The Circle
Cheongdam-dong
Located in the upscale Cheongdam-dong neighborhood, it's notorious for turning you down unless you're dressed chic and sleek. Faithful to its name, it has a round revolving floor ― looking for your ``lost'' table gives clubbers the perfect excuse to sit down with a sexy stranger. Located on Dosan-daero near Hak-dong intersection. Call (02) 546-5933 or visit www.thecircle.co.kr.
Club Answer
This might be the answer to your nightlife. It offers an intimate partying environment with groovy electronic music by star DJs. You can reserve tables and those on the second floor provide an open view of the dance floor. Or mingling with the hot bartenders at the open bar might be a fine alternative. Located in Cheongdam-dong across the street from Prima Hotel, near the entrance toi Yeongdong-daegyo. Call (02) 548-7115 or visit www.clubanswer.co.kr.
Club Evans
Hongdae or Hongik University Area
This club, located near Hongik University, is great for intimate live performances. The line-up of performers is generally top-notch and the acoustics are good. Located near exit 1 on Sangsu Station on subway line 6 or exit 6 on Hongdae Station on subway line 2. Call (02) 337-8361 or www.clubevans.com.
Club Caliente
Itaewon
The patrons are so diverse, DJ Josh sometimes has a hard job appealing to everyone. But he keeps the dance floor going, playing a variety of standbys and new Latin music. The song selection is what keeps people coming back. Located near exit 4 of Itaewon Station subway line 6. Call (011) 9094 8484
Club M2
Hongdae
M2 features top DJs from home and abroad. The dance floor and DJ are in the center of the club, which attracts a trendy crowd of models and celebrities. Packed on weekends. Check out www.ohoo.net.
Club NB
Gangnam
This hip-hop hot spot is a cornerstone of Seoul nightlife. ``Noise Basement'' often holds special parties and performances and you can find Korean homies here with do-rags, dreads and baseball caps turned sideways. Located near Kyobo Bookstore (exit 6 of Gangnam station on subway line 2). Call (02) or visit www.clubnb.com. Check out other NB chains in Hongdae.
Underlounge Seoul
This is the local club of a hip Japanese chain that's also found in Shanghai. Located in the famous clubbing area, Hongdae, it's flashy with loud club music and lights. It's spacious and a supersized crystal ball hangs over your head. DJs from near and far make music while you can hang out at the open bar or classy private rooms. Located near the main entrance of Hongik Univ. Call (02) 325-5715 or visit www.underlounge.kr.
Moonyang Bar
An Asia-inspired lounge located on the third floor of a building on Parking Lot street in Hongdae. The stonewalls feature photographs and rusted steel plates cover the windows. Located in Mapo, Seogyo-dong, 366-17. Call (02) 338-1523.
Cafe Mou
Sinsa-dong
This cafe has a rich ethnic interior that mixes inspirations that its owner got from travels to such places as Morocco and France. Its menu is limited, but features desserts. Located at the edge of Dosan Park. 650-9 Park View Building, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam, near the Cine City Theater in Apgujeongdong. Call (02) 3444-6069.
Rocky Mountain Tavern
A down-to-earth place, the club was started by a couple of Canadians. With a spacious, wooden bar, the tavern is spread out on two floors. Find it in on Itaewon's main drag across from the International Clinic. Located near exit 3 of Itaewon Station on subway line 6.
Naos Nova
A wine bar and restaurant with a design so stunning it was featured in several interior design magazines before its doors even opened to the public. Its location across from Namsan Park gives it a wonderful, cool atmosphere. Visit www.naosnova.com (448-120 Huam-dong Yongsan-gu, Seoul) or call (02) 754-2202.
Funky Funky
This live music venue features all kinds of music. Depending on the night, expect to hear funk, punk, rock, or pop. Funky Funky attracts an eclectic mix of people. To get there: Walk down with Club Tool on the corner and turn right. Visit clubff.cyworld.com.
Above
This medium-sized wine bar in the alley behind the Hamilton Hotel is one of Itaewon's swankiest hangouts. The candlelight, tiled indoor pond and the designs on the door seem Moorish. Located at 19-25 Itaewon-dong store 22-ho. Call (02) 749-0717.
Once in a Blue Moon
Apgujeong-dong
Once in a Blue Moon is one of the best known jazz clubs in the city. It features live jazz sets from two different bands every night starting at 7 p.m. up to 10 p.m. The place exudes an elegant, sophisticated atmosphere, which is perfect for a romantic date. It is located on the street between the Hakdong intersection and the Galleria intersection in Apgujeong-dong. Call (02) 549-5490 or www.onceinabluemoon.co.kr.
