The Octagon
Nonhyeon-dong
This club recently opened near the New Hilltop Hotel in Nonhyeon-dong. The venue offers a club stage, lounge bar and dining area. Leave via exit 4 of Hakdong Station on subway line 7. Call (02) 516-8847 for more information.
Underlounge Seoul
Hongdae or Hongik University Area
This is the local club of a hip Japanese chain that also has a branch in Shanghai, located in the famous clubbing area Hongdae. Located near the main entrance of Hongik University. For more information, call (02) 325-5715 or visit www.underlounge.kr.
Club Volume
Itaewon
Located in the Crown Hotel near Noksapyeong Station, Club Volume offers the finest venue for specially themed weekly events. Club Volume was listed by TIME magazine among the “10 things to do in 24 hours in Seoul.” For more information, call 1544-2635.
Le Nuit Blanche
Cheongdam-dong
Formerly Club Answer, Le Nuit Blanche is a posh restaurant, theater and club. Located in front of the Hotel Prima in Cheongdam-dong, Le Nuit Blanche offers Cirque du Soleil-type performances. World-class DJs from all over the world perform at the club. For more information, call (02) 514-4311.
W.E. Listen
Samcheong-dong
This cafe reinterprets traditional Korean desserts. The menu not only offers American-style coffee but also sweet potato, sweet bean latte, a “hoddeok” pancake set, multi-grain lattes and more. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station on subway line 3. For more information, visit www.westneast.co.kr or call (02) 739-0919.
Berlin Cafe & Lounge
Almost hidden atop a hill at the mouth of Itaewon, this terrace with a view offers deliciously themed dinner platters, strong cocktails and DJs on the weekends. The kitchen is open late and the waitstaff is attentive. The modern decor, floral touches and artistic ambiance add to the dining experience. Call (02) 749-0903.
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, usually starting at 7:30 p.m. It is located on the street between the Hakdong intersection and the Galleria intersection in Apgujeong-dong. For more information, call (02) 549-5490.
Naos Nova
Huam-dong
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. For more information, visit www.naosnova.com. 448-120 Huam-dong Yongsan-gu, Seoul or call (02) 754-2202.
Platoon Kunsthalle
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 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.
Gachi
Salsa enthusiasts can dance the night away here. To get to Gachi, get off at Apgujeong Station Line 3 and get out at exit 5. After walking past six streets, look for the 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 and Sunday, 2 p.m. to 12 a.m. For more information, call (02) 540-7087.
Kyotofu
With a stark, modern interior and unique menu options with tofu-based ingredients, this restaurant and sake lounge offers a hip dining experience. For more information, call (02) 749-1488.
Korea House performances
Korea House
Open run
Korea House regularly holds a series of traditional performances featuring dance, “pansori” (Korean opera) and more. Tickets cost 50,000 won. Located near exit 3 of Chungmuro Station, subway lines 3 and 4. For more information, call (02) 2266-9101.
Miso
Chongdong Theater
This Korean musical tells the romantic story of a young couple in the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1897) falling in love with each other, describing the transformation of love as chronicling the four seasons and using Korean musical instruments and dance. The musical was created in 2008, and the second version has been running since 2010. Tickets cost 30,000 to 50,000 won. Located near exit 5 of Seodaemun Station, subway line 5. For more information and reservations, call (02) 751-1500.
Kim Duk-soo’s Traditional Yeonhui Performance ’Pan’
Gwanghwamun Art Hall
“Pan,” which opened in May 2008, is a traditional Korean performance expressing on stage a Korean clown’s joyful and pleasant emotions in harmony with traditional instruments, drama and circus acts. Since its first performance in 2008, the theater has prepared a new version of the show and opened it to the public in 2009. Tickets cost 30,000 to 50,000 won. Located near exit 1 of Gyeongbokgung Station on subway line 3. For more information and reservations, call (02) 722-3416.
Suh Do-ho: Home Within Home
Leeum Samsung Museum of Art
March 22-June 3
Suh Do-ho has been an active artist since the early 1990s. A graduate of Seoul National University, Suh studied painting and sculpture at Rhode Island School of Design and Yale University. Suh has held exhibitions at the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Serpentine Gallery. This year from March 22 to June 3, Suh Do-ho will have an exhibition at Leeum Samsung Museum of Art. Tickets cost 6,000 to 10,000 won. Located near exit 1 of Hangangjin Station on subway line 6. For more information, call (02) 2014-6901.
