Simjae

Seoul

Hugan Books is the bookstore and publishing space I run myself. Around the bookstore, there are still old printing shops, film labs and small workshops that have been there for decades - it feels very connected to the way I work. 

I never wanted it to feel like somewhere that exists only to sell things, but a place where someone can unexpectedly discover a new book, image or piece of culture, and spend some time without feeling like they need to rush.

I’ve always been more interested in places that have kept their own character over time rather than spaces that are constantly changing to follow trends. 

Chowon has that feeling: the furniture, the people, the atmosphere and even the way the coffee is served all feel different from newer cafés. Places like this are important because they preserve an older rhythm of Seoul, even while everything around them continues to change quickly. 

Songchu Valley is somewhere I go when I want to properly leave the feeling of the city behind.  It isn’t very far from Seoul, but once you arrive, the atmosphere feels completely different: there’s water, rocks, trees and  mountains. 

You can spend hours there without really needing to do anything. There’s something very Korean to me about spending an entire day by a valley, eating food and just taking your time with people. It’s a very simple way of relaxing, but that’s exactly what I like about it.

Jingwansa is somewhere I go when I want to feel like I’ve left the city without actually having to leave. It sits right next to the Bukhansan mountain, so once you walk a little further inside, you start hearing the stream, the wind and the birds more than the traffic. I usually just walk slowly and sit somewhere near the trees or the water. That kind of stillness feels very natural there. Jingwansa is a reminder that Seoul isn’t only made up of concrete and high-rise buildings: you can spend time surrounded by mountains and nature, and then return to the centre of the city quickly. That contrast is one of the things that makes Seoul special.

An old-school Korean barbecue restaurant in Yongsan. It’s the kind of place I like because it hasn’t been overly polished or designed; it still feels very local and lived-in. People gather around the table, grill meat, have a few drinks and spend time talking without really watching the clock. I think that kind of moment is also an important part of slowing down in Seoul. For me, slow living doesn’t always mean being somewhere quiet or surrounded by nature. Sometimes it can simply mean sitting around a table with people you like, sharing food and letting the evening unfold naturally. Seoul moves incredibly fast, but places like this have their own rhythm. 

When shoots and projects start overlapping, there are times when I need to step away from the pace of Seoul. One place I do that is my local bathhouse; I like going early in the morning or later in the evening when it’s quieter, for an hour or two, when I naturally disconnect from my phone and from work. 

I’m much more drawn to older neighbourhood bathhouses than new or luxurious ones. Bathhouses are such an ordinary and familiar part of life in Korea, but for me they’re also a place where I can clear my head and reset my  rhythm. It’s probably one of the simplest ways I slow myself down in Seoul. 

The World’s Most Impatient City is Best at Half Speed

Khruangbin

Texas

The vibe is great here. There's a functioning reel to reel tape machine providing the soundscape that greets you at the entrance. The entire menu is fire, but don't leave without trying the "Nancy Cakes.

Lots of records, cassettes, CDs and band swag here. There's also a small stage there as well that Khruangbin played many years ago.

Affectionately called "Rudz". Mark, Laura & I hung out here practically every Tuesday night before starting Khruangbin. Burger with cheddar & fresh jalapeños with a side of tots...and a side of mayo for dipping the tots.

Coolest late night hang in town, and if you can catch DJ Sun spinning while you're there, you're in for a treat.

Best BBQ spot on the Nawfside of the H. Can't go wrong with a chopped beef sandwich.

Hats fitted and made to order, perched above a barber shop in Downtown Houston.

A quirky gift shop filled with fun trinkets located in Rice Village.

Authentic Tex-Mex. An order of queso for the table, and chicken & beef combination fajitas. Corn or Flour tortillas is a big debate, but it's totally your call (I dig flour)

There's always interesting, well curated exhibits on display here throughout the year. James Turrell's "The Light Inside" installation lives there.

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Lisbon

Antù is a community of restaurants, bars, agencies, artists, vintage dealers, fashion designers, digital creators and cultural producers with a gastro bar, art gallery, clothing store and many musical events. Antù offers a new food and beverage experience in spaces that breathe culture and creativity. If you are an artist, a lover of fashion and food, this is the right place to be cozy and jiggy and gain a new experience. You can chill with your friends and have a great time.

A fresh space in Lisbon’s chiado area, the heart of Lisbon. Latte is a new project in the Portuguese market, introducing new brands in streetwear and sportswear.

You don’t know where to buy fresh new sneakers? Komum offers a connecting hub for sneakers and Portuguese culture. Everything you need you can find at Komum, easy. Retro Nike Jordan and Dunk to Yeezy and ACG silhouettes. Local streetwear and music in the heart of Lisbon.

You can't go to Lisbon and not go to Solar das Carnes. Bifes na frigideira is the best dish of the restaurant, became my favourite. Great music and excellent food.

Another favourite spot. You can't leave Lisbon without showing your dance moves at Musicbox. This is a house for me and became my favourite spot. You can and you will find the best DJs and artists. They always have a good vibe and good music.

