Clubs, Traditional Events and 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

Fashion Ethics: Wear Good

Gyeonggi Museum of Modern Art

Through Oct. 4

Gyeonggi Museum of Modern Art in Ansan is holding its annual cross-genre exhibition featuring fashion as art. The exhibition explores ethical fashion as a new paradigm relating to environmental and cultural identity issues. Visit www.gmoma.org.

12 Prototypes

Dukwon Gallery

Through Aug. 22

Cool, stylish and quirky furniture designs by Korean designers are on display at Dukwon Gallery, including a Chocolate Chair by Bang Eun-sook, a Spiral Spring Chair by Yu Kwang-soo and a Horse Man Table by Park Beom-ki. Visit www.dukwongallery.co.kr

Le Grand Bleu: Seascape

Insa Gallery & The Basement

Through Aug. 17

Eleven Korean artists give their interpretations of seascapes in this group exhibition. Visit www.insagallery.com.

Jin Yu

Philip Kang Gallery

Through Aug. 29

Chinese artist Jin Yu holds a solo show at Philip Kang Gallery, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam. Visit www.philipkanggallery.net.

Monkey Theater

Gallery Soso

Through Aug. 23

Yugoslav artist Mileta Postic shows his drawings and animated works at Gallery Soso. Visit www.gallerysoso.com

Nature's Gifts-Soil

Gallery Ssamzie

Through Aug. 16

Nothing Design Group shows off its stylish but eco-friendly designs using soil materials and pebbles. Gallery Ssamzie is in Basement 1 of Ssamziegil in Insa-dong. Call (02) 736-0900(#504) or visit www.ssamziegil.com.

MC Mina's Picture Diary

Coreana Museum

Through Sept. 20

Drawings, illustrations and character designs by Park Mi-na are on display in the open gallery, on the first floor of the Coreana Museum. Visit www.spacec.co.kr.

Entr'acte

Kukje Gallery

Kukje Gallery presents works by Nordic artists Ann Lislegaard, Kaspar Bonnen, Michael Elmgreen & Ingar Dragset, Per Wizen and Marko Vuokola. The title is taken from the French word ``entre actes,'' which means the moment between acts in a play. Visit www.kukjegallery.com.

Korean Diaspora Artists in Asia

National Museum of Contemporary Art

Through Sept. 27

The National Museum of Contemporary Art in Gwacheon is hosting a special exhibition featuring works by Korean artists who have made a name for themselves throughout Asia. 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.

World Press Photo 09

V-Gallery, Seoul Arts Center

Through Aug. 26

The winning photos of the 52nd annual World Press Photo Contest are being shown in this exhibition. Tickets are 8,000 won for adults, 5,000 won for students, and 3,000 won for children. Seoul Arts Center is located near Nambu Bus Terminal station line 3. Visit www.worldpressphoto.org.

Double Act

Savina Museum of Contemporary Art

Savina Museum of Contemporary Art wants children and their parents to have fun at the museum for its special summer exhibition ``Double Act.'' The museum offers daily educational art programs for children at 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Visit www.savinamuseum.com.

Going Up 30

Yeonhui-dong Project

Through Aug. 21

Nine Korean artists, including Cho Hyun-ju, Jung Se-won and Jung Yoon-sun, are participating in this group exhibition. Visit www.yhdprojects.com or call (02) 324-1286.

Color x Art x Play

Oulim Museum, Goyang Oulim Nuri Arts Complex

Through Aug. 30

As the title suggests, this exhibition is all about fun and colorful artworks by Korean artists. Visit www.artgy.or.kr or call (031) 960-9730.

2009 Hot & Cold with Glass Festival

Mokkumto Gallery

Fourteen artists show their creativity in glass works at this special glass festival at Mokkumto Gallery. Visit www.mokkumto.com or call (02) 764-0700.

Missing You

Art & Museum

Through Aug. 6

Jae J. Rhee is holding her first solo art show at Art & Museum in Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam. For the artist, the use of chairs in her works is a symbol of home. Call (02) 561-6613.

Borderless Generation: Contemporary Art of Latin America

Korea Foundation Cultural Center

Through Aug. 8

This exhibition brings a sample of the rich diversity of Latin American contemporary art to Korea. Organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Korea Foundation, the exhibition features works from 27 artists from 20 countries. Special screenings of Latin American films will be held during exhibition period. Admission is free. Visit www.kfcenter.or.kr.

