Clubs

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, it’s all flashy with loud music and lights. Spacious, with a supersized mirror ball hanging over your head, DJs from near and far make music while you hang out at the bar or in classy private rooms. Located near the main entrance of Hongik University. Call (02) 325-5715 or visit www.underlounge.kr.

Boutique Club 52

Itaewon

Once called Function inside Macaroni Market, Club 52 boasts a chic and modern interior with the DJ spinning the beats for the hippest crowd from the center of the dance floor. Featuring top DJs from both home and abroad, two bars inside the club serving the coolest cocktails including some made with Hendrick’s gin, and a high-class interior, Club 52 is always the place for good times.

Club Volume

Itaewon

Located in the Crown Hotel near Noksapyeong Station, Club Volume offers the finest venue for specially themed weekly events and talented international DJs for unforgettable nights of dancing and debauchery. Reborn after extensive renovations to maintain its reputation as a quality club with a superior sound system, luxurious setting and stylish people, Club Volume was listed by TIME magazine among the 10 things to do in 24 hours in Seoul. Call 1544-2635 for more information.

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 at its theater restaurant. World-class DJs from all over the world perform at the club. Call (02) 514-4311 or visit www.lenuitblanche.com.

Cafe Mou

Sinsa-dong

This cafe has a rich ethnic interior that mixes inspirations from such places as Morocco and France. Its menu is limited, but features desserts. It is 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.

Berlin Cafe & Lounge

Itaewon

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 for reservations.

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 visit www.onceinabluemoon.co.kr for more information.

3 ― Drinking Lab

Hongdae

Owned and operated by three men with exceptional backgrounds, 3 ― Drinking Lab, near Sangsu Station and Hongik University, is a bar popular with many prominent people in the music industry. A radio DJ, a drummer and a previous restaurateur join forces to make 3 a great place for cocktails, mixed drinks and a special white sangria to knock your socks off. There is even occasional live music to enliven the evening. For more information, call 02-323-9033.

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 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.

Noxa Lounge

KyoungLiDan

A restaurant and bar serving home-style Italian cuisine along with basic cocktails, wine and a large selection of non-alcoholic drinks, Noxa offers the best patio seating in the neighborhood with a cosmopolitan flair. Call (02) 790-0776 for more information.

Gachi

Apgujeong-dong

Salsa enthusiasts can dance the night away here. To get to Gachi, get off at Apgujeong 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. 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.

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.

Kyotofu

Itaewon

With a stark, modern interior and unique menu options with tofu-based ingredients, this restaurant and sake lounge offers a hip dining experience. Call (02) 749-1488 for reservations.

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

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

Kim Duk-soo’s Traditional Yeonhui Performance ‘Pan’

Gwanghwamun Art Hall

Open run

“Pan,” which opened in May 2008, is a Korean traditional 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. The second version is now being presented. Located near exit 1 of Gyeongbokgung Station, subway line 3. Tickets cost 30,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, call (02) 722-3416.

Miso

Chongdong Theater

Open run

This Korean musical tells the romantic story 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, call (02) 751-1500.

Saturday Morning Concert with Tea ’Morning of SamcheongGak’

Through Dec. 31

SamcheongGak

SamcheongGak, a traditional Korean cultural venue established in 1972, has been holding regular morning concerts on the last Saturday of each month. Audiences can enjoy traditional Korean music with special seasonal Korean teas. In October, Kim Ji-hyun is set to play “saenghwang” and “taepyeongso” to present Korean woodwind sounds. Tickets cost 20,000 won. Located near exit 5 of Jonggak Station on subway line 1. A shuttle bus from subway stations to Samcheonggak is provided. For more information, call (02) 765-3700 or visit http://www.samcheonggak.or.kr.


Art Exhibitions

Souvenirs From Earth on the Seoulsqaure Media Canvas

Seoulsquare Media Canvas

Through Nov. 30

Souvenirs from Earth (SFE) is the only art television station broadcasting a wide range of art programs, aiming at transforming the television screen to a medium of newly-visualized culture. SFE, inspired by Korean video artist Paik Nam-june (1932-2006), is introduced in Korea officially for the first time and its selected films are screened on the Seoulsquare Media Canvas through Nov. 30. Located near exit 8 of Seoul Station on subway line 1 or exit 10 of Seoul Station on subway line 4. For more information, call (02) 6456-0188.

Seoulsquare Media Canvas 2nd Exhibition ‘Countdown’

Seoulsquare Media Canvas

Through Feb. 11

After the old Seoul Station turned its name into "Culture Station Seoul 284", the station has been reborn as the center of culture production and propagation. The station holds a visual art exhibition "Countdown" in cooperation with Seoulsquare Media Canvas through Feb. 11, 2012, displaying six Korean artists' visual art pieces. For more information on the official scehdule of screenings. (02) 6456-0188.

In the Heat of the Sun

Gallery Hyundai

Through Nov. 10

The exhibition aims to introduce young Chinese artists who are expected to enhance modern Chinese art, focusing on the pieces created by "post-1970's Chinese artists" who went through the rapid changes of politics, economy and society during their childhood. The exhibition titled "In the Heat of the Sun" attempts to talk about the artists’ childhood memories accumulated during that period and see in what ways their captured memories have been expressed through each art work. Admission is free. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station on subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 734-6111~3.

Bang Hai-ja

Gallery Hyundai

Through Oct. 23

Artist Bang Hai-ja has become well-known as "an artist of light," concentrating on the harmony of light, life and the universe with a wide range of materials, such as hanji (traditional Korean paper), felt and natural dye. Ever since she was surprised at the astonishing light reflected on a stream when she was young, Bang has tried to express the inner light emitting through her art work. This exhibition will display about her 50 recent pieces from 2008 to 2011. Admission is free. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station on subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 2287-3591 or (02) 734-6111~3.

