Clubs, 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 Sokyo-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. 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 3 of Itaewon Station on subway line 6.

Naos Nova

A wine bar and restaurant with a design so stunning 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 ecelectic 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 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 mainly standing room-only. 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

Description in Korean Art

Ho-am Art Museum

Through March 2

The exhibit features a collection of 16th to early 20th century Korean traditional paintings, as well as the stories or poems that inspired them. Admission is 4,000 won. Visit hoammuseum.org or call (031) 320-1801.

Debris

Kukje Gallery

Through Feb. 26

Korean artist Hong Seung-hye's theme for her solo exhibit revolves around ``debris.'' She disassembled her old art works from the ``Organic Geometry'' series, and used them to create installation work with aluminum pipes. For the artist, the word ``debris'' evokes nostalgia and rebirth. Visit www.kukjegallery.com or call (02) 735-8449.

Lin Tianlu

Pyo Gallery

Through Feb. 23

Rising Chinese artist Lin Tianlu holds his first solo exhibition in Seoul. His ``Variation Adjustment'' series will be on display at Pyo Gallery. Visit www.pyogallery.co.kr.

The Room 2008

Gallery Velvet

Through March 3

Korean artist Yang Youn-hwa's theme for her solo exhibition is ``artist's studio.'' The exhibition features ten paintings and drawings, as well as the full-scale installation of a studio. Everything in the studio is reversed. Visit www.velvet.or.kr or call (02) 736-7023.

Candida Hofer

Kukje Gallery New Space

German artist Candida Hofer's photographs show the interiors of libraries, museums and churches from all over the world. With the absence of people in her photographs, she aims for an idealized space. Visit www.kukjegallery.com or call (02) 733-8449.

Writing Painting, Painting Words: Letters and Art

Seoul Museum of Art

Through Feb. 10

Due to popular demand, the exhibition has been extended through Feb. 10. The exhibit goes ``beyond the stereotypical ideas that words are used only in writings and images are used only in paintings. 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.

Hwang Julie

Gallery Hyundai

Through Feb. 13

Gallery Hyundai is holding an exhibition of Hwang Julie's works from 1980 to 2008. Hwang emerged as a leader in Neo Figuration in the Korean contemporary art scene in the early 1980s. The exhibit will show how her art has developed throughout the years. Her paintings are said to depict a ``world of the never-ending present.'' Visit www.galleryhyundai.com or call (02) 734-6111.

Choi Young-lim-Munakata Shiko Exhibit

Deoksugung National Museum of Contemporary Art

Through March 30

The museum's first exhibit of 2008 features the works of Japanese artist Munakata Shiko and Korean artist Choi Young-lim, who are good friends. Munakata is a famous printmaker whose works influenced Choi. The extent of their friendship was revealed when several letters sent between the two were found. Visit www.moca.go.kr.

The Way to See a Drawing

Savina Museum of Contemporary Art

Through Feb. 2

Savina Museum of Contemporary Art's project exhibition hopes to teach art appreciation to the public. The works of artists such as Yoo Geun-taek and Ahn Chang-hong are on display. Admission is 2,000 won for adults. Visit www.savinamuseum.com or call (02) 736-4371.

Treasure of Opera Gallery: Masterpieces and Contemporary

Opera Gallery

Through Feb. 15

The Opera Gallery in Seoul opened last year, and is currently showing its collection of pieces by Chagall, Picasso and Warhol, as well as cutting- edge contemporary artists. To go to Opera Gallery, head towards Cheongdam from the Galleria department store in Apgujeong. Located on the main street, you can easily find the glass exterior of Opera Gallery. Visit www.operagallery.com or call (02) 3446-0070.

Hyper Realism

Arario Gallery, Cheonan.

Through March 9

Multi-media artist Jeon Joon-ho is bringing his ``Hyper Realism" exhibition to Korea. It was first shown at the Perry Rubenstein Gallery in New York City, 2007. Among his works are ``The White House," ``Player 13" and ``Hyper realism (Statue of Brothers)." Admission is 3,000 won. Visit www.arariogallery.co.kr. or call (041) 551-5100.