Like views of the city? Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara is my favourite in Lisbon. Best place to put your mind right, sometimes I go there to search for inspiration to make music.

Vanyfox’s Guide to Lisbon

Verraco

Medellin

Salón Málaga is a long-lived bar full of history and oldster local music. It's perfect to get a taste of what the old city used to be, while you drink some aguardientes (schnapps). This place is downtown so then take the opportunity to go through it.

Easily the best place in the Aburrá Valley to eat typical Medellín food. It’s hardcore, watch out.

If you are looking for proper local heavy sweaty ‘bellaqueo’, this is paradise. My favorite reggaeton club in town. Berlin has Berghain, but Medellín has Perro Negro.

In addition to having a fresh program, movies, installations, and restaurants, hanging around the Medellín Modern Art Museum is pure bliss.

A small taste of Colombia's vast biodiversity. Don't miss out on the ‘Mariposario’. It is located right next to the aquarium (also don’t miss there the Amazonas king: the Pirarucú) and the planetarium.

As a teenager, football was my whole life and it allowed me to get out of my neighborhood and discover the city in depth. I have a lot of memories of this field, especially when it was made of sand and not synthetic grass. If you like the game and want to get out of the ordinary-tourist common places, here you will find high football matches to watch while feeling Medellín’s real heat.

This is one of the few electronic music clubs left in the city. There we have had memorable parties, especially the Medellin Rave Society — Insurgentes showcase back in 2018. Calle 9+1 resists in spite of the fact that we have a government that does not allocate any kind of aid to the arts and culture sector in the midst of the pandemic.

Go up to this beautiful eco-park and enjoy the best panoramic view of the city from the metro-cable.

One of the most important museums in the country, beautiful collections and library focused on plastic arts.

This is our meeting place before starting the nights. You have all the alternatives nearby: decent bars, delicious restaurants, multiple clubs, and it is also perfect if you want to just sit on the street, drink, and watch the city go by.

Medellín with Verraco

Moonchild Sanelly

Johannesburg

You are guaranteed to get some quality drinks here!


You can find great music and good vibes. If you like braised meat this is the perfect place.

Head to the Marabi Club for tapas. It's also great for jazz bands and discovering local talent. 

Bantu records in Parktown North is great for classical records. You can find everything from Miriam Makheba to my idols Busi Mhlongo and Erykah Badu. 

Kwa Mai Mai Traditional Market is an off-grid location I suggest exploring. It’s an under-the-bridge experience, where there's makeshift South African restaurants and groove (party) all in one place. 

For my baddies with class and no budget, the Italian restaurant Gemeli is the perfect place to line your stomach.

For a night out I would suggest Nostra for a good after party. It’s a club that will have you on your feet all night long! 

To experience the arts check out the Goodman Gallery in Rosebank. To anyone reading this, you need to follow Trevor Stuurman, the owner of the manor.

For those that can last until after the after party, SUMMIT is the place to go. It’s a super fun strip club.  

The Magaliesberg in northern South Africa, it’s just 30 minutes outside of Johannesburg with rock pools and lots of greenery, it’s a real wilderness experience. I think anyone reading this should definitely check it out if they are ever in northern South Africa. 

“It’s a Super Fun Strip Club”: Moonchild Sanelly Knows a Good Time in Johannesburg

Merca Bae

Madrid

First stop: my go-to barbershop in Lavapiés. A proper night out starts with looking your best. Tito and Mayo will have you fresh and ready.

Central Madrid has become quite hostile to locals (it feels more like a theme park nowadays). But this market still keeps the neighbourhood’s essence alive. A perfect spot for a few pre-party drinks.

One of my go-to restaurants when I’m organising parties. Amazing Chinese food, right in downtown, cheap and authentic. Don’t miss the eggplant with garlic sauce and meat, it’s impressive.

A classic cocktail bar in the heart of the city. I always go for an after-dinner drink. My favorites: the “Cielo Raso” and the “Bronx”.

One of Madrid’s most iconic clubs, which opened in 1989. Like most venues here, the independent promoters are the ones that keep it interesting. Some of the city’s most cutting-edge collectives like Post Club and BRRRRRAP have held events here, Fridays or Saturdays mainly. I co-organise the ‘MERCABR5AP’ party at Siroco with BRRRRRAP, a collective that’s been active for over 12 years. It’s a small venue (around 180-capacity), and could definitely invest in a better sound system and also improve conditions for promoters, but for me still feels like home.

Since the pandemic, most of the most exciting parties have moved out here. Solid clubs, serious respect for sound, and really interesting line-ups. No names mentioned, gotta keep the secret location vibe alive. 

Right now, I think this is the most exciting neighbourhood in Madrid — although gentrification is creeping in fast. It's packed with recording studios, art galleries, dance schools, and more… It still keeps that authentic neighbourhood feel.

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“I learned a long time ago that trying to micromanage the perfect vacation is always a disaster. That leads to terrible times.” - Anthony Bourdain