Published Date : Nov 23, 2017 / Edited Date : Feb 13, 2019
[Travel+Leisure] Southeast Asia November 2017 Issue
Korea's thriving music scene, famed for its catchy hooks, impressive choreography and talented songwriting, has been taking much of South East Asia and the rest of the world by storm. In fact, its appeal is so far-reaching that several notable foreign artists and songwriters have been inspired to collaborate and even film music videos at locations throughout the country’s capital.
With this in mind, I begin my journey in Itaewon, which is arguably home to one of Seoul’s more bustling music scenes, most notably for famous Korean singers. Visitors can watch live music ranging from jazz and samba to rock and roll and acoustic pop. The alleyway in behind Hamilton Hotel has long since been a favourite among locals and newcomers. It is here where MOBB, a young Korean rap duo that recently shot to fame, got their inspiration for and filmed their popular “Hit Me” video. Some scenes in the video also take place at one of the area’s hip underground clubs.
Another hugely popular attraction in Seoul that has inspired dozens of Korean and foreign artists is the Han River. As I stroll along its seemingly endless river walkway, I can see why its endless bridges, parks and riverside restaurants and cafes have appeared in music videos. Yanghwa Bridge is particularly attractive and has made an appearance in several popular videos. It was also along here where Erlend Oye from Norway’s excellent band Kings of Convenience filmed parts of his video for Garota. Korean artists Hoody and Retro Funkee also shot their videos for “Hangang” and “Seoul”, respectively.
Seoul has also been on the radar for numerous global musical acts as well. Belgian singer Sioen filmed his video for “Hongdae” in the area’s trendy student area, while Australian electronica group Empire of the Sun shot their video at Nakwon Shop Street for their video of the same name.
SE Asian fans will be happy to know that one of Indonesia’s most famous pop stars, Calvin Jeremy, recently announced that Seoul has been selected as the prime location for his latest video, “All Right”. The video will show the singer exploring through a number of the city’s hotspots, including Namsan Seoul Tower, the neighborhoods of Hongdae, Itaewon, Insa-dong, Myeong-dong, the Dongdaemun Design Plaza and several other notable districts.
Seoul’s balance of traditional and modern architecture, genuine hospitality and buzzing nightlife have all made it a very attractive destination for creative artists. All of its attractions that have been included are definitely worth exploring.
본 코스는 보행약자(거동이 불편한 고령자, 장애인, 유모차 이용자 등)를 위한 코스입니다.
보호자를 동반하지 않을 시 이용이 불가능 합니다.※ 보행약자 1명당 보호자 최소 1인 이상 동반 ※ 전동보장구(전동휠체어, 전동스쿠터 등) 사용자의 경우 보호자 1인당 보행약자 최대 4인까지 동반 가능
희망하시는 날짜 및 코스에 활동가능한 해설사가 없는 경우 예약은 취소될 수 있습니다.
예약확인을 위해 도보관광 사무국(02-6925-0777)에서 확인 연락이 진행됩니다.(최소 5일~한달 전)3회 이상 전화통화가 이뤄지지 않을 시 예약이 취소될 수 있습니다.
해설 진행 시 발생하는 안전사고에 대해서 도보관광 사무국과 서울문화관광해설사는 책임을 지지 않습니다.
미세먼지 비상저감조치 발령 및 기타 기상악화(폭염, 태풍, 폭우 등)로 인해 도보관광 운영이 어려운 경우 모든 예약은 일괄 취소됩니다. (관광일 전날 기준)
Reservations must be made at least three days prior to the tour date.
Additional reservations, one or two days before the tour starts, are only allowed for the tour that is already fixed.
In the case of group tour, more than 10people, please contact us by e-mail.
Reservations for the following month are available from the 15th of the current month.
Please refrain from participating in any tour programs should you be experiencing any symptoms, including fever, coughing, congestion, muscle pain, stuffy nose, and/or sore throat.
Reservations for tourists 14 years & under without an accompanying adult or guardian shall be canceled on site.
All reservations will be canceled in the event of a weather warning being issued. (e.g. heatwave, typhoon, heavy rain, fine dust, etc.) (Cancellation will be processed immediately upon implementation)
※ Please always check the weather warning on the day of the reservation on the site below.
(https://www.accuweather.com/en/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)
The Seoul Guided Walking Tour administration office and tour guide affiliates are not responsible for any accidents that happen to occur during the tour program.
Reservation shall be made at least 1 week before the tour day.
The course is for tourists with mobility problems (Senior, people with disability, stroller user).
You may not use the course without an assistant (or companion) ※ At least one assistant shall accompany a tourist with mobility problem ※ In case of electric assisting device users (electric wheelchair, electric scooter users), one assistant may accompany up to 4 tourists with mobility problem
Reservation may be canceled when a guide is unavailable on the desired date and course.
Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office (02-6925-0777) will contact you to confirm reservation. (At least 5 days~1 month before tour day) Reservation may be canceled when Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office cannot reach you for more than 3 times.
Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office and Seoul culture and tourism guide are not liable for the safety accidents during the Seoul Guided Walking Tour.
All reservations will be canceled in the event of a weather warning being issued. (e.g. heatwave, typhoon, heavy rain, fine dust, etc.) (Cancellation will be processed immediately upon implementation)
※ Please always check the weather warning on the day of the reservation on the site below.
(https://www.accuweather.com/en/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)