Clubs, Traditional & Art Exhibitions
Clubs
Club Eden
Yeoksam-dong
Even the most popular clubs in Seoul are bound to go out of style after a few seasons, but Eden remains a hot spot for chic partygoers with its state-of-the-art sound system and laser light shows, and, moreover, strong lineup of globetrotting DJs creating the wildest music. The luxurious interior design befits its location at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Seoul. Call (02) 6447-0042 or visit www.eden-club.co.kr.
Platoon Kunsthalle
Apgujeong-dong
Platoon Kunsthalle, found in Berlin, Seoul and Gwangju, is an eclectic 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 Thursdays and Fridays from 10 p.m. Located near exit 10 of Hakdong Station on subway line 7. Visit www.kunsthalle.com or www.platoon.org.
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
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” past 4:30 a.m. Call 1644-8466.
St.102
This hip-hop club often has special parties and performances. Koreans and foreigners donning 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.
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.
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 on 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.
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
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 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, (02) 3141-6876.
Casa Del Vino
Cheongdam-dong
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.
Traditional
Folk Performances
Korea House
Open Run
Korea House regularly holds a series of traditional performances featuring dance, “pansori” (Korean opera) and more. Tickets cost 50,000 won. The venue offers various hands-on activities such as making kimchi. Visit www.koreahouse.or.kr or call (02) 2266-9101. Located near exit 3 of Chungmuro Station, subway lines 3 and 4.
‘Bon-Born-Burn’
KB Youth Sky Hall, National Theater Of Korea
Dec. 4-5
This performance presents an eclectic mixture of local and western classical music, featuring “pansori” (Korean opera) singer Oh Ji-yoon, pianist Lim Dong-chang and crossover tenor Im Tae-kyung. Including “Song of Chunhyang” and “Nella Fantasia,” the program consists of well-known pieces as well as original compositions by the artists. A 45-member fusion orchestra will accompany them. Tickets cost 50,000 to 120,000 won. For more information, call (02) 581-1209.
Hwang Byung-ki’s ‘Song Journey — Garak and Story’
Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center* (See venues on page 12 for more information)
Dec. 4
A special concert will celebrate Hwang Byung-ki, a legendary master of “gayageum” (12-string zither) and composer. Fifty-two young, future-oriented artists and virtuosos of various art genres will offer their own interpretations of Hwang’s compositions. Hwang will provide narrations and give a performance. The program includes his signature compositions including “The Labyrinth,” “Darha Nopigom” and six other pieces. Tickets cost 30,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, (02)580-1300.
‘Meeting of Traditional and Modern Dance’
Seoul Namsan Traditional Teater
Dec. 9
Veteran modern dancer Yoo Jin-ju and her students, dancers of the Ga-in Dance Company, will stage special performances. The pieces will honor leaders of 20th-century modern dance, which itself was inspired by traditional Korean dance. Located near exit 3, 4 of Chungmuro Station on subway lines 3 and 4. Tickets cost 20,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2261-0515.
Art exhibitions
Snaplife
Sungkok Art Museum
Through Dec. 19
Jina Park, who was chosen as the 2009 Artist of Tomorrow by Sungkok Art Museum, is holding a solo exhibition. A series of small pieces drawn by Gouache and installation works made in collaboration with Peter Gahn, as well as large paintings featuring snapshots of the art gallery, are on display. Tickets cost 5,000 won for adults and 4,000 won for students. For more information, call (02) 737-7650. Located near exit 7 of Gwanghwamun Station, subway line 5, or exit 7 of Gyeongbok Palace Station, line 3.
Song Young-su: Pioneer in Korean Abstract Sculpture
National Museum of Contemporary Art, Korea
Through Dec. 26
In commemoration of the 40th anniversary of legend Song Young-su’s death, a special retrospective of more than 60 pieces is being shown, 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 shuttle bus-ride away from exit 4 of Seoul Grand Park Station on subway line 4. Visit www.moca.go.kr for more information.
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 is holding 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.
Life and Nature
Hangaram Art Museum, Seoul Arts Center*
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.
Cuba, Ultrasonic Blind Antenna (C.U.B.A)
Through Jan. 23, 2011
Park Hwa-young is holding his last invitation exhibit at Sungkok Art Museum for 2010, titled “C.U.B.A.” This complex media project is not directly related the Central American country, but was inspired by Cuba’s colonial past and revolutionary spirit. Tickets cost 5,000 won for adults and 4,000 won for Students. For more information, call (02) 737-7650. Located near exit 7 of Gwanghwamun Station, subway line 5, or exit 7 of Gyeongbok Palace Station, line 3.
Yuki Onodera
The Museum of Photography, Seoul
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 Portraits 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.
