Clubs

Club

The Octagon

Nonhyeon-dong

Recently opened near the New Hilltop Hotel in Nonhyeon-dong this club is notable for its stylish interior and elite clientele. The venue offers a club stage, lounge bar and dining area to satisfy any night out after work or on the weekend. Near exit 4 of Hakdong Station on subway line 7. Call (02) 516-8847 for more information.

Club Volume

Itaewon

Offering the finest venue for specially-themed weekly events and world-class DJs, Club Volume is located in the Crown Hotel near Noksapyeong subway station. Club Volume was listed by TIME magazine among the “10 things to do in 24 hours in Seoul.” For more information, call 1544-2635.

Dojo

Kyounglidan

Work hard, play hard, sleep later! Lying underground Noxa in the thriving Kyounglidan neighborhood, Dojo is the latest edition to the clubbing nightlife in Seoul. Popular local DJs offer nonstop tunes for energetic danicing until dawn with weekday drink specials and enthusiastic crowds of longtime expats. For more information call 02-790-1334.

W.E. Listen

Samcheong-dong

This cafe reinterprets traditional Korean desserts. The menu not only offers American-style coffee but also sweet potato, sweet bean latte, a “hoddeok” pancake set, multi-grain lattes and more. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station on subway line 3. For more information, visit www.westneast.co.kr or call (02) 739-0919.

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 waiting staff is attentive. The modern decor, floral touches and artistic ambience add to the dining experience. For more information, call (02) 749-0903.

Once in a Blue Moon

Apgujeong-dong

Once in a Blue Moon is one of the best known and well established jazz clubs in the city. It features live jazz sets from two different bands every night, usually starting at 7:30 p.m. It is located on the street between the Hakdong intersection and the Galleria department stores in the posh district of Apgujeong-dong. For more information, call (02) 549-5490.

Naos Nova

Huam-dong

A wine bar and restaurant spread out on three floors called, Hell, Heaven and Earth with high ceilings and unique lighting, Naos Nova offers a ‘new sanctuary’ of respite from hectic daily life in a hip and stylish setting. The owner speaks both French and English. For more information, visit www.naosnova.com. 448-120 Huam-dong Yongsan-gu, Seoul or call (02) 754-2202.

Platoon Kunsthalle

Platoon Kunsthalle is a cultural space offering various facilities, including a large, open hall, library lounge, art studios, and a bar and restaurant for multi-purpose events. It is open from Monday to Saturday from 11 to 12 a.m. and DJ nights are on Thursday and Friday from 10 p.m. Located near exit 10 of Hakdong Station on subway line 7. For more information, visit www.kunsthalle.com.

Gachi

Salsa enthusiasts can dance the night away here. To get to Gachi, get off at Apgujeong Station 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. For more information, call (02) 540-7087.

Kyotofu

With a stark, modern interior and unique menu options made from tofu-based ingredients, this restaurant and sake lounge offers a casual dining experience. Fancy cocktails and delectable desserts are plentiful. For more information, call (02) 749-1488.

Traditional

Cultural shows

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. Located near exit 3 of Chungmuro Station, subway lines 3 and 4. For more information, call (02) 2266-9101.

Miso

Chongdong Theater

This Korean musical tells the romantic story of a young couple in the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910) 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. For more information, call (02) 751-1500.

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

Gwanghwamun Art Hall

“Pan,” which opened in May 2008, is a traditional Korean 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. Tickets cost 30,000 to 50,000 won. Located near exit 1 of Gyeongbokgung Station on subway line 3. Call (02) 722-3416.

Art Exhibitions

Nostalgia is an Extended Feedback

Nam June Paik Art Center

Through Jan. 20, 2013

Paik Nam-june, regarded as a vanguard in video installation art, was a Korean American acclaimed for a wide range of works combining different media. He tried to incorporate the impact of high technology on humans into his art. The exhibition will provide an important opportunity to reevaluate his artistic career and lifestyle in light of its significance today. Tickets cost 4,000 won. Located in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. For more information, call (031) 201- 8571.

Mook Han

Gallery Hyundai Gangnam

Through Sept. 16

Mook Han was born in 1914 and is most recognized as the first purveyor of geometric abstract art in Korea. His works received most recognition in the 1970s, and Gallery Hyundai is re-celebrating his influence on modern Korean art. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 519- 0800 or visit www.galleryhyundai.com.

Felix Gonzalez-Torres

Plateau

Through Sept. 28

A retrospective of Felix Gonzalez-Torres, the Cuban-born American artist who left a strong imprint on contemporary art, is being held at Plateau. The artist’s fear of death, seeking eternity and encompassing love for his AIDS-infected lover are all reflected in his work. His signature candy pile, “Untitled” (Placebo) and “Untitled” (Rossmore II) are also on display. Visitors are welcome to take posters or candies from the exhibit. They are then eventually refilled by the gallery. For more information, visit www.plateau.or.kr or call 1577-7595.

Owen Jones: Islamic Design, Discovery and Vision

Goyang Aram Art Center

Through Dec. 2

Owen Jones’ discovery and vision of Islamic designs organized by the Victoria & Albert Museum is on exhibit at Goyang Aram Art Center. Jones, who greatly influenced English designs in the 19th century, worked with many mediums ranging from painting and pottery to glass craft. More than 100 works by the artist are being displayed. Tickets cost 8,000 won. Closed on Mondays. For more information, call 1577- 7766 or visit www.artgy.or.kr.

Modern Masterpieces from the Museum Collection: Poetry and Dreams

National Museum of Contemporary Art, Deoksugung

Through Dec.2

The 1950s to the early 20th century was a period of extreme difficulty in Korea that was followed by massive improvements and transformation. The National Museum of Contemporary Art focuses on works by Korean artists who drew inspiration and hope and changed during this era of Korean adversities. The exhibition will present around 100 works by more than 50 artists. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 2188-6000 or visit www.moca.go.kr.

2012 Hermes Koo Dong-hee, Lee Mi-kyung, and Hong Jackson Exhibition

Atelier Hermes

Through Sept. 25

Atelier Hermes is located on the third floor of the Maison Hermes near Dosan Park in Sinsa-dong, southern Seoul. The current exhibits “Helter Skelter” by Koo Dong-hee, “Fence” by Lee Mi-kyung, and “Mass Production”by Hong Jackson offers a peek into contemporary Korean art. Admission is free but is closed on Wednesdays. For more information, call (02) 544-7722 or visit https://en.fondationdentreprisehermes.org.

ArtSpectrum 2012

Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art

ArtSpectrum, Leeum’s biennial project to introduce aspiring Korean artists, has returned. Eight artists ― Kim A-young, Kim Ji-eun, Bae Chan-hyo, Oak Jung-ho, Jang Bo-yun, Jun so-jung, