Do you ever find yourself tired of hearing music as a background ornament? Do you wish you could crank your favorite album without the neighbors pounding on the floor? Then perhaps you should try going to an umakshil. An umakshil, or music room, consists of a large hall filled with seats, just like a movie theater. Only instead of staring at a screen, one watches a D.J. peacefully going about her work, playing CD's and taking your requests. Although rumored to be in decline due to the popularity of discotheques, the Korean umakshil, a phenomenon that began in the 1970's, is an experience no visitor to Korea should pass up. But don't accept my word alone. Yee Jong Hye, a D.J. from the Rhapsody umakshil in Somyon, was kind enough to share her thoughts with "The Expatriate" in the following interview.
Q.: How did you become interested in being a DJ?
"Actually, in college I studied to become a tour guide and have no formal training at all. It is simply out of a personal passion for all kinds of music that I began to work part-time for music rooms and broadcasting companies."
Q.: What is unique about listening to music at a music room instead of at home or at a live performance?
"People come to Rhapsody because they want to listen to music without distractions. They have a basic love for music that makes them want to experience it for its own sake, and in the company of like-minded music fans. Also, some of the alternative bands and obscure composers I play at the music room are difficult to buy in Korean record stores, so listeners appreciate our large selection. We sometimes play videos along with some of the music. An umakshil may be one of the only places you can request a particular video."
Q.: Does Korea have any new kinds of music that have developed independently of Western influences?
Q.: "Seo Tae-Ji and Boys is one very popular Korean band, especially with young teenagers. Seo Tae-Ji, the singer-songwriter, mixes traditional elements such as Samulnori (a famous Korean drumming style) and Nong Ak (old farmers' ballads) with modern thrash metal and rap."
Q.: What do people like about a live DJ speaking between the songs?
"One of the main features of the umakshil is its ability to respond to requests. When a customer writes a request in the adjoining cafe, they usually attach a little note that says why they want to hear that song or why they like that particular artist. I can then respond to them personally, empathize with them, and bring the audience closer to the art."
Q.: So you mentioned that the umakshil does offer multimedia entertainment, namely the video screen. What is your opinion of videos? Do you prefer watching videos or simply listening?
"I far prefer listening because that way I can let my own imagination interact with the music. Sometimes watching videos makes you feel like the artist's interpretation of the music is imposed upon you. Visual images limit a listener's wandering thoughts and emotions. Listening to music without seeing images reminds us that music is the art of sound."
To visit Rhapsody, take the subway to Somyon station. Walk down the main street until you reach Taewha department store. Rhapsody music room and cafe is located on the fifth floor of the first building on the next block (just across the side street).
Rhapsody has video shows and requests from 3-5:00 p.m., 6-7:00 p.m. and 8-9:00 p.m., with straight listening in between. The cost is 2,500 won.