Every scene has its writers, its archives and the films people keep passing around. The Press Room gathers the magazines, Korean outlets, books, documentaries, radio shows and academic work that tell the story of dance music and the Seoul scene in one searchable place, with a short note on what each one is good for.
Loading the library.
How the Library Is Built
Every link was checked before it went in, and anything that led to a dead page or a hijacked domain was left out. Korean entries carry their Hangul names, and many are the same sources behind the articles here, from Itaewon after dark to the Seoul sound. Know a source that belongs here? The contact page is always open.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Press Room?
It is a searchable library of magazines, Korean outlets, books, films, radio shows, academic papers and archives about dance music and the Seoul scene, with a short note on what each one is good for.
What are the best magazines for electronic music?
Resident Advisor, Mixmag, DJ Mag and FACT are the usual starting points for features and news, and Bandcamp Daily is excellent for finding new records. Use the filters to see them all.
Where can I read about the Seoul club scene in Korean?
Filter by Korean outlets and archives, or switch the language to 한국어. The list includes Korean music webzines, newspapers, academic databases and public archives.
Which books explain the history of dance music?
Start with the Books filter. Energy Flash by Simon Reynolds and Love Saves the Day by Tim Lawrence are two of the most cited histories.
Can journalists cite The DJ Diaries?
Yes. Journalists, students and researchers are welcome to cite the site, and can get in touch through the contact page.
Written from Seoul, by someone who has been in the booth for more than 25 years. More on the site, or book a DJ.