Clubs, Art Exhibitions, Kids & Sports Games
Clubs
Underlounge Seoul
Hongdae or Hongik University Area
This is the local club of a hip Japanese chain that’s also to be found in Shanghai. Located in the famous clubbing area, Hongdae, it’s all flashy with loud music and lights. Spacious, with a supersized crystal ball hanging 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.
Club M2
Hongdae
M2 features top DJs from home and abroad. The dance floor and the DJ are in the center of the club, which attracts a trendy crowd along with models and celebrities. Packed on the weekends. Check www.ohoo.net.
Club Heaven
Yeoksam-dong
Located next to the Renaissance Seoul Hotel, Heaven is gaining a reputation as a clubber’s paradise with star DJs and a celebrity clientele. Electronic music is the main menu, with laser light and paper confetti shows aplenty on the side. The club caters to partying at any hour of the night: the “main stage” on the first floor is open all night long until 6:30 a.m., while club hoppers can enter the upper level’s “after stage” after 4:30 a.m. Call 1644-8466.
Le Nuit Blanche
Cheongdam-dong
Formerly Club Answer, Le Nuit Blanche is introduced as a posh restaurant, theater and club. Located in front of Hotel Prima in Cheongdam-dong, Le Nuit Blanche offers Cirque du Soleiltype performances at its theater restaurant. World class DJs from all over the world are invited to perform at the club. Call (02) 514-4311 or visit www.lenuitblanche.com.
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. It’s 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.
Gachi
Apgujeong-dong
Salsa music enthusiasts can dance the night away here. The beat of salsa music will lead you to the club. To go to Gachi, 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.
St.102
This hip-hop club often has special parties and performances. There aremany Korean homies here with dorags, dreads and baseball caps turned sideways. Visit st102.cyworld.com. 360- 18 Seogyo-dong, Hongdae or call (02) 335-7166.
Moonyang Bar
This place is an Asian-inspired lounge on the third floor of a building on Parking Lot street in the Hongdae area. The stone walls feature photographs and rusted steel plates cover the windows. This place is in Mapo at Seogyodong, 366-17. Call (02) 338-1523.
Rocky Mountain Tavern
Itaewon
A down-to-earth place, the club was started by a couple of Canadians. With a spacious, woody bar, the tavern is spread out over two floors. Find it on Itaewon’s main drag across from the International Clinic. Located near exit 5 of Itaewon Station on subway line 6.
Naos Nova
A wine bar and restaurant with a design so stunning, that 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, they feature funk, punk, rock, or pop. Funky Funky attracts an eclectic mix of people. Walk down to the alley 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
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 usually starting at 7: 30 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.
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 a mainly standing room-only place. 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 it’s a great place to chill out. It’s near the Salvatore Ferragamo and Prada buildings in Cheongdam-dong. Call (02) 542-8003.
Platoon Kunsthalle
Platoon Kunsthalle is a cultural space where visitors can enjoy various facilities, including an event hall, library lounge, art studios and a bar and restaurant. Open from Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. DJ nights on Thursday and Friday from 10 p.m. Located near exit 10 of Hakdong Station on subway line 7. Visit www.kunsthalle. com or www.platoon.org.
Traditional
Folk Performances
The Korea House
Open Run
The Korea House will be holding 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, subway lines 3 and 4.
Art Exhibitions
Andy Warhol, the Greatest
Seoul Museum of Art
Dec. 12 -April 4
Enjoy the Pop Art works of American legend Andy Warhol at the Seoul Museum of Art, through April 4. The works are from The Andy Warhol Museum. Tickets are 12,000 won for adults, 10,000 won for 13 to 18 year olds and 8,000 won for 7 to 12 year olds. Visit www.warhol.co.kr or www.maxticket.com.
Face
Cais Gallery Seoul
Through Dec. 30
Japanese artist Satoshi Kanai is holding an exhibition of portraits at Exhibition Room 1 of Cais Gallery Seoul. Visit www.caisgallery.com or call (02) 511-0668.
