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.

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 for more information.

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 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 for more information.

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 for more information.

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
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, 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
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.

Club FF
Hongdae

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.


Traditional

Folk 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. The venue offers various hands-on activities such as making kimchi. Visit www.koreahouse.or.kr or call (02) 2266-9101. Located near exit 3 of Chungmuro Station, subway lines 3 and 4.

Seoul Namsan Gugakdang New Year Concert
Seoul Namsan Gugakdang
Through Jan. 23

The Seoul Namsan Gugakdang presents performances of “gugak,” or traditional Korean music, for the New Year. Fusion gugak group Jeong Ga Ak Hoe stages the musical “Gumgo Sori” and world music group Gong Myoung performs “Haebaragi” (sunflower) with translations and explanations for the general audience. Tickets cost 25,000 won. Located near exit 3 and 4 of Chungmuro Station on subway line 4. For more information, call (02) 2261-0512.

Gonggam
Hanuri Theater, Bupyeong Art Center
Jan. 29

Ahn Sook-sun and Kim Duk-soo, the representative musicians of “pansori” (traditional Korean song) and “samulnori” (traditional percussion), come together to stage a “gugak” (traditional music) performance with Hanoolim Art Company. Tickets cost 25,000 to 30,000 won. Located near exit 2 of Baegun Station on subway line 1. Call (032) 500-2000 or visit www.bpart.kr for more information.

Fabulous: New York Artists
Gallery Vit
Through Jan. 22

Gallery Vit is holding its first exhibition of foreign artists. New Yorkers Alfredo Martinez, Lisa Fellerson, Stephen Woods and Vincent Arcilesi display their various styles of art. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station on subway line 3. Call (02) 720-2250 for more information.

Chang Ucchin
Gallery Hyundai
Through Feb. 27
Pioneering painter Chang Ucchin’s 20th death anniversary is remembered in a special retrospective exhibition. Organized in collaboration with the Chang Ucchin Foundation, the large-scale showcase includes 60 oil paintings, 10 ink paintings and even the very last work created by the well-known modern artist. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station on subway line 3. Call (02) 2287-3500 or visit www.galleryhyundai.com for more information.

World Stars In Contemporary Art
Hangaram Art Museum, Seoul Arts Center* (See venues on previous page for more information)
Through Feb. 25

This exhibition presents more than 200 pieces by great modern artists from Louise Bourgeois to Damien Hirst, as chosen by the international art magazine “Parkett.” Various experiential rooms, gallery talks, and modern art lessons are planned for children and students. Tickets cost 8,000 won for adult and 4,000 won for students. For more information call (02) 580-1609.

Healing, Purifying
Cottonseed
Through Jan. 22

Lee Jin-hyuk is holding an “audience-friendly” solo exhibition to heal and purify his viewers. He depicts his own experiences and “gi” (spirit) meditation on rice paper and ink. Located near exit 7 of Mullae Station on subway line 2. For more, Call (02) 2637-3313.

Song Eun Art Awards
Song Eun Art Space
Through Jan. 29

Celebrating the 10th year of its eponymous award, the Song Eun Arts and Cultural Foundation is holding a special exhibition. The 10 award-winning artists from 2001 to 2010 showcase their latest art works. Located near exit 9 of Cheongdam Sation on subway line 7. For more, call (02) 3448-0100 or visit www.songeunartspace.org.

Kim Duk-ki, ‘My Home’
Gallery Hyundai
Through Jan. 23

Kim Duk-ki opens his first solo exhibition in two years, focusing on themes of “The Peaceful Hearth” and “Home.” About 40 new paintings are displayed with more than 50 ceramic pieces, showcasing the artist’s career. Located near exit 2 of Apgujeong Station on subway line 3. Call (02) 519-0800 or visit www.galleryhyundai.com for more information.

Urban Landscape
Gallery Park Ryu Sook
Through Feb. 1

Seven photo artists (Koo Sung-soo, KDK, Ryu Jung-min, Park Sang-ho, Lee Ji-yen, Lee Chang-hoon and Hong Seung-hee) explore the dichotomous sides of urban cityscapes. Located near exit 9 of Cheongdam Station on line 7. Call (02) 549-7575 or visit www.parkryusookgallery.co.kr for more information.

Cleansing the Memories
KEPCO Plaza Gallery
Jan. 25- Jan. 31

New York-based artist Yoon Ja-young opens a domestic solo show. Her intriguing performances, installations and photography demonstrate the concept of being present. Located near exit 1 of Yangjae Station on subway line 3. Visit www.kepco.co.kr/gallery or www.jayoungart.com.

1st Public Discourse Sphere
Gallery Loop
Through Feb. 6

Gallery Loop presents its first public discourse exhibition focused on the “Aftereffects of Neo-liberalism.” Yangachi, AES+F, Rho Jae-oon, Daniel Beerstecher and various artists from all over the world participate in this exhibition themed on social and political issues. Located a 10-minute walk from exit 4 of Hongik Univ. Station on subway line 2. Call (02) 3141-1377 for more information.

Song Yige
Gallery Hyundai
Through Feb. 6

Emerging Chinese artist Song Yige, discovered by the famed Zeng Fanzhi, holds her first exhibition in Korea. The 16 paintings portray her childhood experiences and raw emotions. Located near exit 2 of Apgujeong Station on subway line 3. Call (02) 519-0800 or visit www.galleryhyundai.com for more information.

