KMK: A Quick Guide To Busking In Seoul

A Quick Guide To Busking In Seoul

The art of busking is believed to date back to medieval Europe when local merchants would seek out the services of various entertainers to perform at plazas and in public squares in a bid to attract foot traffic to their businesses. Today, there are not many places in the world that boast a more prolific busk culture than Seoul. For a city that thrives on live entertainment, being able to witness an ever-changing variety of street performers is immensely pleasurable. Becoming a busker isn’t hard, not even when simply passing through Seoul, although there are a few important questions that need to be answered before setting up on the nearest street corner.

Can anyone busk in Seoul?

There is a lot of contradicting information being relayed pertaining to the permits and other legalities surrounding busking in Seoul. If you are looking to set up in the center of the city in the Cheonggye Stream, you will have to obtain a license from the Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture (SFAC).  While you will more than likely be allowed to busk without a license, you will not be allowed to collect any money from onlookers that enjoy your performance. Luckily monetary compensation is not the only benefit obtained from busking to an appreciative crowd. Countless video clips taken of street performers are uploaded to YouTube and social media platforms daily, giving even the most inexperienced of performers a chance to be discovered and turned into a big star.

Is there a winning recipe to successful busking?

Street performing has evolved significantly over recent years with magicians, dancers, and poets often displaying their talents alongside singers and other musicians. K-pop dance covers and songs by international artists such as Maroon 5, Justin Bieber, and Katy Perry are generally a hit among teenagers and students while an older crowd seem to be more appreciative of more traditional tunes reminiscent of the likes of Lee Mi-ja and Keiko Fuji.  If you conduct some research into the typical busking crowd in the area you are in, you will be able to put on a show that is very well received. Make sure you are well-rehearsed but also prepare for possible impromptu requests. Comfort is very important as you may find yourself standing (or sitting) for extended periods of time. Equip yourself with the necessary accessories including a comfy guitar strap, an extra set of strings, and some bottled water should you get thirsty.

Where are the best places to busk?

Situated in the north-east of Seoul and known for its sprightly ambience and bustling music scene, Hongdae is without a doubt one of the top places to busk in the city.  The streets of Hongdae, and especially the area surrounding Hongik University is known to come alive with buskers at all hours of the day and night. Another popular busking hotspot is the northern neighborhood of Daehangno that typically caters for a somewhat older audience. Here, street performers are often found delighting audiences among the numerous bars, cafes, streetfood stalls, and creative haunts that include the renowned Marronnier Park. The streets of Sinchon are home to many performers charming the students of the nearby Yonsei, Ewha and Sogang Universities. The area’s new transit mall which consists of a length of road that no private vehicles may enter is another busking hotspot in the region and has been for more than five years already.

Whether you choose to perform to make extra cash while in Korea or simply want to share your talent with an appreciative crowd, busking in Seoul will undoubtedly be one of the greatest adventures of your life. You don’t even have to be the most talented singer to attract a crowd – all you need is to be entertaining and appeal to the diverse people found traversing the streets.