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
Nature Poem Vol. 1
Michael Schultz Gallery Seoul
Through June 14
German Artist Hermann Standl is holding a solo exhibition at the Michael Schultz Gallery, Cheongdam-dong. Visit www.schultzgallery.co.kr or call (02) 546-7955.
Asia's Spring
M Gallery, Gwangju
Through May 30
An exhibition featuring photographs with the theme of Asian democracy, human rights and peace is being held at the M Gallery, Daein Market, Gwangju, South Jeolla Province. The UNESCO Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding (APCEIU) organized the exhibition.
Meet the Blythe
Coreana Museum
Through July 12
The big-eyed Blythe dolls are a cult favorite among many. Collector Kim Yun-seon is showing off her Blythe doll collection, which she started in 2002, at the Coreana Museum's 1st floor open gallery. Visit www.spacec.co.kr.
Arcadia
Gallery LVS
Through June 2
Seong Tae-jin creates colorful pop artworks depicting modern robots in the Three Kingdom series. Call (02) 3443-7475
Dreamers
Brain Factory
Through June 7
``Dreamers" is an exhibition of portraits of unknown actors by Hwang Joon-hyun. Brain Factory is located in Tongui-dong, Jongno, Seoul. Visit www.brainfactory.org.
Special Exhibition for Park Kyung-ni
Gallery Hyundai Gangnam Space
Through May 24
This special exhibition commemorates the one-year anniversary of the death of renowned Korean writer Park Kyung-ni, who wrote the masterpiece ``The Land (Toji)." Gallery Hyundai worked with the Toji Cultural Center to show Park's personal items, photos and videos. Artist Kim Duck-yong made the illustrations for Park's posthumous anthology. Visit www.galleryhyundai.com or call (02) 519-0800.
Re: Membering: Next of Japan
Doosan Gallery, Alternative Space Loop
Through June 24
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Doosan Gallery and Alternative Space Loop are hosting simultaneous exhibitions featuring 20 rising Japanese contemporary artists. Visit www.doosanartcenter.com or www.galleryloop.com.
I Love You
N GalleryH
Artists Gu Jang-seung and Jang Ji-won are holding a joint exhibition of their artworks which convey the feeling of love. N Gallery is located in Seohyeon-dong, Bundang, Gyeonggi Province. Visit www.ngalleryart.com.
Skyline
Gallery Space
Through June 21
Chung Seung-un presents installation works that explore the relationship between space and art. ``Skyline'' represents the connection of curvilinear lines from his hometown's mountains and the linear lines of the urban landscape. Visit www.space-culture.com.
Ceramics-Climax
Gyeonggi Museum of Modern Art
Through July 5
This contemporary ceramic art exhibition sheds light on the tradition and legacy of ceramics in Gyeonggi Province. Aside from ceramic artworks by a range of artists, the museum is also introducing a video installation of the late video artist Paik Nam June ``Shaping the Future with Earth.'' Visit www.gma.or.kr.
Nordic Design and Art Exhibition
Total Museum of Contemporary Art
Norwegian furniture brands such as Rybo and Stokke exemplify ``Scandinavian Design'' traditions at this exhibition. Anna Daniell and Sverre, resident artists at the Changdong Art Studio, are also showing their works. Visit www.totalmuseum.org.
Han Ai-kyu Exhibition
Posco Art Museum
Through May 28
Han Ai-kyu invites viewers to go on a journey with her, to experience new things and learn new stories through her art. Call (02) 3457-1665.
Apetheosis
Dukwon Gallery
Lee Jae-hyung is staging a solo exhibition at Dukwon Gallery in Insa-dong. Visit www.dukwongallery.co.kr.
Art in Bloom 2009: The Storming Party in Art Museum
Seoul Museum of Art
Fresh and vibrant Pop Art works by rising Korean artists and art groups such as Kim Ye-sol, Byun Dae-young, Kim & Hyun and Sticky Monster Lab are on display at the Seoul Museum of Art. Visit www.seoulma.org.
Itemtity
Gallery Em
Through June 13
Lee Si-woo created the term ``itemtity,'' a combination of item and identity, to refer to the exploration of identity in his paintings. Visit www.galleryem.co.kr or call (02) 544-8145.
Green
Gallery 2
Through June 6
Green may be the title of Kim Byung-hoon's solo exhibition, but the color green is nowhere to be found in his C-print art works featuring plants and trees. Visit www.gallery2.co.kr.
Waist Down _ Skirts by Miuccia Prada
Prada Transformer
The Prada Transformer, a temporary structure built on the grounds of Gyeonghui Palace, opened with this exhibition featuring 65 of the most outstanding skirts from Prada's collections since 1988. Admission is free, but advanced reservation is required. Visit www.prada-transformer.com. For non-Koreans, call (02) 737-4773 or email booking.transformer@prada.com.