Lee Dong-uk ‘Present’
Cartier Maison Cheongdam Boutique
Through Dec. 31
Nineteen new works by Lee Dong-uk, the first exclusive artist to Opera Gallery Seoul, will be exhibited at Cartier Maison Boutique in Cheongdam-dong. Located near exit 9 of Cheongdam Station, subway line 7.
Gavin Turk: Something Like This
Park Ryu Sook Gallery
Through Dec. 12
Progressive Young British Artist Gavin Turk is holding his first exhibition in Asia in Seoul. Denied his degree from The Royal College of Art for his graduation piece, Turk finds comfort in breaking barriers in unconventional ways, inserting himself into the pop art stylings of Che Guevara’s portrait and Andy Warhol’s work. Located near exit 9 of Cheongdam station, subway line 7. For more, call (02) 549-7575, or visit www.parkryusookgallery.com.
Jon Widman: A Short Time Before Goodbye
Gallery Em
Through Dec. 11
Jon Widman, a Korean adoptee raised in America, is holding his second solo exhibition. The exhibition focuses on vintage objects, particularly books, that he collected from his travels. Widman reinterprets the small minutiae of the items, and manages to turn them into abstract images. Located in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu.Visit www.galleryem.co.kr.
Chagall: Magician of Color
Seosomun Main Building, Seoul Museum of Art
Through Mar. 27, 2011
The exhibition, organized by Hankook Ilbo-The Korea Times Media Group, will display some 160 masterpieces by Marc Chagall. The full seven-piece series comprising his decorations in Moscow’s Jewish Theatre will make their Asian debut. Located near exit 10 of City Hall Station, subway line 2. For more information, call (02) 2124-8800.
Picasso and Modern Art
National Museum of Contemporary Art, Deoksu Palace
Through March 1, 2011
The Albertina Museum Collections from Vienna are on loan to the National Museum of Contemporary Art for an exhibition of classic work ranging from Picasso to Miro, Chagall to Kandinsky. The four-part showcase divided into four segments explores 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 downtown Seoul. For more information, visit www.moca.go.kr or call (02) 2188-6069.
Gum Print
Lim Yang-Hwan is one of the few artists who have remained dedicated to the technique of gum printing. The exhibition brings to light Lim’s skill, while visitors will have a chance to speak with the artist in an open talk at 2 p.m., Nov. 20. Located 19th floor of Hanmi Tower in Bangi-dong. Visit www.photo museum.or.kr.
Fast Forward
Michael Schultz Gallery Seoul
Four unique Korean artists — Bak Hyong-ryol, Yang Seung-won, Yun Sun-young and Lee Il-seok — will hold a group exhibition, boasting their eye-catching photographs featuring bleak landscapes and witty juxtapositions. Located in Cheongdam-dong, southern Seoul. Visit www.schultzgallery.co.kr.
Osang Gwon
Gallery 2
Through Dec.19
Gwon unveils his latest series, “The Sculptor,” in a solo exhibition. Based solely on Internet-found images, as opposed to the real thing, perfectly proportioned motorcycles with missing handlebars and wheels can be found in the show. Visit www.gallery2.co.kr.
Kids
Da Vinci ‘The Genius’
War Memorial of Korea
Through Feb. 27, 2011
Historical genius Leonardo Da Vinci, who produced the timeless painting of the 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.
Boony Boony Friends
Jayu Theater, Seoul Arts Center*
Dec. 10-20
Korea’s first operetta for children, “Boony Boony Friends” will take viewers on an exciting journey into the world of classical music. Tutu the farting tuba, Roomba the brave trombone and Grandpa Bassoon will introduce the works of Mozart, Beethoven and Tchaikovsky. Tickets cost 30,000-40,000 won. Visit www.boonyboony.com.
The Snowman
Hoam Art Hall*
The family musical will be a seasonal treat presenting various “wow factors,” including snowfalls inside the theater, a flying boy and even a surprise appearance of the Snowman dressed in traditional Korean costume “hanbok.” The Korean show is the world’s first licensed performance outside the United Kingdom edition. Tickets cost 35,000 to 55,000 won. Call (02) 3274-8600.
Sports Games
Basketball
Saturday, Dec. 4
Busan KT Sonicbooms vs. Anyang KT&G Kites
Busan Indoor Stadium at 3 p.m.
Jeonju KCC Egis vs. Seoul SK Knights
Jeonju Indoor Stadium at 3 p.m.
Seoul Samsung Thunders vs.Wonju Dongbu Promy
Jamshil Indoor Stadium at 5 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 5
Ulsan Mobis Phoebis vs. Jeonju KCC Egis
Ulsan Indoor Stadium at 3 p.m.
Anyang KT&G Kites vs. Changwon LG Sakers
Anyang Indoor Stadium at 3 p.m.
Daegu Orions vs. Incheon Etland Elephants
Daegu Indoor Stadium at 5 p.m.
K-League Football
F.C. Seoul vs. Jeju United
Seoul World Cup Stadium at 2 p.m.