Clubs, art exhibitions & sports games
Clubs
Club Answer
Cheongdam-dong
Club Answer is one of Seoul’s luxury venues for electronic music. Located south of the Han River in Cheongdam-dong, the club showcases the world’s best DJs and performers of many sub-genres of house music. Equipped with state of the art sound and lighting, the extensive space encourages both dancing and taking a moment out. Call (02) 548-7115 or visit www.clubanswer.co.kr.
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.
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 and 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.
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.
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.
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 Hongdae area. The stone walls feature photographs and rusted steel plates cover the windows. This place is in Mapo at Seogyo-dong, 366-17. 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 on two floors. Find it on Itaewon’s main drag across from the International Clinic. Located near exit 3 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 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. 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 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.
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.
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 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
The Logger
Dukwon Gallery
Through Aug. 22
Yoon Ji-hyun uses a multitude of technical equipment — from hacked printers to micro-controllers and motors — to interpret various scores of information into artwork. Located in the middle of Insa-dong, near exit 6 of Anguk Station, subway line 3. For more information, visit www.dukwongallery.co.kr (Korean only).
The Dirt of Life, the Life of Dirt
Tongin Gallery
Aug. 18 - Aug. 25
Ki Dong-kyu brings his fourth solo exhibition to the gallery, exploring the cycle of life: Dust to form, form to dust. In abstract sculptures, his ruminations on existence and the importance of such a small particle will catch the eye. Located in Insa-dong, near exit 6 of Anguk Station, subway line 3. For more information, visit www.tongingallery.com (Korean only).
Um?
Gallery 2
Through Aug. 14
Eight young artists fresh from graduate school are attempting to confront the concept of “Um?” — a phrase that indicates doubt, surprise or exclamation. Each approaches the idea from their own path. Located a 15-minute walk from Cheongdam Station, line number 3.
Broken Whole
Michael Schultz Gallery
Through Aug. 29
Yee Sook-yung works in ceramic sculptures, pieced to form complete wholes from broken bits. The beautifully crafted art comprised of collected refuse, epoxy and gold leaves is sure to catch eyes. Located near exit 9 of Cheongdam Station on subway line 7. Visit www.schultzgallery.co.kr.
Soso Landscape
Ryugaheon
This exhibition by photographer and documenter Lee Han-koo showcases a variety of landscapes, desolate and lonesome. Located near exit 4 of Gyeongbokgung Station, line number 3. Visit www.ryugaheon.com.
Islets of Aspergers
Doosan Gallery
Through Aug. 26
Choi Xoo-ang brings his sculptures of commentary to the public in a solo exhibition. The artist delves into the world of the oppressed, showing the modern man’s inner frustrations in a physical manner. Located near exit 1 of Jongno 5-ga Station on subway line 1.Visit www.doosangallery.com.
Survival Kit
Gallery AG
Through Aug. 20
Five artists from Korea, France and the United States bring together their interpretations of what would be necessary to survive in each of their cultures. Participating artists are Lee Hyun-jung, Lee Won-kyoung, Lim Jin-suk, Michel Lascault and Matthew Alden Price. Located near exit 6 of Guro Digital Complex Station on subway line 2. Visit www.galleryag.co.kr.
Hello, Skandinavia?
Atelier AKI
A well-organized display of Danish modern furniture can be seen at this hideaway art space in central Seoul. The simplicity of design in these original pieces is not to be missed. Located a 10-minute walk from exit 1 of Hyehwa Station, subway line 4, near Hyehwa Rotary. Call (02) 7552-7713 for more information.
Art Deco Masterpieces
Kukje Gallery
Through Aug. 15
An impressive collection of original Art Deco pieces decorate the exhibition space at Kukje Gallery. Paired with the unique works are rare artworks by Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse and Lucio Fontana. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station, subway line 3.
My Life as a Flower
Salon de Flore
Through Aug. 28
Shim Ah-bin brings her unique self-portraits to the floral shop of Park Sa-im. Pairing artwork with fresh flowers, this unique exhibition analyzes the parallels between flowers and the human life cycle. The art space-shop is a place of interesting balance, bringing new meaning to the artwork it holds. Near exit 3 of Anguk Station, subway line 3. For more information visit https://blog.naver.com/saimiok or call (02) 745-5344.
2010 Hermes Foundation Missulsang
Hermes Atelier
Through Sept. 19
Three artists are up for the 2010 Hermes Foundation Missulsang (“art award”), to be picked at the end of their exhibition period. Park Ji-na, Bae Jong-heon and Yangachi are contending for the top prize of 20 million won, with their innovative perspectives on nature, layered perspectives and the media system. The gallery is located on the third floor of Maison Hermes Dosan Park, Sinsa-dong, near Apgujeong Station on subway line 3. Call (02) 544-7722.