Debbie Han ‘Being 1985-2011’
Sungkok Art Museum
Through March 18
Korean-American artist Debbie Han, who is active in Korea and America, is displaying 60 pieces of her artwork including a Venus sculpture. Her works show consideration between Eastern and Western values of art. This year’s exhibition is divided into four parts: from 1985 to 1997, from 1998 to 2000, from 2001 to 2003, and from 2004 to present. Closed every Monday. Opens from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets cost 4,000 to 5,000 won. Located near exit 7 of Gyeongbokgung Station on subway line 7. For information, call (02) 737-7650.
Stilleben by Michael Wesely
The Columns Gallery
Through March 15
Michael Wesely, a German-born photographer, is famous for photos of the renovation process at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. “Stilleben” means inanimate objects in German. Through this exhibition, Wesely aims to show movement of stationary objects through flowers. Closed every Sunday. Free Admission. Located near exit 2 of Itaewon Station on subway line 6. For more information and reservations, call (02) 3442-6301 or visit www.columns.co.kr.
Beautiful Encounter: The Gifts of Collection
National Museum of Contemporary Art
An exhibition “Beautiful Encounter: The Gifts of Collection” aims to revitalize a donation culture in the arts and cultural fields. The exhibition features donated art works to provide an opportunity for the general public to enjoy art. An estimated 270 works are on display. Free Admission. Located near exit 2 of Seoul Grand Park Station on subway line 4. For more information, call (02) 2188-6000.
Eva Hesse: Spectres and Studiowork
Kukje Gallery
Through April 7
Eva Hesse is one of the 20th century’s most critically celebrated and influential artists. Kukje Gallery introduces her artworks from recent retrospective exhibitions held abroad. Divided into two parts, the first examines Hesse’s earlier painting works after her graduation from Yale University. The second includes a group of small sculptures that are being presented in Korea for the first time. This unique exhibition traces the progression of her artwork and is coordinated by Briony Fer and E. Luanne McKinnon. Admission is free. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station or exit 5 of Gyeongbokgung Station on subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 735-8449.
Mina Cheon “Polipop”
Through March 11
Based in the United States, Mina Cheon’s artworks show political and societal images from Korea and the U.S. The exhibition title “Polipop” is an abbreviation of “political pop art.” Her work attracts audiences with eye-catching colors as red and yellow. Cheon’s exhibition is divided into three parts: the Obama Room, Dokdo Room, and Diamond Room. Closed every Monday. Opens from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets cost 4,000 to 5,000 won. Located near exit 7 of Gyeongbokgung Station on subway line 7. For more information, call (02) 737-7650.
Art Folly 2012: Cubrick
Through June 30
The National Museum of Contemporary Art has opened an exhibition “Art Folly 2012: Cubrick,” which is composed of works by architect Kim Chan-joong. The exhibition is displayed at outdoor spaces. The work was created by stacking 42 cubes made of fiber-reinforced plastic. This is a new type of public art presented by the museum. Admission is free. Located near exit 2 of Seoul Grand Park Station on subway line 4 then take the free shuttle bus or walk about 15 to 20 minutes. For more information, please call (02) 2188-6000.
EORUM SANAI
Arario Gallery Cheonan
Through March 25
An exhibition titled “EORUM SANAI” (literally a cold-hearted person) comes from a novel by Japanese writer Haruki Murakami. Through “EORUM SANAI,” the exhibition sheds light on the artistic romance of modern art. Artists from Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland present 30 works at Arario Gallery Cheonan. Tickets cost 2,000 to 3,000 won. Closed on Mondays. Located near exit 1 of Dujeong Station on subway line 1. For more information, call (041) 640-6251.
Rehab: Tribute to Marcel Duchamp
Opera Gallery
Dedicated to Marcel Duchamp, the exhibition “Rehab” is on through March 18 at Opera Gallery. Many contemporary artists were affected by Marcel Duchamp. Participating artists are Arman, David Mach, Paik Nam-june and Damien Hirst. The exhibition sheds light on modern arts from Surrealism to Post Modernism. Admission is free. Located near exit 9 of Cheongdam Station on subway line 7. For more information, call (02) 3446-0070.