In Between
Gallery Cha
Jang Hee-jin and Sang Eun-sung showcase their artwork at Gallery Cha, Tongui-dong, Jongno. Call (02) 730-1700.
Hwang Seon-tae
Dr. Park Gallery
Through May 31
Hwang Seon-tae presents his series of glass-photos at Dr. Park Gallery, Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province. He describes the glass-photos as his own thinking space, with each piece comprised of a photo, glass and wood. Visit www.drparkart.com.
Dominique Mulhem
Yea Sung Gallery
French artist Dominique Mulhem studied art at the National Superior Fine Arts School of Paris and is holding a solo exhibition in Seoul at the Yea Sung Gallery. Call (02) 738-3630 or email yeasung-gallery@hanmail.net.
What You See is What You See
KT Gallery
Through May 29
Photographs by Park Jong-guk and Karsten Trappe are on display at this exhibition at KT Gallery, on the second floor of KT Art Hall.
Julian Opie
Kukje Gallery
Leading British artist Julian Opie is known for his use of computerized imagery, creating human figures with black flat lines. His solo exhibition is held at Kukje Gallery, located near Gyeongbok Palace. Visit www.kukjegallery.com or call (02) 733-8449.
David Korty
I III Art
American artist David Korty is holding his first solo show in Seoul at the I III Art gallery in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam. Visit www.imartgallery.com.
'72, Goam, Venice
The Museum of Photography, Seoul
The Hanmi Foundation of Arts and Culture has organized a retrospective of paintings, collages and prints by the late renowned painter Lee Ungno. Lee combined traditional brush painting with abstract modernism in his acclaimed works. Visit www.photomuseum.or.kr or call (02) 418-1315.
Open Your Third Eye
National Museum of Contemporary Art, Korea
Contemporary Indian art is on display at the National Museum of Contemporary Art, in Gwacheon. To get there, get off at Seoul Grand Park, Line 4, Exit 4. A shuttle bus brings visitors to the museum. Visit www.moca.go.kr.
Adagio for Springs
Arario Gallery, Cheonan
Shine Kong's paintings from the ``Yestoday'' series exude an air of whimsy. Visit www.arariogallery.com
Art & Synesthesia
The Art & Synesthesia exhibition aims to give museum-goers a new experience in viewing art by allowing them to also touch and smell the artwork on display. A total of 24 Korean artists have participated in the exhibition. Visit www.seoulmoa.org or call (02) 2124-8800.
Portraits of the Great Korean Imperial Family
The Museum of Photography Seoul
Rare, original photographs of the Joseon Dynasty's last royal family taken from 1897-1910 are displayed at the Museum of Photography. Tickets cost 5,000 won. Visit www.photomuseum.or.kr.
New Acquisitions 2008
National Musuem of Contemporary Art
The National Museum of Contemporary Art is showing off 212 new works it acquired last year and added to its already extensive art collection. Among the new acquisitions are drawings by Lee Joong-sub and photographs by Kim Il-chang and Kim Han-yong. Part One of the exhibition runs through June 7, and Part Two runs June 16-Aug 30. To get there, get off Seoul Grand Park Station, line No.4, exit 4. Visit www.moca.go.kr/index.htm.
Story Telling
Artspace Hue
Through May 22
Bae Han-na creates a mixed media collage with images of Coca-Cola's recognizable logo, as well as delicate Oriental ink works on Korean paper. Call (02) 333-0955 or email artspacehue@hotmail.com.
On Every Border Flower Blossoms
Daejeon Museum of Art
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.
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 is Paik's multimedia installation and Kang's installation work, 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. 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.
Kids
The Very Hungry Caterpillar & Other Eric Carle Favorites
Baekam Art Hall
June 23-July 12
Based on the book of same title, which has been translated into over 47 languages. This special show of Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia will bring the children to the wonderful world of fairy tales. Korean dubbed-version will be available every Saturday. All tickets are 30,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 559-1333. Located near exit 8 of Samseong Station on subway line 2.
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
Football
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Jeonbuk vs. Incheon
Jeonju Worldcup Stadium at 6 p.m.
Seongnam vs. Jeonnam
Seongnam Stadium at 7 p.m.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Daegu vs. Gwangju
Daegu Stadium at 3 p.m.
Kyeongnam vs. Suwon
Changwon Stadium at 3 p.m.
Daejun vs. Seoul
Daejun Worldcup Stadium at 3 p.m.
Ulsan vs. Kangwon
Ulsan Munsu Stadium at 3 p.m.
Pohang vs. Busan
Pohang Stealyard 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.