Clubs, Art Exhibitions & For Kids
Club
Club Garden
Apgujeong-dong
The Garden is an electronica hotspot, with the big draw being its line-up of guest DJs such as Laurent Garnier, Mondo Grosso, Afrika Bambatta and Goldie. Near Galleria Department Store on the so-called Rodeo Street in southern Seoul. Call (02) 518-5115 or clubgarden.co.kr.
Club Evans
Hongdae or Hongik University Area
This place, located near Hongik University, is great for intimate live performances. The line-up of performers is generally top-notch and the acoustics are good. Located near exit 1 on Sangsu Station on subway line 6 or exit 6 on Hongdae Station on subway line 2. Call (02) 337-8361 or www.clubevans.com.
Club Caliente
Itaewon
The patrons are so diverse, DJ Josh sometimes has a hard job appealing to everyone. But he keeps the dance floor going, playing a variety of standbys and new Latin music. The song selection is what keeps people coming back. Located near exit 4 of Itaewon Station subway line 6. Call (011) 9094 8484
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.
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 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.
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 Salvatore Ferragamo and Prada buildings in Cheongdam-dong. Call (02) 542-8003.
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.
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 on 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
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
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. To get there: 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 starting at 7 p.m. up to 10 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.
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 Apkujoung 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
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.
Traditional
Korea House
Open run
The Korea House holds 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 on subway lines 3 and 4.
Art Exhibitions
Honore Daumier: Parisian Caricaturist
Museum of Art, Seoul National University
Through Jan. 31
The works of French caricaturist, Honore Daumier are on display at the Museum of Art at Seoul National University. Daumier's collection includes satirical caricatures of French society and politics in the mid-18th century. He was also a printmaker, painter and sculptor. Admission is 3,000 won. Visit www.snumoa.org or call (02) 880-9504 to 5.
Mother and Daughter
Art Sonje Center
Through Jan. 13
The exhibition ``Mother and Daughter'' celebrates the relationship of women. Korean and Japanese female artists such as Seo Hyo-jung, Jeong Soyoun, Ham Youn-joo, Ishiuchi Miyako and Norico Sunayama, show their interpretations through different art works. Visit www.artsonje.org or call (02) 733-8945.
Eroticism 21c
Ten Korean and foreign artists tackle the theme of ``Eroticism'' Through various media and art forms. Jannis Markpoulous deals with the Greek origins of eroticism, while Lee Soon-jong looks into the theme through an installation called ``Concealing and revealing sexuality.'' Visit www.artsonje.org or call (02) 733-8945.
To the Stones
Gallery C. Fine Art
Through Jan. 17
Artist Kwon Boo-moon holds a solo exhibition showing photographs of interesting stones and rock formations from around the world. His works show desolate landscapes in Greenland and Western Sahara desert. Visit www.artinvest.co.kr or call (02) 3446- 1100.
One Fine Day
Rodin Gallery
Through Feb. 24
This exhibition brings together the works of 12 Korean, Chinese and Japanese artists, whose ages range between their 20s to 40s. ``One Fine Day'' hopes to give viewers an opportunity to explore the similarities and differences of seeing life in different places. Artists such as Choi Ho-chul, Bang Byoung-sang, Vhen Shaoxiong and Yin Xiushen depict the lives of urban dwellers. The works of Jin Kurashige, Park Joo-yeon and Chun Sung-myung explore the psychological crises experienced by people. Admission is 3,000 won. Visit www.rodingallery.org or call (02) 2259-7781.
High and Dry
IM Art Gallery
Through Jan. 10
Park Ju-young holds her first solo exhibition of watercolor paintings. Her delicate watercolor works look like scenes from a fairy tale. The exhibition title refers to a song by rock group Radiohead. Visit www.iamgallery.com.
transPOP: Korea Vietnam Remix
ARKO Art Center
Through Feb. 29
Sixteen artists from Vietnam, Korea and the United States examine the rich historical and contemporary ties among the three countries. The group exhibition ``examines the intersection of transnational Asian popular culture and the legacies of historical trauma in Korea and Vietnam.'' There is a symposium on Jan. 18 and 19 at the Arko Art Center. Visit www.arko.or.kr or call (02) 760-4724.
The Edge
Museum of Photography, Seoul
Through Jan. 9
Works of print artists from Korea, United States, Finland, Belgium and Sweden are on displayed in this exhibition. All of the works were included in a book on modern printmaking by British critic Richard Noyce. Visit www.photomuseum.or.kr.
Ayako Rokkaku
Juliana Gallery
Through Jan. 20
Rising Japanese artist Ayako Rokkaku creates cute, almost animelike characters in her colorful works. The self-taught artist from Chiba is gaining a lot of attention for her creativity. Visit www.julianagallery.com or call (02) 514-4266.
Verner Panton
Hangaram Design Museum
Through March 2
Late Danish furniture and interior designer Verner Panton's designs from the exhibition at the Vitra Design Museum, Weil am Rhein, Germany are being exhibited to celebrate Seoul Art Center's 20th anniversary. Pantons modern, witty and bright colored furniture is now on display. Tickets are 8,000 won for adults, 6,000 won for elementary to high school students and 4,000 won for kindergarten students. Call (02) 580-1300 or visit www.vernerpanton.kr.
Kandinsky and Russian Masterpieces
Hangaram Museum, Seoul Arts Center
Through Feb. 27
Masterpieces by Russian artist Vassily Kandinsky and other well-known Russian artists from the late 19th century and early 20th century are on display in Seoul. There are representative works from Russian realism to avant garde movements. Tickets are 12,000 won for adults, 9,000 won (for 12-17 year olds) 7,000 won (for children 6-11 year olds). Museum is closed on the last Monday of every month. Visit www.2007kandinsky.com.
