Tokyo’s Manhattan Records expands to Seoul with a new vinyl hub

Manhattan Records, the iconic Shibuya-born vinyl institution, has opened a new branch in Hongdae, Seoul, on February 22.

Known as a hub for music, dance, and nightlife—Seoul’s gathering place for the next-generation K-culture audiences—Hongdae is at the centre of the city’s growing interest in analogue sound.

The opening night was soundtracked by sets from MarT, PoLoGod., AVANTGARDE VAK, and PALOALTO.

Brought to Seoul by two influential figures in the local scene Lee Jin-bok aka Make-1 and Ryu Chaeman aka Kyper, Manhattan Records Seoul marks the collaboration of two music scene veterans in bringing their childhood haven to the city.

Jin-bok is a member of 360Sounds and part of street clothing brands Burumabul House and Original Cut. Kyper is a music director of one of Seoul’s top clubs, a producer focused on vinyl-only releases, and a key figure in the Balansa brand.

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In an exclusive chat on opening night, the two shared with Mixmag Asia about their latest contribution to Seoul’s music scene.

A staple of Shibuya’s music scene since the ‘80s, Manhattan Records has been shaping Tokyo’s sound for decades. So who brought it to Seoul—and why now?

Manhattan Records was brought by us, DJ and producer Lee Jinbok (Make-1) and Ryu Chaeman (Kyper). We noticed that public interest in record culture has been growing recently, and since Manhattan Records was a place we frequently visited in our childhood, we felt it would also suit Seoul well, which led us to the idea of bringing the store to Seoul.


Manhattan Records Shibuya is a go-to for club music, hip hop, and r’n’b enthusiasts. Does the Seoul store follow in its footsteps, or does it bring something new to the table?

You could see the Seoul store as an expansion of Manhattan Records Shibuya. In addition to a wide selection of LPs, CDs, and DJ equipment, we provide a space where music lovers can connect. We also plan to introduce exclusive music content and limited-edition items through our collaboration with the main store in Japan.

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Aside from being a party spot, Hongdae is known for its urban arts and indie music culture. What made Mapo-gu the perfect home for Manhattan Records Seoul?

Mapo-gu is an area where many young people gather, and we still see Hongdae as a hub of subculture. We felt that this was the ideal location where music and LP culture could naturally blend in, so we decided to open here.


Seoul’s vinyl culture is on the rise, whether it’s exclusive listening bars in Hannam-dong, a vinyl library in Insadong, or more local DJs playing vinyl across the city. How do you think vinyl consumption in Seoul has evolved over the years?

Interest in LPs is quite high in Seoul at the moment, which aligns with the global overall trend. Our store, Manhattan Records Seoul, is expected to serve as a new cultural hub within this vinyl movement.

In a city where K-Pop prevails, and vinyl culture gains momentum, Manhattan Records Seoul stands as both a bridge to Tokyo’s legacy and a new engine in the city’s evolving musical landscape.

Daniela Solano is a freelance writer for Mixmag Asia, follow her on Instagram here.

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