HBC fest is to return to the bars pubs and cafes of Haebangchon in Seoul next week for a weekend of live music.

The festival runs biannually in spring and autumn, bringing together solo acts and live bands in genres ranging from folk and funk to punk and pop.

This year’s spring festival will be held across 12 venues in the area, with acts starting at 9 p.m. on May 25 at some of the venues before all venues open up from mid-afternoon until midnight on May 26. An acoustic night is planned for May 27. A full schedule has been made available at hbcfest.com.

This year, a second part to the festival is being planned in Pyeongtaek, to take place in Anjang-ri on June 16, with five venues lined up so far. Bands wishing to play should contact the organizers via the HBC Fest Facebook page.

(paulkerry@heraldcorp.com)