Gachi
Salsa music enthusiasts can dance the night away here. The beat of salsa music will lead you to the club. To get there, get off at Apgujeong Line 3 and go out exit 5. After walking past six streets, look for Matilda Club and Bar on the seventh street and turn left and look for Gachi's red and white sign. Gachi is open from Mondays to Fridays 6 p.m.-12 a.m., Saturday to Sunday, 2 p.m.-12 a.m. Call (02) 540- 7087.
The Spot
If you like punk or alternative music, then you should hit The Spot. It is a live music venue located next to the playground near Hongik University. The Spot is a small basement bar, and it is mainly standing room-only. Visit www.clubspot.co.kr or call (02) 322-5956, (02) 3141-6876.
Casa Del Vino
This dark, intimate bar offers a great selection of wine, and is a great place to chill out. Located near the Salvatore Ferragamo and Prada buildings in Cheongdam-dong. Call (02) 542-8003.
Folk Performances
Korea House
Open run
The Korea House holds a series of traditional performances. The entrance fee is 29,000 won. Each performance includes a traditional Korean dinner. Visit www.koreahouse.or.kr or call (02) 2266-9101. Located near exit 3 of Chungmuro Station on subway lines 3 and 4.
Experience Hanok Life
Namsangol Hanok Village
11 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays
At Namsangol Hanok Village, a well preserved Joseon (1392-1910) nobleman's house, visitors are able to see and experience traditional Korean daily life, such as making jipsin (straw shoes), doenjang (bead curd) and jelly. Located near exits 3 and 4 of Chungmuro station on subway lines 3 and 4. Call (02) 2266-6923.
Traditional Wine Making Demonstration
6-9 p.m., every Saturday
In the courtyard of Namsangol Hanok Village, visitors can see demonstrations of how traditional Korean wines were made. Usually made from rice, traditional wines were considered, if taken in moderation, good for the body. Located near exits 3 and 4 of Chungmuro station on subway lines 3 and 4. Call (02) 2266-6923.
Korean Classical Music & Dance
8-9 p.m. everyday
You can listen to traditional Korean chamber music, including the piri (cylindrical oboe), haegeum (two-stringed fiddle), ajaeng (seven-string zither bowed with a rosined stick), as well as pansori (Korean opera) and dance. The daily performance takes place at Anchae in Younghyo Park's House in the Hanok Village, located near exits 3 and 4 of Chungmuro station on subway lines 3 and 4. Call (02) 2266-6923.
George Condo Show
Seomi & Tuus Gallery
Through April 22
American artist George Condo is known for his darkly humorous, grotesque and always memorable artworks featuring imaginary characters such as Jean Louis and Rodrigo. Call (02) 511-7686.
Beyond Truth
Gallery Cafe Blume
Through May 2
Kim Ji-hee is holding a solo exhibition at Gallery Cafe Bluem, Heyri Art Valley, Gyeonggi Province. Visit https://blog.naver.com/heyriblume or call (031) 942-6320.
Paradise Lost
Art Factory
Through April 8
Lee Hee-hyun's paintings of islands, still life and portraits are characterized by muted tones and blank spaces, giving the feeling the subjects are relatively small. He chooses ordinary things as his subjects, but makes them extraordinary in his paintings. Visit www.artfactory4u.com
Unfamiliar Holiday
Gallery 2
Young artist Lee So-jung is holding a solo exhibition of her art works at Gallery 2, Nature Poem Building, Cheongdam-dong. Visit www.gallery2.co.kr or call (02) 3448-2112.
Breik
Gallery Hyundai Gangnam Space
Through April 26
Kim Hyun-soo's works feature hyper-realistic sculptures that express his personal desires and fantasies when he was a child. A boy and a horn are recurring themes in his works. Visit www.galleryhyundai.com.
Lee Jun-gyu Prints
Gallery Ssamzie
Through April 19
Lee Jun-gyu created minimalist prints of scenes of buildings and trees. Visit www.ssamziegil.com or call (02) 736-0900.
Vik Muniz
Insa Art Center
Through April 14
Vik Muniz uses raw materials such as dust, chocolate and yarn to recreate various masterpieces, and then photographs them. Thirteen photographs are currently on display at Insa Art Center. Visit www.insaartcenter.com or call (02) 736-1020.
2009 Pop Party
KT Gallery
April 10 - May 7
Vibrant art works revolving around the theme of ``dreams'' are on display at the KT Gallery. Call (02) 739-0064.
Adagio for Springs
Arario Gallery, Cheonan
April 9 - June 7
Shine Kong's paintings from the ``Yesterday'' series exude a whimsical quality. Visit www.arariogallery.com
Art & Synesthesia
Seoul Museum of Art
Through June 7
The Art & Synesthesia exhibition aims to give museum-goers a new experience in viewing art by allowing them to also feel, touch and smell the artwork on display. A total of 24 Korean artists have participated in the exhibition. Visit www.seoulmoa.org or call (02) 2124-8800.
