Where to Buy Musical Instruments in Seoul – Nagwon Music Mall – Seoulistic

Nagwon Music Mall (낙원악기상가) is THE place in Seoul to find any musical equipment or related service. The mall is a collection of at least 100 small independent music stores who each typically specialize in a certain area or instrument. But somehow, the plethora of stores doesn’t equate to competitive pricing. However, bargaining is expected so put your game face on, have some beers, whatever, just get ready to dig your heels in for some negotiation. Frankly, Nagwon is my last resort for buying any musical equipment, but I’ve gone often to fix pedals and guitars and annoy employees by banging on the drums. Last year I bought a Gibson Les Paul Gold Top Reissue and then promptly dropped it and snapped the neck. After a period of violent weeping I took it to Nagwon and a Korean ajushi fixed it so well it looks perfect.

The good thing about Nagwon is the selection. If you just have to have that vintage Vox amp, there’s a Vox dealer there. If you need a 1960s $10,000 Strat, they’ve got that too. Nagwon does have some used equipment, but again, they’re not priced well. For example this weekend I was priced a used Fender Telecaster at 1.5m won. My favorite place for used equipment in Seoul is still craigslist and if you can swing the Korean, Naver Cafe has a great market.

Website: http://www.enakwon.com/

Directions:
From Jongno 3ga Station (종로3가연) go out of exit 5 and walk straight for 1 minute. It’s located in a large building right next to the main Insadong street and clearly says “Nagwon Music Mall” on the wall. It’s easy to find.

This post was written by Dustin Cole of Dustin Cole Photography. He also has a food blog documenting his favorite places to eat in Seoul at Dining Addiction.

24 Comments

  1. Dan says:

    Don’t buy pedals here. Find them used, online, and get them shipped. You’ll do far better 99% of the time.

    • ian says:

      Hello brother! How is it going? My name is Ian and I’m a lefty-handed guitarrist. I didn’t found a fender strato american 2 for lefty, so I’m thinking on getting from USA. Do you know how import taxes works here? I heard that is around 8% of total value ( price + shipping + insurance), but I’m not sure about it. If you’ve got any information, please let me know. Thanks!

      Best Regards,
      Ian

  2. Pak says:

    Query
    You have classic guitar brand “yamaha” for amature boy start up.
    Thank you

  3. Lin slamet says:

    Do you sell electric violin casing?if you have,would you please , send me the model n the price.

  4. hilaire pankui says:

    i want buy keyboard Yamaha psr s950

  5. Christella Duplessis says:

    I would like the cost of a soprano ukulele as well as a Kkwaenggwari, please. I am here in Korea visiting and would like to but this instrurment to take back with me. Thanks You.

  6. Andriy says:

    Hello, I’m looking for trombone instrument old Bach 36 model and trombone mouthpiece griego Alessi 7C and wedge 5G

  7. chathura says:

    hi. I want to buy a roland spd20. how to buy..?

  8. rc Koirala says:

    hello, I need blue microphone and Knox filter, it is possible to fine your place???

  9. Donald Dixon says:

    Do you sell Kalimbas?

  10. Kelly Land says:

    I am looking for a keyboard that has all weighted keys. Do you have any and how much are they?

  11. Leah Anderson says:

    Do they sell tubas? If so, do they have E-flat or F tubas? I’m am about to move to Korea, and I am debating if I should bring my tuba or if I can simply buy one there. (It would save me quite a bit of money if I didn’t fly my huge tuba over seas!)

  12. kevin says:

    savannah gretsch guitar 5034tft with case can you tell me what is the price in canadian currency , l heard korean made one of the best guitars thats why l want to see if l can order from korea

  13. tuatara says:

    Do u sell electronic pianos?

  14. John says:

    Does this music store sell upright/ double bass???

  15. Wendy says:

    i will be going to Seoul, Korea soon.
    where and good brand of ukulele to buy in Seoul, Korea?

  16. Johann Kruger says:

    I’m Johann Kruger, a teacher in Korea. I came from German heritage and, like many Germans would like to own an accordion. Where can I purchase a 48, or 60 bass accordion (piano keyboard)?
    I live in Wonju, Kangwondo.
    Would you kindly reply to my request, should you not have one or more in stock?

    Kindest regards.

    Johann Kruger

  17. Laura Abächerli-Müller-Crepon says:

    Do you sell very small classical violins? (size 16/4)

  18. mraj says:

    csn u plz tell me prize of used harmonium?

  19. Toshi says:

    Would someone know place to rent a stage 88- key keyboard in Seoul for just one night?

  20. Pat says:

    Do you have Squier brand bass guitars?, and may i ask where in the mall is the bass guitar section located

  21. Here your creativity will take on a new form, will be filled with meaning and will give inspiration. We will help you make yourself known to the whole world. Our possibilities are not unlimited, but we can do a lot.

  22. Dame says:

    This place is a junk, shop owners are not friendly with foreigners, I don’t recommend any foreigners to visit here instead, try online shopping such as Amazon or any other sites.

  23. Biplob Hossain says:

    I want to buy roland xp30 roland xp60, but i don’t know where it will go to?

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