Gwangbok Record Fair Celebrates Busan’s Vinyl Culture

Busan, South Korea - Busan’s vibrant music scene is set to take a nostalgic turn with the Gwangbok Record Fair, a two-day event that revives the city’s vinyl record culture. Taking place at the Busan Modern & Contemporary History Museum Annex on November 1 and 2, 2024, the fair will showcase a variety of activities, from vinyl record displays to live music performances, celebrating both the past and present of Busan’s music heritage.

The Gwangbok Record Fair draws inspiration from "Mua" (무아), a famous music-listening room in Busan's Gwangbok-dong, Jung-gu district, that was popular in the 1970s through the 1990s. "Mua (無我)" refers to a state of selflessness or transcendence beyond individual ego and consciousness. Known for its cozy atmosphere where people would gather to listen to records, "Mua" became a cultural hotspot for music lovers across the country. Visitors came not only from Busan but also from Seoul and other major cities, making it a must-visit venue during its heyday.

The event, which will take place over two days, features a mix of listening sessions, live performances, and interactive exhibits.

One of the key highlights is the Music Listening Session: “Do You Know Mua?” on November 1 at 7:00 PM, led by DJ Choi, a notable figure from Busan’s iconic music-listening room, "Mua." During this session, Choi will recount personal stories and historical insights about "Mua" and its role in shaping the local music scene from the 1970s to 1990s. Attendees can expect to hear about the songs, memories, and cultural significance that made "Mua" a legendary part of Busan’s past.

On November 2 at 4:00 PM, Bae Soon-tak, a music critic, will host a talk concert titled "The Influence of Music and Records". In this session, Bae will explore the continuing appeal of vinyl records and their resurgence in modern music culture. He will discuss how analog formats have experienced a revival, attracting a new generation of listeners, and the important role vinyl has played in the evolution of music consumption over the years.

The evening of November 2 will conclude with a live performance at 7:00 PM featuring local artists Kim Il-du and Monkey BGM. Titled "Songs We Loved Back Then," this performance will reimagine popular hits from the 1970s to 1990s, blending a sense of nostalgia with fresh interpretations. The performance promises to bring a unique emotional experience to the audience, connecting past musical favorites with contemporary sounds.

In addition to these scheduled events, the fair will offer interactive experiences for attendees, encouraging active participation. One such highlight is the Free Stage: Vinyl Collector’s Showcase, taking place on November 2 from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM. Here, local vinyl collectors will display rare records and share their personal stories with attendees. Visitors will have the chance to request songs, adding a personalized element to the event and fostering a deeper connection between the audience and collectors.

The fair will also feature record booths and listening spaces, allowing visitors to browse a wide selection of vinyl records and music-related books provided by local shops and collectors. These dedicated spaces will offer an intimate atmosphere where attendees can relax and enjoy sampling music, bringing them closer to the tactile and auditory experience that vinyl records offer.