Clubs, Art Exhibitions & Sports Games
Clubs
Underlounge Seoul
Hongdae or Hongik University Area
This is the local club of a hip Japanese chain that’s also 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 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.
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 Soleil-type 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.
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 until 6:30 a.m., while club hoppers can enter the upper level’s “after stage” after 4:30 a.m. Call 1644-8466.
Platoon Kunsthalle
Apgujeong-dong
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.
Naos Nova
Itaewon
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.
Gachi
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, turn left and look for Gachi’s red and white sign. Gachi is open from Mondays to Fridays 6 p.m. to 12 a.m., Saturday to Sunday, 2 p.m. to 12 a.m. Call (02) 540-7087.
St.102
This hip-hop club often has special parties and performances. Do-rags, dreads and baseball caps turned sideways can be spotted here. 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. Call (02) 338-1523.
Rocky Mountain Tavern
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.
Club FF
This live music venue features all kinds of music. Depending on the night, they feature funk, punk, rock or pop. Club FF 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 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 that 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.
Traditional
Folk performances
The Korea House
Open Run
The Korea House will hold 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
Masquerade
Gallery Hyundai Gangnam Space
Through June 20
Kim Sung-jin tackles intimate close-ups of people in this solo exhibition. Located in Gangnam, near Apgujeong Station on subway line number 3. Visit www.galleryhyundai.com.
Nature Created by Light
Leeahn Gallery
Trhough July 3
American artist Jennifer Steinkamp explores themes of nature through video art in her first solo exhibition in Korea. Leeahn Gallery is based in Daegu, with a branch in Seoul. Visit www.leeahngallery.com.
Games of Desire
Mongin Art Center
Through July 25
Renowned Iranian artist Shirin Neshat opens her first solo exhibition in Korea with video installations showing male and female performers reciting traditional courtship songs. The Mongin Art Center is located in Samcheong-dong, near Anguk Station exit 1, subway line 3. Visit www.mongin.org.
Emotional City
UNC Gallery
June 10-July 4
Hye Ja opens a solo exhibition of her oil paintings, featuring expressionistic city landscapes and social commentary on humans and technology. UNC Gallery is located near Anguk Station exit 1 on subway line 3. Visit www.uncgallery.com or call (02) 773-2798.
Project Bean-Powder Family
Television12 Gallery
Through June 10
Yi Dahn brings his third and final exhibition of his “family series” to this multi-purpose space. With works which include such phrases as “United We Die,” his drawings and mixed media parodies are sure to catch the attention of all visitors. Located near Sangsu Station on subway line 6. Visit television12.co.kr.
Disposable Identity
Gallery Kong
June 10-27
An Se-eun is opening a solo exhibition at the recently relocated Gallery Kong. Now in Samcheong-dong, Anguk Station exit 1 on subway line 3. Visit www.gallerykong.com for more information.
From Idea to Form
Kukmin Ilbo Gallery
June 8-18
The prolific Bae Myeong-hee is showing a selection of drawings and inks on rice paper to her ninth solo exhibition at Kukmin Ilbo Gallery. Located near Yeouido Park; call (02) 781-9218 for more information.
Memoryscape
Arko Art Center
Through June 27
Take a walk down memory lane with the collections of 80 people and eight artists. A cornucopia of items makes up this exhibition of personal collections ― each of which have been formed over the course of at least 10 years. Hosted by Arts Council Korea and the Arko Art Center, Memoryscape will feature such artists as Yoon Jeong-jee and Kim Yoon-ho. Arko Art Center is located near exit 2 of Hyehwa Station on subway line 2. Admission is free. Visit www.arkoartcenter.or.kr.
Draw
Arario Gallery
This exhibition features the works of two artists, Yoon Hee-seop and Choi Wong-jung, who have been widely exhibited in New York. Arario Gallery brings their work back to Korea. Located in Jongno, Anguk Station on subway line 3, exit 1. Visit www.arariogallery.com.
Labyrinth
Gallery Hyundai 16 Bungee
Through June 9
Kim Sung-soo presents his 10th solo exhibition that focuses on the phenomenon of materialism and consumerism, to the branch of Gallery Hyundai. Located in Jongno, Anguk Station on subway line 3, exit 1. Visit www.galleryhyundai.com for more information.
Abstract Touch
Opera Gallery
June 22-July 14
Iceland’s Oli G. Johannsson and China’s Wang Yehan unite in a joint exhibition of west meets east at Opera Gallery. Located near Cheongdam Station on subway line 7, exit 9. Visit www.operagallery.com for more information.
Light On
Keumsan Gallery, Heyri Artists’ Village
June 12-July 4
The works of Jeong Bo-young, Jeong Se-ra and Lim Seong-yeon are displayed together in this new exhibition. The Heyri Artists’ Village is located in Paju. Take subway line 2 to Hapjeong Station and take bus 2200. Visit www.heyri.net for more information.
