Underlounge Seoul
Hongdae or Hongik University Area
This is the local club of a hip Japanese chain that’s also 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Club FF
This live music venue features all kinds of music. Depending on the night, they feature funk, punk, rock or pop. Club FF 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 that 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 hold 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 in Bloom 2010 ‘Fantasy Fairy Tale’
Seoul Museum of Art
Through June 13
Artists are coming together for this spring-themed exhibition that takes place outside the Seoul Museum of Art. Covering the pathways and outdoor garden of the museum, surrealistic pieces are on display from such artists as Gwon Nam-deuk, Kim Min-hyoung, Kim Jeong-myeong, Kim Ji-min, Noh Hae-yul and Byun Si-jae. The Seoul Museum of Art is located in Seosomun-dong, Jung-gu. Visit www.seoulmoa.org.
Eye Trace
Doosan Gallery
Through June 17
Lee Hyung-gu is opening a solo exhibition at Doosan Gallery. The venue is located in Jongno-gu. Visit www.doosangallery.com.
Ahn Chang-hong
Leeahn Gallery
Through May 22
Ahn Chang-hong, a prolific artist active for more than two decades, is opening a show at the Leeahn Gallery. The venue is in Daegu, visit www.leeahngallery.com.
‘Good-Bye My Loneliness’
Insa Art Center
May 12-May 18
Woo Nam-joo presents a solo exhibition after returning to Korea for the first time in 15 years. Woo spent time studying abroad in France, Italy and Australia. Insa Art Center is located in Yongdu-dong, Dongdaemun-gu. Call (02) 953-8401.
Seed Bank
Seo Gallery
May 13-June 30
Kim Chun-hee, Park Hyeon-jin, Shin Soo-jin and Jeong Chan-boo are collaborating on an abstract, contemporary art show. Seo Gallery is located in Seocho-gu; call (02) 522-5618.
mutual@furniture.com
Gallery Jung
Through May 15
Kim Eun-hak opens her second solo exhibition of quirky and creative furniture design. Gallery Jung is in Sinsa-dong. Call (02) 513-9001.
Night
Kukje Gallery
Through June 6
American artist Jack Pierson brings his latest work, word sculptures to Seoul. Kukje Gallery is located in Jongno-gu; visit www.kukjegallery.com.
What Takes Place in Memory
Gallery LVS
Indian artist M. Pravat opens a solo exhibition, presenting a look into the rising middle-class in fast-growing India. Gallery LVS is located in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam. Call (02) 3443-7475 for details.
Images of Korean Motifs
Book Sadang Gallery
Through June 30
Sangmyung University is hosting 19 artists to participate in their exhibition “Images of Korean Motifs.” The event will be held at the main university library. Call (02) 2287-7026.
Pink City
Gallery Root
Through May 29
Kim Boo-yeong brings another solo exhibition to Seoul this spring. Kim spent several years living and presenting her art in Paris, France. The exhibition focuses on her works depicting children. Visit www.galleryroot.co.kr.
X-Ray Photo Art
Keumsan Gallery
May 15-June 6
Doctor Chung Tae-seop brings new works to his X-ray series in a solo show. Keumsan Gallery is located in Paju, Gyeonggi Province. Visit www.keumsan.org.
OHOHH
Gallery Plant
Through May 26
Hwang Se-jun opens a solo exhibition in Seoul. Gallery Plant is in Hwa-dong, Jongno-gu. Visit www.galleryplant.kr.
Damien Hirst
Opera Gallery
Works by Damien Hirst, one of the most famous Young British Artists, are on display at the Opera Gallery in Seoul. Visit www.operagallery.com or call (02) 3446-0070.
Phantoms
Atelier Hermes
Through June 27
Renowned French installation artist Bertrand Lavier will be presenting old and new works at Atelier Hermes, located on the third floor of the Hermes flagship store, near Dosan Park, southern Seoul.
Being a Queen
The Museum of Photography, Seoul
Through June 5
Chun Kyung-woo is holding a solo show at the Museum of Photography. The museum is located at the 19th and 20th floors of Hanmi Tower, Bangi-dong, Songpa, Seoul. Visit www.photomuseum.or.kr.
Time Is a Mirror
Gallery b’ONE
Through May 30
Kim Mi-kyung, graduate of the New York Parsons School of Design, is opening her first solo exhibit at Gallery b’ONE. The gallery in Hwa-dong, Jongno, Seoul. Visit www.gallerybeone.kr.
