South Korea’s most famous hip-hop group, Epik High, has created some of that country’s most influential music over the past two decades. Acclaimed for their clever lyrics — which tackle sociopolitical issues with biting wit and humor — the trio is in their element performing live. On their current world tour promoting their critically-acclaimed mixtape “PUMP,” rapper-songwriter-producer Tablo trades verses with co-lyricist Mithra Jin, while co-producer DJ Tukutz takes a break from laying down beats to show off his b-boy moves.

“At the moment, we’re wrapping up four shows in Australia and heading to the United States and Canada for a 23-city tour,” Tablo said. “I renewed my passport six months ago and it’s already out of pages and I’m scared that I’m not gonna be able to go back home. What I’m trying to say is that we are running full speed on some never-before-seen energy, and this year’s North America tour is gonna feel fresh as hell as a result, even for people who’ve seen our shows before. So come join us again in the nearest city!”

This interview with Epik High has been edited for clarity and length.

Q: Are there any cities on this current tour that are new to you?

Tablo: We’ve always taken the risk of adding first- time cities to each tour. It sometimes means deliberately not taking sure bets and performing at smaller venues, but we’ll gladly do it because meeting new fans is always worth it. For the North America leg this year, we’re going to Tempe, Kansas City and Tampa for the first time.

Q: Have your travels provided any inspiration for the songs you perform?

Tablo: Uber rides are underrated sources of inspiration. A complete stranger’s playlist sometimes sparks something unexpected.

Q: On days you don’t have a concert, do you sightsee or stay in and rest?

Tablo: Tukutz and I will literally go everywhere. Once while we were doing a show in London, we went to like five galleries in a single day. When we did a festival in Abu Dhabi, we went to a car museum and I don’t even know how to drive.

Mithra: I try to enjoy the city we’re visiting. It’s a unique opportunity to experience the architecture and taste the food of each city.

Q: Is there a place other than where you live now that you would like to live?

Mithra: Clear skies, very fast internet speed, and delicious food. Any city that has these three things is perfect for me.

Tablo: Shanghai, Tokyo, Melbourne, Austin … Too many to name!

Tukutz: Every time I go abroad, I often think about whether I could move and live there. The city that fits this idea the most is Las Vegas. It’s just perfect.

Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?

Mithra: Hawaii — tranquility, weather, relaxation. Winter in Sapporo — snow-covered city, warm food.

Tukutz: I don’t have many memories of vacation trips. Maybe Hawaii? Actually, as long as my smartphone notifications aren’t buzzing, anywhere is good. A place without messages is a vacation spot.

Tablo: When your work has you on planes and in hotels all the time, vacation takes on a different meaning. Nowadays, I enjoy staycations in Seoul.

Q: What are your five favorite cities or states?

Tablo: Seoul, Busan, New York City, Shanghai, Tokyo.

Mithra: Seoul, Hawaii, Sapporo, London, Yellowknife (Canada).

Tukutz: Seoul, New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, London.

Q: When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?

Tablo: I pack very light. AirPods, small iPad, running shoes, foam roller.

Mithra: Laptop, iPad, beard trimmer, emergency medicine.

Tukutz: Pillow from home. It’s essential for long trips.

For more from the reporter, visit www.jaehakim.com.