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
W
Gallery 2
Through Oct. 14
Artist KDK, whose real name is Kim Do-kyun, will hold back-to-back exhibitions at Gallery 2. His exhibit ``W" runs through Oct. 14, and ``New SF" will start on Oct. 16 and run through Nov. 8. Visit www.gallery2.co.kr.
Girbent
Ihn Gallery
Through Oct. 11
Spanish artist Girbent creates almost photograph-like paintings that capture museumgoers at the famed Louvre in Paris. His solo exhibition runs through Oct. 11. Visit www.galleryihn.com or call (02) 732-4677.
Embracing Evening
Museum of Photography, Seoul
Through Dec. 6
Kang Woon-gu captures the Korean countryside in stark black and white photographs displayed at the Museum of Photography, southern Seoul. Visit www.photomuseum.or.kr or call (02) 418-1315.
German Heroes
Michael Schultz Gallery Seoul
Through Oct. 12
The artworks of renowned German artists Gerhard Richter, Sigmar Polke, George Baselitz, A.R. Penck, K.H. Hoedicke and Joerg Immendorff are on display at Michael Schultz Gallery. Visit www.schultzgallery.co.kr.
Trans
Gallery Dos
Through Sept. 30
Artist Kim Hyung-hwan depicted the fiery destruction of the historical icon Sungnyemun in wildly colorful paintings. Call (02) 735-4678.
Park Chul
Gallery Seorim
Through Oct. 2
Artist Park Chul uses hanji or traditional Korean mulberry paper and natural dyes for the works on display at the Gallery Seorim. Call (02) 515-3377.
Group Exhibition
N Gallery
Through Oct. 18
N Gallery features the works of Chun Jun-yeup, Seo Soo-young and Jeung Boung-ki in a group exhibition. Visit www.ngalleryart.com.
Moving Point of View
Cais Gallery
Cais Gallery presents the works of 29-year-old painter Lee Yun-jung, who uses colorful acrylic paint on multiple canvases to incorporate `moving points of views' in each work. Visit www.caisgallery.com or call (02) 511-0668.
FIZGIG
Having experimented with performance and installation arts during his 19-year-long career, artist Ahn Pil-yun presents his latest works that uses titanium mirrors and chocolate. Visit www.caisgallery.com or call (02) 511-0668.
Zhou Tiehai
PKM Gallery
Chinese artist Zhou Tiehai appropriate the iconic Joe Camel character from the popular cigarette ads, and used it in his works. Visit www.pkmgallery.com.
Wonderland
Gallery Cha
Through Oct. 4
Gallery Cha is holding a joint exhibition of artists Park So-young and I-Wan. Call (02) 730-1700.
5th Seoul International Media Art Biennale
Seoul Museum of Art
Through Nov. 5
Media City Seoul 2008 will showcase how art and technology meet in innovative works by artists from all over the world. The main theme this year is ``Turn and Widen" referring to the growing influence of media art around the world. Sixty-nine artists from 26 countries, including Korea, Japan, China, Australia, France, United States, Netherlands and Denmark are participating in the event. Visit www.mediacityseoul.co.kr.
Digital Transitions III
Gallery Simon
Through Oct. 7
The works of renowned video artists Bill Viola, Julian Opie and Jenny Holyer are shown at Gallery Simon, including Viola's ``The Innocents'' and Opie's ``Shanhnoza Dancing in White Dress.'' Call (02) 549-3031.
Wayne Gonzales Show
Seomi & Tuus Gallery
American artist Wayne Gonzales, known for his political paintings, has now made crowds the subject of his works. Visit www.seomituus.com or call (02) 511-7305.
Philippe Cognee
Johyun Gallery
Through Oct. 3
French artist Philippe Cognee is holding a solo exhibition of his works depicting ``scenes of modern life characterized by mass production, mass consumption, accumulation and density.'' The Carcasses series features 36 canvasses featuring scenes at a slaughterhouse. Visit www.johyunhallery.com or call (02) 3443-6364.
Hong Seung-pyo
Ssamzie Art Mart
Through Oct. 5
Hong Seung-pyo uses wide-eyed innocent looking characters in his works, which give off a strangely menacing feeling. Visit www.ssamziegil.com.
Annual Report: A Year in Exhibitions
Gwangju Biennale, Gwangju
Through Nov. 9
The 7th Gwangju Biennale will mainly feature works by artists and exhibitions held between January 2007 to September 2008. Exhibitions, performances, film screenings, music and theater events are held at the Biennale Hall, Gwangju Museum of Art, Uijae Museum of Korean Art, Cinema Gwangju and the Daein traditional market. Visit www.gb.or.kr.
Expenditure
Busan Biennale, Busan
Through Nov. 15
As part of the Busan Biennale, a contemporary art exhibition is held at the Busan Museum of Modern Art, while a sea art festival is staged at Gwangalli Beach. Various sculptures are installed at the APEC Naru Park. Visit https://www.busanbiennale.org.
My Paradise, My Africa
Gallery Jant
Through Sept. 28
Gallery Jant's inaugural exhibition showcases the enchanting works of Kim Jung-ja. The artist's paintings depict the lively and colorful landscape in Gabon. Call (031) 783-7931.