Magic Mixture
Opera Gallery
Opera Gallery Seoul is presenting an exhibition of abstract expressionist works by Monaco artist Philippe Pastor. Pastor represented Monaco at the 53rd Venice Biennale this year. The gallery is open every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., except holidays. E-mail seoul@operagallery.com or call (02) 3446-0070.
Lee Jun-eui
Gallery NoW
Through Dec. 15
Gallery NoW is hosting an exhibition of Lee Jun-eui’s works. Visit www.gallery-now.com or call (02) 725-2930.
Lee Ki-young Exhibition
Lee Hwaik Gallery
Dec. 9-22
Lee Hwaik Gallery’s final exhibition for 2009 features artist Lee Ki-young. Call (02) 730-7817 or visit www.leehwaikgallery.com.
New Republic Child
Kwon Jay-hong’s exhibition at Cais Gallery features works that incorporate plastic Korean toys that have subtle political meanings. Visit www.caisgallery.com or call (02) 511-0668.
Ch-R-I-ST-MAS Exhibition
Urban Art
Dec. 10-31
To usher in the holiday season, Urban Art is organizing a Ch-R-I-ST-MAS exhibition in December. The title stands for “CHannel / Remind / Irony / STory / MASk.” Visit www.urbanart4u.com.
William Wegman Exhibition
Watergate Gallery
Through Jan. 9
The Watergate Gallery is holding an exhibition of renowned American photographer William Wegman, who is known for his works involving dogs. The gallery is located in Nonhyundong, Gangnam. Call (02) 540- 3213/2332, e-mail info.watergate@gmail.com or visit www.changart.com. Gallery is open Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cultures Connect
Jay Gallery, Na Gallery
Jay Gallery and Na Gallery, both in Insa-dong, are holding exhibitions featuring nine Korean and nine international artists who are currently living in Korea. This art exhibition hopes to foster harmony among cultures. Visit www.jaypia.com or www.nagallery.com.
Gallery 4Walls
Tonari: Their Personal Episode
Through Dec. 12
Young Japanese artists Shintaro Ohata, Yoshitaka Nanjo and Kazuharu Ishikawa are holding a joint exhibition at Gallery 4Walls, Imperial Palace Hotel, Nonhyun-dong, southern Seoul.Visit www.gallery4walls.com.
Memory of Future
Park Soo Keun Museum
Through Dec. 13
Suh Young-sun is showing works depicting images of war at Park Soo Keun Museum, Yanggu, Gangwon Province. Visit www.parksookeun.or.kr.
Ism
Siuter Art Space
The Seoul Art Collective is holding an exhibition of works featuring international and Korean artists who are based in Korea. To get to Siuter Art Space, get off at Gyeongbokgung Station Exit 3, and take bus #7022 or 0212. Get off at Gugi-dong bus stop.Admission is free.
Kang Seok-ho Solo Exhibition
Gallery 2
Kang Seok-ho, who studied under Dutch conceptual artist Jan Dibbets in Germany, is holding a solo show at Gallery 2, Cheongdam-dong, southern Seoul. Visit www.gallery2.co.kr or call (02) 3448-2112.
Translation
Kukje Gallery
Through Dec. 19
Shin Mee-kyoung, who is based in Seoul and London, presents new sculptural works made of soap, including Korean and Chinese style vases and Greek sculptures, at Kukje Gallery. Visit www.kukjegallery.com or call (02) 735-8449.
Britto in Seoul
Opera Gallery Seoul
Through Dec. 6
Romero Britto, one of Pop Art’s most famous figures, is holding a solo show in Seoul at Opera Gallery. The Brazilborn, Miami-based artist is known for his vividly colorful artwork and sculptures, which have been displayed at the Louvre in Paris, as well as Hyde Park in London and JFK International Airport in New York. E-mail seoul@operagallery.com or call (02) 3446-0070.
