Clubs, Art exhibitions & Sports Games
Club Answer
Cheongdam-dong
Equipped with state of the art sound and lighting, Club Answer is the foremost venue for electronic music in Seoul. Located in front of Hotel Prima in Cheongdam-dong, the club presents world class DJs in an extensive space with modern decor to offer a memorable dance experience. Visit www.clubanswer.co.kr, for more information.
Club Heaven
Yeoksam-dong
Located next to the Renaissance Seoul Hotel, Club 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 popular 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 in 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.
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, for more information.
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 and (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 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.
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
Life and Nature
Seoul Arts Center, Hangaram Art Museum
Through Dec. 9
An exhibition featuring some of National Geographic’s best photographs over the past 122 years is making a world tour through 32 countries and 34 languages. The exhibition is divided into four parts, exploring landscapes, animals/plants, environmental crises and hope. Located near exit 5 of Nambu Terminal Station on subway line 3. For more information, visit www.ngphoto.co.kr (Korean only) or call 1544-1681.
Varnish: Vanish
Gallery Grimson
Nov. 3-Nov. 9
Yoon Young-hye opens a short solo exhibition of her latest work, combining elements of mixed media and performance art. Images disappear behind layers of paint, transforming her work before the eyes of viewers. A performance by the artist will be held at 6:20 p.m. on the opening day; located near Insa-dong near exit 6 of Anguk Station, subway line 3. For more information, visit www.grimson.co.kr or call (02) 733-1045~6.
Robot Story
Yeonhui-dong Projects
Through Nov. 21
Artist Kim Seok returns with a solo exhibition of new and old works comprised of his large-scale, meticulous sculptures of robots in wood and plastic. The prolific artist has previously shown his art across Korea, in solo and group exhibitions ranging from the National Museum of Contemporary Art to the COEX. Located in Yeonhui-dong, western Seoul. For more information, visit www.hydprojects.com or call (02) 324-1286.
Song Young-su: Pioneer in Korean Abstract Sculpture
National Museum of Contemporary Art
Through Dec. 26
In commemoration of the 40th anniversary of legend Song Young-su’s death, a special retrospective of more than 60 pieces will be shown. The exhibit is comprised of the artist’s unique melded iron works, sketches, photos and other records. Song was the first sculptor to graduate from the domestic college of fine arts following the Korean War (1950-1953), and grew to become a pioneer in his field. Special educational programs, panels and events will be held throughout the exhibition period. Located a shuttlebus-ride away from exit 4 of Seoul Grand Park Station on subway line 4. Visit www.moca.go.kr for more information.
Down in Fukuoka with the Belarusian Blues
Gallery Hyundai
Through Nov. 7
Web artists Young-hae Chang and Marc Voge (aka Young-Hae Chang Heavy Industries) return with a new work, reinterpreting a deposition made by an 18-year-old Arthur Rimbaud to modern times. Using Flash, their linguistic abilities and innovative exploration of the form, the duo combine original music with animated texts for their distinctive work. They have previously done commissioned pieces for the Tate, Centre Pompidou and the New Museum in New York. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station, subway line 3. For more information, visit www.galleryhyundai.com.
Recurrence
Gallery Hyundai Gangnam Space
Legendary painter Kim Tschang-yeul returns with a large-scale exhibition of new work, continuing in his well-known theme of water drops. The 81-year-old veteran artist evinces the simplicity and beauty of the element in his quiet, introspective work. Located near exit 2 of Apgujeong Station, subway line 3. For more information, visit www.galleryhyundai.com.
Anselm Reyle
Kukje Gallery
Through Nov. 10
Famous German artist Anselm Reyle’s critique of the medium of contemporary painting will be unveiled to the Korean public for the first time in his domestic debut. Reyle, who uses a range of mixed media in his installations and sculptures, brings together such materials as aluminum foil and neon lights. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station, subway line 3. Visit www.kukjegallery.com, for more information.