Park Young-geun

Arario Gallery Cheonan

Artist Park Young-geun is holding solo exhibition at Arario Gallery, Cheonan. Visit www.arariogallery.com.

Beat in Two Cities: Korea/China Contemporary Art

Youngeun Museum

The exhibition features works by Korean artists Kang Young-min, Kim Young-sup, Park Yong-sik, Park Eun-sun, Jung Sang-hyun, Jemma Han, and Chinese artists Jiang Heng, Su Cong, Piao Guang Xie and Qiu Jun. Visit www.youngeunmuseum.org.

Kim Jae-hwan

Arario Seoul

Through Aug. 18

Kim Jae-hwan created a series of deconstructed sculptures that ``calls attention to the function of materials themselves, their equality in value, interpreted to equality in humanity.'' He is presenting six new sculptures, one painting, and 10 preparatory drawings. Visit www.ararioseoul.com.

Fernando Botero

National Museum of Contemporary Art, Deoksu Palace

Through Sept. 17

Renowned Colombian artist Fernando Botero brings Latin American life to Seoul through an exhibition of 90 paintings and sculptures. His famous reinterpretations of portraits by Rubens, Velasquez, and Goya are included in the exhibition. Admission is 10,000 won for adults to 4,000 won for children. The museum is closed on Mondays. To get there, get off at City Hall station, line 1 or 2, exit 1 or 2. Call (02) 368-1414 or visit https://botero.moca.go.kr.

Artist of the Year 2009: Suh Yong-sun

National Museum of Contemporary Art, Korea

The National Museum of Contemporary Art has chosen Artist Suh Young-sun as the 2009 Artist of the Year. To get there, get off Seoul Grand Park Station Line 4, Exit 4. A free shuttle bus to the museum is available. Visit www.moca.go.kr.

Wasted Lives

Gallery Em

Cha Dong-hoon created eerie ghostly portraits for his first solo exhibition. Visit www.galleryem.co.kr.

Art in Superstar

Hangaram Art Museum

This unique exhibition features Pop Art-inspired portraits of famous people such as Che Guevarra, Bob Marley, Marilyn Monroe and Andy Warhol. Hangaram Art Museum is located at the Seoul Arts Center, near Nambu Bus Terminal Station Line 3. Tickets are 8,000 won. Call 580-1601.

Renoir: Promise of Happiness

Seoul Museum of Art

Through Sept. 13

Some 118 paintings and drawings by Impressionist master Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919) are displayed in Seoul for the first time.

Renoir's masterpieces at the show include ``A Dance in the Country'' (1883), ``The Swing'' (1876) and ``Young Girls at the Piano'' (1892). Tickets are 12,000 won for adults (19-64 years), 10,000 won for students (13-18 years), and 8,000 won for children (7-12 years). Opening hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, Sunday and holidays. Visit www.renoirseoul.com.

Struggle

Cyan Museum of Art

Six Korean artists interpret the theme of struggle in their art works, at this group exhibition at Cyan Museum of Art. Visit www.cyanmuseum.org.

EXPosition of mythology _ ELectronic technology

Nam June Paik Art Center

This exhibition explores ideas of technology, mythology and religion through the perspective of Nam June Paik's first solo exhibition in 1963 called EXPosition of Music ELectronic Television. Visit www.njp.kr.

Earth Alert: A Photographic Response to Climate Change

Daelim Museum

Climate change is a serious treat, 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.

Dissonant Visions

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.

100 Years of Korean Comics

``Manhwa'' or Korean comic books are on the spotlight at the National Museum of Contemporary Art, Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province. The exhibition traces the development of Korean comics in the last 100 years.

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.

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.

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.

Gift

Gallery 2

Kim Eun-hye's paintings, which show young children playing with toys, evoke the innocence of childhood. Visit www.gallery2.co.kr or call (02) 3448-2112.

Interiors

Through Aug. 7

Kukje Gallery has organized a special exhibition in collaboration with Vintage 20 _ Chung Jae-woong. Visit www.kukjegallery.com or call (02) 733-8449.