Nam June Paik Art Center Prize
Exhibition
Nam June Paik Art Center
Through Feb. 28
The first ever Nam June Paik Art Center Prize was given to four artists: Lee Seung-taek, Ahn Eun-me, Ceal Floyer and Robert Adrian X, who each embody the spirit of Paik’s legacy. Selected works by the winning artists are on display at the center, located in Giheung, Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. Visit www.njpartcenter.kr or e-mail info@njpartcenter.kr.
Emerging Korean Artists in the
World . U.S.B.
Seoul Arts Center
Works by Korean artists from all over the world are gathered in this unique exhibition at the Seoul Arts Center. “U.S.B” stands for “Urban Nomadism,” “Species of Singularity,” and “Becoming Gestalt.” Admission is 2,000 won for adults, 1,000 won for students. Visit www.sac.or.kr
Masks
Sungkok Art Museum
Through Dec. 31
Sungkok Art Museum is hosting a special exhibition “Masks,” sponsored by the French Cultural Center. It features 100 works by 48 international artists, including Valerie Belin, Sophie Calle, Man Ray, Andy Warhol, Koo Bohn-chang and Oh Hein-kuhn. Visit www.sungkokmuseum.com or call (02) 737-8999.
Blur
Youngeun Museum
Park Yong-sik is holding a solo exhibition, as part of the Youngeun Artist Project 2009-2010 relay exhibitions. Youngeun Museum is located in Gwangju City, Gyeonggi Province. Visit www. youngeunmuseum.org.
Closed Door Room
Project Space
Through Dec. 11
Roh Choong-hyun is holding a solo exhibition at Project Space, Gwanhoondong. Visit www.sarubia.org or call (02) 733-0440.
Peppermint Candy: Contemporary
Art from Korea in Seoul
National Museum of Contemporary Art Korea
Through Feb. 15
The National Museum of Contemporary Art originally organized this exhibition in 2007 to introduce contemporary Korean art to Chile and Argentina. It is now being held in Korea for the first time. Visit www.moca.go.kr.
Kids
Story of a Goblin
Soobong Community Center
Dec. 1-3
The play “Story of a Goblin” dives into the world of fantasy mayhem. To save Mandeuk from the goblins, his mother has to find the most precious treasure in the world. Follow the adventure of Mandeuk and his mother. All tickets cost 12,000 won. For more information, call (032) 423-3331. Located near Jemulpo Station on subway line 1.
Family Musical ’The Wizard of Oz’
Grand Theater, Sejong Center for the Performing
Arts
Dec. 16-28
“The Wizard of Oz” takes the iconic movie’s essence and performs it live. Watch as Dorothy goes to Oz to face the Wicked Witch of the West with the help of her friends. Tickets cost from 30,000 to 50,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02)399- 1772. Located near exits 1 and 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.
Family Musical “The Nutcracker”
Grand Theater, Seoul Kyoyuk Munhwa Hoekwan
Dec. 18 - Feb. 7, 2010
This musical set to music of Tchaikovsky is designed for the whole family. The tale centers around Marie - the heroine of the story - who receives a present from her father on Christmas Eve. Tickets cost from 30,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 738-8289. Located near exit 7 of Yangjae Station on subway line 3.
Sports Games
Basketball
Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009
KT Sonic Boom vs. Dongbu Promy
Busan Sajik Stadium at 3 p.m.
Samsung Thunders vs. ET Land Elephants
Jamsil Indoor Stadium at 3 p.m.
KCC Egis vs. LG Sakers
Jeonju Indoor Stadium at 5 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009
Daegu Orions vs. KT Sonic Boom
Daegu Indoor Stadium at 3:00 p.m.
ET Land Elephants vs. KT & G Kites
Incheon Samsan Indoor Stadium at 3
p.m.
SK Knights vs. Ulsan Mobis
Jamsil Student Indoor Stadium at 5
Horseracing
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 at www.kra.co.kr.