Korean Music - Crying Nut

Folks, I am going to be gradually introducing a few Korean bands so people outside the ROK can have an idea of the music scene here. I'll also give a shout out when an interesting event is happening in Seoul or elsewhere in Korea. So with that out of the way, I hereby present the darling of South Korea, Crying Nut. Slightly underground but mainstream at the same time, Crying Nut is a punk rock band featuring Lee Sang-myon (이상면) on guitar, Lee Sang-hyok (이상혁) on drums, Park Yun-shik (박윤식) on vocals, Han Kyung-rock (한경록) on bass and Kim In-soo (김인수) on accordion, keyboard.

Energetic and unique, Crying Nut are a lot of fun to see live. They always put on a great show and are regularly touring in South Korea so try to catch them if you can. You'll find below the song 명동 콜링 (Myeongdong Calling), a ballad of sorts with a nice atmospheric mood. Till' next time.

Korean Guitars - North Korean Stratocaster ?

While browsing the Uncyclopedia (the retarded evil alter ego of Wikipedia) entry on North Korea I stumbled across this disturbing picture showing a North Korean soldier armed with a mean looking Fender Stratocaster. Thus far, no details have leaked whether it is a genuine Strat or one of the numerous counterfeit items North Korea is famous for.

Head on over to the Uncyclopedia for a good laugh.

Korean Guitars - Where To Buy a Guitar In Seoul?

You've come to Seoul and you would like to bring a little souvenir for yourself? The mecca for musical instruments in Seoul is the Nakwon Arcade. The Nakwon Arcade is a huge complex featuring hundreds and hundreds of stores selling all kind of musical instruments. It is located in the popular tourist neighborhood of Insadong, in the city centre, north of the river. The closest subway station is Jongno 3-ga of line 1,3 and 5 (exit 5). If you're lost, just ask anybody around, they will know.

There are also some smaller shops in the student area of Hongdae. I know there is a flagship Swing guitars shop there. These shops are located towards the Hapjeong side of the neighborhood.

Now go get that Korean guitar!

Nakwon Arcade website: Nakwon Arcade.

Korean Guitars - Introducing Saein Guitars

Saein, also called Shine, is a Korean guitar company that produces a host of quality guitars, both electric and acoustic, and basses. The company, created in 1981, operates out of Incheon, South Korea. Saein guitars also has a factory in Gaomi City, China. Saein guitars produces guitars under its own name but is also OEM for famous brands such as Epiphone and Ibanez.

The Saein guitar range is extensive. The Frontier series features stratocaster and telecaster-like guitars, the Razor series Ibanez-like guitars and the Traditional series Gibson and flying V types guitars. There are still much more, and I invite you to take a peek at their website at Saein guitars.