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 the ones 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 of 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 the DJ are in the center of the club, which attracts a trendy crowd along with models and celebrities. Packed on the weekends. Check 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
It's the local club of a hip Japanese chain that's also to be found in Shanghai. Located in the famous clubbing area, Hongdae, it's all flashy with loud club music and lights. It's pretty spacious with a supersized mirror ball hanging 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
This place is an Asian-inspired lounge located on the third floor of a building on Parking Lot street in Hongdae area. The stone walls feature photographs and rusted steel plates cover the windows. This place is in Mapo at Sokyo-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. It's 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.
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 to the alley 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 go to Gachi, 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. It's near Salvatore Ferragamo and Prada buildings in Cheongdam-dong. Call (02) 542-8003.
Traditional Performance
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.
Traditional Wine Making Demonstration
Namsangol Hanok Village
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.
Experience Hanok Life
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.
Irony and Gesture
Kukje Gallery
Through Aug. 14
The works of 11 contemporary British artists such as Richard Hamilton, Yinka Shonibare MBE, David Batchelor, Richard Woods and Sam Buxton are on display in this unique British contemporary art exhibition in Seoul. Visit www.kukjegallery.com or call (02) 735-8449.
Marc Quinn
Gana Art Center
Through Aug. 3
Gana Art is holding solo exhibition of Mark Quinn, one of the celebrity Young British Artists. The exhibition presents large-scale sculptures using different materials and powerfully colored paintings. Visit www.ganaart.com or call (02) 720-1020.
Jin Seong-keun
Noam Gallery
Aug.6-Aug.15
Artist Jin Seong-keun is holding a solo exhibition presenting scenery of pine trees ``painted with knife" and colorfully painted pine trees carved on wood. Visit www.noamgallery.com or call (02) 720-2235~6.
Dancing Box
Gallery Hyundai
Through Aug.5
Korea's first generation abstract artist Kim Bong-tae plays splendid variation of color and drawings expressing our daily life as a square box. Visit www.galleryhyundai.com or call (02) 734-6111~3.
thisAbility vs. Disability
Total Museum of Contemporary Art
Through Aug. 24
This international electronic art exhibition examines ``themes of human capability through creative transition of the senses." Participating artists include Leon Lim, Mika Fukumori, Lee Jae-min, Haru Ji and Graham Wakefield. Visit www.thisAbility-Disability.net. Gallery is closed on Mondays.
Wang Mai
Arario Seoul
Through Aug. 15
Young Chinese artist Wang Mai, born in Heilungkiang, northeastern China, is known for his works that criticize the power of mass media, overflow of pop culture and rapid changes in Chinese society. Visit www.arariogallery.com.
On Kawara
doART Seoul
Renowned Japanese conceptual artist On Kawara is holding an exhibition titled ``I Met / I Went / I Got Up / One Million Years/ Pure Consciousness," curated by Michele Didier. The ``I Met" series involve a series of postcards sent to his friends over several years. Visit www.doartseoul.com.
Genesis
The Korea Foundation Cultural Center
Through Aug. 1
Swiss artist Ariel Ruiz I Altaba and Korean artist Toh Yun-hee are holding a joint exhibition at the Korea Foundation Cultural Center. Sponsored by the Embassy of Switzerland, the exhibit explores the secrets and basic elements of life. Visit www.kfcenter.or.kr or call (02) 3789-5600.
Creative Mind
Savina Museum of Contemporary Art
The Savina Museum presents a special summer exhibit aimed at allowing the audience to better understand contemporary art. A total of 45 artworks by 20 artists are displayed at the exhibit. Visit www.savinamuseum.com.
Dead Skin
Gallery Ssamzie
Through Aug. 10
Heo Nam-jun uses colorful paint bottles, plastic balls and candy wrappers to create unique mixed media installations. Visit www.ssamziegil.com or call (02) 736-0900.
The World's Hundred Greatest Waterfalls
Jean Art Center
World-renowned Japanese photographer Yoshikazu Shirakawa holds an exhibit featuring stunning photographs of the world's most beautiful waterfalls. He is also known for his photographs of the Alps and Himalayas. Call (02) 738-7570 or visit www.jeanart.net.
Dream and Naissances
Nalee Mecenat Art Center
Through Sept. 25
Paris-based artist Noh Kyung-hwa is presenting her installation multimedia artworks showing how the brain works while dreaming. The gallery is located in Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province. Visit www.nalee.net.
2008 Glass Festival: Hot & Cold with Glass
Mokkumto Gallery
Marvel at the exquisite glass works by 26 Korean artists at this exhibit. Visit www.mokkumto.com or call (02) 764-0700.
