The Circle
Cheongdam-dong
Located in the upscale Cheongdam-dong neighborhood, it's notorious for turning you down unless you're dressed chic and sleek. Faithful to its name, it has a round revolving floor ― looking for your ``lost'' table gives clubbers the perfect excuse to sit down with a sexy stranger. Located on Dosan-daero near Hak-dong intersection. Call (02) 546-5933 or visit www.thecircle.co.kr.
Club Answer
This might be the answer to your nightlife. It offers an intimate partying environment with groovy electronic music by star DJs. You can reserve tables and the ones on the second floor provide an open view of the dance floor. Or mingling with the hot bartenders at the open bar might be a fine alternative. Located in Cheongdam-dong across the street from Prima Hotel, near the entrance of Yeongdong-daegyo. Call (02) 548-7115 or visit www.clubanswer.co.kr.
Club Evans
Hongdae or Hongik University Area
This club, 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.
Club NB
Gangnam
This hip-hop hot spot is a cornerstone of Seoul nightlife. ``Noise Basement'' often holds special parties and performances and you can find Korean homies here with do-rags, dreads and baseball caps turned sideways. Located near Kyobo Bookstore (exit 6 of Gangnam station on subway line 2). Call (02) or visit www.clubnb.com. Check out other NB chains in Hongdae.
Underlounge Seoul
It's the local club of a hip Japanese chain that's also to be found in Shanghai. Located in the famous clubbing area, Hongdae, it's all flashy with loud club music and lights. It's pretty spacious with a supersized mirror ball hanging over your head. DJs from near and far make music while you can hang out at the open bar or classy private rooms. Located near the main entrance of Hongik Univ. Call (02) 325-5715 or visit www.underlounge.kr.
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.
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, expect to hear 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
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 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
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 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.
Traditional Wine Making Demonstration
Namsangol Hanok Village
6-9 p.m., every Saturday
In the courtyard of Namsangol Hanok Village, visitors can see demonstrations of how traditional Korean wines were made. Usually made from rice, traditional wines were considered, if taken in moderation, good for the body. Located near exits 3 and 4 of Chungmuro station on subway lines 3 and 4. Call (02) 2266-6923.
Korean Classical Music & Dance
8-9 p.m. everyday
You can listen to traditional Korean chamber music, including the piri (cylindrical oboe), haegeum (two-stringed fiddle), ajaeng (seven-string zither bowed with a rosined stick), as well as pansori (Korean opera) and dance. The daily performance takes place at Anchae in Younghyo Park's House in the Hanok Village, located near exits 3 and 4 of Chungmuro station on subway lines 3 and 4. Call (02) 2266-6923.
Experience Hanok Life
11 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays
At Namsangol Hanok Village, a well preserved Joseon (1392-1910) nobleman's house, visitors are able to see and experience traditional Korean daily life, such as making jipsin (straw shoes), doenjang (bead curd) and jelly. Located near exits 3 and 4 of Chungmuro station on subway lines 3 and 4. Call (02) 2266-6923.
Crawling Along the Edge of a Straight Razor
Cais Gallery
Through July 22
Artist Gary Simmons is currently holding two simultaneous solo exhibitions at Cais Gallery in Seoul and in Hong Kong. Visit www.caisgallery.com or call (02) 511-0668.
2008 Double Feature
Gallery Cha
Through July 26
Lee Hyun-jin presents back-to-back exhibitions, ``Virtual Insanity,'' (through July 12) and ``Sweets,Unplugged'' (July 14-26) at Gallery Cha. Call (02) 730-1705.
Chuck Close Prints: Process and Collaboration
Sungkok Art Museum
Through Sept. 25
Around 142 print works by artist Chuck Close will be on display at the Sungkok Art Museum. Close, who is dyslexic and paralyzed from the waist down, is known for his hyperrealistic prints. Visit www.sungkokmuseum.com.
New Religion
Gallery Inter Art
Through July 31
Damien Hirst is one of the leading contemporary artists in the world today. Gallery Inter Art is bringing his works, which include objects in a box such as a skull fragment and a cross with an embedded pill.
High Light, Message of Light
UNC Gallery
Through July 16
Kong Sung-hun and Han Young-ho are having a joint exhibition at UNC Gallery. Visit www.uncgallery.com.
Beyond the ART Issue
Gallery Ssamzie
Through July 6
Artists Kim Sung-ho, Lee Seung-hyun and Han Jung-sun present their playful and thought-provoking artworks at this joint exhibition. Visit www.ssamziegil.com or call (02) 736-0900.
Abstract Imagination
PKM Trinity Gallery
Through July 30
The exhibit will feature works by John Baldessari, Jonas Dahlberg, Olafur Eliasson, Byron Kim, Gabriel Orozco and John Wesley. Opening reception is on July 26. Visit www.pkmgallery.com.
Lim Young-kyun
2x13 Gallery
Black and white photographs by Lim Young-kyun are displayed at the 2x13 Gallery. Visit www.2x13gallery.com.
Mountain View
Michael Schultz Gallery Seoul
Through July 12
The Michael Shultz Gallery in Seoul is presenting the works of artists Via Lewandowsky, Studer van den berg, SEO, Ruza Spak and Kristina Girke. Visit www.schultzhallery.co.kr.
Yoo Young-kyo Memorial Exhibition
Gana Art Center
A retrospective of the sculptures of Yoo Young-kyo (1946-2006) is ongoing at the Gana Art Center, Pyeongchang-dong. His stunning marble sculptures are on display. Visit www.ganaart.com.
