Clubs, art exhibitions & 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 across from 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 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 visit 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 and 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. For more information, 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
The National Gugak Center is holding the exhibition “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 on display along with photos of 78 gugak masters, donated by their descendants and pupils. Call (02) 580-3130 for more information.
Jami
Ilhwa Dang, Samcheonggak
Through June 29
Samcheonggak is now presenting a premium lunch concert, titled “Jami,” which means both “healthy food” and “fun” in the Jeju dialect. Monday through Wednesday, Korean food and traditional tea are served after fusion music, dance and singing performances. Cost is 50,000 won. For more information call (02) 765-3208~9 or visit www.samcheonggak.or.kr.
Bukcheong Lion Dance
Seoul Namsan Traditional Theater
Through April 17
Seoul Namsan Traditional Theater presents the “Bukcheong Lion Dance” performance by the Mokhwa Repertory Company. This traditional theatrical play features live dances and vocals to heighten the dramatic effect. English and Japanese subtitles are available. Tickets cost 30,000 won. Experience programs for learning the Bukcheong Lion Dance will be every Saturday and Sunday. Located near exit 3 of Chungmuro Station on subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 2261-0516.
Art exhibitions
Ladies of Legend: Niki de Saint-Phalle & Yayoi Kusama
Opera Gallery
Through April 10
In celebration of International Women’s Day, a special exhibition of French artist Niki de Saint-Phalle and Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama is 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.
Abstract It
National Museum of Contemporary Art, Korea
Through May 10
The National Museum of Contemporary Art displays 93 artworks from 71 abstract artists. The exhibition titled “Abstract It” offers abstract paintings ranging from the early 20th-century Korean modern artworks to prominent artists such as Marcel Duchamp’s and Louise Bourgeois’ masterpieces. Tickets cost 4,000 won. Located near exit 4 at Seoul Grand Park Station on subway line 4. For more information call (02) 2188-6069, 6070.
Old Seoul Through Foreign Eyes
Cheong Gye Cheon Museum
Through June 26
This exhibition displays various photos and installations showing the old capital of Gyeongseong in the 1930s. It is the first of its kind to exhibit the old images of Seoul. The exhibition features a video comparing the old and present capital and also a map of Gyeongseong district which had about 3,000 stores. Admission is free. Located near exit 2 at Sangwangsimni Station on subway line 2. For more information call (02) 2286-3410.
Henkel InnoArt Project
LOOP Alternative Space
Through May 4
“Henkel InnoArt Project” supports mid-generation artists between emerging and established artists and also global post promotions of innovation and art values. The project suggests a creative cooperation model which connects industry and art. Located near exit 4 at Hongik Univ. Station on subway line 2. Call (02) 3141-1377, 1075 for more information.
Carlos Amorales: Silent Films
Song-eun Art Space
Through May 21
Carlos Amorales from Mexico City, a versatile artist in the field of video animation, painting, drawing, sculpture and performance art is holding his first exhibition at Song-eun Art Space. He participated in the Berlin Biennale (2001) and Venice Biennale (2003) and his artwork has been exhibited in the Tate Modern (London), MoMA (New York) and Pompidou (Paris) among other galleries. Admission is free. Located near exit 11 at Cheong-dam station on subway line 7. Call (02) 3448-0100 for more information.
Unknown Signal
Gallery Hyundai
Through April 24
Catch and keep the moment of beauty as an eternal one. Key motives inspiring artworks on display in “Unknown Signal” are time, life, and human nature. The various artists reflect reality and existence by taking out poetic parts of the 21st-century modern people’s inner mind. Located near exit 5 at Gyeongbok Palace Station on subway line 3. Call (02) 519-0863 or (02) 519-0846 for more information.
Paolo Roversi Photographs
10 CORSO COMO
Through May 8
Asia’s representative lifestyle concept store “10 CORSO COMO SEOUL” holds an exhibition of world-renowned fashion photographer Paolo Roversi’s works until May. Roversi along with Steven Meisel and Peter Lindbergh are praised as the world’s top 3 fashion photographers. This time the exhibit concepts are “Nudi,” “Libretto,” and “Studio.” Located near exit 2 at Apgujeong Station on subway line 3.