Picasso and Modern Art
National Museum of Contemporary Art, Deoksugung
Through March 1, 2011
The Albertina Museum Collections from Vienna has been lent to the National Museum of Contemporary Art for an exhibition of classic work ranging from Picasso to Miro, Chagall and Kandinsky. The four-part showcase features 121 paintings, sculptures and drawings, providing an exploration into the major Western art movements of the 19th and 20th centuries. General admission is 11,000 won; located behind Deoksu Palace in central Seoul. For more information, visit www.moca.go.kr or call (02) 2188-6069.
Kim Sora
Maison Hermes Dosan Park
Through Dec. 5
Artist Kim Sora is well-known in the global sphere for her works exhibited everywhere from the Venice Biennale to Los Angeles’ REDCAT art center, but her domestic exposure has fallen slack. To amend this, Kim will open her first solo exhibition in Seoul in three years, bringing to light her new direction in video installations, sculptures and performance art. Located near Dosan Park, by exit 2 of Apgujeong Station on subway line 3. Call (02) 544-7722.
Yuki Onodera
The Museum of Photography
Through Dec. 4
Renowned photographer Yuki Onodera is holding a solo exhibition of some of her most recognizable works, including pieces from her Eleventh Finger series and Potraits of Second-hand Clothes. Located near exit 2 of Mongchontoseong Station, subway line 8. On the 19th floor of Hanmi Tower. Visit www.photomuseum.or.kr.
Teletopia ― From Drawing to Laser
Pohang Museum of Steel Art
Though Nov. 21
Pohang’s latest art center opens with a large-scale exhibition of 156 of legendary Nam June Paik’s work. Spanning from the early ‘60s to the 2000s, the exhibition includes massive installation projects, but also a collection of his drawings and photographs. Located in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province. For more information, visit www.poma.kr (Korean only).
Trickster Makes This World
Nam June Paik Art Center
Twelve major artists are on exhibition at this large-scale exhibition dedicated to the worlds of imagination. Works by Korean legend Nam June Paik will be on display, as well as pieces by fellow Fluxus artist George Maciunas and pop artist Ray Johnson. Located in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. For more information, visit www.njpartcenter.kr.
Media City Seoul 2010
Seoul Museum of Art, various venues
Through Nov. 17
Media City Seoul, formerly known as the Seoul International Media Art Biennale, returns to its avant-garde roots with a revamping of its name and mission: focusing on contemporary art today while looking to the future. Internationally-renowned artists have been brought together for this explosive collection of imaginative and quirky exhibits. For more, visit www.mediacityseoul.org.
8th Gwangju Biennale
Gwangju Biennale Hall
Artistic director Massimiliano Gioni revives Korea’s largest art event with an emotionally-charged exhibition. “10,000 Lives” is a retrospective on the relationship between humans and images, providing a somber ― if hopeful ― look into how we remember the ones we love.
Busan Biennale
Various venues
Through Nov. 20
This southern biennale returns under the theme of “Living in Evolution,” bringing together 70 artists from all over the world. Held at the Busan Museum of Art and various venues around the city, the event ― curated by Takashi Azumaya ― comes forth as a vibrant show.
Da Vinci ‘The Genius’
The War Memorial of Korea
Through Feb. 27
Historical genius Leonardo Da Vinci who produced the timeless painting of Mona Lisa is introduced to children through this edu-tainment exhibition. Tickets cost 12,000 to 15,000 won. Located near exit 12 of Samgakji Subway Station on subway lines 4 and 6.
The Snowman
Hoam Art Hall*
Nov. 24- Dec. 31
Choreographer of the original team from England will bring the number one dance musical “The Snowman” for children this winter. Tickets cost from 35,000 to 55,000 won.
K-League Football
Saturday, October 30
Ulsan Hyundai vs. Incheon United
Ulsan Munsu Stadium at 3 p.m.
Seongnam Ilhwa vs. Gwangju Sangmu
Tancheon Sports Complex at 3 p.m.
Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors vs. Jeonnam Dragons
Jeonju World Cup Stadium at 5 p.m.
Sunday, October 31
F.C. Seoul vs. Busan I’Park
Seoul World Cup Stadium at 2 p.m.
Suwon Blue Wings vs. Pohang Steelers
Suwon World Cup Stadium at 3 p.m.
Daegu FC vs. Jeju United
Daegu Soccer Stadium at 3 p.m.