Clubs, Art Exhibitions & Sports Games
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.
Traditional Wine Making Demonstration
Namsangol Hanok Village
6-9 p.m., every Satday
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
Stan Douglas
Mongin Art Center
Through Nov. 1
Canadian media and video artist Stan Douglas is holding his first solo exhibition in Korea. The show includes his black-and-white portrait photographs. Mongin Art Center is located in Samcheong-dong. It is open Tuesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visit www.mongin.org.
Seoul International Print Photo Art Fair
Hangaram Art Museum, Hangaram Design Museum
Sept. 12-16
The Seoul International Print Photo Art Fair has gathered 43 galleries for this annual event showcasing print and photography artworks. It also features special exhibitions of photographers from Netherlands, young Asian artists and Australian artist Jayne Dyer. Tickets are 10,000 won. The museums are located at Seoul Arts Center, near Nambu Bus Terminal line 3, exit 5. Visit www.sippa.org.
APT
Brain Factory
Through Sept. 20
Choi Sung-hoon's exhibition consists of video works on LCD screens of different sizes, showing scenes of apartment buildings and its residents, and fireworks displays. Visit www.brainfactory.org.
Hackney Flowers
Gaain Gallery
Through Sept. 30
In this exhibition, British photographer Stephen Gill will showcase stunning images of flowers from Hackney, where he currently lives. Visit www.gaainart.com or call (02) 394-3631.
Lee Kang-soo 1989-2009
Gallery Hyundai
Sept. 8-27
An exhibition of Lee Kang-soo's works of the last 20 years (1989-2009) will be held at Gallery Hyundai. Visit www.galleryhyundai.com.
Untitled
Gallery Factory
Gallery Factory is hosting a joint exhibition of artists Choi Sung-hun and Park Sun-min. Call (02) 733-4883 or visit www.factory483.org.
Layering
Project Space, Sarubia
Choi Sang-ah is holding a solo exhibition at Project Space, Sarubia. Visit www. Sarubia.org.
Design Miami/ Basel Moved to Seomi
Gallery Seomi
Selected works by Korean artists who participated in Design Miami and Basel are currently on display at Gallery Seomi. Participating artists are Choi Byung-hoon, Lee Hun-chung, Kwon Dae-sup and Jang Jin. Call (02) 511-7305.
Dialogue with Physical Objects
Baobabtree
Through Sept. 19
In the works of Koo Bon-a's on display at Caf? Baobabtree in Seocho-dong, the stones and walls play an important role. The artist says they ``provide an organic space where the empathy between me and the objects is developed." Visit www.sisoa.co.kr or www.baobabcoffee.com.
The Hard Way
Sun Baba Ra Gallery
Through Sept. 14
American printmaker Mike Stewart is holding a solo show at Sun Baba Ra Gallery, located near Hankuk University of Foreign Studies Station. Visit mstwartprintmaker.com or call (02) 968-9991.
Black Maria and the White City
Alternative Space Loop
Through Sept. 27
Lee Young-ho is holding a solo exhibition of his experimental works. Visit www.galleryloop.com or call (02) 3141-1377.
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.
Lee U-fan Sculpture
Kukje Gallery
Through Oct. 9
Kukje Gallery is hosting a special exhibition of sculptures by renowned Korean artist Lee U-fan. Visit www.kukjegallery.com or call (02) 733-4879.
Architectural Ceramic Now & New
Clayarch Gimhae Museum
Through Feb. 7
The Clayarch Gimhae Museum, located in South Gyeongsang Province, is holding its 8th Architectural Ceramic Exhibition. Participating artists include Song Jun-gyu, Hilde Angel Danielsen, Lee Jong-geun and Johannes Pfeiffer. Visit www.clayarch.org or call (055) 340-7000.
Those Things I've Done
Gallery 2
Through Sept. 26
Kim Hye-na's mixed media works are characterized by dark subjects but filled with whirls of red and green colors. Visit www.gallery2.co.kr.
