Clubs, Traditional Events & Art Exhibitions
Clubs
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 located 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 is a great place to chill out. It's near the 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.
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.
Art Exhibitions
Out The Inside
DoBaeBacSa
Through Sept. 9
The exhibit features the works of four Los Angeles-based artists, David Kelley, Viet Le, Hong-An Truong and Maya Weimer, who use video and photography. The works in this exhibition ``engage notions of transpacific subjectivity as it is conducted through the structures of documentary and fiction.'' DoBaeBacSa is located near Itaewon Station Line 6, Exit 3. Visit www.dobaebacsa.org.
Trompe-l'oeil in Imagination
Cais Gallery
Through Sept. 10
Nine young Korean artists, including Park Kwan-taeck, Park Sang-hee, Baik Seung-ho and Lee Kyung-mi, let their imagination run free in this group exhibition. Visit caisgallery.com or call (02) 511-0668.
Experiment After
Michael Schultz Gallery Seoul
A group exhibition featuring the works of seven artists such as Cornelia Schleime, Maik Wolf, Katrin Kampmann and Roemer & Roemer is on-going at Michael Schultz Gallery in Cheongdam, southern Seoul. Visit www.schultzgallery.co.kr.
Subtle Energies of Matter
Seoul National University Museum of Art
Through Sept. 6
This touring exhibition, organized by the Garuzzo Institute of Visual Arts in Turin, Italy, features contemporary sculptures by 31 Italian artists. The exhibit highlights the development of sculpture throughout the years. Among the artists are Roberto Almagno, Pietro Consagra and Gilberto Zorio. Call (02) 880-9513.
The Paper
Jebiwool Art Museum
Through Sept. 18
The 2008 Asia and Europe Paper Art International Exchange gathers the works of 31 artists from Korea, Japan, Italy, United Kingdom, Denmark, Sweden and Netherlands. Call (02) 3679-0011.
Insomnia
PKM Gallery
Through Sept. 20
Bae Young-whan is holding a solo exhibition at PKM Gallery. Visit www.pkmgallery.com or call (02) 734-9467.
Mountain
Gallery Noon
Through Aug. 29
In photographer Soon Lee's works, the mountain ranges of Korea are colored blue. Her photographs offer different shades of blue, giving off a feeling of calmness and serenity. Call (02) 542-9691.
BongBong Castle
Ssamzie Mart
Through Sept. 7
Artist Ha Ji-won created colorful wooden installation works for this solo exhibition. Visit www.ssamziegil.co.kr or call (02) 736-0900.
Green One 3rd Exhibition
China Cultural Center
Through Aug. 26
This exhibition tackles environmental issues through art. Visit www.futureforest.org or call (02) 2274-8064.
Vik Muniz
Gana Art Center
Through Aug. 31
Gana Art Center's eighth annual photo festival features American artist Vik Muniz and the works from his series, ``Pictures of Soil,'' ``Pictures of Chocolate,'' ``Monad'' and his latest ``Gordian Puzzle.'' Visit www.ganaart.com or call (02) 3217-0288.
Dreaming Kitchen ― Flavor of Asia
Korea Foundation Cultural Center
Through Aug. 27
This photo exhibit provides a rare glimpse inside the kitchens of Asian countries including Cambodia, India, Malaysia, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan and the Philippines. Korean and foreign photographers such as Park Jong-woo, Sung Nam-hun, Lee Sung-man, Armen Avakyan, H.A.S. Fernando, and Mom Vanna participated in the project of the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Center of Education for International Understanding. Admission is free. Visit www.unescoapceiu.org.
The Text Book: Chul-soo & Young-hee
Art Space Hue
Through Aug. 23
The photos of Korean artist Oh Suk-kuhn feature a mask-wearing boy and girl named Chul-soo and Young-hee. The works are shown at a solo exhibition at Art Space Hue in Mapo-gu, Seoul. Call (02) 333-0955.
Nathalia Edenmont
Park Ryu Sook Gallery
Through Sept. 28
Photographer Nathalia Edenmont is known for her portraits of animals sitting in hand-blown vases or wearing royal collars. Visit www.parkryusookgallery.com or call (02) 544-2500.
Art at Home: Wonderful Life
Doosan Gallery
Through Aug. 28
The Doosan Gallery has been turned into a ``home'' decorated with furniture, toys and other items created by 320 artists such as Nancy Lang, Lee Jun-ik and Kim Seok. Visit www.doosanartcenter.com or call (02) 708-5050.
Pop N Pop
Seongnam Art Center
Learn more about Korean pop art at this fun and exciting exhibit at Seongnam Art Center. Visit www.snart.or.kr.
Windows on the World
Gallery 2
German artist Christian Stanick is holding a solo exhibition at Gallery 2. The title of the exhibit refers to the Windows on the World restaurant, which was located on the 107th floor of the World Trade Center before the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Visit www.gallery2.co.kr.
Summer Art Show 2
The White Gallery
Through Aug. 30
The White Gallery is hosting a group exhibition featuring eight Korean artists this summer. Visit www.thewhite.kr or call (02) 3443-2031.
