What does an 80-year speaker history look like inside a Seoul gallery?

Living rooms rebuilt decade by decade

The second floor arranges three recreated living rooms. A 1920s space holds a 1929 Jackson-Bell radio equipped with speakers produced by Lansing Manufacturing. That company was founded in Los Angeles in 1927 by James B. Lansing. The 1950s room centers on the JBL Paragon. Launched in 1957, the home stereo speaker system housed left and right speakers in a single cabinet. Each unit required approximately 100 hours of woodworking. The 1970s room adds a turntable and vinyl records. On display sits the JBL L100 Century, a home loudspeaker launched in 1970 based on the 4310 studio monitor introduced in 1968. It went on to become one of JBL's most successful home loudspeakers.

The limited edition that numbers 800 pairs

At the entrance on the first floor stands the L100 Classic 80. This limited-edition model combines the iconic design of the original 1970s L100 with modern technology. Produced in just 800 pairs worldwide to celebrate JBL's 80th anniversary, each set features a commemorative plaque engraved with the signature of Chief Systems Engineer Chris Hagen and a unique serial number. The Summit K2 appears nearby in the "Pro to Home" section. It is the latest model in a high-end loudspeaker lineage dating back to the introduction of Project K2 in 1989. The speaker combines advanced acoustic technologies with powerful dynamics and nuanced musical detail.

Seoul-inspired spaces

The first floor also splits into two zones inspired by Seoul's contrasting day and night scenes. "Seoul by Night" evokes an urban campsite against the backdrop of N Seoul Tower after dark. Bluetooth speakers and PartyBox models sit on display. "Seoul by Day" recreates a city street in daylight. JBL headphones and earbuds designed for everyday listening fill the space. An art wall created in collaboration with Korean artist DAWN adds a local touch. The artwork reimagines JBL's 80th-anniversary campaign logo using traditional Korean patterns, bronze bells, and the colors of "dancheong," a decorative painting style found on traditional Korean architecture.

Bowers & Wilkins takes the top floor

The third floor dedicates its space to "60 Years of True Sound." Bowers & Wilkins was founded in the United Kingdom in 1966. The premium audio brand joined HARMAN's portfolio following its acquisition of Masimo's audio business last year. The display introduces founder John Bowers' "True Sound" philosophy and follows the brand's evolution through signature products — from its first speaker, the P2H, to the iconic Nautilus. At the center stand five models from the recently unveiled flagship 800 Series Diamond D5 lineup. The exhibition also highlights Bowers & Wilkins' longstanding relationship with Abbey Road Studios. Since the original 801 was introduced at the studio in 1979, successive generations of the 800 Series have served as reference monitors for engineers and producers working on music recordings and film soundtracks. Personal audio products, including wireless headphones, were also on display.

Guided tours begin when doors open

Starting October 24, guided tours will introduce visitors to JBL's 80-year history. Product demonstrations will offer a chance to hear its signature sound firsthand. The global tour visited Los Angeles, Amsterdam, Vienna, Munich, Nagoya, and Tokyo earlier this year. How many of the 800 limited-edition pairs have already been sold, the announcement does not say.