Anthony Caro

Kukje Gallery

Through Oct. 30

The gallery will display world-renowned British sculptor Anthony Caro's pieces from 1998 that have not yet been presented in Korea. This 88-year-old artist has actively and passionately taken part in art production despite his age, and is highly admired by many art experts for his achievements in modern minimalism. This is his third exhibition held at the gallery. Admission is free. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station on subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 735-8449.

Communication Disorder

Salon de H

Through Oct. 21

Artists Hong Seung-hye, Yun Sung-ji and Lee Eun-sun team up to pose a question on communication disorder. The three artists attempt to suggest the possibilities of multi-layered communication through newly-established semiotic images and languages appearing in their art. Admission is free. Located near exit 8 of Cheongdam Station on subway line 7. For more information, call (02) 546-0853.

This Is Not Graffiti

Opera Gallery Seoul

Through Oct. 20

The exhibition focuses on the area of graffiti art, highly regarded by world art collectors and artists in recent years. Through this exhibition, the gallery also attempts to emphasize that graffiti art has been assimilating into the mainstream, displaying famous pieces which have set the trend in the underground and street art sectors. The main artists for this exhibition are Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960-1988), Keith Haring (1958-1990), SEEN, Mr. Brainwash and Vincent Poole. Located near exit 9 of Cheongdam Station on subway line 7. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 3446-0070.

The News after the News

Total Museum

Through Dec. 4

As the second project for the MOG Culture Project, the museum is holding an exhibition of work by Romanian visual artist Dan Perjovschi, nicknamed the “world drawing genius.” Perjovschi has become famous through drawing satirical cartoons and graffiti pieces. This exhibition will be a chance to explore how the artist reinterprets the Korean news with his own satirical and distinctive drawing and illustrations. Tickets cost 9,000 won. Located near exit 3 of Gyeongbokgung Station on subway line 3.

Jean-Michel Othoniel ’My Way’

PLATEAU, Samsung Museum of Art

Through Nov. 27

The museum is holding a solo exhibition titled “My Way” by French artist Jean-Michel Othoniel through Nov. 27. It will show the aesthetic values expressed through the artist’s installation pieces. Based on personal experience and trauma, Othoniel embodies unique materials such as sulfur, wax and glass to express his creative world for the past 25 years. Tickets cost 5,000 won. Located near exit 8 of City Hall Station on subway line 1 and 2. For more information, call 1577-7595.

Jenny Holzer

Kukje Gallery

Through Oct. 16

The gallery holds the second solo exhibition of American Neo-conceptualist artist Jenny Holzer, known for focusing on languages utilized in the mass media from posters to LED signs to address her thoughts on human beings and modern society. Holzers’ 23 pieces made with LEDs, marble and print are being displayed. Among them, huge LED pieces were recently created especially for this solo exhibition. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station on subway line 3. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 733-8449.

Artist of the Year 1995-2010

National Museum of Contemporary Art

Through Oct. 30

To reflect on the past 16 years of contemporary art in Korea, the museum is to hold an exhibition “Artist of the Year 1995-2010.” The museum has selected 23 artists who have tried to explore new artistic areas using their own creativity. The exhibition will not only display the representative pieces of the 23 artists, but films including each artist’s monologue and comments will also be introduced. Tickets cost 3,000 won. Located near exit 4 of Seoul Grand Park (Daegongwon) Station on subway line 4. For more information, call (02) 2188-6000.

Faces

63 Sky Art Museum

Through Nov. 13

Focusing on “faces” as the main theme, the exhibit features selected seven portrait artists. The museum attempts to show how human faces have been so beloved by many artists in that they are able to directly reflect the inner workings of subjects. The exhibition, composed of 61 pieces, includes such artists as Alex Katz, Julian Opie, Lee Soo-dong, Kim Min-kyoung and Yoon Gi-won. Tickets cost 12,000 won. Located near exit 6 of Daebang Station on subway line 1. For more information, call (02) 789-5663.

French Art Today: Marcel Duchamp Prize

National Museum of Contemporary Art

Through Oct. 16

To introduce the artistic trends in modern French art, the museum is featuring 16 young artists who were either winners or nominees of the Marcel Duchamp Prize. From videos to installation works, sculptures, photos and prints, the exhibition features a large scope of work suggesting the unique and historical character of French art. Tickets cost 5,000 won. Located next exit 4 of Daegongwon Station on subway line 4. For more information, call (02) 2188-6000.


Kids

Reading Through Art, Imagery Diary

Hello Museum

Through Nov. 20

To help children understand contemporary art in an easy and entertaining way, the museum is showing pieces by seven young artists’ expressed in the form of a diary of images. The exhibition aims to educate children with lectures led by a professional educator specifically for children’s audiences. Tickets cost 5,000 to 20,000 won. Located near exit 5 of Seolleung Station on subway line 2. For more information, call (02) 562-4420.


Sports Games

Baseball

Friday Oct. 14

KIA Tigers vs. SK Wyverns

Munhak Baseball Stadium at 6:00 p.m.

Soccer

Sunday Oct. 16

Incheon Utd. vs. FC Seoul

Incheon World Cup Stadium at 3:00 p.m.

Daejeon Citizen vs. Sangju Sangmu Phoenix

Daejeon World Cup Stadium at 3:00 p.m.

Busan Ipark vs. Jeju Utd.

Busan Asiad World Cup Stadium at 3:00 p.m.