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
Earth Alert: A Photographic Response to Climate Change
Daelim Museum
Through Aug. 23
Climate change is a serious threat, and this photography exhibition encourages visitors to think about their own personal impact on the environment and how they can reduce their carbon footprint. On display are 100 photos by 13 British and Korean professional photographers that show the impact of climate change around the world. The show will also be held at the Korean Cultural Centre in London from Oct. 13 to Nov. 28.
Heo Wook Solo Exhibition
Gallery LVS
Through July 11
Gallery LVS is hosting Heo Wook's solo exhibition. Heo's works look like colorful jigsaw puzzles. Call (02) 3443-7475.
Hans Heinsbroek
July 7-21
Raemian Gallery
The Embassy of the Netherlands is holding an exhibition of paintings by Hans Heinsbroek in Raemian Gallery. It is located near Changdeok Palace. Get off at Anguk station, line 3, exit 4. Call (02) 765-3304.
The Between
Urban Art
July 1-20
A group exhibition of works by Korean and foreign artists such as Kwon Ki-soo, Kim Jun and Patricia Tobacco Forrester is being held at Urban Art. Call (02) 511-2931 or visit www.urbanart4u.com.
My Heart’s Jewelry Box
Gallery Ssamzie
Through July 5
Moon Chang-bae is showcasing his glistening seascapes at a solo exhibition at Gallery Ssamzie, located on the basement of Ssamzie Gil in Insa-dong. Visit www.ssamziegil.com
Kim Young-kyun Exhibition
UM Gallery
Through July 4
Kim Young-kyun is holding his third solo exhibition at UM Gallery. Visit www.umgallery.co.kr
Shared Illusion
Cais Gallery
Through July 17
Cais Gallery is hosting an exhibition of works by Yi Hwan-kwon. Visit www.caisgallery.com or call (02) 511-0668.
Wildwood Air
Kukje Gallery
Through June 28
Sen Chung is holding a solo exhibition at Kukje Gallery. Visit www.kukjegallery.com.
Love Me Tender
Opera Gallery
Through July 7
French sculptor Marie Madeleine Gautier makes smooth bronze sculptures of females with small heads and exaggerated hips and legs. Vietnam-born, Paris-based Kelyne creates paintings that effortlessly combine Western and Eastern cultures. Email seoul@operagallery.com or call (02) 3446-0070.
Dissonant Visions
Seoul Museum of Art
Through Aug. 30
The Seoul Museum of Art opens its new exhibition featuring 21 Korean artists with a reception June 23. Visit www.seoulmoa.org or call (02) 2124-8800.
Rose
The Museum of Photography, Seoul
Through July 25
Photographer Joo Myung-duck loves beautiful roses, and it shows through his works. At the age of 70, Joo says that showing these photographs of roses is like revealing a part of his life. Call (02) 418-1316.
Observation
Gallery Cha
Through July 3
Kim Hong-sik and Lim Sun-hee are holding a joint exhibition with the theme of observations. Lim’s painting ``In the Bag: Age 34, Designer Miss Suk Lim'' shows the contents of the bag of a young modern woman, while Kim’s ``Looking At'' shows shadowy images of people walking. Gallery Cha is located near Gyeongbokgung Station Line 3, Exit 4. Call (02) 730-1700.
Frozen Flowers II
Posco Art Museum
Through July 9
Artist Hong Ju-young takes photographs of beautiful flowers that have been frozen. These flowers have undergone a condensing process, capturing their beauty in ice. Posco Art Museum is at the second floor of Posco Center, Daechi-dong, Gangnam. Call (02) 3457-1667.
Based on a True Story
Michael Schultz Gallery Seoul
Through July 31
Roemer & Roemer is having an exhibition at Michael Schultz Gallery, Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam. Visit www.schultzgallery.co.kr.
Julian Schnabel Print Exhibition
Watergate Gallery Seoul
Through July 10
Around 39 prints made by renowned American artist Julian Schnabel in the last 30 years will be on display at Watergate Gallery. Schnabel is known for his groundbreaking paintings and films, but he is also a prolific print-maker who uses various media and techniques to create a body of work that transcends the traditional applications of printmaking. Visit www.changart.com.
