Clus, Art Exhibitions & For Kids
Clubs
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.
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. 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. 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 Apgujeong 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.
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.
Traditional
Traditional Performance
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
Lee U-fan-Yayoi Kusama-Tatsuno Toeko
Jean Art Center
Through Jan. 30
The celebrated works of Lee U-fan, Yayoi Kusama and Tatsuno Toeko are on display at Jean Art Center. Lee U-fan is famous for his minimalist works, while Kusama's works are known for repetition and patterns. Visit www.jeanart.net or call (02) 738-7570.
5 Spaces, 5 Colors
Moran Museum of Art
Through March 30
Five art critics each selected an artist to hold an exhibition in each of the rooms in the museum. The five artists are sculptor Jeong Hyun, photographer Hong Seong-do, print artist Kim Hong-sik, sculptor Lee Jae-hyo and media artist Baruch Gottlieb. Each artist interprets the five traditional Oriental directions and colors. Call (031) 594-8001.
Writing Painting, Painting Words: Letters and Art
Seoul Museum of Art
Through Jan. 27
The exhibit goes ``beyond the stereotypical ideas that words are used only in writings and images are used only in paintings; and look into the crossing between writing language and painting language.'' There are 26 artists participating in the exhibition, including Kim Tchang-yeol, O Suh-wan and Ungno Lee. Admission is 700 won for adults, and 300 won for children. Visit www.seoulmoa.org.
Kyung Sung-hyun
Arario Seoul
Through Feb. 3
Korean artist Kyung Sung-hyun is holding a solo exhibition at Arario Seoul. His works appear to be blurred and shaky, making viewers stare at them until they find the main focus. Visit www.arariogallery.com.
Abstract Art, Amusement on the Borders
Nam Seoul Annex, Seoul Museum of Art
Through Feb. 17
Experience the history of abstract art in Korea through this exhibition. There are three sections: primitive nostalgia, intellectual sensitivity and physical inspiration. A total of 50 art works by 21 artists are on display. Visit www.seoulmoa.org.
Life is Art, Art is Life, Maybe
Gallery Lumiere
Photographer William Klein's works will be shown in Asia for the first time in this exhibition at Gallery Lumiere. Eighty of Klein's memorable photographs will be on display.Admission fee is 5,000 won. Visit www.gallerylumiere.com or call (02) 517-2134.
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.
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.
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. Panton's 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
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.
Shin Sang-ho Exhibition
Clayarch Gimhae Museum
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
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.
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.
Practical Illusion
Gallery Hyundai
Through Jan. 17
At first glance, Kwon Doo-hyun's works may seen to be just vague and blurry, but these photographs stimulate deep introspection from the viewers. "unfocused images provoke various emotions. The misty images give us the room to reflect on a bygone time and past experiences, thus we can undergo emotional changes," Kwon said. Visit www.galleryhyundai.com or call (02) 734-6111.
Void in Korean Art
Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art
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
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.
Ayako Rokkaku
Juliana Gallery
Through Jan. 20
Rising Japanese artist Ayako Rokkaku creates cute, almost anime-like 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.
To the Stones
Gallery C. Fine Art
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.
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.
Kids
Fan Yang's White Bubble Show
Dom Art Hall
Bubble artist Fan Yang fizzes up Korea with fantastic 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.
Teeth
Sangmyung Art Hall
Teeth teaches the importance of brushing teeth to prevent decayed teeth. This is an English musical. Tickets cost 30,000 won. Visit www.smusical.com or call (02) 747-0035. Located near exit 1 of Hyehwa Station on subway line 4.
Sports Games
Basketball
Jan. 12, 2008 Saturday
Samsung Thunders vs. KT&G Kites at 3:00 p.m.
Jamsil Indoor Stadium
LG Sakers vs. SK Knights at 3:00 p.m.
Changwon Indoor Stadium
ET Land Black Slamer vs. KTF MagicWings at 3:00 p.m.
Incheon Samsan Gymnasium
Jan. 13, 2008 Sunday
SK Knights vs. Dongbu Promy at 3:00 p.m.
Jamsil Student's Indoor Stadium
KCC Egis vs. Samsung Thunders at 3:00 p.m.
Jeonju Indoor Stadium
KTF MagicWings vs. Daegu Orions at 5:00 p.m.
Busan Sajik Stadium
Mobis Phoebus vs. ET Land Black Slamer at 5:00 p.m.
Ulsan Dongcheon Stadium
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 information, call (02)509-1114 or visit at www.kra.co.kr.