Seoul is one of Asia’s most influential music capitals and the global epicenter of contemporary K-pop. As the capital of South Korea, the city combines advanced production infrastructure, large-scale venues and a highly developed entertainment industry. Seoul functions not only as a national cultural center but also as a global export platform for Korean popular music and performance culture.

Historically, Seoul’s modern music identity accelerated in the 1990s with the emergence of contemporary Korean pop and the development of the idol training system. Over the following decades, entertainment companies based in Seoul transformed K-pop into a worldwide phenomenon. At the same time, the city has maintained long-standing traditions in trot, ballad music and Korean rock, as well as a growing hip-hop and R&B scene that gained international attention in the 2010s.

Signature genres in Seoul are led by K-pop, R&B and hip-hop, alongside electronic music and indie rock scenes concentrated in districts such as Hongdae. The Hongdae area, historically linked to Hongik University, became a focal point for independent bands and underground artists. Meanwhile, large production companies stage highly choreographed pop concerts in arena and stadium formats, reinforcing Seoul’s reputation for technologically advanced live shows.

Seoul hosts numerous large-scale concerts and international tours. Major global artists regularly include the city in Asian tour legs, while Korean acts premiere world tours in Seoul. Events such as the Seoul Jazz Festival and various K-pop award shows further strengthen its role as a regional entertainment hub.

Key venues include the KSPO Dome (Olympic Gymnastics Arena) for major K-pop concerts, Gocheok Sky Dome for large-scale performances, and Jamsil Olympic Stadium for stadium-level shows. Mid-sized and club venues across Hongdae and Itaewon support indie, rock and electronic programming. Together, these spaces position Seoul as one of the most technologically advanced and globally connected live music cities in the world.