Kim Dong-won Solo Exhibition
UNC Gallery
Through Sept. 12
Kim Dong-won is interested in the subject of ``losing face." He literally does it on the canvas, depicting faces from crumpled and ripped photographs. Call (02) 543-2798.
Ultra Skin
Coreana Museum Space*C
Coreana Museum, located in Sinsa-dong, southern Seoul, is holding a group exhibition of works by Korean and foreign artists. Visit www.spacec.co.kr.
Turn Into Me
Prada Transformer
Swedish artist Nathalie Djurberg, who was recently honored with the Silver Lion for the best young artist at the 53rd Venice Biennale this year, is holding a solo exhibition at the Prada Transformer. It is open Tuesday to Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free, but online reservation is needed in advance. Visit www.pradatransformer.co.kr or call (02) 737-4772.
Desire and Anesthesia
Art Sonje Center
Through Oct. 25
Ham Kyung-ah is holding a solo exhibition at Art Sonje Center, Seokuk-dong, Jongno. Visit www.artsonje.org/asc/.
Naked City Spleen
Gallery Hyundai Gangnam
Gallery Hyundai is hosting a solo exhibition of works by Kim Miru. Visit www.galleryhyundai.com.
Inside Positions
Michael Schultz Gallery, Seoul
Artist Yee Sookyung, Kim Yusob and Yoon Deungnam are holding an exhibition at the Michael Schultz Gallery, Cheongdam-dong. Visit www.schultzgallery.co.kr or call (02) 546-7955.
The Magic of Photography
The Museum of Photography, Seoul
Through Oct. 1
The Hanmi Foundation of Arts and Culture has organized an exhibition titled ``The Magic of Photography'' at the Museum of Photography. Visit www.photomuseum.or.kr or call (02) 418-1315.
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 shift relating to environment and cultural identity issues. Visit www.gmoma.org.
MC Mina's Picture Diary
Coreana Museum
Drawings, illustrations and character designs by Park Mi-na are on display at the open gallery, first floor of Coreana Museum. Visit www.spacec.co.kr.
Korean Diaspora Artists in Asia
National Museum of Contemporary Art
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.
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.
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.
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
Musical 'Dooly'
Jamsil Lotte Art Hall
One of Korea's first cartoon characters, Dooly, will appear onstage. The small green dinosaur and his friends will embark on an adventure to save Dooly's adoptive father Go Gil-dong. Tickets cost from 24,000 won to 40,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 5653-555. Located near exit 3 and 4 of Jamsil Station on subway line 2.
Arnie Kolodner in Magical School for Wizards
Baekam Art Hall
Sept. 15 - Oct. 4
Children's magician Arnie Kolodner will present his special magical school to Korean kids. His lesson plan will include "Defense Against the Dart Wizards," "Transformation," "Funny Monsters" and others. Tickets cost from 30,000 to 40,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 559-1333. Located near exit 8 of Samsung Station on subway line 2
Musical 'Hello, Mozart'
Coex Art Hall
Through Nov. 30
This musical is designed to educate children about classical music through Mozart. The show delivers basic knowledge about operas and the gifted musician through an adventurous story in which characters meet Mozart who gives a quiz to the audience to induce their participation. Tickets cost from 20,000 to 30,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 416-1130. Located near exit 5 of Samsung Station on subway line 2.
Kids' Nanta
Woongjin Think Big Art Hall
Open Run
The famous percussion instrument musical Nanta has been remade into 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
Baseball
Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009
Hanwha Eagles vs. LG Twins
Jamsil Stadium at 5 p.m.
Lotte Giants vs. SK Wyverns
Incheon Munhak Stadium at 5 p.m.
Doosan Bears vs. Kia Tigers
Gwangju Stadium at 5 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 6, 2009
Doosan Bears vs. LG Twins
Samsung Lions vs. Heroes
Mokdong Stadium 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 www.kra.co.kr.