B Side
doART Seoul
Through Oct.12
Twenty-one Korean young artists, including Lee Don-gi, Kim Sang-hon, Jackson Hong and Park Ji-na, are participating in this group exhibit at doART Seoul. Visit www.doartseoul.com or call (02) 2287-3500.
Anish Kapoor
Kukje Gallery
Turner Prize-winning sculptor Anish Kapoor is known for his bright colored, simple and curved sculptures. A reception for the artist will be held on Sept. 17. Visit www.kukjegallery.com or call (02) 733-8449.
Far Line 38
Mongin Art Center
Through Nov. 2
Leading Japanese contemporary artist Tatsuo Miyajima holds an exhibition with his works such as ``Far Line 38,'' where he took photographs of Koreans at the 38th parallel dividing the Korean peninsula. Visit www.mongin.org or call (02) 736-1446.
Masters of the 20th Century: Latin American Art
National Museum of Art, Deoksu Palace
The exhibit shows 120 works by 84 Latin American artists, including Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. It provides a broad overview of the development of the Latin American art scene from the early 20th century to the 1970s. Admission is 10,000 won for adults and 8,000 won for students Visit www.laart.kr or www.moca.go.kr/deoksugung.moca.html.
Music From Unknown Source
Daejeon Museum of Art
Through Oct. 19
Neo-expressionist German artist Sigmar Polke's works have reflected the rapidly changing German society. Forty of his gouache paintings, created in 1996, are exhibited in Daejeon.
2008 Hermes Foundation Missulsang
Atelier Hermes
The 2008 Hermes Foundation Missulsang features the works of Kim Shin-il, Song Sang-hee and Ham Yang-ah. Atelier Hermes is located in Shinsa-dong, Gangnam. Closed on Wednesdays. Call (02) 544-7722.
Monumental Vacancies
Gallery Em
Through Sept. 27
Jorg Obergfell's unique installations and images are shown side-by-side with Chia-en Jao's delicate watercolor paintings at Gallery Em. Visit www.galleryem.co.kr.
Layer
PKM Trinity Gallery
Artist Kim Sang-gil is holding a solo exhibition at PKM Trinity Gallery in Cheongdam-dong. Visit www.pkmgallery.com.
Rubens, Baroque Masterpieces
Gwangju Museum of Art
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.
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.
The Wet Psyche
Kukje Gallery, Main Hall
Through Sept. 29
The fourth solo exhibition of respected artist Rhee Ki-bong comes to the Kukje Gallery. Having debuted with fanfare at the coveted Korea Fine Arts Association Exhibition in 1986, winning the top prize, he has led a prolific career. This exhibition present works with unconventional media like water and mist. Call (02) 735-8449 or visit www.kukjegallery.com
Nathalia Edenmont
Park Ryu Sook Gallery
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.
Nothing to be Envious in the World
Ssamzie Gallery
Sun Mu's paintings skewer North Korean images. For example, one work depicts North Korean leader Kim Jong-il in red sweatpants, pink hooded jacket and matching sneakers. Visit www.ssamziegil.com.
Gana Art 25th Anniversary Shows: The Bridge
Insa Art Center, Gana Art Center, Gana Art Busan
Gana Art celebrates its milestone with four major shows showing art works by young Koreans, Koreans who are based overseas, veteran and foreign artists. Visit www.ganaart.com or call (02) 720-1020
Kids
Puppet Musical Little Donkey
Seoul Open Theater Changdong
Oct. 24-26
A charming musical about friendship ``Little Donkey'' is coming to Seoul. Join donkey on a quest for missing socks that flew away with the storm. The musical is based on the award-winning Dutch children's story by Rindert Kromhout and will offer touching and delightful songs, along with lovable characters. Tickets cost from 10,000 won to 30,000 won. Visit www.https://ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 594-4025. Located near exit 1 of Changdong Station on subway line 1 or 4.
Family musical Momo
Changjo Concert Hall
Open Run
Momo is a delightful little girl who has the gift of listening. She helps people find their way out of problems by simply listening to them. But everything changes as the Men in Grey arrive at the village. The meaning of time is altered to a hectic and sterile concept, leaving Momo on a quest to bring back the pleasant village and the meaning of time to their righteous place. 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.
Gulliver's Travels
Broad Hall, Mokdong Broadcasting Institute
Join Gulliver and Captain Hook on their journey to Lilliput, Brobdingnag and the country of Houyhnhnms. The two famous characters start as enemies but gradually start to appreciate each other and finally realize their friendship. The musical will also offer a special ``shadow'' performance between intermissions. All tickets cost 15,000 won. Visit www.broadhall.net or call (02) 2647-8175. Located near exit 2 of Omokgyo Station on subway line 5.
Sports Games
Baseball
Sept. 27, 2008 Saturday
Doosan Bears vs. Samsung Lions at 5 p.m.
Jamsil Baseball Stadium
Woori Heroes vs. SK Wyverns at 5 p.m.
Mokdong Baseball Stadium
KIA Tigers vs. LG Twins at 5 p.m.
Gwangju Baseball Stadium
Lotte Giants vs. Hanhwa Eagles at 5 p.m.
Sajik Baseball Stadium
Sept. 28, 2008 Sunday
Lotte Giants vs. KIA Tigers at 5 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 information, call (02)509-1114 or visit at www.kra.co.kr.