Where Every Record Tells a Story Music, Everyday Life and Privia at XANADU
The Gwangjin District of Seoul is situated on the eastern side of the Han River, just beyond the bustle of the city center. It’s a neighborhood well known for the vibrant mix of youthful culture and everyday life which comfortably blends together. Located about a 30–40 minute drive from Myeongdong, it offers a more authentic experience of what it is like to actually live in Seoul, far away from the glitter of tourist destinations. This is where XANADU, a record bar created as a place to truly engage with music, is situated. This space was brought to life by WUDA, who also works as a DJ.
About a year has passed since it first opened and the bar continues to deliver carefully selected music all played on an analog record player, regardless of modern trends in the way we listen to music continues to evolve.
“Even as our modern lives change with the times, I still want to preserve the value of analog music. Regardless of how old the music is it can still resonate deeply today. I want this to be a place where people can discover that kind of music.”
The music here is not bound by genre or limited by when or where it comes from.
The guiding principle is simple: Does it sound good right now?
WUDA’s relationship with music stems from his childhood.
“Music is like my closest friend. It’s something I could never live without.”
Music has always been a natural part of his life, not something that is defined as a separate part of it, but rather something that naturally exists within everyday moments.
As day becomes night a wide range of people start to gather here, from DJs to performers, aswell as musicians and artists. Everyone discusses music, plays records and sometimes layer sounds together in spontaneous jam sessions. This is more than just a place to listen to music —it’s a space where people meet and connect, where music naturally becomes the catalyst for new relationships.
This is exactly the type of environment that Privia calls home. When WUDA first saw it, he felt that it naturally belonged in the space almost instantly.
“Even though it is a full 88-key keyboard, it is very stylish and gives off an air of refinement. It blends effortlessly with the atmosphere here, it feels like an instrument that was meant to be part of this space from the beginning.”
When he plays the Privia, this feeling becomes even clearer.
“The sound is beautiful and the touch feels very natural. It’s an instrument that simply feels great to play.”
Looking towards the future he hopes that Privia will help deepen the connections between the musicians who visit the bar.
“Many pianists come here. I’d love for them to create sound together and explore different forms of expression in this space. It would be wonderful if new sounds and new ideas could be born here.”
PX-S1100BK
name / DJ WUDA
job / Record bar Owner / DJ
