Kino-Eye Bar, Kyungsung
"I am kino-eye, I am mechanical eye, I, a machine, show you the world as only I can see it. My path leads to the creation of a fresh perception of the world; I decipher in a new way a world unknown to you." - Vertov, 1923
OK, it's just a bar! But a cool, almost hidden secret, and one of the best places to relax or party in Kyungsung. Dong-il, the youthful looking owner of the trendy but friendly Kino-eye, was inspired to name his bar after one of his heroes, the director Dziga Vertov. An unusual choice, perhaps, for a Korean entrepeneur who started his career in the Chicken business (ever heard of Po-Da-Dak?). But Dong-il's often eccentric tastes infuse the atmosphere of Kino-eye with a cool, cultured and relaxed feel.
The brick walls, comfortable seating and subdued lighting surround a large central bar, complete with smiley, friendly bar tender Kyu-Ho (aka Q-ho, or Calix to his many friends). The bar is complimented by an amusing selection of cult movie posters reproduced from Dong-il's personal collection, which he has been busily sourcing for years.
Ah, the posters...the bar is lined with an eye-catching montage of soft porn memorabilia worthy of closer inspection. Where else in Korea can you see such intriguingly entitled movies as 'Les Diaboliques', 'Naughty School Girls', 'The Boob', 'Who Said The Devil Was A Woman?', 'Jezebel', 'Scream Baby Scream', 'Lolita' and, erm, 'The Sex Shuffle'?
As one would expect, Kino-Eye has a great cinema screen, which shows film classics or chilled visuals every night. Check out the huge selection of CDs and DVDs he has behind the bar - with the excellent sound system and huge video screen the thought 'I could live here' did cross my mind!
Drinks are very reasonably priced, especially ath the 7-11 (or midnight on occasions) with Tequila Sunrises, Vodka Cranberries and Screwdrivers all only W3,000, and 4 Tequilas/Jagermeisters for w10,000 any time. Otherwise, expect normal (cheap!) Busan bar prices.
Kino-Eye now has a resident music meister, the suitably named British DJ Vertov. Vertov plays an eclectic mix well suited to the funky atmosphere of the bar. As Vertov puts it, he likes to play 'Tarantino-esque swinging funk, Brazilian percussion and jazz dance, Cuban Ska, electro-dub, reggae, drum 'n' bass, and anything that makes you want to move!’ There is a dance floor which has seen heavy usage since he started playing!
The Kino-Eye bar is located in Kyungsung, opposite the Family Mart at the crossroads near Ol' 55 and Vinyl Underground. Walking from Kyungsung subway turn right after the Family Mart, and Kino-Eye is 10 metres ahead on the left, up the steps. See ya there!
