Clubs

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.

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.

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.

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
Apgujeong-dong

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.

St.102
Hongdae

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
Hongdae

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
Itaewon

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.

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.

Funky Funky
Hongdae

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
Itaewon

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 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
Hongdae

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
Cheongdam-dong

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.

Traditional

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.

Art Exhibitions

Decentered
Arko Art Center
Through Jan. 31

“Decentered” features 21 artists from different parts of Korea chosen by curators from Arko Art Center, the Busan Museum of Art and Gwangju Museum of Art. It is aimed at promoting networking among the museums and introducing local artists to a wider audience. Admission is 2,000 won for adults and 1,000 won for children. Visit www.arkoartcenter.or.kr or call (02) 760-4850-2.

Hand Made in Italy
Chosun Ilbo Art Museum
Jan. 14-17

Italy is considered an international capital of fashion and style, and this globe-trotting photo exhibition event zooms into the world of luxurious Italian leather. Famed fashion photographer Oliviero Toscani presents over 40 large-sized works that capture their spirit and texture. Located near exit 6 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5. Call (02) 724-6328.

Megacity Network: Contemporary Korean Architecture
National Museum of Contemporary Art Korea
Through March 7

This exhibition at the National Museum of Contemporary Art in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, highlights contemporary Korean architecture. Tickets range from 1,500 to 3,000 won. Visit www.moca.go.kr.

Kang Suk-moon Solo Exhibition
Gallery Ssamzie
Through Jan. 10

Kang Suk-moon is holding a solo show at Gallery Ssamzie, which is located in the basement of Ssamziegil, Insa-dong. Visit www.ssamziegil.com.

Art in Haje
Gallery Bundo
Through Jan. 23

A group exhibition of nine artists is being held at Gallery Bundo, Jung-gu, Daegu. Visit www.bundoart.com.

Monet to Picasso
Hangaram Art Museum
Through March 28

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.

99 Variations
Sungkok Art Museum
Through Jan. 24

Kang Young-ho, one of the most popular commercial photographers in Korea, is holding a solo show at Sungkok Art Museum. He has shot over 1,200 advertisements for companies like Samsung, Giordano and Lotte. Kang is known as the “grooving photographer” because he takes pictures while grooving to background music. Tickets are 5,000 won for adults and 4,000 won for students. Visit www.sungkokmuseum.com or call (02) 737-8999.

Ryosuke Cohen
Jay Gallery
Through Jan. 4

Japanese mail artist Ryosuke Cohen is internationally known for the “Brain Cell” and “Fractal” projects. From the mail he receives, he takes some parts, recreates it into a unique Brain Cell image and sends it to his network of participants all over the world. The exhibition is on-going at Jay Gallery, located in the basement of SK Hub Plaza (located near Anguk Station line 3). Call (02) 2666-4450.

Georges Rouault: Le sacre et le profane
Hangaram Art Museum
Through March 28

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.

Amador Creuer
Michael Schultz Gallery Seoul
Through Feb. 5

Michael Schultz Gallery Seoul is holding an exhibition of works by Amador Creuer. Visit www.schutlzgallery.co.kr.

One Day
Total Museum of Contemporary Art
Through Jan. 13

Ahn Doo-jin is holding a solo show at The Room, Total Museum of Contemporary Art in Pyeongchang-dong, Jongno. Visit theroomtotal.blogspot.com.

Rustic Rainbow
Brain Factory
Through Jan. 10

Six Korean artists are participating in a year-end group exhibition “Rustic Rainbow” at Brain Factory, Tongui-dong, Jongno. Visit www.brainfactory.org.

Transformation in Art
Savina Museum of Contemporary Art
Through Jan. 30

This exhibition explores the theme of transformation, as seen in artwork by Korean artists. It is divided into four parts: Evolution, Mask, Things and Media Team Project. Savina Museum of Contemporary Art is located near Anguk Station line 3 exit 6.

Kang Suk-moon Solo Exhibition
Gallery Ssamzie
Through Jan. 10

Kang Suk-moon is holding a solo exhibition at Gallery Ssamzie, located in the basement of Ssamziegil, Insa-dong. Visit www.ssamziegil.com.

