[Instagram Walk] Euljiro Sessibong - A Glass of Wine, a Song That Reads My Heart

Live Wine Bar 'Euljiro Sessibong'
Located in Euljiro, Jung-gu, Seoul
Warm Antique Atmosphere
Two Live Performances Daily... From Requested Songs to Originals
"I Want to Comfort People Through Songs"

Interior view of Euljiro Cessibong. Photo by Euljiro Cessibong

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] A simple capture shared on online communities that gained modest popularity. In September 2012, a question was posted on a certain portal site's Q&A section asking, "What exactly is the reason singer Kim Kwang-seok is famous?" A netizen responded briefly, "This person's songs read my heart." This comment received explosive support, garnering over 10,000 'likes.'

There is a saying, "Good songs receive praise, and masterpieces come with stories." Perhaps because of this, singers loved beyond their era are said to have the power to evoke memories. Kim Kwang-seok offers sincere simplicity: to youth about to enlist with "Letter from a Private," to young men and women who have lost love with "Too Painful Love Was Not Love," and to elderly couples with "A Love Story of a Couple in Their 60s." His songs, called those of the "eternal troubadour," are praised for their authenticity and appeal that resonate across all ages, which is why remakes by new-generation singers continuously pour out. So, what does it mean to give strength to someone with just a voice?

Even in 'Hipjiro' (a blend of 'hip,' meaning new and cool, and Euljiro), surrounded by flashing signboards, there is a place that offers comfort with gentle songs. It is the live wine bar 'Euljiro Sessibong.' If you walk a little from Euljiro 3-ga Station on subway lines 2 and 3 toward the Chungmuro printing alley, a red guitar-decorated signboard warmly welcomes you. For Instagrammers seeking hot spots, it is also a place where you can directly enjoy the songs of CEO Heo Jun-seok (in his 30s), who ranked 3rd in Mnet's music entertainment show "I Can See Your Voice Season 6."

CEO Heo Jun-seok performing live. Photo by Park Hyun-joo phj0325@

The reason CEO Heo opened Euljiro Sessibong was none other than Kim Kwang-seok. Having majored in security studies and knowing only sports in his youth, his dreams were shattered by a thigh injury. He had been confident only in sports since childhood and underwent long rehabilitation but saw no improvement. The songs of Kim Kwang-seok, which he heard while aimlessly serving in the military amid frustration, became his comfort and dream. "When I was worried about what to do for a living, I listened to Kim Kwang-seok's songs a lot. Then I thought maybe I should try music. I developed a dream of becoming someone who gives comfort through music."

Later, when he found out that the band 'Gongjungjeonhwa' he joined as a guest member was made up of Kim Kwang-seok's friends, CEO Heo felt it was fate. "Kim Kwang-seok ran a bar-cafe called 'Gori' in Daehangno during his lifetime. He sang there and connected with many artists. Then I thought I should try doing the same, like Kim Kwang-seok." Euljiro Sessibong became a reality of his wish for a space where one can freely sing and communicate with the audience. At 25, CEO Heo traveled to 22 countries and busked. Singing with complete strangers who did not even speak the same language, he deeply felt the power of music. "Many people came to see my performance after traveling 11 hours by car. I received a lot of love just with one song. That past resembles the future I dreamed of as a singer." Performances are held twice a day, featuring pre-requested songs and his original compositions. Some visitors come from afar, shedding tears silently after watching him.

Although Euljiro Sessibong is considered a representative 'hip place' in Euljiro, CEO Heo waved his hand, saying it is not hip at all. He said, "Neither I nor this place is hip. Because I had no money, I did the interior myself, so the paint is messy and the finishing is not done properly," pointing around the store. Warm orange lighting settled on the wooden ceiling he touched. CEO Heo expressed his hope that this place would become a hidden place rather than a hip place. "I sing songs far from trends. I hope this place, regardless of trends, will be a space where many people visit for a long time and grow old together. I will also keep growing in this space." He added, "Even if it's old and lacking, I hope it becomes a place full of memories. A place where people can come without hesitation when they are having a hard time."

There is also a reason why he, who cannot even stand the smell of soju because it is too strong, opened a 'bar.' "Except for alcoholics, few people drink without a reason. Whether happy, struggling, or worried. I thought music could be a great help to such people. And I thought I could add more comfort through music. Without needing much conversation."

A performance seat for CEO Heo Jun-seok is prepared in front of the counter. Photo by Hyunju Park phj0325@

A visitor who came here said, "I want to steal the playlist." This is the moment when CEO Heo's efforts to deliberately find songs to support indie singers like himself shine. "This is just my stubbornness, but once a week or once every two weeks, I find good songs among the latest indie folk music and play them. I want to promote them even in our store. There are many young people doing their best in harsh environments. There are no easily written songs." At the end of the year, when walking the dazzling streets of Euljiro and suddenly feeling lonely, why not visit here to enjoy a performance with wine? You might discover a gem of a song that reads your lonely heart.