The Octagon
Nonhyun-dong
This club recently opened near the New Hilltop Hotel, Nonhyun-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. Call (02) 514-4311 for information and reservations.
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. For more information, 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.
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 or www.platoon.org for more information.
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 Huamdong Yongsan-gu, Seoul or call (02) 754-2202.
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 and reservations, call (02) 749-1488.
Gachi
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. For more information, call (02) 540-7087.
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, 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, call (02) 722-3416.
Access to Life
Seoul Arts Center*
Through March 4
This photography exhibition is coordinated by Magnum Photos, a world-renowned group of photographers. Currently, there are 70 photographers working in Magnum. This exhibition at Seoul Arts Center features photos that focus on global efforts to help people with AIDS. Tickets cost 5,000 to 10,000 won. For information, call (02) 2277-2438.
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
Through March 18
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 information, call (02) 3446-0070.
30th Korea Galleries Art Fair
COEX Hall D
Through Feb. 26
The Galleries Association of Korea presents the “30th Korea Galleries Art Fair” at COEX Hall D from Feb. 23 to 26. The fair was launched in 1979 to introduce numerous works and boost the art industry. It is an opportunity to see works from local to internationally renowned artists. The fair is designed to operate several programs for audiences such as “the Docent Program” and “Opera & Art.” Tickets cost 8,000 to 10,000 won. Located near exit 5 or 6 of Samsung Station on subway line 2. For information, call (02) 733-3706.
Jeon Min-hyuk: Inside Out
Song Eun Art Space
Through Feb. 29
This exhibition is divided into two parts: “One Way That You Can Look Into Yourself” and “Not for Nothing.” The first part aims to show portraits of ourselves. Jeon Min-hyuk used mirrors to take photos of models. Jeon thinks that mirror represents “one inner self.” The second exhibition, “Not for Nothing,” is about other people’s private objects. The artist thinks that our memories are more valuable than any types of artwork. Admission is free. Located near exit 3 of Samsung Station of subway line number 2. For information, call (02) 3448-0100.
Ceramics Commune
Art Sonje Center
Art Sonje Center presents “Ceramics Commune” through Feb. 26. Ceramics is one of the oldest art forms. The exhibition aims to show a harmonious world through ceramics. It includes 16 artists and five project groups. Tickets cost 1,500 to 3,000 won. Closed on Mondays. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station on subway line 3. Walk towards Jeongdok Library for about seven minutes. For information, call (02) 733-8945.
Springfield
Arario Gallery Seoul Samcheong
Through March 11
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. Closed on Mondays. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station on subway line 3. For information, call (02) 723-6190.
Artists with Arario Part 3
Arario Gallery Seoul Cheongdam
This exhibition constitutes over 30 works of art from many artists from various countries including China, India, Korea and the Philippines. Coming from different backgrounds, artworks show socio-cultural changes throughout their lives. Admission is free. Located near exit 8 of Cheongdam Station on subway line 7. For more information, call (02) 541-5701.
Kim Whan-ki
Gallery Hyundai
The late Kim Whan-ki is one of the representative artists in modern Korean history. The exhibition will show Kim’s paintings from the 1930s to 1974. During his life time, Kim left 3,000 paintings, a number incomparable to other artists. Art lovers will also have an opportunity to view drawings by Kim that have not been made public before. Tickets cost 3,000 to 5,000 won. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station on subway line 3 or exit 5 of Gyeongbokgung Station on subway line 3. Call (02) 2077-9556.
Dutch Magical Realism: Past Toward Contemporary
Seoul National University Museum of Art
Through Apr. 12
Celebrating 50 years of a diplomatic relations between South Korea and the Netherlands, 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. For more information, please 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, northern parts of Seoul city. For more information, please call (02) 720-0667.
Dansaekhwa: Korean Monochrome Painting
National Museum of Contemporary Art
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. For more information, call (02) 2188-6000.
It’s My Home: Earth from Above
Seoul Museum of Art
Through March 15
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. Located near exit 2 of City Hall Station on subway line number 2. For information, call (02) 3789-8696.
Reviewing Korean Sculpture Amplitude and Vibration
Soma Museum
This exhibition aims to show the history of Korean sculpture. Sculpture evolved from religious figures to cultural artifacts. Today, sculptures are everywhere and very much part of our lives. Tickets cost 2,000 to 3,000 won. Closed on Mondays. Located near exit 1 of Mongchontoseong Station on subway line 8. For information, call (02) 425-1077.
No. 45 Kumho Young Artist
Kumho Museum
The Kumho Museum presents an exhibition of 45 young artists it has selected since 2005. Featuring unknown artists, the museum has been supporting new works by emerging artists. This show aims to present different styles through contemporary young artists. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station or exit 5 of Gyeongbokgung Station on subway line 3. For more information, please call (02) 720-5114.
Chocolate The Exhibition
V Gallery, Seoul Arts Center*
Through March 3
Targeting family audiences, the exhibition, reconstituted on the basis of the content of the Field Museum in Chicago, tries to deliver educational messages on everything about chocolate from its history to the production process and chocolatiers’ artistic works. Tickets cost 10,000 won. For information, call (02) 585-9991.
Picture Diary, Reading Picture
Naru Art Center
Through Feb. 28
Hello Museum presents encore exhibition “Picture Diary, Reading Picture” for children during the winter vacation. This exhibition aims to show that writing a diary is not a stressful task but an enjoyable pastime. Moreover, it combines writing a diary with art. The Experience Zone is especially designed for participating children. Tickets cost 5,000 to 15,000 won. Closed on Mondays. Located near exit 5 of Konkuk University Station on subway lines 2 and 7. For information, call (02) 562-4420.
Live Park 4D World Tour
KINTEX Ilsan
KINTEX will present a blockbuster art show “Live Park 4D World Tour,” a new genre of entertainment show. Audiences will be able to experience a 4D imaginative world. The park consists of seven attractions including a 360 degree screen and hologram images. Tickets cost 12,000 to 23,000 won. Located near exit 3 or 4 of Juyeop Station on subway line 3. For more information, call 1566-1369.
Men’s Basketball
Sunday
Feb. 26
Jeonju KCC Egis vs. Seoul SK Knights
Jeonju Indoor Gymnasium at 3 p.m.
Goyang Orions vs. Wonju Dongbu Promy
Goyang Gymnasium at 3 p.m.
Ulsan Mobis Phoebus vs. KT SonicBoom
Ulsan Dongcheon Gymnasium at 5 p.m.