Georges Rousse
Johyun Gallery
Through Aug.27
Georges Rousse is a renowned French photographer who travels around the world to find unused buildings, paint designs on the walls and floors and takes photos of it. What appear to be images superimposed on photos is an intended illusion deliberately painted onto the buildings. Visit www.johyungallery.com or call (02)3443-6364.
Sung Nam-hun
Hanmi Photograph Museum
Through Sept.12
Documentary photographer Sung Nam-hun captures scenes in the disputed territory of the Eastern Tibet region of Kham. The photographs portray Sung's view formed through interaction with Buddhist nuns. Visit www.photomuseum.or.kr or call (02) 418-1315.
Rubens, Baroque Masterpieces
Gwangju Museum of Art
Through Nov. 9
Seventy-five pieces from the Baroque collection of the Vienna Academy Museum are in Korea for the first time ― 19 of them being works by Rubens. Closed on Mondays. Visit https://www.korearubens.co.kr.
Architectural Ceramics ― OLD
Clayarch Gimhae Museum
Through Feb. 8, 2009
The Clayarch Gimhae Museum is hosting an exhibition focused on architectural ceramics by ten artists from Korea, U.S., U.K., Switzerland and Japan. The exhibition also features photographs by Belgian photographer Mark De Fraeye. The museum is located in Gimhae, South Gyeongsang Province. Visit www.clayarch.org or call (055) 340-7000.
thisAbility vs. Disability
Total Museum of Contemporary Art
Through Aug. 24
This international electronic art exhibition examines ``themes of human capability through creative transition of the senses.'' Participating artists include Leon Lim, Mika Fukumori, Lee Jae-min, Haru Ji and Graham Wakefield. Visit www.thisAbility-Disability.net. Gallery is closed on Mondays.
On Kawara
doART Seoul
Renowned Japanese conceptual artist On Kawara is holding an exhibition titled ``I Met / I Went / I Got Up / One Million Years/ Pure Consciousness,'' curated by Michele Didier. The ``I Met'' series involve a series of postcards sent to his friends over several years. Visit www.doartseoul.com.
Dream and Naissances
Nalee Mecenat Art Center
Through Sept. 25
Paris-based artist Noh Kyung-hwa is presenting her installation multimedia artworks showing how the brain works while dreaming. The gallery is located in Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province. Visit www.nalee.net.
20 Years of Animation: Pixar Exhibition in Seoul
Hangaram Design Museum
Fans of Pixar's animated films ``Toy Story,'' ``Finding Nemo,'' ``Monsters Inc.'' and ``The Incredibles'' will have a chance to find out how favorite characters like Buzz Lightyear, Nemo and Sully came to life. Around 650 sketches, drawings, sculptures and storyboards, as well as Pixar's short films are shown. Tickets are 14,000 won for adults, 8,000 won for children and 11,000 won for teens. Visit www.pixar2008.com
Magnum Korea Photo Exhibition
Hangaram Art Museum
Photographers from the famed international photography agency Magnum trained their lenses on modern-day Korea. The stunning photographs by Ian Berry, Thomas Hoepker and other artists are on display at the Hangaram Art Museum, Seoul Arts Center. Call (02) 2277-2436 or visit www.magnumkorea.com.
Who Wants to Live Forever
Through Oct. 9
Photographer Jo Seub will open his third private exhibition on July 10. Unlike his former works depicting historical or social events of Korea, this exhibition focuses on the fear and madness of human derived from the intrinsic desire. Visit www.gallery2.co.kr or call (02) 3448-2112.
Ko Woo-young Comics: Never Ending Story
Arko Art Center
Through Sept. 12
The exhibit looks at the visual and cultural aspects of comic strips through the works by the late cartoonist Ko Woo-young. Other artists were also invited to reinterpret Ko's works. The center, located in Daehakro, is closed on Mondays. Call (02) 760-4563 or visit www.arkoartcenter.or.kr.
Yongeun 2008 Residency and Open Studio
Yongeun Museum of Contemporary Art
Ten Korean artists, including Kang Hyung-koo, Kwon Ki-beon, Jean Rah and Lee Kyong, showcase their works at the exhibit. Visit www.youngeunmuseum.org.
Circle & Square
N Gallery
The exhibition, which opens on July 11, will feature sculptures and paintings by 11 Korean artists. N Gallery is located in Seohyeon, Bundang, Gyeonggi Province. Visit www.ngalleryart.com or call (070) 7430-3323.
Chuck Close Prints: Process and Collaboration
Sungkok Art Museum
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 hyper realistic prints. Visit www.sungkokmuseum.com.
Kids
Disney Live!
Olympic Hall, Olympic Park
Aug. 22-31
The original team of the popular family musical ``Disney Live!'' is coming to Seoul. Enjoy the delightful tales and songs from Cinderella, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Beauty and the Beast with Mickey Mouse and other favorite characters. Tickets cost from 22,000 won to 55,000 won. Visit https://ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 563-0595. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station on subway line 5.
A Dog of Flanders
Changjo Concert Hall
The heartwarming tale of Nello and his dog Patrasche will be on stage as a delightful musical. Experience the sad yet beautiful friendship between Nello and his loving dog at this special event. All tickets cost 20,000 won. Visit www.ticketlink.co.kr or call (02) 747-7001. Located near exit 4 of Hyehwa Station on subway line 4.
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.