Underlounge Seoul
Hongdae or Hongik University Area
This is 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 music and lights. Spacious, with a supersized crystal ball hanging over your head, DJs from near and far make music while you can hang out at the bar or classy private rooms. Located near the main entrance of Hongik Univ. Call (02) 325-5715 or visit www.underlounge.kr.
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 Heaven
Yeoksam-dong
Located next to the Renaissance Seoul Hotel, Heaven is gaining a reputation as a clubber’s paradise with star DJs and a celebrity clientele. Electronic music is the main menu, with laser light and paper confetti shows aplenty on the side. The club caters to partying at any hour of the night: the “main stage” on the first floor is open until 6:30 a.m., while club hoppers can enter the upper level’s “after stage” after 4:30 a.m. Call 1644-8466.
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
Itaewon
A wine bar and restaurant with a design so stunning, that 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.
Platoon Kunsthalle
Apgujeong-dong
Platoon Kunsthalle is a cultural space where visitors can enjoy various facilities, including an event hall, library lounge, art studios and a bar and restaurant. Open from Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. DJ nights on Thursday and Friday from 10 p.m. Located near exit 10 of Hakdong Station on subway line 7. Visit www.kunsthalle.com or www.platoon.org.
Le Nuit Blanche
Cheongdam-dong
Formerly Club Answer, Le Nuit Blanche is introduced as a posh restaurant, theater and club. Located in front of Hotel Prima in Cheongdam-dong, Le Nuit Blanche offers Cirque du Soleil-type performances at its theater restaurant. World class DJs from all over the world are invited to perform at the club. Call (02) 514-4311 or visit www.lenuitblanche.com.
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, turn left and look for Gachi’s red and white sign. Gachi is open from Mondays to Fridays 6 p.m. to 12 a.m., Saturday to Sunday, 2 p.m. to 12 a.m. Call (02) 540 7087.
St.102
This hip-hop club often has special parties and performances. There are many Korean homies here with do-rags, dreads and baseball caps turned sideways. Visit st102.cyworld.com. 360-18 Seogyo-dong, Hongdae or call (02) 335-7166.
Moonyang Bar
This place is an Asian-inspired lounge on the third floor of a building on Parking Lot street in the Hongdae area. The stone walls feature photographs and rusted steel plates cover the windows. This place is in Mapo at Seogyo-dong, 366-17. Call (02) 338-1523.
Rocky Mountain Tavern
A down-to-earth place, the club was started by a couple of Canadians. With a spacious, woody bar, the tavern is spread out over two floors. Find it on Itaewon’s main drag across from the International Clinic. Located near exit 5 of Itaewon Station on subway line 6.
Funky Funky
This live music venue features all kinds of music. Depending on the night, they feature funk, punk, rock, or pop. Funky Funky attracts an eclectic mix of people. 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
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 usually starting at 7: 30 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.
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 a mainly standing room-only place. 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 it’s a great place to chill out. It’s near the Salvatore Ferragamo and Prada buildings in Cheongdam-dong. Call (02) 542-8003.
Folk Performances
The Korea House
Open Run
The Korea House will be holding 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, subway lines 3 and 4.
Death and Faith
Michael Schultz Gallery Seoul
Through March 6
German fashion designer/ artist Wolfgang Joop is presenting an array of works, such as his marble sculptures “From Dawn till Dusk III” and hand-embroidered works “Eternal Love,” in his show at Michael Schultz Gallery Seoul. He is known for his brands Joop and Wunderkind. The gallery is located at the Nature Poem building, Cheongdam-dong,Gangnam. Visit www.schultzgallery.co.kr or call (02) 546-7955.
Classic
Gallery Hyundai 16 Bungee
Through Feb. 28
“Classic,” featuring works by Oh Yong-seok, is the inaugural exhibition of Gallery Hyundai’s new space, 16 Bungee, located at 16 Sagan-dong, Jongno, central Seoul. It aims to introduce experimental art to the public. Visit www.16bungee.com or call (02) 722-3503.
Sculpture of Furniture
Gallery LVS
Through Feb. 20
Park Hyo-jeong’s wood and bronze sculptures are not just decorative, but are also functional as furniture. Visit www.gallerylvs.org or call (02) 3443-7475.