Da Vinci, the Genius
The War Memorial of Korea
Through Feb. 27

A number of Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous inventions and artworks, as well as 25 interesting facts about the Mona Lisa, are on display. And audio guide system is available in English and special events will be held throughout the exhibition. Tickets cost 12,000 won for students and 15,000 won for adults. Located near exit 11 and 12 of Samgakji Station on subway line 6. Call (02) 541-3150 or visit www.davincithegenius.com for more information.

Cuba, Ultrasonic Blind Antenna (C.U.B.A)
Sungkok Art Museum
Through Jan. 23

Park Hwa-young is holding his last invitation exhibit at Sungkok Art Museum for 2010, titled “C.U.B.A.” This complex media project is not directly related the Central American country, but was inspired by Cuba’s colonial past and revolutionary spirit. Tickets cost 5,000 won for adults and 4,000 won for Students. For more information, call (02) 737-7650. Located near exit 7 of Gwanghwamun Station, subway line 5, or exit 7 of Gyeongbok Palace Station, line 3.

Hundertwasser
Hangaram Design Museum, Seoul Arts Center*
Through March 15

Friedensreich Hundertwasser, known for building the hobbit town in the “Lord of Rings” trilogy, is holding a special exhibition in his first display in Korea. More than 60 original paintings and eight construction models, original graphics and tapestries are on display. The architect, artist and environmentalist will donate three percent of all general admission fees to the World Vision organization. For more information, call (02) 545-3944.

Picasso and Modern Art
National Museum of Contemporary Art, Deoksu Palace
Through March 1

The Albertina Museum Collections from Vienna are on loan to the National Museum of Contemporary Art for an exhibition of classic work ranging from Picasso to Miro, Chagall to Kandinsky. The four-part showcase divided into four segments explores 121 paintings, sculptures and drawings, providing an exploration into the major Western art movements of the 19th and 20th centuries. General admission is 11,000 won; located behind Deoksu Palace in downtown Seoul. For more information, visit www.moca.go.kr or call (02) 2188-6069.

Chagall: Magician of Color
Seoul Museum of Art
Through March 27

The exhibition, organized by Hankook Ilbo-The Korea Times Media Group, will display some 160 masterpieces by Marc Chagall. The full seven-piece series comprising his decorations in Moscow’s Jewish Theater will make their Asian debut. Located near exit 10 of City Hall Station, subway line 2. For more information, call (02) 2124-8800.

Paris 80 Since Then...Image
Gallery Palais de Seoul
Through Jan. 27

This exhibition offers a rare opportunity for artistic and cultural interaction between Korean artists who worked in France. Located near exit 4 of Gyeongbokgung Sation on subway line 3. Call (02) 730-7707 for more information.

Manga Realities
Artsonje Center
Through Feb. 13

Nine popular manga artists are featured in this spatially-designed exhibition that reflects the artistic potential of the medium. Organized in collaboration with art groups from Japan, Korea, Australia and the Philippines, the exhibition will travel to each respective country. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station on subway line 3. Call (02) 733-8945 or visit www.artsonje.org.

Kim Tae-kyoon, Bae Jong-oh, Lee Kyung-il, Lim Jong-wook, Jeong Jae-young, Choe Gyu-mun, Han Sang-wook
Gallery 2
Through Feb. 13
Seven young sculptors fresh from art schools or about to graduate hold a group exhibition at Gallery 2 to show their diverse, unique styles. Located near exit 9 of Cheongdam Station on subway line 7. Call (02) 3448-2112 or visit www.gallery2.co.kr.


Kids

The Merchant of Venice
M Theater, Sejong Center for Performing Arts*
Through Jan. 23

One of Shakespeare’s major plays “The Merchant Of Venice” is on stage in Seoul Metropolitan Theater’s second Shakespeare series for children. American director Shira Milikowsky will give special lectures on the play. Tickets cost 20,000 to 30,000 won. For more information, call (02) 399-1136~7, or visit www.seoultheater.com.

Guess How Much I Love You
Triangle Theater, Wonderspace in Daehangno
Open Run

Based on the classic children’s book, the English musical “Guess How Much I Love You” takes to the stage here. Annabelle Ambrose of “Misooda” acts as narrator. Tickets cost 30,000 won. Located near exit Hyehwa Station on subway line 4. Call 1544-6399 for more information.


Sports Games

Basketball
Saturday, Jan. 22

Anyang KT&G Kites vs. Seoul SK Knights
Anyang Indoor Stadium at 3 p.m.

Wonju Dongbu Promy vs. Seoul Samsung Thunders
Wonju Indoor Stadium at 5 p.m.

Changwon LG Sakers vs. Jeonju KCC Egis
Jeonju Indoor Stadium at 5 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 23

Ulsan Mobis Phoebis vs. Busan KT Sonicboom
Ulsan Dongchun Gymnasium at 3 p.m.

Seoul SK Knights vs. Daegu Orions
Seoul Jamshil Student Stadium at 3 p.m.

Incheon Etland Elephants vs. Jeonju KCC Egis
Incheon Samsan Stadium at 5 p.m.

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 at www.kra.co.kr