HBC music festival marks 12th year
Musicians perform at Thunderhorse Tavern at last year’s HBC Fest in Haebangchon, Seoul. / Courtesy of Alecia Janeiro
By John Redmond
The 12th installment of the Hae Bang Chon Fall Music Festival (HBC Fest) will take place on Oct. 20 to 21.
The popular international music fest is made up entirely of independent musicians from Korea and a host of other countries.
Lance Reegan-Diehl and James Gaynor started the festival in 2006 as a showcase for expat musicians to perform to larger crowds.
HBC, located in Yongsan-gu, is the main street that has become famous as a local expat hangout.
The festival has made the entire area blossom into a busy place for all kinds of businesses, as more people find it an attractive neighborhood to be in.
“The festival has always adapted to the demands of both musicians and venues,” Reegan-Diehl said.
“The festival is known for the up-close, small venue and intimate feeling you get from watching the variety of people perform.”
This fall festival venues and supporters comprise Hair Of The Dog, Chimac Life, Phillies Pub, Bedrock, The Cave, Bonny’s Pizza Pub, Al Matto Terrace, Camarata Music, Genie Pub, Living Room, Leo’s, Rabbit Hole, Casablanca Sandwiches, Marrakech, Thunderhorse Tavern, The Workshop and Hidden Cellar.
Local bands performing include Kimchi Cowboys, L.A. Galbi, Cicada State, Rooftop Stray, Wooden Lucy and Bluetooth Blues Band.
A host of solo and smaller acoustic acts will be on stage at some of the venues.
Guests are advised to keep the music and the party inside the bars. There will be police on hand to manage pedestrians and keep traffic moving.
“There are sections in front of venues taped off in order to walk behind and stay out of traffic,” organizers said. “The festival is provided by local business owners who support this music festival and give independent artists a place to play.”
Friday performances in selected venues start at 9 p.m. and runs until midnight.
Saturday sees an entire day of music from 5 p.m. until 2 a.m. with a variety of styles and stages to choose from.
Entry to this music festival is free. T-shirts are available for 15,000 won to support the festival.
Visit hbcfest.com or facebook.com/HBCFest for more details, including an updated schedule and list of performers.