Martin Wehmer
Michael Schultz Gallery
Through May 21
German artist Martin Wehmer presents his next solo exhibition in Seoul at the European-focused art gallery. Michael Schultz Gallery is in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam. Visit www.schultzgallery.co.kr.
Ouhi Cha’s La Boite de la Memoire
Watergate Gallery
Ouhi Cha returns to Korea for the first time in two years at Watergate Gallery. The show will present myriad drawings, paintings and large installations before traveling to Chang Art in Beijing, this June. Watergate is in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam. Visit www.watergate.co.kr.
Radiance
PKM Gallery
Through June 11
Park Chan-kyong presents his works on the loss of the “Korean utopia” in his latest solo exhibition. PKM Gallery, in collaboration with Bartleby Bickle & Meursault, is located in Hwa-dong, Jongno-gu. visit www.pkmgallery.com.
Kim Nam-hyeon
Noam Gallery
Through May 9
Kim Nam-hyeon is concluding her first solo exhibition at Noam Gallery, which is located in Insa-dong, Seoul. Call (02) 720-2235 or visit www.noamgallery.com
Kim Ji-won
PKM Trinity Gallery
Through June 4
Kim Ji-won returns with a solo show of her new works at PKM Trinity Gallery this spring. The PKM Trinity Gallery is in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam. For more information go to www.pkmgallery.com
Comic Books Showcase
Coreana Museum of Art
Kim Sang-ha’s personal collection of comic books offers a rare peek into the Japanese subculture in the 8th open gallery of the Coreana Museum of Art. More than 3,000 books will be presented at the exhibition, sure to pique the interest of everyone. The museum is located in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam. Visit www.spacec.co.kr.
Strength of Gyeonggi Province
Gyeonggi Museum of Modern Art
Through Aug. 22
The Gyeonggi Art Project annually features critical issues encompassing politics, society and culture. This year’s exhibition brings together a collection of talented artists to represent the changing art scene. The Gyeonggi Museum of Modern Art is in Choji-dong, Danwon-gu, Ansan. Visit www.gmoma.or.kr or call 031-481-7007 for more details.
Park Soo-keun
Gallery Hyundai
Gallery Hyundai commemorates the 45th anniversary of the renowned Park Soo-keun’s death with an exhibition. Park, a historic figure in modern Korean art, became known at an international level posthumously. Gallery Hyundai is located in Sagan-dong, Jongno-gu. Visit www.galleryhyundai.com.
Kwak Su-yeon
Gallery Erl
June 1-July 1
Kwak Su-yeon is holding a solo exhibition on new works that critique human greed, consumption and hypocrisy at the Gallery Erl ― through the satirical use of animals as her main subject. Gallery Erl is located in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam. Visit www.galleryerl.com.
Tokujin Yoshioka: Spectrum
museum.beyond Museum
Internationally renowned Tokujin Yoshioka brings his new exhibition to Seoul. The Japanese designer recently unveiled “Stella,” a lighting fixture made of crystal, for the Swarovski Crystal Palace at Milan Design Week. The museum is located in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam. Visit www.beyondmuseum.com.
Chiro and Friends
CTS Art Hall
EBS’s famous animation “Chiro and Friends” becomes a children’s puppet play. Tickets cost from 10,000 to 20,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near Noryangjin Station on subway line 1.
Fart King Ppwung Ppwung
Seoul Kyoyuk Munhwa Hoekwan Theater
EBS program “Fart King Ppwung Ppwung,” becomes a children’s musical featuring fun songs. Tickets cost from 25,000 to 45,000 won. Call (02) 501-7888. Located near exit 7 of Yangjae Station on subway line 3.
Family Musical ‘Pororo & Secret Room’
Samsung Hall, Ewha Womans University
Through May 8
Family musical “Pororo & Secret Room” tells the story of the little penguin Pororo, and his friends. Tickets cost from 30,000 to 40,000 won. Call 1544-1555. Located near exits 2 or 3 of Ewha Womans Univ. Station on subway line 2.
Baseball
Saturday, May 8
Hanhwa Eagles vs. Nexen Heroes
Mokdong Baseball Stadium at 5 p.m.
KIA Tigers vs. LG Twins
Jamsil Baseball Stadium at 5 p.m.
Doosan Bears vs. Lotte Giants
Busan Sajik Stadium at 5 p.m.
SK Wyverns vs. Samsung Lions
Daegu Citizens Stadium at 5 p.m.
Sunday, May 9
Busan Sajik Stadium at 2 p.m.
Daegu Citizens Stadium at 2 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.