Qiu Jie
Arario Gallery, Cheonan
Through July 2
Geneva-based Chinese artist Qiu Jie is holding an exhibition at Arario Gallery. Among the works shown are ``Snow and Plum Blossom," ``Portrait of Mao" and ``Mao in the Cotton Fields." Visit www.arariogallery.co.kr or call (041) 551 5100,5101 / FAX: 041 551 5102
Negative Image
Gyeonggido Museum of Art
This exhibition aims to explore the world of the negative in the contemporary art works of 24 artists. All the works convey innumerable narratives and come from diverse backgrounds, all reversing images in various ways. The exhibition is held on the second floor exhibition hall. Visit www.gma.or.kr.
Sindoan
Atelier Hermes
Through Aug.17
Park Chan-kyong is holding a solo exhibition at Atelier Hermes, near Dosan Park. Opening reception is on June 20. Call (02) 544-7722.
The Alliance
doArt Seoul
Through July 13
The newly renovated doArt Seoul opens with its first exhibit since moving to the old Gallery Hyundai building. It features 26 artists from all over the world. Kim Seung-duk and Franck Gautherot are the curators for the exhibit. Visit www.doartseoul.com or call (02) 2287-3500.
Construction and Relation
Song Eun Gallery
Through July 3
Hyun Sun-jo, who graduated from the San Francisco Art Institute, is holding a solo exhibition at Song Eun Gallery. Visit www.songeun.or.kr.
Re-Collection
Kukje Gallery
Through July 5
Cho Duck-hyun, one of Korea's best known artists abroad, is back with a new exhibit. One of his new historical works is The Nora Collection. Visit www.kukjegallery.com or call (02) 733-8449.
Stone Body
The Museum of Photography, Seoul
Photographer Koh Myung-keun takes interesting photographs of stone formations. The artist will give a talk on July 25 at 6 p.m. Visit www.photomuseum.or.kr or call (02) 418-1315.
Design for the Real World
Gallery 2
Jackson Hong's works are on display at his solo exhibition. In one work, Hong has created a new martial art with an ordinary folding chair. The chair is used as a means of self-defense. Visit www.gallery2.co.kr or call (02) 3448-2112.
Pleasant Day
Artsonje Center Seoul
Through July 27
Chung Chu-ha's photographs may seem to depict everyday scenes at the beach, but ironically in the background stands nuclear power plants. He took photographs of the environments around four nuclear power plants in Korea such as Yeonggwang on the west coast and Uljin on the east coast. Call (02) 733-8945.
D'Amour
N Gallery
The exhibit featuring works of French and Korean artists will open on June 5. Among the participating artists are Michel King, Moreno Pincas, Alain Bonnefoit, Park Yong-in, Jun Myung-ja and Jung Kang-ja. Visit ww.ngalleryart.com or call (031) 703-5201.
Art of Cartier
National Museum of Art
An exhibition of the beautiful jewelry of world famous jeweler Cartier is in Seoul for the first time. The exhibition features 267 pieces of exquisite jewelry made by Cartier from the mid-1860's to the mid-20th century, as well as sketches and photographs of jewelry designs. The National Museum of Art is located inside Deoksu Palace. Visit www.artofcartier.co.kr or www.moca.go.kr.
Paradise Hormone
Mongin Art Center
Through July 20
Yee Soo-kyung is holding a solo exhibition at Mongin Art Center. Visit www.mongin.org or call (02) 736-1446.
Artist of the Year 2008: Chang Yeon-soon
National Museum of Contemporary Art, Korea
Textile artist Chang Yeon-soon has been chosen as this year's artist of the year by the National Museum of Contemporary Art. The exhibition features impressive textile-based works. Visit www.moca.go.kr.
The World of Expression
Hangaram Art Museum
Forty-six artists are participating in this group exhibition featuring today's top Korean contemporary art. The exhibit is divided into four sections: Expression of Shape, Expression of Light and Color, Expression of Movement and Expression of Space. There are exhibition explanations everyday at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Admission is 5,000 won for adults and 3,000 won for students. Call (02) 580-1300.
Cartoon Ballet Coppelia
Seoul Arts Center
July 4-6
Doctor Coppelius makes a life-size dancing doll and names her Coppelia. Blind by her beauty Franz falls in love with Coppelia, leaving his finance Swanilde in dismay. Tickets cost from 20,000 won to 40,000 won. Visit www.ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 594-4025. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.
Daddy, I Love you
You Theater
Through June 29
Walker is a captured wild horse working on a farm. Walker and his son, CiCi, escape the horrible place but as they run away, Walker is suddenly shot by a gun. Through this family musical, children will get to learn the true meaning of love and friendship. Tickets cost from 15,000 won to 25,000 won. Visit www.ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 547- 3061. Located near exit 4 of Gangnamgu Office Station on subway line 7.
Baseball
June 28, 2008 Saturday
Doosan Bears vs. Samsung Lions at 5 p.m.
Jamsil Baseball Stadium
Woori Heroes vs. LG Twins at 5 p.m.
Mokdong Baseball Stadium
SK Knights vs. Hanhwa Eagles at 5 p.m.
Munhak Baseball Stadium
Lotte Giants vs. KIA Eagles at 4:30 p.m.
Sajik Baseball Stadium
June 29, 2008 Sunday
Lotte Giants vs. KIA Tigers at 5 p.m.
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.