One Man Theater
Gallery Kong
Through Jan. 16

Artist Jun So-jung returns for another exhibition of works featuring scenes from a one-man theater production. E-mail info@gallerykong.com or call (02) 738-7776.

Guignol’s Dust
One and J Gallery
Through Jan. 16

Young French artist Jerome Zonder is showing his experimental drawings at his first solo show in Korea at One and J Gallery. He has increasingly diversified his works, which elicit emotional reactions from viewers. Visit www.oneandj.com or call 02-745-1644.

Allegorille (What am I looking at?)
Youngeun Museum #4 Exhibition Hall
Through Jan. 31

Kwon Owen is holding a solo show at Youngeun Museum of Contemporary Art. Visit www.youngeunmuseum.org.

L―i―n―k―e―d: New Yorkers Meet Londoners
Keumsan Gallery, Blue Gallery
Through Jan. 10

This exhibition focuses on young Korean artists and their friends living in New York and London. It takes a look at the new networks created by Korean artists abroad, and how they stay connected to their home country. Keumsan Gallery and Blume Gallery are located in Heyri Art Valley, Paju, Gyeonggi Province. Visit www.keumsan.org or blog.naver.com/heyriblume.com.

About Time
Gallery Plant
Through Jan. 21

Gallery Plant, located in Hwadong, Jongno, is hosting a solo show of works by artist Rho Jae-oon. Visit www.galleryplant.kr.

Gamut of Collision
Gallery Em
Through Jan. 16

Kim Tae-ye is holding a solo exhibition of her paintings, with the theme “Gamut of Collision” at Gallery Em. Visit www.galleryem.co.kr or call (02) 544-8145.

Winter Special: Oddinary Days
PKM Trinity Gallery
Through Jan. 5

Nine artists― Kim Jan-di, Jena H. Kim, Moon Jung-ki, Park Eun-young, Oh Jae-woo, Jung Woo-chul, Cha Young-seok, Lee Je and Suzanne Song ― are participating in this special winter exhibition. Visit www.pkmgallery.com or call (02) 515-9496.

Andy Warhol, the Greatest
Seoul Museum of Art
Through April 4

Enjoy the Pop Art works of American legend Andy Warhol at the Seoul Museum of Art, through April 4. The works are from The Andy Warhol Museum. Tickets are 12,000 won for adults, 10,000 won for 13 to 18 year olds and 8,000 won for 7 to 12 year olds. Free for those under 7 or above 65. Visit www.warhol.co.kr or www.maxticket.com.

Kids

iRobot
Soma Museum of Art
Through March14

Soma Museum of Art has prepared a collection of robots, including works by celebrated video art pioneer Paik Nam-june, Japanese artist Kubota Shigeko and 14 other Korean artists. Tickets cost from 1,000 to 3,000 won. For more information, visit www.somamuseum.org or call (02) 425-1077. Located near exit 1 of Mongchontoseong Station on subway line 8.

Family Musical “The Nutcracker”
Grand Theater, Seoul Kyoyuk Munhwa Hoekwan
Through Feb. 7

This musical set to the music of Tchaikovsky is designed for the whole family. The tale centers around Marie - the heroine of the story - who receives a present from her father on Christmas Eve. Tickets cost from 30,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 738-8289. Located near exit 7 of Yangjae Station on subway line 3.

Sports Games

Basketball

Saturday, Jan. 2

Dongbu Promy vs. SK Knights
Wonju Chiak Stadium at 3 p.m.

LG Sakers vs. KCC Egis
Changwon Indoor Stadium at 3:00 p.m.

Daegu Orions vs. ET Land Elephants
Daegu Indoor Stadium at 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 3

Ulsan Mobis vs. Samsung Thunders
Ulsan Dongcheon Stadium at 3 p.m.

SK Knights vs. KT Sonic Boom
Jamsil Student Indoor Stadium at 3 p.m.

KCC Egis vs. KT&G Kites
Jeonju Indoor Stadium at 5 p.m.

Horseracing

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.