For travelers seeking vibrant nightlife, All That Jazz in Seoul offers a soulful escape through sound. Hidden in Itaewon—Seoul’s most international neighborhood—this iconic jazz club has been a cornerstone of Korea’s jazz scene since 1976. With its rich blackwood interior and intimate setting, it remains a treasured space for both seasoned jazz fans and curious newcomers.
The man behind the club’s enduring rhythm is Jin Nak-won, who first fell in love with jazz as a child after hearing Dave Brubeck Quartet’s “Take Five.” That unforgettable saxophone solo ignited a lifelong passion. He became a regular at the club soon after it opened, and by the mid-80s, he was managing it. In 1986, after its founder Ma Myung-deok fled the country due to a political scandal, Jin officially took ownership, paying for the club in installments.
Running All That Jazz was never just about business for Jin. It was about curating an atmosphere where music thrives. From the beginning, the club served as a refuge for local jazz enthusiasts and performers—many of whom came from the nearby U.S. Army base or worked as orchestra members for national broadcasters. Jazz legends like Ryu Bok-sung and Jung Sung-jo were among the early performers, laying the foundation for a new generation of Korean jazz.
Today, the venue maintains its legacy while continuing to attract international attention. In 2023, Grammy-winning artist Anderson .Paak surprised patrons with an impromptu set alongside trumpeter Maurice Brown. Jin didn’t recognize him at first, but the energy onstage quickly spoke for itself. As .Paak joined on drums, the rhythm transformed—“swing,” as jazz musicians call it—captivating the crowd in a moment of pure musical synergy.
Though the club is welcoming, getting onstage isn’t easy. Musicians often start with weekday gigs and must earn their way to coveted weekend slots. Jin still oversees performance quality, ensuring that each set is cohesive, balanced, and memorable. He believes the magic of jazz lies in its spontaneity and the subtle harmony among players.
For Jin, no matter how busy the night is, great music always finds him. “When it’s really good,” he says, “your body just reacts.”
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