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 those 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 toi 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 DJ are in the center of the club, which attracts a trendy crowd of models and celebrities. Packed on weekends. Check out 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
This is the local club of a hip Japanese chain that's also found in Shanghai. Located in the famous clubbing area, Hongdae, it's flashy with loud club music and lights. It's spacious and a supersized crystal ball hangs 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
An Asia-inspired lounge located on the third floor of a building on Parking Lot street in Hongdae. The stonewalls feature photographs and rusted steel plates cover the windows. Located in Mapo, 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, wooden bar, the tavern is spread out on two floors. Find it in 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, expect to hear funk, punk, rock, or pop. Funky Funky attracts an eclectic mix of people. To get there: Walk down 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 get there, 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. Located near the Salvatore Ferragamo and Prada buildings in Cheongdam-dong. Call (02) 542-8003.
Traditional
Folk Performances
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.
Experience Hanok Life
Namsangol Hanok Village
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.
Traditional Wine Making Demonstration
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.
Art Exhibitions
In the Shadow of the Flame
Gallery Em
Through April 18
New Zealand-born Dutch artist Dylan Graham makes exquisite hand-cut paper works. This exhibition at Gallery Em in Chungdam-dong is Graham's first in Korea. Call (02) 544-8145 or visit www.galleryem.co.kr.
Being Absorbed
Gallery Cha
Through March 13
Gallery Cha is hosting a joint exhibition of two Korean artists, Han Eun-sun and Jeong Yong-kook, who both are interested in depicting nature in a unique way. Call (02) 730-1700.
Landscape
Posco Art Museum
Through March 25
Cha Kyu-sun is holding a solo exhibition at Posco Art Museum, located at Posco Art Center, Daechi-dong. Call (02) 3457-1665.
Duplicity Project II
Gallery K
Through March 18
Lee Jun-eui creates interesting cityscapes that depict the fast-paced life in Seoul. His works are on display at Gallery K, located in Seocho-dong. Visit www.galleryk.org of call (02) 2055-1410.
Living Creatures
Samsung Raemian Gallery
Through March 12
Young Mexican artist Cesar Rangel will showcase 19 mixed media works at his solo exhibition, his first in Asia. He has staged exhibitions in France, Israel and Italy. The Mexican Embassy in Seoul sponsored the exhibition. Call (02) 765-3304.
Translation
Gallery 2
Through March 28
Sung Nak-hee showcases colorful, geometric patterned art works for a solo exhibition at Gallery 2, located at the Nature Poem Building in Cheongdam-dong. Visit www.gallery2.co.kr.
On Every Border Flower Blossoms
Daejeon Museum of Art
March 13-May22
Daejeon Museum of Art welcomes the spring season with a special exhibition featuring sculptures, paintings, media art and installations by Kim Hong-joo, Kim Hae-min, Rim Dong-sik, Jung Kwang-ho and Hong Myung-seop. Call (042) 602-3252.
Michael Craig-Martin
PKM Trinity Gallery
Through March 31
Irish conceptual artist and painter Michael Craig-Martin is holding a solo exhibition at PKM Trinity Gallery, Cheongdam-dong. He has influenced many of the ``Young British Artists.'' Visit www.pkmgallery.com or call (02) 515-9496.
Wandering
Kukje Gallery
Through March 29
Kukje Gallery is hosting an exhibition of the works of acclaimed Neo-Pop Japanese artist Hideaki Kawashima. His works feature floating faces, inspired by elements of Japanese anime and manga. Visit kukjegallery.com or call (02) 735-8449.
To Make a Rainbow
Arario Gallery, Cheonan
Arario Gallery President Kim Chang-il is holding his fifth solo exhibition as an artist. As Ci Kim, he recreated his past art works and threw tomatoes on them. Call (041) 551-5100 or visit www.arariogallery.com
Mukoyama Yutaka
Gallery The Chai
March 7-31
Osaka-born artist Mukoyama Yutaka is holding a solo exhibition at Gallery The Chai, Heyri Art Valley in Paju, Gyeonggi Province. Call (031) 942-5429.
Latin Contemporary Art `Passion'
Gallery Bellarte
Through March 10
Gallery Bellarte is hosting a two-part exhibition showcasing contemporary Latin American artists. The first part, Passion, features works by Enriquillo Rodriguez Amiama, Antonio Maro, Onofre Frias, Flora Fong, Ernesto Villanueva Morera and Hernan Miranda. The second part, Sensitivity, will run from March 11 to 31. Call (02) 739-4333.