Rama Lama Ding Dong
Atelier Hermes
Through May 12
Atelier Hermes is holding an exhibition of the collaborative works of two Korean pop artists, Meena Park and Jackson Hong. The gallery is located on the third floor of the Hermes flagship store in Sinsa-dong. Call (02) 544-7722.
stART me up!
Gallery CHA
Through April 10
Gallery Cha, located in Tongui-dong, Jongno, is hosting an exhibition featuring artworks inspired by rock legends the Rolling Stones. This is the first time Rolling Stones posters and memorabilia are on display in Korea. Admission is 1,000 won. Closed on Sundays. Email gallerycha@gmail.com or call (02) 730-1700.
Attention
Zaha Museum
Seven Korean artists are participating in the group exhibition "Attention" at Zaha Museum. Visit www.zahamuseum.com or call (02) 395-3222.
Portraits of the Great Korean Imperial Family
The Museum of Photography Seoul
Through June 6
Rare, original photographs of the Joseon Dynasty's last royal family taken from 1897-1910 are displayed at the Museum of Photography. Tickets cost 5,000 won. Visit www.photomuseum.or.kr.
New Acquisitions 2008
National Musuem of Contemporary Art
The National Museum of Contemporary Art is showing off 212 new works acquired last year and added to its already extensive art collection. Among the new acquisitions are drawings by Lee Joong-sub and photographs by Kim Il-chang and Kim Han-yong. Part One of the exhibition runs through June 7, and Part Two runs June 16-Aug 30. To get there, get off Seoul Grand Park Station, line No.4, exit 4. Visit www.moca.go.kr/index.htm.
Karsh 100
Hangaram Art Museum
Through May 8
This exhibition features renowned photographer Yousuf Karsh's iconic portraits of some of the most famous and influential people of the 20th century. Among the portraits on display are those of Winston Churchill, Mother Teresa, Jacqueline Kennedy and Pablo Picasso. Tickets are 8,000 won. Visit www.karshkorea.com. To get to Seoul Arts Center, get off at Nambu Bus Terminal Subway Line 3, Exit 5.
From Yeonhui-dong
Yeonhui-dong Projects
Through May 17
Ten Korean artists, including Bae Joon-sung, Cheong Kwang-ho, Hong Sung-chul and Hong Sung-do, are participating in a group exhibition at Yeonhui-dong Project in Seodaemun. Visit www.yhdprojects.com.
Individuals
Youngeun Museum of Contemporary Art
Through April 5
Swiss artist Christoph Rihs tackles the relationship between the outer appearance of trees and their special attributes in a series of photographs, combining a multitude of images in a new broken mirror-like style. The Youngeun Museum of Contemporary Art is located in Gwangju City, Gyeonggi Province. Visit www.youngeunmuseum.org or call (031) 762-4189.
Seogyo Sixty 2009
SangSang Madang
Through May 10
Seogyo Sixty is an art festival featuring works by passionate young artists held every year at SangSang Madang meant to showcase artistic direction and youth culture in Hongdae. Visit www.seogyosixty.com or www.sangsangmadang.com.
The Great Hands
Gallery Hyundai
This exhibition is a showcase of the painstaking effort of 17 Korean artists in making their art. Lee Dong-jae carefully applied thousands of crystals to create Buddha's image, while Noh Sang-kyoon placed countless blue sequins on a canvas. Visit www.galleryhyundai.com.
Beyond the Dream
Gallery Jant
Through April 7
Seven young Korean artists are showing their colorful works in a group exhibition at Gallery Jant in Bundang, Gyeonggi Province. Call (031) 8022-5424.
VS
Gana Art Gangnam
Artists with visually similar styles are paired together for this exhibition. Works by noted artists Damien Hirst and Ron Arad, as well as Korean artists Ko Young-hoon and Kim Kang-yong, are on display at Gana Art Gangnam. Call (02) 512-1650. For more information, call (02) 512-1650.
A House of 2.6 Square Meters
Gallery Space A
Sculptor Ahn Kyu-chul sends a message about the greed that is dominant in today's society through his first solo exhibition in five years. The houses on display contain minimal necessities for survival. Call (02) 3670-3628 or visit www.space-culture.com.
In the Shadow of the Flame
Gallery Em
Through April 18
New Zealand-born Dutch artist Dylan Graham makes exquisite hand-cut paper works. This exhibition at Gallery Em in Cheongdam-dong is Graham's first in Korea. Call (02) 544-8145 or visit www.galleryem.co.kr.
