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When you think of Seoul, images of futuristic skyscrapers, bustling shopping districts, and mouth-watering street food might come to mind. But beneath the neon lights, the city also holds countless quirky, creative spots waiting to be discovered—especially if you're a fan of musicals and underground culture.
Today, let me take you to Sindang Station (신당역)—an unassuming neighborhood on Seoul Metro’s Line 2 and Line 6—where you’ll find two of the most fascinating hidden gems for musical lovers: Musical Perm and Musical Bar.
🎵 What is “Musical Perm”?
Musical Perm is not a hair salon—although the name might confuse you at first. It’s actually a small independent musical theater, tucked away near Exit 9 of Sindang Station. It seats about 60–70 people and offers intimate, immersive experiences that are hard to find in big commercial venues.
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What Makes It Special?
- Original Works: Most performances are original Korean musicals—many written, directed, and performed by emerging local artists.
- Raw Emotion: With minimal staging and close proximity to the performers, every breath, tear, and song hits differently.
- Affordable Tickets: Prices are usually under ₩40,000 KRW ($30 USD).
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💡 Tip: You don’t need to understand Korean fluently to enjoy the emotion and music. Many shows offer English synopses or subtitles via mobile apps.
🍷 What is “Musical Bar”?
Just a 5-minute walk from Musical Perm, there’s another treasure: Musical Bar, a cozy themed bar where musical theater is literally part of the atmosphere.
What You Can Expect:
- Live Musical Singing: On most nights, the bartenders and staff (many of whom are aspiring performers) will spontaneously break into song—from Les Misérables to Wicked, and even Korean musical hits.
- Themed Cocktails: Try drinks like “Phantom of the Opera” (a smoky whiskey-based cocktail) or “Mamma Mia Mojito.”
- Sing-Along Nights: Every Thursday is “Open Mic Night,” where guests are welcome to belt out their favorite show tunes.
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It’s a perfect post-show destination, whether you're unwinding after watching a performance or just want to dive into Seoul’s performing arts subculture.
🗺️ How to Get There:
📍 Sindang Station (Line 2 or Line 6), Exit 9
- Musical Perm: Walk straight for 3 minutes. Look for a small black building with posters outside.
- Musical Bar: Turn left at the second alley after Musical Perm. You'll hear music before you see it!
🙋 Who Will Love This?
If you're...
- a traveler who wants more than just tourist attractions,
- a musical theater fan looking for authentic local experiences,
- or an expat missing Broadway or the West End...
...then this neighborhood is for you.
Final Thoughts
Sindang Station may not be on every tourist’s checklist—but for those who explore beyond the obvious, it offers a special slice of Seoul’s artistic soul. Musical Perm and Musical Bar aren’t just places. They’re experiences. Emotions. A song you didn’t know you needed.
🎶 So grab your T-Money card, hop on the subway, and let the music find you.
Have you been to Musical Perm or Musical Bar? Let me know your experience in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow for more hidden cultural gems around Korea.
