month hosting local rock bands in her venue. With funky décor inspired by the eponymous musician, Bowie is eccentric without being kitschy, as well as quiet and well-lit on nights without music when the bar is open for drinks.
If you want to find yourself somewhere off the beaten path, Lydian is an excellent place to discover something new and Bowie is the place to celebrate long-standing local Korean rock bands.
Lydian features bands so new they may be only half-formed. Known for local university student bands, the club’s chiefly Korean performers and audiences are treated like family. Lydian is working up to record label status as well, finding and building up bands that pass an audition and demonstrate, above all else, a singular passion for their craft. Catch one of these bands in this intimate, magically lit basement club, but get your drinks across the street at the Buy the Way, as there’s no bar service inside.
Bowie, another basement club with a spacious, sparse interior, is run by Yoshie Kim. Quiet, cute, pigtailed and a self-described “rock junkie,” she spends three nights or so each month hosting local rock bands in her venue. With funky décor inspired by the eponymous musician, Bowie is eccentric without being kitschy, as well as quiet and well-lit on nights without music when the bar is open for drinks.
If you want to find yourself somewhere off the beaten path, Lydian is an excellent place to discover something new and Bowie is the place to celebrate long-standing local Korean rock bands.
Getting There
To locate Lydian, go to Sangsu St. (line 6, ex. 2) and continue past Honggik University until you reach a peculiar four-way intersection with a Buy the Way. Lydian is marked by a butterfly directly opposite the convenience store. Bowie is at the same intersection on the corner to the left of the Buy the Wavy.
To locate Lydian, go to Sangsu St. (line 6, ex. 2) and continue past Honggik University until you reach a peculiar four-way intersection with a Buy the Way. Lydian is marked by a butterfly directly opposite the convenience store. Bowie is at the same intersection on the corner to the left of the Buy the Wavy.
Getting in Touch
Lydian Note that the website is in Korean and the staff don’t speak much English.
lydianmusic.co.kr, 070-8223-9945 (Korean)
Lydian Note that the website is in Korean and the staff don’t speak much English.
lydianmusic.co.kr, 070-8223-9945 (Korean)
Bowie In true underground style, Bowie has a minimalist website and does not post its information on Korea Gig Guide (koreagigguide.com) unless the band playing there has chosen to do so.
clubbowie.blogspot.com, 02-333-8665, kornlove77@yahoo.co.jp
clubbowie.blogspot.com, 02-333-8665, kornlove77@yahoo.co.jp
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