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 also has a branch in Shanghai. Located in the famous clubbing area Hongdae, it’s all flashy with loud music and lights. Spacious, with a supersized mirror ball hanging over your head, DJs from near and far make music while you hang out at the bar or in classy private rooms. Located near the main entrance of Hongik University. Call (02) 325-5715 or visit www.underlounge.kr.

Boutique Club 52

Itaewon

Once called Function inside Macaroni Market, Club 52 boasts a chic and modern interior with the DJ spinning the beats for the hippest crowd from the center of the dance floor. Featuring top DJs from both home and abroad, two bars inside the club serving the coolest cocktails including some made with Hendrick’s gin, and a high-class interior, Club 52 is always the place for good times.

Club Volume

Located in the Crown Hotel near Noksapyeong Station, Club Volume offers the finest venue for specially themed weekly events and talented international DJs for unforgettable nights of dancing and debauchery. Reborn after extensive renovations to maintain its reputation as a quality club with a superior sound system, luxurious setting and stylish people, Club Volume was listed by TIME magazine among the 10 things to do in 24 hours in Seoul. Call 1544-2635 for more information.

Le Nuit Blanche

Cheongdam-dong

Formerly Club Answer, Le Nuit Blanche is a posh restaurant, theater and club. Located in front of the 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 perform at the club. Call (02) 514-4311 or visit www.lenuitblanche.com.

Cafe Mou

Sinsa-dong

This cafe has a rich ethnic interior that mixes inspirations from such places as Morocco and France. Its menu is limited, but features desserts. It is 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.

Berlin Cafe & Lounge

Almost hidden atop a hill at the mouth of Itaewon, this terrace with a view offers deliciously themed dinner platters, strong cocktails and DJs on the weekends. The kitchen is open late and the waitstaff is attentive. The modern decor, floral touches and artistic ambiance add to the dining experience. Call (02) 749-0903 for reservations.

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.

3 — Drinking Lab

Hongdae

Owned and operated by three men with exceptional backgrounds, 3 —Drinking Lab, near Sangsu Station and Hongik Universit, is a bar popular with many prominent people in the music industry. A radio DJ, a drummer and a previous restaurateur join forces to make 3 a great place for cocktails, mixed drinks and a special white sangria to knock your socks off. There is even occasional live music to enliven the evening. For more information, call 02-323-9033.

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 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.

Noxa Lounge

KyoungLiDan

A restaurant and bar serving home-style Italian cuisine along with basic cocktails, wine and a large selection of non-alcoholic drinks, Noxa offers the best patio seating in the neighborhood with a cosmopolitan flair. Call (02) 790-0776 for more information.

Gachi

Salsa enthusiasts can dance the night away here. To get to Gachi, get off at Apgujeong Line 3 and get out at Exit 5. After walking past six streets, look for the 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.

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.

Kyotofu

With a stark, modern interior and unique menu options with tofu-based ingredients, this restaurant and sake lounge offers a hip dining experience. Call (02) 749-1488 for reservations.

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

Korea House 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.

Kim Duk-soo’s Traditional Yeonhui Performance ‘Pan’

Gwanghwamun Art Hall

“Pan,” which opened in May 2008, is a Korean traditional performance expressing on stage a Korean clown’s joyful and pleasant emotions in harmony with traditional instruments, drama and circus acts. Since its first performance in 2008, the theater has prepared a new version of the show and opened it to the public in 2009. The second version is now being presented. Located near exit 1 of Gyeongbokgung Station, subway line 3. Tickets cost 30,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, call (02) 722-3416.

Miso

Chongdong Theater

This Korean musical tells the romantic story a young couple in the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1897) falling in love with each other, describing the transformation of love as chronicling the four seasons and using Korean musical instruments and dance. The musical was created in 2008, and the second version has been running since 2010. Tickets cost 30,000 to 50,000 won. Located near exit 5 of Seodaemun Station, subway line 5. For more information, call (02) 751-1500.