Oh Jong-eun Exhibition
Gallery IN
Through Feb. 15
Gallery IN, located in Pyeongchang-dong, Jongno, is hosting a show of works by Oh Jong-eun. Call (02) 391-1058.
Heart
Brain Factory
Through Feb. 18
Lee Bei-kyoung and Park Dae-sung are holding an exhibition titled “Heart” at Brain Factory. Visit www.brainfactory.org or call (02) 725-9520
GaGaHoHo
Woo Lim Gallery
Through Feb. 26
Around 50 artworks depicting the tiger are displayed at the Woo Lim Gallery in Insa-dong. This is meant to celebrate 2010, the Year of the Tiger. Call (02)733-3788.
Enumerated Void
Noam Gallery
Through Feb. 7
Kim Byung-joo is holding a solo show at Noam Gallery in Insa-dong, Jongno. Call (02) 720-2235.
The Infinite Starburst of Your Cold Dark Eyes
PKM Gallery
This exhibition is the first collaboration between PKM Gallery and Bartleby Bickle & Mersault (BBM). It brings the works of nine artists Bae Young-whan, Baik Hyunjhin, Jonas Dahlberg, Michael Joo, Kim Sang-gil, Lee Bul, Noori Lee, Richard Prince, and Thomas Struth to the PKM Gallery and the BBM viewing room. Visit www.pkmgallery.com.
Oh! Masterpieces
Gyeonggi Museum of Modern Art
Through April 18
Gyeonggi Museum of Modern Art is showing its newly acquired artworks and collections in its first exhibition of the year. Among the 58 acquisitions are works by Korean artists Suh Se-ok, Lee Sang-nam, Bae Young-hwan and Cho Sung-mook. The museum is located in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province. Call (031) 481-7000.
Bahk Zong-sun Solo Exhibition
Gallery Seomi
Through March 19
Unique designs by Bahk Zong-sun are on display at Gallery Seomi, Cheongdam-dong, southern Seoul. Bahk was one of the Korean artists that Gallery Seomi took to 2009 Design Miami. Visit www.seomituus.com or call (02) 511-7305.
In Danger
Gallery Now
Through Feb. 11
Nam Gi-seong has created paintings that depict the not-so-distant future, where landscapes have been transformed due to climate change. Visit www.gallery-now.com or call (02) 725-2930.
New Painting Exhibition
Urban Art
Feb. 19-March 10
Kwon Ki-soo, known for the quirky colorful Dongguri character, is unveiling new works at the upcoming show at Urban Art, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam. Visit www.urbanart4u.com or call (02) 511-2930.
Mirror, Mirror
Gallery Bob
Through Feb. 14
Artists Kwon Min-kyung, Kim Yeo-woon, Kim Hyun-hee, Kim Hyung-sub and Oh Heung-bae are participating in this group exhibition at Gallery Bob (formerly Gallery Ssamzie), Sssamziegil, Insa-dong. Visit www.ssamzigil.com.
New Paintings
Watergate Gallery Seoul
Watergate Gallery Seoul is hosting an exhibition of new paintings by American artist Julian Schnabel. The gallery is located at Watergate Building, Nonhyun-dong, Gangnam. Visit www.changart.com or call (02) 540-3213.
Ghost’s Spirit
One and J Gallery
Through Feb. 27
Spanish artist Enrique Marty is bringing his watercolor works, paintings, sculptures and animated works to One and J Gallery, Gahoe-dong, Jongno-gu. Call (02) 745-1644 or visit www.oneandj.com.
Untitled
Gallery 2
Through Feb. 13
Choi Ki-seog has created sculptural iron spheres for the installation at this solo show at Gallery 2, Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam. Visit www.gallery2.co.kr or call (02) 3448-2112.
Encounter
PKM Trinity Gallery
Through Feb. 25
Im Sang-bin is holding a solo show at PKM Trinity Gallery, Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam. Visit www.pkmgallery.com.
Artists With Arario
Arario Seoul, Arario Cheonan
Feb. 9-March 31
Eighteen up-and-coming artists at Arario Gallery are participating in this group exhibition. Works by artists such as Kang Hyung-koo, Shine Kong, Osang Gwon, Lee Hyung-koo, Leslie de Chavez and Tallur L.N are on display at both Arario Seoul (through March 31) and Arario Cheonan (through March 21). Visit www.arariogallery.com.