Soft Landing
Sun Gallery
Through June 8
American artist Lisa Vershbow showcases her latest jewelry and work in a solo exhibition. Pieces range from necklaces and brooches of delicate metalwork, to paper clothing and hanging quilts. Sun Gallery is located in Insa-dong, Anguk Station exit 6 on subway line 3. The gallery is right after the Insa-dong intersection; visit www.sungallery.co.kr.
Walk with You
Gallery Em
Through June 12
Jeanie Lee presents her second solo exhibition with paintings and mixed media works depicting people of simple lines, strong colors and solid palettes. Gallery Em is located near exit 2 of Apgujeong Station on subway line 3. Call (02) 544-8145 or visit www.galleryem.co.kr.
White Light Black Water
Gwangju Museum of Art
Through June 6
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Gwangju Democratization Movement, the Gwangju Museum of Art will feature works from Hong Sung-dam, a representative artist of the era. Older and new pieces created in the past decade will be shown at the museum’s Sangrok Gallery. Call (062) 613-7100.
Solid but Fluid
YHD Projects
Hong Sung-chul depicts the human body by printing images onto hundreds of thousands of elastic strings ― giving them a ghostly three-dimensional effect. Located near Hongik University Station exit 4, subway line 2. Visit www.yhdprojects.com for more information.
Alice in Picture Book Land
Neverland Museum in the Heyri Artists’ Village
Through June 30
The Neverland Museum has collaborated with nine local and foreign artists to bring an exhibition as eccentric and charming as Alice in Wonderland. The Heyri Artists’ Village is located in Paju. Take subway line 2 to Hapjeong Station, exit and take bus 2200 to the city. Visit www.heyri.net for more information.
Happiness for Daily Life
Design Cafe
Through Nov. 14
Renowned British designers worked with traditional Korean craftsmen to provide a space for all creative minds to collaborate, explore and network in Gongju, Chungcheong Province. Michael Marriott, Anthony Burrill, Linda Brothwell, Fabien Cappello and Kim Paik Sun have transformed the Gongju town center into a Design Cafe, sponsored by the City of Gongju, the British Council, The Korean National University of Cultural Heritage and Hzone. For more information visit https://blog.naver.com/bcculture.
Harmony
N Gallery
Three international artists collaborate to bring a new exhibition to Seoul. Kim Byung-jong of Korea, Akiyama Jun of Japan and Lee Sun-don of Taiwan will showcase works at N Gallery in Bundang, Gyeonggi Province. Visit www.ngalleryart.com or call (02) 7430-3323.
The Moon Is the Oldest Clock
National Museum of Contemporary Art
Through July 4
Eleven artists bring together their latest works in a new exhibition by the National Museum of Contemporary Art in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province. Visit www.moca.go.kr.
Phantoms
Atelier Hermes
Renowned French installation artist Bertrand Lavier will be presenting old and new works at Atelier Hermes, located on the third floor of the Hermes flagship store, near Dosan Park, southern Seoul.
Eye Trace
Doosan Gallery
Through June 17
Lee Hyung-gu is opening a solo exhibition at Doosan Gallery. The venue is located in Jongno-gu. Visit www.doosangallery.com.
Seed Bank
Seo Gallery
Kim Chun-hee, Park Hyeon-jin, Shin Soo-jin and Jeong Chan-boo are collaborating on an abstract, contemporary art show. Seo Gallery is located in Seocho-gu; call (02) 522-5618.
Night
Kukje Gallery
American artist Jack Pierson brings his latest found-art word sculptures to Seoul. The Kukje Gallery is located in Jongno-gu; visit www.kukjegallery.com.
Being a Queen
The Museum of Photography, Seoul
Through June 5
Chun Kyung-woo is holding a solo show at the Museum of Photography. The museum is located at the 19th and 20th floors of Hanmi Tower, Bangi-dong, Songpa, souther Seoul. Visit www.photomuseum.or.kr.
Kids
Le Petit Prince
Ewha 100th Memorial Hall
June 5-27
Based on a classic children’s book by Yves De Saint-Esupery, “The Little Prince” is transformed as a musical. Through an unexpected encounter with the little prince in the Sahara desert, kids will discover the meaning of true love. Tickets cost 20,000 won to 25,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 080-080-0828. Located near exit 1 or exit 12 of City Hall Station on subway line 1 and 2.
A Dwarf Who Loved Snow White
Prime Art Hall, Sindorim
First performed in May 2001, the play has continued to be popular. Based on the Disney Movie “Snow White” but slightly dramatized for more fun. Tickets cost 33,000 won each and for a family of four, 90,000. Call (02) 2111-1146. Located near exit 2 of Sindorim Station on subway line 1 and 2.
Sports Games
Baseball
Saturday June 5
KIA Tigers vs. Nexen Heroes
Mokdong Stadium at 5 p.m.
SK Wyverns vs. LG Twins
Jamsil Stadium at 5 p.m.
Doosan Bears vs. Hanwho Eagles
Han-Bat Sports Complex at 5 p.m
Lotte Giants vs. Samsung Lions
Daegu Stadium at 5 p.m
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.