K-pop rules supreme, but Seoul has a growing number of venues for indie music

the world's biggest consumers of hard liquor, imbibing an average of 11.2 shots per week. With spirits and soju in hand, many Seoulites stay out all night and catch the early morning subway home around 5am. Listening to music, dancing, and post-work networking are integral parts of Korean culture, and they provide a means to unwind after a stressful week at work.

The country is renowned for its plethora of boy and girl groups. Scantily clad, look-alike idols use sex to sell superficial songs and dance in unison to their upbeat tunes. Thankfully, Korea has much more to offer in the arena of music than K-pop. It may not be marketed with such ferocity, but Korea's burgeoning independent music scene is steadily gaining attention.

Many talented, yet relatively unknown bands play with a sense of reckless abandon and individuality at venues around Seoul, and gig-goers will find that the live indie music scene is something special. There is an energy surrounding the musicians who play for appreciative, rowdy clubbers.

Trendy nightlife districts such as Hongdae, Gangnam, and Itaewon provide a deluge of unique bars and clubs that are host to some of the best live music in the Seoul. Whether you are looking for indie rock, hardcore, punk, or contemporary jazz, there is a venue to suit every taste.

Club FF opened its doors in 2004, and is a cool place to discover local indie bands. The modest, club is located in indie-music mecca, Hongdae. The scene there is eclectic, with a mish-mash of rock, grunge, punk and hardcore metal bands. It's a popular spot for foreigners and locals to rock out while sipping a beer or cocktail. Early in the night, live bands play loud and get the audience going; later on FF transforms into a dance club.

outside, above the entrance, you can spot a large red neon electric guitar. Inside the club it's dark and dingy, with loud music and cheap booze.