A Message From Spring
Yongeun Museum
Through April 5
Welcome the new season with fresh art works by up-and-coming artists at Yongeun Museum, located in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province. Visit www.yongeunmuseum.org.
MultiScape
3.15 Art Center
Through April 14
This video and photography exhibition features 19 Korean and foreign artists including Park June-bum, Kim Se-jin, Lee Min-ho, Jean-Gabriel Lopez and Wu Shang-lin. The art center is located in Masan, South Gyeongsang Province. Visit www.315art.net or call (55) 220-6670.
Animal Fun
Gallery Jant
Through March 9
Gallery Jant, located in Bundang, is hosting an exhibition featuring works with animal themes by Ahn Yun-mo, Mo Young-su, Lee Young-suk and Soung Hyeong-no. Call (031) 8022-5424.
Fingerprints
Michael Schultz Gallery Seoul
Through March 21
Chinese artist Zou Cao is very much interested in fingerprints. Instead of a paint brush, he uses his own fingerprints in his works. His works feature pop culture icons such as Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn and Mao Zedong. Visit www.schultzgallery.co.kr
Timeless
Opera Gallery Seoul
Opera Gallery Seoul brings together the works of Samy Briss and Sylvain Tremblay. Briss, an 80-year-old Israeli artist, embraces biblical themes and symbols, such as the Virgin Mary, in his paintings. Canadian artist Sylvain Tremblay creates colorful, geometrical works reminiscent of Gustav Klimt and Alberto Giacometti's works. Visit www.operagallery.com.
Invisible Journeys
Doosan Gallery
Through March 26
Chinese artist Qui Xiaofei's exhibition is inspired by Antoine de Saint-Exupery's The Little Prince. His first exhibition in Korea features paintings, sculptures and media installations that he made from 2003 to 2009. Call (02) 708-5050 or visit www.doosanartcenter.com.
Sympathy
Gallery DOS
Under the broad topic of ``sympathy,'' Gallery DOS is featuring six artists for weekly relay exhibitions. Watch different artists expressing the same topic in individual creative ways. Gallery DOS is located at Insa-dong. Call (02) 735-4678 for more information.
Multiple/Dialogue
National Museum of Contemporary Art of Korea
Through Feb. 7, 2010
This yearlong exhibition brings together the works of the late Paik Nam-june and Korean-American artist Kang Ik-joong. On display are Paik's multimedia installation and Kang's installation work that is made of thousands of paintings, woodcuts and drawings. The two artists may have come from different generations and have distinct artistic styles, but their art continues to enthrall people. To get there, get off at Seoul Grand Park Subway Line 4, Exit 4, where a shuttle bus to the museum is available every 20 minutes. Visit https://www.moca.go.kr.
Sidescape
Ssamzie Space
Through March 15
Ssamzie Space curator Shin Hyun-jin and artist Hong Soun were invited to the SITE Santa Fe Biennale last year. This exhibit is meant to celebrate the success of Hong's works at the biennale. Hong is also presenting a new series of large-scale paintings called Sidescape. Visit www.ssamziespace.com.
German Figurative Art
Die Gallerie
Through April 3
Die Gallerie is opening in Seoul with an exhibition featuring works by leading German figurative artists such as Gerhard Richter, A.R. Penck, Markus Lupertz, Eckhard Kremers and Volker Stelzmann. Die Gallerie is located in Cheongdam-dong. Call (02) 3447-0048.
Lee Jeong-lok
Gallery Kong
Gallery Kong is hosting artist Lee Jeong-lok's solo exhibition this month. The gallery is located near Samcheong-dong. Call (02) 738-7776 or visit www.gallerykong.com.
Camille Pissarro: Family and Friends
Aramnuri Arts Center
Masterpieces by Camille Pissaro (1830-1903), considered the father of Impressionism, are in Korea for the first time. His paintings, prints and drawings are from the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology at the University of Oxford. Admission is 10,000 won for adults, 7,000 won for students and 5,000 won for children. Visit www.artgy.or.kr or call (031) 960-0180.
