Clubs, art exhibitions and 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.
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.
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.
UNA
Itaewon
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 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 for more information.
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 for more information.
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.
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.
Gachi
Salsa music enthusiasts can dance the night away here. 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. There are many Korean homies here with do-rags, dreads and baseball caps turned sideways. 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. This place is in Mapo at Seogyo-dong, 366-17. Call (02) 338-1523.
Rocky Mountain Tavern
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.
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.
The Hall of Masters
Museum of Traditional Music, National Gugak Center
Open run
The National Gugak Center is holding the exhibit “The Hall Of Masters” to present the “gugak” (traditional Korean music) spirit of human cultural assets. More than 30 relics, including traditional Korean instruments and costumes, are exhibited with photos of 78 gugak masters, donated by their descendants and pupils. Call (02) 580-3130 for more information.
Sori It Suda
Welcomm Theater
Feb. 25-26
The creative “pansori” (Korean Opera) organization Badaksori will stage various performances of traditional fairy tales, with added wit, satire and reinterpretation. Ticket costs 20,000 won. Located near exit 1 of Dongguk Univ. Station on subway line 3. Call (02) 3143-7709 for more information.
Korean-Japanese Traditional Music Festival
Woomyeon Dang, National Gugak Center
Feb. 22-23
The Korean National Gugak Center and traditional Japanese dancers will perform together for the 60th anniversary of the center. The program is divided into three parts, with the finale highlighting the artists’ improvisational skills. Located near exit 6 of Nambu Bus Terminal Station on subway line 3. Call (02) 580-3300 for more information.
Art Exhibitions
World Stars In Contemporary Art
Hangaram Art Museum, Seoul Arts Center* (See venues on ‘Concerts, Museums and Theater’ for more information)
Through Feb. 25
This exhibition presents more than 200 pieces by 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.
Ladies of Legend: Niki de Saint-Phalle & Yayoi Kusama
Opera Gallery
March 10-April 10
In celebration of International Women’s Day, a special exhibition of French artist Niki de Saint-Phalle and Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama will be held in recognition of their contributions to the elevation of the status of women as female artists. They differ in nationality, but have in common sublimated personal pains and sorrows, translated into innovative and avant-garde styles of art. Located near exit 9 of Cheongdam Station on subway line 7. Call (02) 3446-0070 for more information.
Kwang-su, The Little Boy
Gallery Santorini Seoul
Through March 6
Throwing off his boy image as a pornography writer and obscene professor, Ma Kwang-su reveals himself as a man with a pure heart. More than 50 paintings will display his distinct aesthetic styles while describing the purest moments of his life. Located near exit 9 of Hongik Univ. Station on subway line 2. Call (02) 322-8177 for more information.
How Are You?
Space of Art, Etc.
Through Feb. 26
Thirty-five young artists gather for a project to explore their thoughts, concerns and theories on unified peace in Korea. The exhibition period is divided into two parts: collaboration artworks made by six teams and an overall group exhibition. A public forum to further discuss the theme will be held on Feb. 19. For more information, call (02) 3142-1429 or visit www.artetc.org. Located near exit 4 of Sangsu Station on subway line 6.
Painters
PKM Gallery
Through March 11
Five artists (Chung Sue-jin, Lee Je, Lee Noo-ri, Ryu Sung-hun and Jon Widman) participate in a group exhibition focused on the reflection of the primordial nature of art. A total of 15 paintings show the result of artistic labor and sincerity. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station on subway line 3. Call (02) 734-9467 for more information.
Chang Ucchin
Gallery Hyundai
Through Feb. 27
Pioneering painter Chang Ucchin’s 20th death anniversary is remembered in a special retrospective exhibition. Organized in collaboration with the Chang Ucchin Foundation, the large-scale showcase includes 60 oil paintings, 10 ink paintings and even the very last work created by the well-known modern artist. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station on subway line 3. Call (02) 2287-3500 or visit www.galleryhyundai.com for more information.
Kind Regards, Modern Portraits of Beauty
Space C, Coreana Museum of Art
Coreana Museum of Art has collected domestic and foreign modern portraits of female beauties since 2003. Unveiling 55 works recently collected, this exhibition showcases the museum’s aim to visually research the socio-cultural controversies of female images. Located near exit 3 of Apgujeong Station on subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 547-9177.
Neighboring Form
Dr. Park Gallery
Feb. 19-March 20
Four Artists (Kwak Su-yeon, Kim Na-ri, Jo Jong-sung and Jimmy) are holding a group exhibition at the Dr. Park Gallery in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province. Focusing on how dissimilar tendencies of thought can converge into one perspective, this exhibition is all about the gaps between artists and their paintings, sculptures and installations. Call (031) 775-5605 or visit www.drparkart.com for more information.
Limited Edition
Through March 2
Opera Gallery is displaying more than 100 rare and undisclosed engraved print works of modern Chinese artists, as well as prominent names such as Marc Chagall and Joan Miro, among others. Located near exit 9 of Cheongdam Station on subway line 7. Call (02) 3446-0070 for more information.
The Blue
Gallery Palais de Seoul
Artist Suh Kyoung-ja is holding an exhibition titled “The Blue.” Scattered flower petals, twigs and other parts of flowers imbued with blue express the artist’s innate vision through her own visual symbols. Located near exit 4 of Gyeongbokgung Sation on subway line 3. Call (02) 730-7707 for more information.
Da Vinci, the Genius
The War Memorial of Korea
A number of Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous inventions and artworks, as well as 25 interesting facts about the Mona Lisa, are on display. An audio guide system is available in English and special events will be held throughout the exhibition. Tickets cost 12,000 won for students and 15,000 won for adults. Located near exit 11 and 12 of Samgakji Station on subway line 6. Call (02) 541-3150 or visit www.davincithegenius.com for more information.
Picasso and Modern Art
National Museum of Contemporary Art, Deoksu Palace
Through March 1
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.
Chagall: Magician of Color
Seoul Museum of Art
Through March 27
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 Theater will make their Asian debut. Located near exit 10 of City Hall Station, subway line 2. For more information, call (02) 2124-8800.
M.IDEA
Arario Gallery
Through Feb. 20
Emerging artist Insane Park opens a solo exhibition with an array of works made of car paint and coaxial cables. Providing acute observations on society’s dependence on external images, Park explores the duplicity of media. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station, subway line 3. For more information, visit www.arariogallery.com.
Kids
Guess How Much I Love You
Triangle Theater, Wonderspace in Daehangno
Based on the classic children’s book, the English musical “Guess How Much I Love You” takes to the stage here. Annabelle Ambrose of “Misooda” acts as narrator. Tickets cost 30,000 won. Located near exit Hyehwa Station on subway line 4. Call 1544-6399 for more information.
Sorts Games
Basketball
Saturday, Feb. 19
Incheon Etland Elephants vs. Ulsan Mobis Phoebis
Incheon Samsan Indoor Stadium at 3:00 p.m.
Jeonju KCC Egis vs. Daegu Orions
Jeonju Indoor Stadium at 3:00 p.m.
Anyang KT&G Kites vs. Wonju Dongbu Promy
Anyang Indoor Stadium at 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 20
Ulsan Mobis Phoebis vs. Jeonju KCC Egis
Ulsan Doncheon Stadium at 3:00 p.m.
Seoul Samsung Thunders vs. Seoul SK Knights
Jamshil Indoor Stadium at 3:00 p.m.
Changwon LG Sakers vs. Busan KT Sonicbooms
Changwon Indoor Stadium at 5:00 p.m.
Gwacheon Seoul Race Track
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.