Springfield
Arario Gallery Seoul Samcheong
Arario Gallery Seoul Samcheong presents Moon Ji-ha’s “Springfield” through March 11. The title means utopian village where people live peacefully and harmoniously. This year is her first personal exhibition in Korea. Based in Atlanta, the United States, Moon is one of the representative Korean artists and is exhibiting 30 pieces. Admission is free. Arario Gallery Seoul Samcheong closes on every Mondays. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station on subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 723-6190.
Dutch Magical Realism: Past Toward Contemporary
Seoul National University Museum of Art
Through April 12
Celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations between South Korea and the Netherlands, the Seoul National University Museum of Art presents “Dutch Magical Realism: Past Toward Contemporary.” It is the first exhibition of Netherland’s “Magical Realism,” which is about human life such as aging, loneliness, stillness and fear. It is sponsored by ING Bank and the Dutch Embassy in Korea. Tickets cost 2,000 to 3,000 won. Located near exit 3 of Seoul National University Station on subway line 2 then take a bus to the campus. Call (02) 880-9508.
Karl Lagerfeld Photo Exhibition
Daelim Museum
Working as head fashion designer and creative director for Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld has expressed his artistic spirit in various sectors from photography to publishing and film. This exhibition will be a good opportunity to see his ability as a photographer covering a wide range of genres from portraits to architecture and scenery. Tickets cost 5,000 won. Located near exit 3 of Gyeongbokgung Station on subway line 3. Call (02) 720-0667.
Dansaekhwa: Korean Monochrome Painting
March 17-May 13
Monochrome painting has been an important genre in Korean contemporary art since the mid-1970s. Thus, the National Museum of Contemporary Art presents “Dansaekhwa: Korean Monochrome Painting” from March 17 to May 13. A total of 31 artists are participating in this exhibition. Admission is free. Located near exit 1, 2, or 3 of Seoul Grand Park Station on subway line 4. Call (02) 2188-6000.
It’s My Home: Earth from Above
Seoul Museum of Art
World-famous aerial photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand exhibits images of the Earth. He records the current situation and wants to tell the importance of preserving our land. The exhibition also shows moving images of the DMZ in Korea. Tickets cost 6,000 to 10,000 won. Call (02) 3789-8696.
Lee Wal-chong
Gallery Hyundai
March 13-April 1
Born in Hwaseong in Gyeonggi Province, Lee Wal-chong has been working on Jeju Island since 1990. Attracted by the island’s scenery, Lee focuses on people’s lives on Jeju. This exhibition specifically concentrates on “moderation” which is based on a philosophical concept. The artist shows an imaginative world through the harmonious nature on the island. Closed on Mondays. Admission is free. Located near exit 2 of Apgujeong Station on subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 519-0800.
Garuya Garuya
COEX Artium
Open Run
This children’s exhibition allows attendees to play with flour. The exhibition includes baking bread, a flour massage, playing flour instruments, making dough, drawing pictures using flour and more. Closed on Mondays and only children over 24 months are allowed to enter. Tickets cost 17,000 to 23,000 won. Discounts are also available. Located near exit 5 or 6 of Samsung Station on subway line 2. For more information, call (02) 738-8289.
Eric Carle English Art Studio
Yoondang Art Hall
Through Sept. 9
Eric Carle is a famous children’s picture book author and illustrator who was born in New York. He is most famous for “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” published in 1969. Carle will exhibit his drawings at the Yoongdang Art Hall through Sept. 9. Located near exit 2 of Apgujeong Station on subway line 3. Tickets cost 10,000 to 13,000 won. For those who want to take part in premium art classes, it will cost an extra 27,000 won. For more information, call 1577-2046.
Cloud Bread
COEX Art Hall
March 16-June 16
Based on a children’s best-seller story book, the musical “Cloud Bread” will be performed at the COEX Art Hall. The musical is offered in English. No performance on Mondays. Tickets cost 25,000 won. Located near exit 5 of Samsung Station on subway line 2. For more information, call 1588-5212.
Men’s Soccer
Sunday, March 11
Incheon United vs. Suwon Blewings
Incheon Football Stadium at 2 p.m.
Seongnam Ilhwa vs. Sangju Sangmu
Tancheon Sports Complex at 3 p.m.
Gwangju FC vs. Pohang Steelers
Gwangju World Cup Stadium at 3 p.m.
Daejeon Citizen vs. Jeonbuk Motors
Daejeon World cup Stadium at 3 p.m.
Ulsan Hyundai vs. Gyeongnam FC
Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium at 5 p.m.