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63 show up to each event. Sometimes, they even play music that tugs on nostalgic Korean heartstrings. Dawkins says they discovered that Korea had a lot of girl groups in the ’60s, so they started playing that, alongside some obscure psychedelic stuff. “We usually find the music from personal sleuthing and Korean friends,” Stiles says. “I’ve had older Korean people come up to me after an old song, telling me how they couldn’t believe we played that song and how it’s been years since they’ve heard it.” Both Dawkins and Stiles credit the people and the location for giv- ing Seoul Shindig such a welcoming atmosphere. Both agree that it’s the high energy of the people and the comfortable “grandma’s basement” feeling of Club Myoung Wol Gwan that make it an entirely unique experience. “None of this would be possible in a bigger or more traditional club venue,” says Stiles. “We like that ‘rough around the edges’ look. Ev- eryone is kind of pushed together and everyone is involved. There’s nowhere to hide, and it just makes all these people come together and dance until the sun comes up.” While the parties can get somewhat crazy, things never get out of control; it’s more like that wild house party you went to in college rather than an overcrowded club. “We’ve had people jumping around and dancing on chairs. It’s al- ways a chaotic and fun feeling.” For both Stiles and Dawkins, their love of music and the people it reaches continues to be the main motivation for keeping Shindig alive. “Korea can be an unwelcoming place for foreigners here. Teachers come and go every year, and there can be a strong disconnect be- tween society and themselves,” says Stiles. “It’s an incredible feeling to have people come up and hug you, telling you that this one event takes them away from their loneliness and the stress of work.” In the future, the two creators intend to expand Shindig to include more local artists and clubs, live music events and fundraisers. “But it will always remain focused on the music and the people,” Dawkins says. “That is something that will never change.” more info the next Seoul Shindig is on Feb. 14 at Club Myoung Wol Gwan in Hongdae. Address: Seoul, Mapo-gu, Seokyo-dong 362-12 Find them online at facebook.com/seoulshindig.