As I strolled down the main street in Hannam-dong, a striking building with a fascinating exterior immediately caught my eye. 

In a neighborhood where towering buildings are packed closely together, this structure stood out with its massive arch, offering an unexpected glimpse of the open sky and the true cityscape of Seoul.

Curious, I walked closer, and the words 'The Hyundai Card Music Library' on the facade piqued my interest even more. The ground floor appeared to be a café, while the second floor housed the music library itself. 

A small sign that read "Membership Only" made me hesitate for a moment until I remembered that my husband had recently gotten a new Hyundai credit card.

The first floor had a dark yet cozy ambiance, with strategically placed lights adding warm accents throughout the space. Luxurious seating was scattered around, some chairs so comfortable you could lie in them.

Simply show your Hyundai card at the front desk and you'll be granted access to the music library. Only essentials, such as mobile phones, are allowed inside; bags must be left at the entrance. Up to two guests can attend at no cost.

 

Don’t have a Hyundai Credit Card?

No problem. Simply download the free Hyundai Card DIVE app from the App Store or Google Play, sign up, and enjoy free admission on weekdays.

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2F

As the elevator doors slid open, it felt like stepping into another world.

Separated from the lively café below, this space had an airy, serene atmosphere, with expansive windows showcasing the sky and surrounding skyscrapers.

Floor-to-ceiling shelves were stacked with countless vinyl records (LPs), a rare sight in daily life. Many visitors were already engrossed in their music, and I couldn’t wait to join them.

Beyond the LP collection, I was thrilled to discover a dedicated section for Rolling Stone magazine. Every issue since its first publication in 1967 was available, an absolute treasure trove for music enthusiasts.

Every album in the library was available for listening. A tablet at the front desk helped me search for specific records.

If you’re unsure where to start, the highlighted albums on the front page offer great recommendations.

Once I found the record I wanted, the search results were printed on paper, listing up to three albums at a time. Each shelf was labeled with a numbering system to guide retrieval.

My first pick? Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles, located in the "Rare Vinyl Collection." This section contained only limited-edition albums, requiring staff assistance to access them.

I hadn’t realized this legendary album was considered rare, especially since it sounded like a more recent release. Indeed, while reading the album cover, I noticed this LP pressing was from 2017, celebrating its 50th anniversary.

With my chosen record in hand, I took it to the front desk and was assigned a listening station. Never having used a turntable before, I was slightly nervous, but the staff was happy to help. 

Another highlight was reading the library’s expert commentary on each album. To honor the late Ryuichi Sakamoto, I also listened to YMO (Yellow Magic Orchestra)’s best album. Unfortunately, there weren’t many YMO selections available, and I couldn’t find any albums by Akiko Yano, whom I had hoped to listen to.

 

Art Library / Vinyl & Plastic

Stepping outside, I noticed another intriguing space next door, an Art Library and an LP store called Vinyl & Plastic.

Unlike the Music Library, Vinyl & Plastic is open to everyone. Hyundai Card holders even receive a 20% discount on purchases. With an ever-growing selection of new albums, this store seemed to have a wider variety than the library itself.

Here, you can also listen to select records, though the listening list is limited to 200 albums curated by the store. Weekday sessions allow three albums for 30 minutes, while weekends are restricted to two albums for 20 minutes.

Browsing the shelves, I was excited to spot a record by Thom Yorke. The prices were similar to what you’d expect for vinyl.

On the second floor of Vinyl & Plastic was another membership-only space, the Art Library. Admission worked the same way as the Music Library: free entry with a Hyundai Card or the DIVE app, and personal belongings had to be left at the entrance.

This space housed books on art and music, including rare editions in English. Some were so old they had to be handled with gloves.

The setting felt like a fusion of a library and a studio, with provided notebooks and pencils for those inspired to write or sketch.

Visiting the Hyundai Card Music Library and its neighboring spaces was an unforgettable experience.

Whether you’re a music enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat in the city, this hidden gem in Hannam-dong offers something truly special. If you ever find yourself in Seoul, I highly recommend checking it out!

 

Address : 246 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul OPEN GOOGLE MAP

Phone : +82-2-331-6300

Operation Hours : Tuesday-Saturday : 12:00 - 21:00, Sunday : 12:00 - 18:00

Instagram : Check out more photos

 

Source : https://blog.naver.com/milkiewhite/223223238427

Writer : milkiewhite

Special thanks to milkiewhite

 

hyundai card music art library vinyl&plastic hannam seoul