The Ten Thousand Peace!
Gallery Palais de Seoul
April 14-May 1
Artist Lee Gyeong-lim’s works are made of corrugated cardboard with various colors, shapes such as stripes, dots, words and drawings. All the small parts are integrated into one big picture. This time Lee will present the landscapes of four seasons in the Busan Gamchundong area, which are connected with each other into one big frame. Located near exit 3, 4 at Gyeongbok Palace Station on subway line 3. For more information call (02) 730-7707.
Korean Rhapsody — A Montage of History and Memory
Samsung Art Gallery, Leeum
Through June 5
“Korean Rhapsody” displays an evocative collection of art and historical documents from the modern era. The works, consisting of two parts — Symbols of Modernity (1876-1945) and Unfamiliar Hopes (1945-2011) — show a broad range of work from traditional landscapes to portraits, photography and video. Tickets cost 4,000 to 7,000 won. Located near exit 1 at Hangangjin station on subway line 6. Call (02) 2014-6900 for more information.
THE EMPTY HOUSE
The Korean War and Vietnam War are recent tragedies that the older generations experienced but now we’re ignorant and insensible of the wars. Located near exit 3, 4 at Gyeongbok Palace Station on subway line 3. For more information call (02) 730-7707.
The Exhibition of the Great Portraitist’s Work: Karsh
Sejong Museum of Art*
Through May 22
Renowned portraitist Yousuf Karsh’s works came to Seoul again after two years. This exhibition presents 100 carefully selected pieces of his work from 1930 to 1990. All are prints from original vintage film owned by the estate of Karsh, not digital printed work. This exhibition is based on three themes — portraits, hands and landscape. Tickets cost 6,000 to 9,000 won. Call 1544-1681 for more information.
Bernar Venet Paintings 1961-2011
Seoul Museum of Art
Through April 14
A retrospective of “Bernar Venet Paintings 1961-2011” presents a collection of art works by popular French artist Bernar Venet who covers paintings, sculptures, performances, photographs, and movies. Venet applies mathematics to his works above the expression of an artist’s abstract world. Located near exit 1 of City Hall station on Subway line 1. Admission is free. Call 2124-8800 for more information.
Kim Chong-hak Retrospective
A retrospective exhibition of Kim Chong-hak is being held at the National Museum of Contemporary Art. He is renowned for his unique interpretation of the wild with splendid colors. This exhibition presents his major works from his early works to his latest works which show his unique style going against the stream of abstract art. Tickets cost 3,000 won. Located near exit 4 at Seoul Grand Park Station on subway line 4. For more information call (02) 2188-6000.
Kids
The Wizard of Oz
Universal Art Center
May 1-29
A famous story of “The Wizard of Oz” will be on stage as a fantastic musical throughout May with memorable music such as “Over the Rainbow.” Tickets cost 33,000 to 77,000 won. Located near exit 4 at Achasan Station on subway line 5. For more information call (02) 6391-6333.
Cloud Bread in Playground
Sangsang-nanoom Theater
Through June 12
The bestseller fairy tale “Cloud Bread” is on stage in English. In this musical, children can listen to popular songs, such as “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” and “Bingo.” Tickets cost 25,000 won. Located near exit 1 at Guro station on subway line 1. Call 1666-5795 for more information.
Guess How Much I Love You
Triangle Theater, Wonderspace in Daehangno
Based on the classic children’s book, the English musical takes the stage. It is a story — a tale of the reassuring bond of love between a parent and a child. Tickets cost 30,000 won. Located near exit 1 at Hyehwa Station on subway line 4. Call 1544-6399 for more information.
Sports games
Basketball
Saturday, April 9
Jeonju KCC Egis vs. Incheon Etland Elephants
Jeonju Indoor Stadium at 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 10
Wonju Dongbu Promy vs. Busan KT Sonicbooms
Wonju Chiak Stadium at 3:00 p.m.