London Calling
Total Museum of Contemporary Art
Through July 26
British artists such as Phillip Allen, Fiona Banner, David Batchelor, Martin Creed, Dryden Goodwin, Peter McDonald, and Nathaniel Rackowe are participating in this group exhibition featuring British contemporary art. Total Museum of Contemporary Art is located in Pyeongchang-dong. Visit www.totalmuseum.org.
Between the Border
Gwangju Museum of Art
Through July 28
The Gwangju Museum of Art has organized an extensive exhibition of contemporary Korean, Chinese, and Japanese art. Visit www.artmuse.gwangju.go.kr.
Musical Offering
Gallery 2
Hong Seung-hye’s works are characterized by minimalist squares of color. Visit www.gallery2.co.kr or call (02) 3448-2112.
100 Years of Korean Comics
National Museum of Contemporary Art
``Manhwa'' or Korean comic books are in the spotlight at the National Museum of Contemporary Art, Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province. The exhibition traces the development of Korean comics over the last century. To get there, get off Seoul Grand Park Station, line 4, exit 4. A free shuttle bus to the museum is available. Admission is 3,000 won. Visit www.moca.go.kr.
A Way of Self-Confession
Gallery Soso
Through July 19
Twenty paintings by four Korean artists, Kwon Soon-young, Yang Yoo-youn, Lee Yoon-ju and Hong In-suk, are on display at Gallery Soso. Visit www.gallerysoso.com.
Nervous Track
Atelier Hermes
Through Aug. 9
Atelier Hermes, located in Sinsa-dong, is hosting the solo exhibition of Scottish artist Jim Lambie. Lambie, born in 1964 in Glasgow, Scotland, was short-listed for the 2005 Turner Prize with an installation called ``Mental Oyster." The exhibition in Seoul features his signature striped floor installations.
100 Daehangro
Arko Art Center
Arko Art Center is commemorating 30 years since it moved to Daehangro with a special exhibition. The center’s memories and experiences in the past 30 years are presented in the context of visual arts. Thirty artists and artist groups are participating. Visit www.arkoartcenter.or.kr or call (02) 760-4850.
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.
Ceramics-Climax
Gyeonggi Museum of Modern Art
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.
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.
Transforming Cycles
Philip Kang Gallery
Through June 30
Twisted, multi-colored pieces of aluminum characterize Jeon Yong-hwan’s works on display at Philip Kang Gallery, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam. Visit www.philipkanggallery.net or call (02) 517-9014.
Lee Chae-young Exhibition
SHB Gallery
Through June 27
Lee Chae-young was chosen as one of the artists featured at SHB Gallery’s 2009 Shinhan Young Artist Festa. Her works feature stark black and white images of empty streets, houses, and neighborhoods. The gallery is located near Gwanghwamun Station Line 5 Exit 6.
Visit www.shinhanmuseum.co.kr.
The Self-Motivation
Dukwon Gallery
Kim Myung-hoon is holding a solo show at Dukwon Gallery, Insa-dong. Visit www.dukwongallery.co.kr.
Kids
KBS Symphony Orchestra’s `Classical Concert with Shadow Play’
KBS Hall
June 27
KBS Symphony Orchestra, led by Gu Mo-young, will hold a concert under the theme ``Shadow Play’’ with the Theatre Young. Baritone Kwon Yong-man and Soprano Nam Hye-won will join as special guests. Tickets cost from 10,000 won to 13,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 781-2251. Located near exit 3 of Yeouido Station on subway line 5.
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 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 Games
Baseball
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Doosan Bears vs. Samsung Lions
Jamsil Stadium at 5 p.m.
SK Wyverns vs. LG Twins
Munhak Stadium at 5 p.m.
Hanwha Eagles vs. Lotte Giants
Daejun Stadium at 5 p.m.
KIA Tigers vs. Heroes
Gwangju Stadium at 5 p.m.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
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.