Clubs, Art Exhibitions & Sports Games

Clubs

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

Opera ‘Arang’

Towol Theater Seoul Arts Center* (See venues on previous page for more information)

Dec. 16-19

The locally-made opera “Arang” is based on the legend of Arang from Milyang Province, Gyeonsang-do. The story is about satisfying a girl’s grudge, who was raped and left for dead by a government official. Directed by music director of the Korea National Opera Kim Ju-Hyun and art director Lee So-young, the Insiem Philharmonic Orchestra will accompany the opera cast. Tickets cost 10,000 to 30,000 won. For more information, call (02) 586-5282.

Dong Hwa

M Theater, Sejong Center For Performing Arts*

Dec. 15

The Seoul Metropolitan Youth Traditional Music Orchestra presents a special concert, “Dong Hwa” (Flower in Winter). Directed by general director and conductor Kim Sung-jin, the program will showcase various world music genres, as played on “gugak,” or Korean traditional musical instruments. Tickets cost 20,000 to 30,000 won. For more, call 1544-1555.

Christmas Concert

Dec. 16

The Seoul Metropolitan Traditional Music Orchestra will hold a Christmas concert. North Korean “sohaegeom” player Park Sung-jin, the Family Gayageum Ensebble, the Salvation Army Brass Band and others, will perform familiar carols and Korean traditional songs. Tickets cost 10,000 to 20,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1887.

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.

World Stars In Contemporary Art

Hangaram Art Museum, Seoul Arts Center*

Dec. 18-Feb. 25, 2011

An exhibition will present more than 200 pieces of great modern artists from Louise Bourgeois to Damien Hirst, as chosen by the international art magazine “Parkett.” Various experiential rooms, gallery talks, and modern art lessons are planned for children and students. Tickets cost 8,000 won for adult and 4,000 won for students. For more information, call (02) 580-1609.

Park Seo-bo

Kukje Gallery

Through Jan. 20, 2011

This exhibition highlights 40 years of Park Seo-bo’s artistic career, with a special focus on his “Ecriture” period and “Esquisse” drawings. More than 50 works are on display in both of the gallery’s spaces, establishing the artist’s historical importance and innovative techniques. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station on subway line 3. Call (02) 735-8449 or visit www.kukjegallery.com.

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.

Hundertwasser

Hangaram Design Museum, Seoul Arts Center*

Through Mar. 15, 2011

Friedensreich Hundertwasser, known for building the hobbit town in the “Lord of Rings” trilogy, is holding a special exhibition in his first display in Korea. More than 60 original paintings and eight construction models, original graphics and tapestries are on display. The architect, artist and environmentalist will donate three percent of all general admission fees to the World Vision organization. For more information, call (02) 545-3944.

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. 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.

Manga Realities

Artsonje Center

Through Feb. 13, 2011

Nine popular manga artists are featured in this spatially-designed exhibition that reflects the artistic potential of the medium. Manga serves as a communicative outlet, spanning various forms of expression, as a modern art form. Organized in collaboration with art groups from Japan, Korea, Australia and the Philippines, the exhibition will travel to each respective country. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station on subway line 3. Call (02)733-8945 or visit www.artsonje.org.

Less and More: The Design Ethos of Dieter Rams

Daelim Contemporary Art Museum

Dec. 17-Mar. 13, 2011

The legendary industrial designer Dieter Rams and his team will showcase more than 400 works, including design products, models, sketches and video images. Docent-led tours will be held at noon and 3 p.m. on weekdays, and at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on weekends. Located near exit 4 of Gyeongbokgung Station, subway line 3. For more information, visit www.daelimmuseum.org or call (02) 720-0667.

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*

Through Dec. 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. 11

Ulsan Mobis Phoebis vs. Changwon LG Sakers

Changwon Indoor Stadium at 3 p.m.

Jeonju KCC Egis vs. Busan KT Sonicbooms

Jeonju Indoor Stadium at 3 p.m.

Daegu Orions vs. Seoul Samsung Thunders

Daegu Indoor Stadium at 5 p.n.

Sunday, Dec. 12

Changwon LG Sakers vs. Incheon ET Land Elephants

Incheon Indoor Staduim at 3 p.m.

Anyang KT&G Kites vs. Ulsan Mobis Phoebis

Anyang Indoor Stadium at 3 p.m.

Wonju Dongbu Promy vs. Seoul SK Knights

Jamsil Student Stadium at 5 p.m.