20 Years of Animation: Pixar Exhibition in Seoul
Hangaram Design Museum
Through Sept. 7
Fans of Pixar's animated films ``Toy Story, ``Finding Nemo, ``Monsters Inc. and The Incredibles will have a chance to find out how favorite characters like Buzz Lightyear, Nemo and Sully came to life. Around 650 sketches, drawings, sculptures and storyboards, as well as Pixar's short films are shown. Tickets are 14,000 won for adults, 8,000 won for children and 11,000 won for teens. Visit www.pixar2008.com
Magnum Korea Photo Exhibition
Hangaram Art Museum
Photographers from the famed international photography agency Magnum trained their lenses on modern-day Korea. The stunning photographs by Ian Berry, Thomas Hoepker and other artists are on display at the Hangaram Art Museum, Seoul Arts Center. Call (02) 2277-2436 or visit www.magnumkorea.com.
Useless
Pyo Gallery South
Through Aug. 4
Artist Oan Kim presents black and white photographs capturing the instant moments of our daily life. Talented both as a photographer and a musician, he has conducted numerous exhibitions both in Korea and France. Call (02) 511-5297.
Who Wants to Live Forever
Gallery 2
Through Oct. 9
Photographer Jo Seub will open his third private exhibition on July 10. Unlike his former works depicting historical or social events of Korea, this exhibition focuses on the fear and madness of human derived from the intrinsic desire. Visit www.gallery2.co.kr or call (02) 3448-2112.
Wanted: Pop
Opera Gallery
Explore the roots of pop art at the Opera Gallery's current exhibition which features 60 pieces by 30 artists, including Keith Haring, Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol. Visit www.operagallery.com or call (02) 3446-0070.
Ko Woo-young Comics: Never Ending Story
Arko Art Center
Through Sept. 12
The exhibit looks at the visual and cultural aspects of comic strips through the works by the late cartoonist Ko Woo-young. Other artists were also invited to reinterpret Ko's works. The center, located in Daehakro, is closed on Mondays. Call (02) 760-4563 or visit www.arkoartcenter.or.kr.
Yongeun 2008 Residency and Open Studio
Yongeun Museum of Contemporary Art
Through Aug. 31
Ten Korean artists, including Kang Hyung-koo, Kwon Ki-beon, Jean Rah and Lee Kyong, showcase their works at the exhibit. Visit www.youngeunmuseum.org.
Transfiguration
Kukje Gallery New Space
Through July 31
Acclaimed American artist Bill Viola is a pioneer in video art. His works explore the ``spiritual and perceptual aspect of human experiences and is rooted in both Eastern and Western art as spiritual traditions.'' Visit www.kukjegallery.com or call (02) 733-8449.
Jeanie Lee
Gallery Em
Through July 26
Jeanie Lee's colorful illustrations and postcards are on display at Gallery Em. Visit www.galleryem.co.kr or call (02) 544-8145.
Disney Live!
Olympic Hall, Olympic Park
Aug. 22-31
The original team of the popular family musical ``Disney Live!'' is coming to Seoul. Enjoy the delightful tales and songs from Cinderella, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Beauty and the Beast with Mickey Mouse and other favorite characters. Tickets cost from 22,000 won to 55,000 won. Visit https://ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 563-0595. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station on subway line 5.
A Dog of Flanders
Changjo Concert Hall
The heartwarming tale of Nello and his dog Patrasche will be on stage as a delightful musical. Experience the sad yet beautiful friendship between Nello and his loving dog at this special event. All tickets cost 20,000 won. Visit www.ticketlink.co.kr or call (02) 747-7001. Located near exit 4 of Hyehwa Station on subway line 4.
Peter Pan
KEPCO Art Hall
July 26-Aug. 17
Enjoy the tale of Peter Pan and his exciting adventures in this delightful musical. The show will introduce a new flying technique carried out by a Las Vegas performance team. Get ready to explore the world of Neverland with Wendy, John and Michael. Tickets cost from 35,000 won to 55,000 won. Visit https://ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 3141-1345. Located near exit 1 of Yangjae Station on subway line 3.
Baseball
July 26, 2008 Saturday
Doosan Bears vs. Samsung Lions at 6:30 p.m.
Jamsil Baseball Stadium
Woori Heroes vs. KIA Tigers at 6:30 p.m.
Mokdong Baseball Stadium
SK Wyverns vs. LG Twins at 6:30 p.m.
Munhak Baseball Stadium
Lotte Giants vs. Hanhwa Eagles at 6:30 p.m.
Sajik Baseball Stadium
July 27, 2008 Sunday
Doosan Bears vs. Samsung Lions at 5 p.m.
Woori Heroes vs. KIA Tigers at 5 p.m.
SK Wyverns vs. LG Twins at 5 p.m.
Lotte Giants vs. Hanhwa Eagles at 5 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 at www.kra.co.kr.