Translation
Mongin Art Center
Through Feb. 3
Sculptor Shin Mee-kyoung's exhibition features soap sculptures. She created exquisite red and white porcelain jars, celadon and Buddhist statues using soap. If not for the fragrant smell of soap, you could be convinced the works are all made of ceramics. Visit www.mongin.org or call (02) 736-1446.
Sandy Skoglund
Gallery Kong
American photographer and installation artist Sandy Skoglund is having a solo exhibition at Gallery Kong. She is known for creating elaborate sets with colored furniture, and then taking a photograph of the set with the actors. Entrance fee is 3,000 won. Call (02) 738-7776.
Suspended Breath
Maison Hermes Atelier
Through Jan. 6
British artist Martin Boyce holds a solo exhibition of his works resembling puzzles, which are for the viewers to solve. ``Broken Fall'' is a wall installation of lights and characters that form the words ``Broken fall.'' Call (02) 542-6622.
Doll Soul
Gallery Ssamzie
If you think all dolls should be sweet and pretty, then the ``Doll Soul'' exhibition will change your mind. Several Korean artists give their own interpretation of dolls as gothic, creepy, realistic or just out-of-this-world. Visit www.ssamziegil.co.kr or call (02) 736-0088.
Shin Sang-ho Exhibition
Clayarch Gimhae Museum
Through March 30
The exhibition introduces a world of ceramics by artist Shin Sang-ho, who works to close the gap between architecture and ceramics through his extensive and diverse pieces. It runs under three themes: Dream of Africa, Structure & Force and Fired Paintings. Visit www.clayarch.org.
Van Gogh: Voyage Into Myth
Seoul Museum of Art
Through March 16
The first retrospective of Vincent Van Gogh's works (1853-1890) in Korea features 67 of the Dutch artist's masterpieces from the Van Gogh Museum and Kroller-Muller Museum in the Netherlands. Among the masterpieces on display are ``Self-portrait''(1887), ``Irises''(1890) and ``Church in Auvers'' (1890). It is open Tuesdays to Fridays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and weekends, holidays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed on Mondays. Tickets are 12,000 won for adults, 10,000 for students (13-18 years old), and 8,000 won for children (7-12 years old). Visit ww.vangoghseoul.com.
Dirt to Grasp and Land to Lie On
Gana Art Gallery
Renowned for his works portraying the lives of coal miners, Hwang has once again brought back his own interpretation of realism. The exhibition features 60 artworks and will satisfy visitors who are looking for the artist's interpretation of life. Visit www.ganaart.com or call (02) 720-1020. Located at Pyeongchangdong, Seoul.
Golden Age
Arario Gallery
Arario Gallery, located in Cheonan, is showing the paintings of Korean artist Park Se-jin. Her works such as ``Crying Soldier'' and ``The Place and the Gray,'' are characterized by brilliant colors and an impressionistic style. Tickets are 3,000 won. Visit www.arariogallery.com.
Restless Hand, Wandering Mind
SOMA Museum of Art
Three established artists each with distinctive art styles recreate their studios allowing museumgoers to experience the process of creating contemporary art. Visit www.somamuseum.org.
Void in Korean Art
Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art
Through Jan. 27
An extensive collection of artworks, from old Korean artifacts, porcelains and paintings to modern contemporary works, bring out the meaning of ``Void'' as they are presented in a common space under three subtopics, nature, freedom and imagination. Visit www.leeum.org.
Korea Contemporary Engraving 1958-2008 Exhibition
National Museum of Contemporary Art
Through Jan.27
This exhibition will be a chance to explore the world of Korean engravings, starting from 1958 to today. More than 130 artists will display their artworks in this event and will look back into the previous works of Korean engravings and also introduce new concepts from young creative artists. Visit www.moca.go.kr or call 02-2188-6000.
Abstract Art, Amusement On the Borders
Through Feb. 17
This exhibition is aimed to introduce Korean abstract art through various artists and their artworks. This event was organized to help visitors understand the concept of abstract art and show that abstract art can also be entertaining. For more call 02-2124- 8934 or visit www.seoulmoa.org.
Kids
Thomas Saves the Day
Dom Art Hall
World-beloved locomotive, Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends are coming to Korea with fun songs and dances. This musical tours seven cities until Jan. 13. Check out www.musicalthomas.co.kr for schedules. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 50,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 1 of Children's Grand Park Station on subway line 7.
Fan Yang's White Bubble Show
Dec. 22-Jan. 27
Bubble artist Fan Yang fizzes up Korea with bubbles. Children participate in the show. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 50,000 won. Visit www.whitebubbleshow.com or call (02) 3436-9319. Located near exit 1 of Children's Grand Park Station on subway line 7.
Sports Games
Basketball
Jan. 5, 2008 Saturday
Dongbu Promy vs. Daegu Orions at 3:00 p.m.
Wonju Chiak Stadium
LG Sakers vs. KTF MagicWings at 3:00 p.m.
Changwon Indoor Stadium
SK Knights vs. Mobis Phoebus at 3:00 p.m.
Jamsil Student's Indoor Stadium
Jan. 6, 2008 Sunday
ET Land Black Slamer vs. Dongbu Promy at 3:00 p.m.
Incheon Samsan Gymnasium
KT&G Kites vs. Mobis Phoebus at 3:00 p.m.
Anyang Indoor Stadium
Daegu Orions vs. Samsung Thunders at 5:00 p.m.
Daegu Indoor Stadium
KCC Egis vs. LG Sakers at 5:00 p.m.
Horseracing
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, call (02)509-1114 or visit at www.kra.co.kr.