A Master of 20th Century Design
Vitamin Station, V Gallery
American designer Charles Eames was known for his groundbreaking architecture and modern furniture designs. His famous chair designs are on display at the Vitamin Station. Admission is free. Located at the Seoul Arts Center. Visit www.sac.or.kr.
Modern Korea Rediscovered
National Museum of Art, Deoksu Palace
Through March 22
Trace the development of contemporary Korean art at this extensive exhibition at the National Museum of Art, Deoksu Palace. Works of more than 100 Korean painters and sculptors from 1910 to 1960 are shown. Admission is free. Visit www.koreamodern.com.
Rubens, Baroque Masterpieces
Main Exhibition Hall 1, Sejong Center for Performing Arts
Masterpieces by Peter Paul Rubens, Anthonis Van Dyk, Jan Van Goyen and other Flemish artists are in Seoul for the first time. The artworks are on loan from the Vienna Academy Museum. Admission is 12,000 won for adults, 9,000 for students and 7,000 for children. Call 1544-6154.
Heaven for Artists
Seoul Museum of Art
``Heaven for Artists" features 79 works, which show the different concepts of heaven, from the renowned Pompidou Center in Paris, France. Artists such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Joan Miro, Raoul Dufy and Marc Chagall show how they interpret heaven. Tickets are 12,000 won for adults, 9,000 won 12-17 year olds, and 7,000 won for 6-11 year olds. Closed on Monday. Visit www.seoulmoa.org or www.pompidou2008.kr.
I Am An Artist
National Museum of Contemporary Art, Korea
Through March 8
The Young Korean Artists 2008 exhibit features works by promising artists such as Sang Seok-ho, Kim Si-won, Wee Young-il, Lee Jae-hoon and Che One-joon. Visit www.moca.go.kr or call (02) 2188-6000.
The Gleam of Lanterns
Cyan Museum of Art
Through April 26
Sculptor Park Choong-heum is holding a solo exhibition that explores art and design as a symbol of life. Visit www.cyanmuseum.org or call (054) 338-9391.
Kids
The Snowman
Seoul Arts Center
March 28- April 12
Based on the world-renowned novel of same title, ``The Snowman'' is also well known as a great performance for family. With the melodic songs, including `walking in the air', the snowman moves you deeply. Tickets cost from 40,000 won to 80,000 won. For more information, visit www.credia.co.kr or call (02) 751-9606~10. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal Station on subway line 3.
Ice World expedition with Pororo
Special Exhibition Hall, Korea Design Center
Through April 12
Experience the world of ice with Pororo at the Korea Design Center. Children can try to make a cup cake, sledge in the snow and explore the cave of the Ice. Tickets cost from 10,000 won to 12,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 4 of Yatap Station on the Bundang subway line.
Kids' Nanta
Woongjin Think Big Art Hall
Open Run
Famous percussion instrument musical Nanta is remade as a kids' musical. Four cooks are given an order to prepare a birthday party for 100 children within a few hours. Suddenly four magicians appear and help them prepare food and cakes. The musical also presents laser and magic shows, and ends with Korean traditional rhythmic music. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 50,000 won. For more information visit www.ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 738-8289. Located near from Seolleung Station on subway Bundang line.
Family Musical Momo
Changjo Concert Hall
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. For more information, visit www.ticketlink.co.kr or call (02) 747-7001. Located near exit 4 of Hyehwa Station on subway line 4.
Sports
Basketball
March 7, Saturday, 2009
Jeonju KCC egis vs. Changwon LG Sakers
Jeonju Indoor Stadium at 3 p.m.
Seoul Samsung Thunders vs. Wonju Dongbu Promy
Jamsil Indoor Stadium at 3 p.m.
Incheon ETLand Black Slamers vs. Ulsan Mobis Pheobus
Incheon Samsan Indoor Stadium at 3 p.m.
March 8, Sunday, 2009
Seoul SK Knights vs. Seoul Samsung Thunders
Jamsil Student Indoor Stadium at 3 p.m.
Wonju Dongbu Promy vs. Busan KTF Magic Wings
Wonju Chiak Stadium at 3 p.m.
Changwon LG Sakers vs. Anyang KT & G Kites
Changwon Indoor Stadium at 5 p.m.
Daegu Orions vs. Incheon ETLand Black Slamers
Daegu Indoor Stadium at 3 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 www.kra.co.kr.