Hundred Languages of Children

Korea Foundation Cultural Center

Through Feb. 16

The city of Reggio Emilia in Italy is known for its innovative early childhood education program. Learn about its history and how its young students express themselves through different forms of art through this exhibition. It features 74 panels of children's collaborative art works, large fresco paintings, sculptures, clay and wire works. Visit www.kfcenter.or.kr.

Are You Experienced?

Gallery 2

Artist group LESS, composed of two artists from Chung Ang University's photography department, is holding an exhibition of their unique photographs. Visit www.gallery2.co.kr or call (02) 3448-2112.

Kim Kyu-ho

The Museum of Photography, Seoul

Kim Kyu-ho, who has studied and held exhibitions in Paris, France, is showing his stunning photographs in Seoul. Visit www.photomuseum.or.kr or call (02) 418-1316.

5 Spaces, 5 Colors

Moran Museum of Art

In each of the rooms in the museum, five art critics each selected an artist to hold an exhibition on. 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 of life. Call (31) 594-8001.

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.

Verner Panton

Hangaram Design Museum

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.

One Fine Day

Rodin Gallery

Through Feb. 24

This exhibition brings together the works of 12 Korean, Chinese and Japanese artists. 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. Visit www.arko.or.kr or call (02) 760-4724.

Close to You

Cyan Museum of Art

Through April 27

Six Korean artists show their distinct and varied styles in a group exhibition ``Close to You." The participating artists are Ahn Jong-yuen, Bae Dong-hwan, An Zong-de, Noh Sang-dong, Lee Lee-nam and Lee Hun-chung. Visit www.cyanmuseum.org or call (054) 338-9393.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Andy Warhol Pop Art

Road to Museum Gallery

Through Feb. 5

Andy Warhol's silkscreen works are on display at the Road to Museum Gallery. The exhibit is timely since Warhol would have turned 80 this year. Among the works displayed are ``The Birth of Venus" and ``Cow." Admission is free. Road to Museum Gallery is located near Anguk Station. Visit www.gomuseum.co.kr or call (02) 738-9199.

Kyung Sung-hyun

Arario Seoul

Korean artist Kyung Sung-hyun is holding a solo exhibition at Arario Seoul. His works appear to be blurred and shaky, making viewers look closely at them to find the main focus. Visit www.arariogallery.com.

Kids

The Little Prince

Sangmyung Art Hall

Children actors of Theater Seoul perform an English musical ``The Little Prince.'' Tickets cost 15,000 won. Visit www.smusical.com or call (02) 747-0035. Located near exit 1 of Hyehwa Station on subway line 4.

A Thousand Magic Characters

Seoul Education Culture Center

Feb.2-March 1

Learn Chinese Characters fun and easy through musical. ``A Thousand Magic Characters,'' a book swept Korea, is now staged with songs and dances. Tickets cost from 20,000 won to 40,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 7 of Yangjae Station on subway line 3 (shuttle available).

Sports Games

Basketball

Feb. 2, 2008 Saturday

Mobis Phoebus vs. KT&G Kites at 3:00 p.m.

Ulsan Dongcheon Stadium

Dongbu Promy vs. LG Sakers at 3:00 p.m.

Wonju Chiak Stadium

SK Knights vs. Daegu Orions at 3:00 p.m.

Jamsil Student Indoor Stadium

KCC Egis vs. ET Land Black Slamer at 3:00 p.m.

Jeonju Indoor Stadium

Feb. 3, 2008 Sunday

KTF MagicWings vs. Dongbu Promy at 3:00 p.m.

Busan Sajik Stadium

Daegu Orions vs. Samsung Thunders at 3:00 p.m.

Daegu Indoor Stadium

ET Land Black Slamer vs. SK Knights at 5:00 p.m.

Incheon Samsan Indoor Stadium

KT&G Kites vs. KCC Egis at 5:00 p.m.

Anyang Indoor Stadium

Horseracing

Gwacheon Seoul Race Track

The Gwacheon Seoul Race Track holds races 10:30 a.m.-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 www.kra.co.kr