On Every Border Flower Blossoms
Daejeon Museum of Art
Through May 22
Daejeon Museum of Art welcomes the spring season with a special exhibition featuring sculptures, paintings, media art and installations by Kim Hong-joo, Kim Hae-min, Rim Dong-sik, Jung Kwang-ho and Hong Myung-seop. Call (042) 602-3252.
A Message From Spring
Yongeun Museum
Welcome the new season with fresh art works by up-and-coming artists at Yongeun Museum, located in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province. Visit www.yongeunmuseum.org.
MultiScape
3.15 Art Center
This video and photography exhibition features 19 Korean and foreign artists including Park June-bum, Kim Se-jin, Lee Min-ho, Jean-Gabriel Lopez and Wu Shang-lin. The art center is located in Masan, South Gyeongsang Province. Visit www.315art.net or call (55) 220-6670.
Multiple/ Dialogue
National Museum of Contemporary Art of Korea
Through Feb. 7, 2010
This yearlong exhibition brings together the works of the late Paik Nam-june and Korean-American artist Kang Ik-joong. On display are Paik's multimedia installation and Kang's installation work that is made of thousands of paintings, woodcuts and drawings. The two artists may have come from different generations and have distinct artistic styles, but their art continues to enthrall people. To get there, get off at Seoul Grand Park Subway Line 4, Exit 4, where a shuttle bus to the museum is available every 20 minutes. Visit https://www.moca.go.kr.
German Figurative Art
Die Gallerie
Through April 3
Die Gallerie is opening in Seoul with an exhibition featuring works by leading German figurative artists such as Gerhard Richter, A.R. Penck, Markus Lupertz, Eckhard Kremers and Volker Stelzmann. Die Gallerie is located in Cheongdam-dong. Call (02) 3447-0048.
The Gleam of Lanterns
Cyan Museum of Art
Sculptor Park Choong-heum is holding a solo exhibition that explores art and design as a symbol of life. Visit www.cyanmuseum.org or call (054) 338-9391.
The Snowman
Seoul Arts Center
March 28- April 12
Based on the world-renowned novel of same title, ``The Snowman'' is also well known as a great performance for family. With the melodic songs, including `walking in the air', the snowman moves you deeply. Tickets cost from 40,000 won to 80,000 won. For more information, visit www.credia.co.kr or call (02) 751-9606~10. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal Station on subway line 3.
Ice World expedition with Pororo
Special Exhibition Hall, Korea Design Center
Through April 12
Experience the world of ``Ice with Pororo'' at the Korea Design Center. Children can try to make cup cakes, play in the snow and explore an ice cave. Tickets cost from 10,000 won to 12,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 4 of Yatap Station on the Bundang subway line.
Kids' Nanta
Woongjin Think Big Art Hall
Open Run
Famous percussion instrument musical Nanta is remade as a kids' musical. Four cooks are given an order to prepare a birthday party for 100 children within a few hours. Suddenly four magicians appear and help them prepare food and cakes. The musical also presents laser and magic shows, and ends with Korean traditional rhythmic music. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 50,000 won. For more information visit www.ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 738-8289. Located near from Seolleung Station on subway Bundang line.
Family Musical Momo
Changjo Concert Hall
Momo is a delightful little girl who has the gift of listening. She helps people find their way out of problems by simply listening to them. But everything changes as the Men in Grey arrive at the village. The meaning of time is altered to a hectic and sterile concept, leaving Momo on a quest to bring back the pleasant village and the meaning of time to their righteous place. All tickets cost 20,000 won. For more information, visit www.ticketlink.co.kr or call (02) 747-7001. Located near exit 4 of Hyehwa Station on subway line 4.
Soccer
April 4, Saturday, 2009
Jeonbuk vs. Sungnam
Jeonju Worldcup Stadium at 3 p.m.
Pohang vs. Ulsan
Pohang Steal Yard Stadium at 3 p.m.
Pusan vs. Gwangju
Pusan Asian Games Stadium at 8 p.m.
Daejeon vs. Daegu
Daejeon Worldcup Stadium at 5 p.m.
Seoul vs. Suwon
Seoul Worldcup Stadium at 5 p.m.
April 5, Sunday, 2009
Incheon vs. Gangwon
Incheon Worldcup Stadium at 3 p.m.
Jeju vs. Kyoungnam
Jeju Worldcup Stadium at 3 p.m.
Gwacheon Seoul Race Track
The Gwacheon Seoul Race Track holds races from 10:30 a.m. to 5:10 p.m., every Saturday and Sunday. Get off at Seoul Racecourse Station, subway line 4, exit 3. For more information, call (02)509-1114 or visit www.kra.co.kr.