A new chapter in Korea’s classical music revival has begun with the reopening of Renaissance, Re:naissance in Jongno-gu, Seoul. This modern listening room honors the nation’s first classical music tea room, created during the turmoil of the Korean War, and reintroduces the joy of analog sound to a new generation.
The venue, operated by the Arts Council Korea, celebrates the resilience of Korean art and music. It brings to life the vision of Park Yong-chan, who founded the original Renaissance Tea Room in 1951. Park, an avid music lover, opened the tea room in Daegu to provide emotional refuge during wartime chaos.
After the conflict ended, Park moved the tea room to Seoul, where it became a landmark for classical enthusiasts. For over three decades, it served as a rare haven for people seeking comfort in Western symphonies and chamber works.
Decades later, Renaissance, Re:naissance revives that mission with new energy. Located inside the Artists’ House, once part of Seoul National University, the space blends history with modern design. Soft lighting, vintage turntables, and cushioned chairs invite visitors to pause and reconnect through music.
The room features over 6,000 LPs preserved by the ARKO Arts Archive, including rare recordings from Park’s collection. Vintage JBL Hartsfield D30085 speakers and McIntosh MC275 amplifiers fill the room with warm, authentic sound. Visitors can hear the subtle crackle of vinyl, a sound that embodies the essence of the classical music revival.
Daily sessions follow musical eras — Baroque, Classical, and Romantic — each featuring iconic composers like Bach, Mozart, and Schumann. This curated structure allows listeners to experience centuries of musical evolution in a single visit.
Kim Yeon-mi, manager of the ARKO Arts Archive, said the project aims to offer “liberation through music.” She explained that the space encourages people to slow down in a fast-paced digital world. According to Kim, the classical music revival reminds modern audiences that timeless compositions can still move hearts and inspire peace.
Walls adorned with vintage posters, tickets, and newspaper clippings further connect the past with the present. They tell the story of a nation that turned to music for solace amid hardship.
Renaissance, Re:naissance not only preserves Korea’s musical history but also inspires a new appreciation for analog sound in the digital era. As interest in vinyl and acoustic performance grows worldwide, this project positions Seoul at the forefront of the classical music revival.
Through this rebirth, the venue reinforces the enduring message that even in times of uncertainty, music remains a universal refuge — one that continues to echo through generations.