Seoul is experiencing a nostalgic revival, with three distinctive venues offering visitors a chance to step back in time and enjoy analog experiences. From a music-themed bar in the trendy Euljiro district to a wooden playground for families and an affordable cultural center, these spots cater to those seeking authentic, screen-free entertainment.
In the heart of Seoul's Euljiro district, now nicknamed "hipjiro" for its maze of trendy hangouts, Sunset Records bar-restaurant delivers a heavy dose of analog nostalgia. The venue is lined wall-to-wall with thousands of vinyl LPs, vintage furniture ranging from retro lamps to classic sofas, and features a central fountain filled with dramatic dry ice effects. Multiple old televisions blast music videos throughout the space, while a DJ booth commands the room's attention.
The bar's menu fully embraces its musical theme, offering signature cocktails named after music icons such as "Tupac's California Love" and "Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit." What sets Sunset Records apart is its interactive element – guests can submit handwritten song requests to staff members, who will then play the corresponding music video throughout the entire venue, essentially transforming the bar into a personalized concert experience. There's no limit on the number of requests, allowing patrons to curate their own soundtrack while sipping cocktails in the retro atmosphere.
Sunset Records operates daily from 4 p.m. to midnight, with extended weekend hours on Fridays and Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Reservations can only be made through Naver's booking system, as the venue does not accept phone or text message reservations. The bar is located at 11 Eulji-ro 12-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul.
Families with young children have a unique destination at Hyundai Department Store's Cheongho branch in Gangdong-gu, where an entire floor has been transformed into an immersive wooden playground. Located on the 13th floor and spanning 396 square meters, this experiential space centers around the theme of wood, giving children the opportunity to engage in hands-on play using natural materials while experiencing the warmth and natural scent of wood indoors.
The concept draws direct inspiration from Japan's Tokyo Toy Museum in Tokyo's Shinjuku district. Hyundai Department Store has partnered exclusively with Japan's Art and Play Creation Association to bring this authentic Tokyo Toy Museum experience to Korea. The original museum, established in 2008, was created by renovating a century-old closed school building and has since become both a beloved local landmark and a vibrant community gathering place.
The Seoul pop-up follows the museum's core philosophy of creating "a place where wood and people connect," inviting children to engage in tactile play with natural materials. Beyond simple entertainment, the space offers families a healthy break from digital screens while fostering family bonding through traditional, hands-on play experiences. Children up to 12 years old can participate when accompanied by one adult guardian.
Admission operates on a reservation-only basis, with bookings opening on the first day of each month for the following month's visits. Weekday tickets cost 13,000 won (approximately $9) for children and 4,000 won for adults, while weekend admission increases to 15,000 won for kids with the same adult pricing. The Tokyo Toy Museum Seoul Pop-up is located on the 13th floor of Hyundai Department Store Cheongho branch at 1005 Cheonhodaero, Gangdong-gu, Seoul.
In western Seoul, Mapo Arts Center has established itself as one of the city's most thoughtfully programmed cultural destinations, successfully balancing artistic excellence with community accessibility. The center has built a strong reputation for bringing world-class performances to local audiences at remarkably affordable prices, making high culture both inclusive and inspiring for diverse communities.
The centerpiece of Mapo Arts Center's programming is the M Classical Festival, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Running from August 22 through December 6, the festival pays tribute to the golden age of Romantic music through 22 carefully curated concerts. The programming spotlights enduring masterpieces by legendary composers including Beethoven, Brahms, Schubert, Chopin, and Dvorak, brought to life by an exceptional lineup of both international and domestic artists.
The festival features Korea's most renowned classical musicians, including violinist Kang Dong-suk, pianist Paik Hae-sun, cellist Yang Sung-won, and acclaimed sopranos Lim Sun-hae and Park Hye-sang. With tickets priced accessibly between 20,000 and 30,000 won, the festival successfully makes classical music widely available to audiences who might otherwise find such performances financially prohibitive.
Beyond classical programming, Mapo Arts Center presents "Indie-scovery," an ongoing series dedicated to spotlighting independent musicians and emerging artists. The venue also hosts the M Dance Festival, which works to reintroduce audiences to diverse dance genres and styles. This October, the center will present "Tango, Fascination 2025," a special program entirely dedicated to the passionate art of tango dance.
Complementing these performance offerings is the venue's Culture Talks series, running from September 23 through November 18. This program features conversational humanities and arts discussions covering visual art, music, and local culture topics. Notable speakers include respected art critic Lee Jin-sook, influential music critic Bae Soon-tak, and Yoon Sun-hae of Fuji Royal Korea, whose presentation explores the rich culture surrounding coffee. These educational talks are offered at the incredibly accessible price of just 1,000 won per ticket. Mapo Arts Center is located at 28 Daeheung-ro 20-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul.