Realism in Asian Art
Deoksugung Art Museum
Though Oct. 10
Take a closer look at the history of realism in Asian art in this exhibition of 40 works from 10 countries. Malaysia to the Philippines, Indonesia to India are represented in these paintings. Located in Deoksu Palace, central Seoul. Visit www.asia.moca.go.kr or call (02) 2188-6000.
Observing Like Leonardo da Vinci
Savina Museum of Contemporary Art
Twelve domestic artists gather for this group exhibition that draws inspiration from Leonardo da Vinci’s penchant for scientific observation, breaking down barriers between image and language, personal and universal, illusion and truth. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station on subway line 3. Visit www.savinamuseum.com.
Nomadic Party
Arko Art Center
Through Sept. 5
Twenty-six artists from 14 countries have gathered for this large scale exhibition that confronts ecological and environmental problems within society. Installations, screenings and performances also expand to Marronnier Park next door for an immersive experience. Located near exit 2 of Hyehwa Station on subway line 4. Visit www.arkoartcenter.or.kr for more information.
The Shadow of Speech — Collecion MACBA
National Museum of Contemporary Art Korea
Through Oct. 3
To celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Spain, the MOCA Korea has teamed up with the Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona for this special exhibition. A variety of 130 works will be showcased, including original pieces by Antoni Tapies and Rita McBride. Located a shuttle bus-ride away from Seoul Grand Park Station on subway line 4. Visit www.moca.go.kr/eng.
Pop Art Superstar Keith Haring
SOMA Museum of Art
The largest exhibition of Keith Haring’s works in Korea opens to present roughly 150 pieces to the public. Take the time to check out the influential New York artist on the 20th anniversary of his death. Tickets cost 10,000 won; visit www.haring.co.kr.
Coca-Cola World
Coreana Art & Culture Complex
Through Sept. 12
A collection of more than 390 pieces of Coca-Cola memorabilia and knick-knacks are currently occupying the open gallery space of Coreana. From packaging designs by Manolo Blanik and Karl Lagerfeld, the items on display are sure to amaze and impress. Located near exit 3 of Apgujeong Station, subway line 3. Visit www.spacec.co.kr.
Photo Project from Seoul, New York to Munich
Gallery Palais de Seoul
Through Aug. 25
This group exhibition featuring Dieter Kunz, Oliver Greim, Lim Taek and more combines an array of surreal and fantastical, new media images. Located near exit 4 of Gyeongbokgung Station on subway line 3. Visit https://blog.naver.com/palaisdes (Korean only).
2010 MBC Trick Art
Kintex Ilsan
Tired of boring 2D art that doesn’t move a la wizarding world? A new exhibition showcases 160 works of 3D artististic parodies of some of the field’s biggest names: Van Gogh, Monet, Klimt and Rembrandt. Each work is a play on perspective, distance and reflections. Kintex is located in Ilsan, visit www.kintex.com/english/main.jsp for directions.
Man Ray’s Photography & His Heritage
Seoul Museum of Art
The works of renowned photographer Man Ray will be on display alongside 47 Korean artists in this expansive exhibition. Located behind Deoksugung Palace near City Hall Station on subway lines 1, 2 and 5. Visit www.seoulmoa.seoul.go.kr.
Kids
SBS Play-Science Exhibition
Exhibition Hall 2, KINTEX
An excellent playground for kids, the exhibition is divided into two parts. In the Car-Science zone, kids can learn car safety and experience driving. Tickets cost 13,000 won. For more information, call (02) 461-0283 or visit www.sbslovei.com. Located near exit 2 of Daewha Station line 3.
Wow Photo Experience
Hangaram Design Museum, Seoul Arts Center*
This exhibition enables children to learn about everything related to photography and film. Kids will be able to explore the world of micro- and 3D pictures and get to take pictures for themselves. Tickets cost 22,000 won. For more information, call (02) 6935-0505 or visit www.wowphotoex.com.
Baseball
Saturday, August 14
Hanwha Eagles vs. Samsung Lions
Daegu Stadium at 5 p.m.
LG Twins vs. Nexen Heroes
Mokdong Stadium at 5 p.m.
Lotte Giants vs. KIA Tigers
Gwangju Moodeung Stadium at 5 p.m.
SK Wyverns vs. Doosan Bears
Jamsil Stadium at 5 p.m.
Sunday, August 15
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.