Saturday Morning Concert with Tea ’Morning of SamcheongGak’

SamcheongGak

Through Dec. 31

SamcheongGak, a traditional Korean cultural venue established in 1972, has been holding regular morning concerts on the last Saturday of each month. Audiences can enjoy traditional Korean music with special seasonal Korean teas. In September, “haeguem,” a traditional Korean two-stringed instrument, will be played by Yuna Kim. In October, Kim Ji-hyun is set to play “saenghwang” and “taepyeongso” to present Korean woodwind sounds. Tickets cost 20,000 won. Located near exit 5 of Jonggak Station on subway line 1. A shuttle bus from subway stations to Samcheonggak is provided. For more information, call (02) 765-3700 or visit https://www.samcheonggak.or.kr.

Art Exhibitions

This Is Not Graffiti

Opera Gallery Seoul

Through Oct. 20

The exhibition focuses on the area of graffiti art, highly regarded by world art collectors and artists in recent years. Through this exhibition, the gallery also attempts to emphasize that graffiti art has been assimilating into the mainstream, displaying famous pieces which have set the trend in the underground and street art sectors. The main artists for this exhibition are Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960-1988), Keith Haring (1958-1990), SEEN, Mr. Brainwash and Vincent Poole. Located near exit 9 of Cheongdam Station on subway line 7. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 3446-0070.

Korea Tomorrow 2011

Hangaram Art Museum, Seoul Arts Center*

Sept. 25-Oct. 2

Over 200 pieces by 42 artists in modern painting, sculpture, installation and video art will be displayed for this exhibition with five thems “Woman Code,” “Reconstruction of Korean Beauty,” “CounterFAKE,” “Outsider Gaze” and “Deja-View.” Tickets cost 10,000 won. For more information, call (02) 567-6070.

Sun Yuan and Peng Yu ’Teenager Teenager’

Arario Gallery Seoul

Through Oct. 9

Enjoy the opportunity to enjoy recent sculptures with performances and visual pieces by Chinese artists Sun Yuan and Peng Yu at this modern art gallery. As contemporary conceptual artists, this couple has utilized unusual materials, such as live animals and people to express artistic thoughts and concepts. For this exhibition, part of the gallery’s space has been turned into a small football field by the couple. Children were invited in order to address their artistic subject “Teenager” and attract the viewers’ attention. Admission is free. Located near exit 1 of An-guk Station on subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 723-6190.

Jean-Michel Othoniel ’My Way’

PLATEAU, Samsung Museum of Art

Through Nov. 27

The museum is holding a solo exhibition titled “My Way” by French artist Jean-Michel Othoniel through Nov. 27. It will show the aesthetic values expressed through the artist’s installation pieces. Based on personal experience and trauma, Othoniel embodies unique materials such as sulfur, wax and glass to express his creative world for the past 25 years. Tickets cost 5,000 won. Located near exit 8 of City Hall Station on subway line 1 and 2. For more information, call 1577-7595.

Peinture-Gravure- Installation

Gallery Palais de Seoul

Through Sept. 30

Artist Kim Myoung-nam is set to hold a solo exhibition through Sept. 30 at the Gallery Palais de Seoul. Majoring in print art at Ecole des Beaux Arts de Versailles in France and teaching print art for the same school, Kim has also been holding solo and group exhibitions in France, German, Italy, Greece and Korea over 20 years. For this exhibition, the gallery is divided into four spaces in order to display her installation art pieces according to each theme of her artistic world from the basement to the third floor. Located near exit 3 of Gyeongbokgung Station on subway line 3. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 730-7707.

Jenny Holzer

Kukje Gallery

Through Oct. 16

The gallery holds the second solo exhibition of American Neo-conceptualist artist Jenny Holzer, known for focusing on languages utilized in the mass media from posters to LED signs to address her thoughts on human beings and modern society. Holzers’ 23 pieces made with LEDs, marble and print are being displayed. Among them, huge LED pieces were recently created especially for this solo exhibition. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station on subway line 3. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 733-8449.

