Around Town
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
Ilhwadang, 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. It costs 50,000 won. For more information call (02) 765-3208~9 or visit www.samcheonggak.or.kr.
Art exhibitions
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 modern Korean works 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.
Kim Duck-yong
Gallery Hyundai
Through May 15
Kim Duck-yong, who is renowned for capturing Korean beauty in his artwork, holds an exhibition of paintings depicting forests as their main theme. Also, his works represent people, landscapes, objects and old memories. The exhibition presents about 50 new works. Located near exit 5 at Gyeongbok Palace Station on subway line 3. Call (02) 519-0863 or (02) 519-0846 for more information.
Fly, Roosters
Palais de Seoul Gallery
Through May 16
Artist Seong Tae-hun holds an exhibition titled “Fly, Roosters.” In his “Fly, Roosters” series, by looking at the repetitive combination of Rooster and ume flowers, we can understand his peculiar attitude about the world, life and art. Located near exit 3, 4 at Gyeongbok Palace Station on subway line 3. For more information call (02) 730-7707.
Cody Choi Exhibition
PKM Trinity Gallery
Through May 14
PKM Trinity Gallery is holding artist Cody Choi’s exhibition “2nd Chapter of Post-colonialism” until May. As an extension of her previous work of finding her oriental identity during her 20-year life in American society, she presents her artwork about her experience both in American and Korean cultures. Located near exit 9 at Cheongdam Station on subway line 7. For more information call (02) 515-9496.
Kang Jung-min “I’m Kim Daeri”
Kim is the most common family name in Korea. “Daeri” is the most common position in companies’ ranks. Thus, Kim Daeri represents the most ordinary worker in Korean society. All the people in Kang Jung-min’s artwork are about Kim Daeri. There are some differences among people such as colors of shirts but their similar, spiritless facial expressions make them all look the same. Located near exit 3, 4 at Gyeongbok Palace Station on subway line 3. For more information call (02) 730-7707.
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 the Gyeongseong district which had about 3,000 stores. Admission is free. Located near exit 2 of Sangwangsimni Station on subway line 2. For more information call (02) 2286-3410.
New Acquisitions 2010
National Museum of Contemporary Art
“New Acquisitions 2010” exhibits 45 works from 24 representative artists. The collection includes the main products of Korean contemporary art with characteristics of presenting changes in media. They offer new media such as video arts from artist Im Choong-sup, Park Hyeon-gi, and Jung Bo-won. Located near exit 4 at Seoul Grand Park Station on subway line 4. For more information call (02) 2188-6239.
Touch Me
Daerim Contemporary Art Museum
Through July 31
The Daerim Contemporary Art Museum is holding Juergen Teller’s photography exhibition “Touch Me.” The exhibition features Teller’s personal story, celebrities’ and models’ photos showing his philosophy of photography, which makes life’s daily moments special and catches the ordinary lives of supermodels and celebrities. Tickets cost 2,000 to 5,000 won. Located near exit 4 at Gyeongbok Palace Station on subway line 3. For more information call (02) 720-0667.
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 work 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.
Hugging Your Flow
Artist Hwangbo Kum-byul’s exhibition “Hugging Your Flow” is at Gallery Palais de Seoul in May. The artist tries to portray individual experiences through the artworks. Located near exit 3, 4 at Gyeongbok Palace Station on subway line 3. For more information call (02) 730-7707.
Somewhat Somewhere
Through May 22
As a woman, mother and contemporary artist in this conservative, male-centered Korean society, artist Kim Eun-jin received inspiration for her works from her efforts to overcome the gap between her own life and her duties demanded by society. 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 is holding 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.
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 works 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 Exhibition of the Great Portraitist’s Work: Karsh
Sejong Museum of Art*
Renowned portraitist Yousuf Karsh’s works have returned to Seoul after two years. This exhibition presents 100 carefully selected of his works from 1930 to 1990. All are prints from original vintage film owned by the estate of Karsh, not digitally printed ones. 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.
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
Through May 29
The famous story of “The Wizard of Oz” is 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.
Barbie at the Symphony
Sejong Center for the Performing Arts*
May 15
Classical music will be performed in a friendly format for children. “Barbie at the Symphony” will offer not only the enjoyment of listening to live music led by the producers of the Barbie princess-themed films Arnie Roth but also favorite stories with animation on the screen. Tickets cost 30,000 to 80,000 won. For more information call 1577-5266.
Sports Games
Baseball
Saturday, May 7
Nexen Heroes vs. Hanwha Eagles
Daejeon Baseball Stadium at 5:00 p.m.
KIA Tigers vs. SK Wyverns
Munhak Stadium at 5:00 p.m.
LG Twins vs. Samsung Lions
Daegu Baseball Stadium at 5:00 p.m.
Lotte Giants vs. Doosan Bears
Jamsil Baseball Stadium at 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 8