Animal Theater
Gallery La Mer
Through Feb. 9
Kim Hee-jung’s bright, multi-colored paintings full of animals are on display at Gallery La Mer, Insa-dong, Jongno. Visit www.gallerylamer.com or call (02) 730-5454.
Earth, Water, Fire, Air
Atelier Hermes
Through March 28
Atelier Hermes’ first exhibition for 2010 features works by Kim Soo-ja. The gallery, located near Dosan Park, is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and closed on Wednesdays.
2010 In the Midst of the Korean Contemporary Art
Gallery Hyundai, Sangam-dong and Gangnam Space
Through Feb. 10
Gallery Hyundai has gathered works by Korean contemporary artists such as Nam June Paik, Kim Whanki, Lee Ufan, Kang Ik-joong and Kim Dong-yoo to celebrate its 40th anniversary. Visit www.galleryhyundai.com.
Arranged by Chance
Gallery Kong
Artist Choi Bom is showing new photographs at this show at Gallery Kong. Call (02) 738-7776 or e-mail info@ gallerykong.com.
Monet to Picasso
Hangaram Art Museum
Artworks from the Philadelphia Museum of Art are on display at the Hangaram Art Museum, Seoul Arts Center. The exhibition features masterpieces by Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gogh, Paul Cezanne, Henri Matisse, Edgar Degas and Pablo Picasso. Tickets range from 7,000 to 13,000 won. Visit www.sac.or.kr.
Georges Rouault: Le sacre et le profane
This exhibition showcases 170 paintings by the French expressionist painter Georges Rouault. Among the most famous works are “Parade,” “L’Apprenti-ouvrier” and “Clown blesse,” as well as Rouault’s unfinished works that have not been seen outside France’s Pompidou Center since 1970. Tickets range from 8,000 to 12,000 won. Visit www.sac.or.kr.
Sunset on Your Breath
UNC Gallery
Austrian artist Bianca Regl is holding her first solo show in Seoul at UNC Gallery, Sagan-dong, Jongno. Call 733-2798 or visit www.uncgallery.com..
Explore Korean Dinosaurs
2A Hall, KINTEX in Goyang
Through Feb. 21
Based on the EBS documentary “Koreanosaurus,” KINTEX presents an exhibition of dinosaur fossils and footprints. Visitors can also enjoy a 3D movie and a musical on Koreanosaurus. Tickets cost 13.000 won for kids and 15,000 won for adults. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1688-3693.
Family Musical “The Wizard of Oz”
Woongjin Think Big Art Hall
Through March 31
The Wizard of Oz becomes a children’s musical combined with a Nanta performance. See what happens to Dorothy and her friends with the Wicked Witch of the West and Oz. Tickets cost from 30,000 to 50,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 738-8289. Located near from Seollueung Station on subway Bundang line.
Musical Cloud Bread
Dome Art Hall, Children’s Grand Park
Through Feb.15
Based on a children’s picture book that has sold more than 400,000 copies worldwide, the musical “Cloud Bread” is a heartwarming story of family love. Audience will enjoy well-known children’s songs composed by Kim Sung-kyun and watch flying characters from the book.
iRobot
Soma Museum of Art
Through Mar. 14, 2010
The Soma Museum of Art prepared a collection of robots including works of celebrated video art pioneer Paik Nam-june, Japanese artist Kubota Shigeko and other 14 Korean artists. Tickets cost from 1,000 to 3,000 won. Cisit www.somamuseum.org or call (02) 425-1077. Located near exit 1 of Mongchontoseong Station on subway line 8.
Basketball
Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010
KT Sonic Boom vs. Ulsan Mobis
Busan Sajik Indoor Stadium at 3 p.m.
Samsung Thunders vs. ET Land Elephants
Jamsil Indoor Stadium at 3 p.m.
Dongbu Promy vs. KT&G Kites
Wonju Chiak Stadium at 5 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 7, 2010
Daegu Orions vs. LG Sakers
Daegu Indoor Stadium at 3 p.m.
SK Knights vs. Samsung Thunders
Jamsil Student Indoor Stadium at 3 p.m.
Ulsan Mobis vs. KCC Egis
Ulsan Dongcheon Stadium at 5 p.m.
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.