Chang Il-kwon & Jeung Boung-ki

N Gallery

The gallery will hold an exhibition for the two Korean modern artists. Chang Il-kwon has dealt with women and life objects as the main theme of his paintings. Jeung Boung-ki presents himself as “a dancing sculptor” in that peace and happiness arising when dancing keeps his soul free and leads him to his artistic world. Utilizing marble as the main material for his art pieces, Jeung’s sculpting process mainly underscores the dynamic moments when his artistic inspiration is being embodied. Admission is free. Located near exit 5 of Seohyun Station on the Bundang Line. For more information, call 070-7430-3323-5.

Artist of the Year 1995-2010

National Museum of Contemporary Art

Through Oct. 30

To reflect on the past 16 years of contemporary art in Korea, the museum is to hold an exhibition “Artist of the Year 1995-2010.” The museum has selected 23 artists who have tried to explore new artistic areas using their own creativity. The exhibition will not only display the representative pieces of the 23 artists, but films including each artist’s monologue and comments will also be introduced. The exhibition is expected to provide an opportunity to forecast the future of Korean contemporary art by looking back on the history of Korean art since 1995. Tickets cost 3,000 won. Located near exit 4 of Seoul Grand Park (Daegongwon) Station on subway line 4. For more information, call (02) 2188-6000.

YIPPA 2011

Culture Station Seoul 284 (Old Seoul Station Museum)

The Yonhap International Press Photo Awards (YIPPA) displays more than 80 prize-winning pieces to the public through Sept. 30. The exhibition aims at contributing to the United Nation’s efforts to push for international peace, promote the co-prosperity of humankind and protect the global environment, supporting the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The grand prize was presented to “Cholera Victims” by Emilio Morenatti from the Associated Press. Admission is free. Located near exit 2 of Seoul Station on subway line 1 or 4. For more information, call (02) 568-9340.

Faces

63 Sky Art Museum

Through Nov. 13

Focusing on “faces” as the main theme, the exhibit features selected seven portrait artists. The museum attempts to show how human faces have been so beloved by many artists in that they are able to directly reflect the inner workings of subjects. The exhibition, composed of 61 pieces, includes such artists as Alex Katz, Julian Opie, Lee Soo-dong, Kim Min-kyoung and Yoon Gi-won. Tickets cost 12,000 won. Located near exit 6 of Daebang Station on subway line 1. For more information, call (02) 789-5663.

French Art Today: Marcel Duchamp Prize

To introduce the artistic trends in modern French art, the museum is featuring 16 young artists who were either winners or nominees of the Marcel Duchamp Prize. From videos to installation works, sculptures, photos and prints, the exhibition features a large scope of work suggesting the unique and historical character of French art. Tickets cost 5,000 won. Located next exit 4 of Daegongwon Station on subway line 4. For more information, call (02) 2188-6000.

KIAF 2011

Hall A, COEX

Through Sept. 26

Korea International Art Fair (KIAF) is set to introduce the artistic potential and creativity of Australian art. KIAF admits 117 galleries from Korea and 75 from other countries including Australia and Japan. In particular, “BMW M3 GT2,” an art car made by pop artist Jeff Koons in cooperation with BMW will be displayed. Tickets cost 15,000 won. Located near exit 5 or 6 of Samseong Station on subway line 2. For more information, call (02) 766-3702-4.

Kids

Reading Through Art, Imagery Diary

Hello Museum

Through Nov. 20

To help children understand contemporary art in an easy and entertaining way, the museum is showing pieces by seven young artists’ expressed in the form of a diary of images. The exhibition aims to educate children with lectures led by a professional educator specifically for children’s audiences. Tickets cost 5,000 to 20,000 won. Located near exit 5 of Seolleung Station on subway line 2. For more information, call (02) 562-4420.

Sports Games

Baseball

Saturday Sept. 24 and Sunday Sept. 25

Nexen Heroes vs. Samsung Lions

Daegu Baseball Stadium at 5 p.m.

Doosan Bears vs. KIA Tigers

Gwangju Baseball Stadium at 5p.m.

Lotte Giants vs. Hanwha Eagles

Daejeon Baseball Stadium at 5 p.m.

SK Wyverns vs. LG Twins

Jamsil Baseball Stadium at 5 p.m.