Metalheads take Mullae-dong
The extreme metal band Method performs at Mullae Metal City 2017 in celebration of the 30th anniversary of heavy metal in Korea. / Courtesy of Mullae Metal City
By Jon Dunbar
By day it is filled with metalworkers in hole-in-the-wall shops, and after dusk come the metal musicians, also making a terrific racket with their own hands and creativity.
is the showcase festival of Mullae-dong, this humble working-class neighborhood in southwestern Seoul. As gentrification has forced out the live music scene in the Hongik University area, many of Korea's loudest musicians have reassembled a couple of subway stops southward.
This weekend, MMC 2018 brings together 12 bands, including Frost Tears from Taiwan, Allegiance Reign from Japan and Leviathan from China, for two days of live music.
“Well-developed and organized Japan metal, rapidly growing Chinese metal and well respected and recognized Taiwan metal are writing their own history as we speak. Although a relatively small festival like us has minimum compensation, they are gladly coming to meet with heavy metal musicians and fans in South Korea, which makes MMC an extraordinary event,” said MMC producer Singloud Lee.
The Korean bands are Synsnake, Noeazy, Dark Mirror ov Tragedy, Method, Monster League, Day of Mourning, Doxology, Vassline and Crash.
“We would like to ask our beloved South Korean metalheads to response accordingly so our friends from overseas will feel welcomed,” Lee said. “By exchanging music scenes, we will cherish each other's culture and embrace our South Korean identity.”
Lee has been one of the central figures in the Hongdae exodus to Mullae, helping organize over 15 festivals in five years through MMC. He previously operated Space Moon, which is now
run by Lee Yuying. He also operated
Guest House in the area for years.
“Mullae-dong is a metal paradise filled with migratory smells. Factory names are Seoul Metal and Metal Service _ even the PC room is named Metal PC. The feeling of being inspired by heavy metal here is different from the feeling of being heard in Hongdae or in any other area,” Lee said.
“If you're a metal fan who's been to MMC, you'll have felt the harmony between the Mullae-dong area and heavy metal music. MMC will become an event symbolizing Mullae-dong, and Mullae-dong will continue to strive to be recognized as the Mecca for heavy metal.”
The event is at
this Saturday and Sunday. Tickets cost 29,000 won for one day, 45,000 won for both days, or 35,000 won at the door.
.