Gimbab Records & Hyang Music Hongdae Seoul
A cozy Hongdae record store offering a vast selection of international vinyl, CDs, and unique merchandise.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed digging.
Gimbab Records & Hyang Music Hongdae Seoul
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed digging.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A cozy Hongdae record store offering a vast selection of international vinyl, CDs, and unique merchandise.
"Super awesome little record store in Seoul. A must visit if you happen to be in town, well worth the journey!"
🎯 Look for 'FOR studio'
No English sign outside! Find the black 'FOR studio' building and go up two floors. :housewithgarden:
🎶 Good Music While You Browse
The store plays great music, enhancing the overall record-digging experience. :musical_note:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.4 · 238 reviews
Type
Store
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vast Vinyl Selection
Explore a wide array of new and used LPs across diverse genres, from indie to jazz.
Cozy Browsing Atmosphere
Enjoy a warm and cozy environment perfect for digging through records.
Unique Merch & CDs
Discover cute store merch, CDs, and even cassettes alongside your vinyl finds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Finding Gimbab Records
Genre Focus & Pricing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Look for 'FOR studio'
No English sign outside! Find the black 'FOR studio' building and go up two floors. :housewithgarden:
🎶 Good Music While You Browse
The store plays great music, enhancing the overall record-digging experience. :musical_note:
💰 Decent Prices
Find vinyl LPs at reasonable prices, making it a worthwhile visit for collectors. :moneybag:
✨ Cute Merch & Cards
Don't miss out on the charming store logo and member cards available for purchase. 🎁
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Look for 'FOR studio'
No English sign outside! Find the black 'FOR studio' building and go up two floors. :housewithgarden:
🎶 Good Music While You Browse
The store plays great music, enhancing the overall record-digging experience. :musical_note:
💰 Decent Prices
Find vinyl LPs at reasonable prices, making it a worthwhile visit for collectors. :moneybag:
✨ Cute Merch & Cards
Don't miss out on the charming store logo and member cards available for purchase. 🎁
💿 Also Digging CDs & Cassettes
Beyond vinyl, explore their selection of CDs and cassettes for more music treasures. 💿
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Gimbab Records is a highly recommended vinyl haven in Hongdae, praised for its warm atmosphere, friendly staff, and diverse selection of international music. While some visitors note a stronger focus on non-Korean artists, the decent prices and unique merchandise make it a worthwhile stop for any record enthusiast. Finding the store can be a small adventure, but the rewarding browsing experience makes it all the more satisfying.
"Almost gave up looking for if as there's no English sign outside. You have to locate a black building that says "FOR studio" on it and go two floors up (there's a perfume store on the 1st floor). The staff are nice and they play good music but the focus seems to be more on international artists, so if you're looking for Korean/Asian music in particular, it can hardly compete with the likes of LP Love or Mine Record down at Hoehyeon Underground Shopping Center. (EDIT: Place is also good for digging CDs and cassettes.)"
Jakub Majchrzak
"Offers a great vast selection of vinyls LPs. Once inside, I had to hold myself back. Found what I was looking for and for decent prices too! The logo and member card of the store are very cute. Service was kind and I enjoyed browsing. It's organised and offers a lot. Would recommend coming here if you're a vinyl LP fan. It's in the second floor, as far as I remember, so was a bit difficult to find first thing, but very worth a visit."
zira
"I came here because of the Pulp listening party. That place's warm and cozy and have a great selection of records across various genres from indie music to jazz etc. I also loved that they sell merch like clothes and books!"
goober grease
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gimbab Records is a bit hidden! Look for a black building with 'FOR studio' signage. You'll need to go up two floors, passing a perfume store on the first floor. It's a journey worth taking for any vinyl lover.
Unfortunately, there isn't a prominent English sign, which can make it tricky to find initially. Keep an eye out for the 'FOR studio' building.
Hongdae is well-connected by Seoul's subway system. Take the subway to Hongik University Station (Line 2, Airport Railroad, Gyeongui-Jungang Line) and follow signs for Exit 9. The record store is a short walk from there.
While Gimbab Records focuses on international artists, you might find more Korean/Asian music at places like LP Love or Mine Record in Hoehyeon Underground Shopping Center.
It's recommended to search for 'FOR studio' or 'Gimbab Records' on your preferred map app, and then follow the directions to look for the specific building and floor.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to enter Gimbab Records. You can browse freely and purchase any records or merchandise you like.
Opening hours can vary, but generally, record stores in Hongdae are open from late morning to evening. It's best to check their social media or website for the most up-to-date information.
No advance booking is required to visit Gimbab Records. It's a walk-in establishment, though visiting during off-peak hours might offer a more relaxed experience.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own bag. The store also sells its own branded merchandise, including tote bags.
Gimbab Records occasionally hosts listening parties and events, sometimes featuring artists. Keep an eye on their social media for announcements.
🎫 🎶 Onsite Experience
Gimbab Records offers a broad selection of music, with a notable focus on international artists across genres like R&B, jazz, hip-hop, and indie.
Many visitors find the prices for both new and used vinyl records to be decent and reasonable, making it a good spot for collectors.
The atmosphere is described as warm and cozy, making it a pleasant place to spend time browsing through records.
Yes, Gimbab Records also sells merchandise, including clothing, books, CDs, and cassettes, adding to the shopping experience. +1
The staff are generally noted as being nice and helpful, contributing to a positive browsing experience.
📸 📸 Photography
While not explicitly stated, many visitors share photos and videos of the store and its records on social media, suggesting photography is generally permitted. 
The colorful vinyl covers, the store's logo, and the cozy interior create visually appealing scenes. The merchandise displays also make for great shots.
It's always a good idea to be mindful of other shoppers and ask staff if you plan on taking extensive photos or videos, especially during busy times.
Content often includes 'digging' videos showcasing record finds, album reviews, and glimpses of the store's atmosphere and merchandise.
Several creators have filmed for their YouTube channels at Gimbab Records, often featuring 'digging' sessions or album reviews.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit