Stepping out of the cab, the cold Seoul air hit me hard, and my breath formed little clouds in the frosty night. I pulled my hands deep into my pockets, trying to warm up. The streets shined softly in the winter light, and I felt a buzz of excitement—I was about to check out a local DJ club. It was something our local hotelier friend, Leah, had suggested for the night. Her partner was performing, and she promised it would be a great time. How could we resist?
Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I pictured loud bass, flashing lights, and a crowd dancing like there was no tomorrow. But as I walked in, I realized this was something different—something unique.
The space felt welcoming from the moment I entered – quirky and funky. The walls with a wild mix of graffiti, stickers, and bold art pieces and statement. The bar serves drinks and snacks, and the posters on the walls hint at the many events that have brought people together here before.
The furniture felt like it came from someone’s living room—a cozy, house-party vibe. The faint hum of electronic beats mixed with the low murmur of conversations, drawing me deeper into the space.
Screens were everywhere, showing DJs spinning with awesome digital visuals in the background. It wasn’t your typical club setting; it was a mix of art, music, and tech that really made the place feel alive and creative.
What really caught my eye was the DJ setup. Instead of the usual stage towering over the crowd, the DJ was in a small room surrounded by cameras and lights, with a green screen behind them. It felt more like I had stepped into a behind-the-scenes studio than a club.
Watching the producer speak into the microphone to cue the next set made it feel like I was part of the action.
Leah introduced me to her partner, DJ TANTAN, whose love for electronic beats began in the ’80s with his mom’s record collection. Growing up in Tel Aviv’s nightlife, he transitioned from clubber to DJ, blending his influences with Seoul’s vibrant scene after moving in 2015. His journey brings a unique mix of sounds that perfectly match the city’s energy.
Later, seeing myself as part of the live virtual crowd made me realize how music could connect strangers across the world and feel truly connected to this global community. That’s when I learned this wasn’t your typical nightlife spot. This was Seoul Community Radio(SCR), an independent underground hub where local DJs don’t just perform for the crowd in the room—they stream their sets live to a global audience.
What Makes Seoul Community Radio Special?
Seoul Community Radio is more than just a club—it’s a platform. SCR isn’t confined to showcasing Korean talent; it’s a platform for connecting underground artists from different cultures, blending local vibes with international beats. It’s a space that champions creative freedom and pushes the boundaries of what independent music can achieve, both in Seoul and beyond. It’s also a safe, welcoming space. There’s no pressure to act a certain way or be part of a “scene.” People come here for the music, the vibe, and to be themselves. I later found out that Seoul Community Radio has become a hub for independent music in Seoul. It’s helped local DJs get noticed internationally and even brought together artists for collaborations. Whether you’re watching from a barstool, grabbing a drink with friends, or tuning in from the other side of the world, SCR makes you feel like part of the community. The vibe here is unpretentious and welcoming, attracting an eclectic crowd of locals and travelers seeking something beyond the mainstream club scene.
Meeting the Founder
Seoul Community Radio (SCR) was co-founded by Richard Price, a British national with half-Thai ancestry. Inspired by the pirate radio stations he grew up listening to in London, Richard shared his vision for a similar platform in Korea with his friends Lee and DJ Bowlcut. Together, they established SCR, initially uploading grassroots DJ sets to SoundCloud. I was lucky enough to chat with Richard at the bar counter. Dressed casually, with a doll attached to his hoodie—a quirky detail that perfectly matched the spirit of the place—he shared how his journey began years ago while working for LG, a major South Korean conglomerate. Drawn to Seoul’s energy and potential, he decided to create a space that bridged his love for music with the city’s burgeoning underground scene. This vision led to the birth of SCR, driven by a desire to offer an alternative to Korea’s commercial radio landscape. “We wanted to give artists a platform for creative expression,” he shared.
If anyone embodies the spirit of a local Korean, it’s Richard, despite not being one himself. After years of living in Seoul and immersing himself in the culture, he’s become part of the fabric of the city. From his Instagram posts, it’s clear everyone had an amazing time at the Korean Sauna Rave, a passion project he brought to life with his team.
(Source: Instagram_ vinylricheee)
Practical Tips for Visiting
If you’re in Seoul and want to explore SCR, keep an eye on their Instagram for updates on events and live broadcasts. The venue is perfect for a laid-back evening of discovery—sip a drink, chat with locals and people who lives here, and let the beats guide you. And if you can’t visit in person, their online broadcasts offer a taste of the experience from anywhere in the world.
Seoul Community Radio isn’t just a place; it’s a pulse, a vibe, and a community that encapsulates the spirit of Seoul’s underground. Whether you’re a music aficionado or a curious traveler, this hidden gem promises an unforgettable dive into the creative heart of the city with the great underground music made in Seoul.
