Spotlight

For Fidelity Fanatics

4 Classical Music Spots

Even in the 21st century, classical music occupies a special place in the hearts of Koreans, with many people in the country listening to high-level performances of pieces often by world-class Korean musicians whether through their home stereo systems, smartphones or at concert halls. The following four venues offer prime opportunities for classical music appreciation nationwide.

Written by • Kim Samuel

Spotlight

Nokhyang in Daegu

Daegu, the country��s fourth most populous city, suffered relatively less damage from the 1950-53 Korean War and eventually rose as a hub of Korea��s music scene. Military and air force bands cropped up, and Nokhyang was dubbed the nation��s first music hall packed with artists reciting poetry and music. Established by Yi Chang-su in 1946 in what was then his home basement, this hall, now run by his son, has 500 seven-inch singles and a gramophone. With the opening of the Hyangchon Cultural Center, Nokhyang had to move to another location but remains a historical landmark of the Korean music scene.

Basement of Hyangchon Cultural Center, Hyangchong-dong,
9-1, Jung-gu, Daegu

www.hyangchon.or.kr/

Hwang In Yong Music Space Camerata in Paju

This music listening space in Heyrimaeul Village is a spacious, crudely-shaped garage guarded by a heavy steel door. The vintage atmosphere is perpetuated by rare devices like audio equipment used in the 1920s and 30s that produce heady sounds with an analog feel.

The 20,000-plus LPs there are from the personal collection of proprietor and former radio DJ Hwang In-yong. Visitors can make requests from his vast repertoire of mostly classical music, with occasional jazz. Music parties are hosted Saturdays, and the cover charge covers refreshments like drinks and unlimited muffins.

Heyrimaeul-gil 83, Tanhyeon-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do Province

blog.naver.com/h_camerata

Clara House in Daejeon

Named after the wife of German composer Robert Schumann, Clara House is decked out with high-quality audio and visual systems, as well as an impressive collection of over 10,000 LPs. The 50-seat auditorium has hosted quality performances of gugak (traditional music) and the talents of pansori (solo lyrical opera) master vocalist Ahn Sook Sun, Russian piano virtuoso Nina Kogan, and the Novus String Quartet and Classikan Ensemble of Korea.

Analog audio-visual shows such as LP sessions and operatic or cinematic concerts are held on the second and fourth Saturday of every month. Music columnist Yoo Hyuk-jun, a former radio music producer, also provides insightful commentary at these events.

Daedeokdae-ro 578beon-gil 14, Doryong-dong, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon

www.clarahouse.kr/

Ode Port in Seoul

For those either new to premium audio or simply need a refresher, Ode Port is an eclectic complex teeming with young visitors. The first floor allows visitors to freely roam and listen to their choice of LPs and the second features an assortment of daily audio gear on display. The third floor has the fancy Devialet Lounge displaying advanced French audio technology, and the fifth shows the Wall Showcase, a joint project by Ode and Samsung Display. Each level is designed to enhance and broaden the audio experience.

The live hall in the basement is the highlight of this venue. Thirteen advanced audio systems each offer a unique listening experience for audiences no matter where they sit. Having hosted world-class performers, the hall nowadays hosts mallerscale salon recitals under social distancing guidelines due to COVID-19, with just 30 audience members allowed per jazz or classical music performance.