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 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 a local club of a hip Japanese chain that's also 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. 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. 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. 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 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.
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.
2050 Future Scope
Savina Museum of Contemporary Art
Through Feb. 28
What does the future look like according to Korean contemporary artists? Find out at the ``2050 Future Scope'' exhibition at the Savina Museum of Contemporary Art (Anguk Station Subway Line 3, Exit 1). Call (02) 736-4371 or visit savinamuseum.com.
TickTac: Korean Sculpture
Gallery Godo
Through Feb. 3
Unique sculptures by 20 Korean artists are on display at Gallery Godo (Anguk Station Subway Line 3, Exit 6). Call (02) 720-2223.
The Scenery
Gallery Dos
Yoon Jin-suk's delicate ink paintings evoke countryside serenity. Galley Dos is located in Insa-dong. Call (02) 735-4678.
On The Earth
Arario Seoul
Feb. 2-22
Lim Young-sun, who uses sculpture, video, audio and other electronic media in his works, is holding a solo exhibition at Arario Seoul. Visit www.ararioseoul.com or call (02) 723 6190.
Artists and Moon Jars
Gallery Hyundai Gangnam Space
Through Feb. 10
Korean artists give their own interpretation of dalhangahri or traditional moon jars, through paintings, photographs and sculptures. These simple but elegant moon jars are considered a symbol of beauty. Visit www.galleryhyundai.com or call (02) 519-0800.
Silhouette
Lee & Park Gallery
Through March 1
Kim Hyung-jong explores the subtleties of silhouettes in his art works. The gallery is located in Heyri Art Valley, Gyeonggi province. Call (031) 975-7521.
Lightless Light
Through Feb. 14
I M Art Gallery
Lightless Light is a group exhibition featuring works by 14 rising Korean artists such as Sohn Woo-sung, Ahn Da-bin, Lee Sol-ne, Min2 and Park Jin-woo. Call (02) 3446-3766 or visit www.imartgallery.com.
Camille Pissarro: Family and Friends
Aramnuri Arts Center
Through March 25
Masterpieces by Camille Pissaro (1830-1903), considered the father of Impressionism, are in Korea for the first time. His paintings, prints and drawings are from the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology at the University of Oxford. Admission is 10,000 won for adults, 7,000 won for students and 5,000 won for children. Visit www.artgy.or.kr or call (031) 960-0180.
Plus Minus
Gana Art Space
Feb. 4-10
Boochangjo is holding his first solo exhibition at the second floor of Gana Art Space. It includes 11 works, including Killing Field and Bodymoving. Boochangjo is the art director of the Sticky Monster Lab. Call (02) 953-8401.
Class of 2009
DoArt
Through Feb. 22
DoArt is shining the spotlight on young and promising Korean artists, all of whom were born in the early 1980s and represent a new, contemporary generation. Among them are Gil Yang-suk, Kim Boram, Oh Yee-rin, Lee Hyun-hee and Lim Sodam. DoArt is located on the third floor of Gallery Hyundai Gangnam Space. Visit www.doartseoul.com or call (02) 519-0800.
Laurence Dervaux
Atelier Hermes
Atelier Hermes, located near Dosan Park in Sinsa-dong, is hosting its first art exhibition for 2009, featuring the works of Belgian painter Laurence Dervaux. The exhibit represents water in a person's body through transparent resin puddles or droplets. Call (02) 544-7722.
Random Tasks
Gallery 2
Through Feb. 21
Fresh and exciting works by five rising Korean artists ― Jackson Hong, Lee Eui-ju, Kim Young-zeen, Choi Byoung-il and W & Whale ― are on display at Gallery 2, open 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Call (02) 3448-2112.
A Master of 20th Century Design
Vitamin Station, V Gallery
Through March 29
American designer Charles Eames was known for his groundbreaking architecture and modern furniture designs. His famous chair designs are on display at the Vitamin Station. Admission is free. Located at the Seoul Arts Center. Visit www.sac.or.kr.
Modern Korea Rediscovered
National Museum of Art, Deoksu Palace
Through March 22
Trace the development of contemporary Korean art at this extensive exhibition at the National Museum of Art, Deoksu Palace. Works of more than 100 Korean painters and sculptors from 1910 to 1960 are shown. Admission is free. Visit www.koreamodern.com.
Rubens, Baroque Masterpieces
Main Exhibition Hall 1, Sejong Center for Performing Arts
Through March 15
Masterpieces by Peter Paul Rubens, Anthonis Van Dyk, Jan Van Goyen and other Flemish artists are in Seoul for the first time. The artworks are on loan from the Vienna Academy Museum. Admission is 12,000 won for adults, 9,000 for students and 7,000 for children. Call 1544-6154.
Joan Miro: The Last Passion
Museum of Art, Seongnam Art Center
A retrospective of Spanish artist Joan Miro is ongoing at the Seongnam Art Center. Call (02) 783-8141 or www.snart.or.kr..
Soonja Han
Johyun Gallery
Through Feb.14
Circles are the main theme of Soonja Han's works. With no traces of Asian or Western influences, Han creates lively colored circles that intersect. Visit www.johyungallery.com or call (02) 3443-6364.
Architectural Ceramics ― OLD
Clayarch Gimhae Museum
Through Feb. 8
The Clayarch Gimhae Museum is hosting an exhibition focused on architectural ceramics by ten artists from Korea, United States, Britain, Switzerland and Japan. The exhibition also features photographs by Belgian photographer Mark De Fraeye. The museum is located in Gimhae, South Gyeongsang Province. Visit www.clayarch.org or call (055) 340-7000.
Shisei Kuwabara
The Museum of Photography, Seoul
Renowned Japanese photojournalist Shisei Kuwabara is holding a solo exhibition of his black-and-white photographs of Korea. Visit www.photomuseum.or.kr or call (02) 418-1315.
39(2)
Art Sonje Center
Through Feb. 15
Paradigm Shift curator Han Keum-hyun put together this group exhibition of works by artists Kim Gyoo-sik, Noh Sun-tag, Back Seung-woo, Lee Young-hoon and Jeon Jae-hong. The center is open Tuesday to Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Visit www.artsonje.org/asc or the exhibition blog: a39c2.wordpress.com.
Gute Besserung
Michael Schultz Gallery Seoul
Through Feb. 7
German artist Jan Muche is holding an exhibit, which features one of his works Sammlung. Visit www.schultzgallery.co.kr.
Great Masters of European Art: Meet Rembrandt
Hangaram Art Museum
Through Feb. 26
Art works by great European masters such as Rembrandt, Rubens, Van Dyck and Boucher are in Seoul for the first time. The works are from the permanent collection of the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts, Moscow, Russia. The exhibit is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are 12,000 won for adults, 9,000 for youths and 7,000 for children. Call (02) 2113-3400. Visit www.sac.or.kr (English, Korean).
Park Hong-soon Solo Exhibition
Museum of Photography, Seoul
Park Hong-soon is holding a solo exhibition of his black and white photography. Visit www.photomuseum.or.kr or call (02) 418-1315.
Now Jump: Nam June Paik Festival
Nam June Paik Art Center
Through Feb. 5
Located in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, the Nam June Paik Art Center is dedicated to the late Paik (1932-2006) and his legacy as the ``father of video art.'' ``Now Jump,'' features not just Paik's works such as ``TV Garden'' and ``Elephant Cart,'' but also works by 113 artists and nine groups from 19 countries. Admission is 7,000 won for adults, 5,000 for middle and high school students and 3,000 for elementary school students. Visit www.njpartcenter.kr.
Misterio
National Museum of Contemporary Art, Korea
Park Jae-kwon is holding a solo exhibition, Misterio, at the Gallery 6 of the National Museum of Contemporary Art, Korea. Visit www.moca.go.kr.
Who's Next in China
Opera Gallery
Open Run
The works of the next generation of Chinese artists such as Xue Song, Zhang Wei, Feng Ling and Xiong Qin are showcased at Opera Gallery Seoul. Visit www.operagallery.com.
Heaven for Artists
Seoul Museum of Art
``Heaven for Artists" features 79 works, which show the different concepts of heaven, from the renowned Pompidou Center in Paris, France. Artists such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Joan Miro, Raoul Dufy and Marc Chagall show how they interpret heaven. Tickets are 12,000 won for adults, 9,000 won 12-17 year olds, and 7,000 won for 6-11 year olds. Closed on Monday. Visit www.seoulmoa.org or www.pompidou2008.kr.
I Am An Artist
Through March 8
The Young Korean Artists 2008 exhibit features works by promising artists such as Sang Seok-ho, Kim Si-won, Wee Young-il, Lee Jae-hoon and Che One-joon. Visit www.moca.go.kr or call (02) 2188-6000.
2 Handbags in a Pickle
Arko Art Center, Insa Art Space
German artist John Bock is presenting his new 40-minute video ``PARA―SCHIZO, ensnarled," which was filmed entirely in Korea. This is his first solo exhibition in Asia. His other videos and films will be shown at Insa Art Space every Friday at 5 p.m. through Feb. 3. Visit www.arkoartcenter.or.kr or call (02) 760-4563.
Va & Vient
NaLee Mecenat Art Center
Eight French artists, such as Jean-Marie Appriou, Carole Bailly, Julia Chobert, Pierre Derrien, are participating in this group exhibit at the center, located in Gimpo City. Visit www.nalee.net or artcenter.nalee.net.
The Gleam of Lanterns
Cyan Museum of Art
Through April 26
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.
Winter Collection
PKM Trinity Gallery
Through Jan. 31
PKM Trinity Gallery is holding a winter exhibition featuring interesting pieces by artists such as Lee Bul, Lee Sang-nam, Bae Young-whan, Jonas Dahlberg and Richard Prince. Visit www.pkmgallery.com or call (02) 515-9496.
A Banquet of Passion and Sensitivity
Gallery Bellarte
Through Jan. 30
``Small is Beautiful" is the theme of Gallery Bellarte's group exhibition featuring 46 Korean artists and seven Latin American artists. Call (02) 739-4333 or email
Science Illusion Exhibition
Seoul National Science Museum
Experience the world of lights at the Science Illusion Exhibit from Japan. Kids can learn the wonders of electricity and also enjoy artwork made with lasers, holograms, LEDs and other interactive systems. Tickets cost from 8,000 won to 10,000 won. For more information, visit www.ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-8732. Located near exit 4 of Hyehwa Station on subway line.
Kids' Nanta
Woongjin Think Big Art Hall
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 show, 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.
Volleyball
Jan. 31, Saturday, 2009
KEPCO 45 vs. Samsung Blue Fangs
Olympic Stadium at 3 p.m.
Feb. 1, Sunday, 2009
Hyundai Skywalkers vs. LIG Greaters
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.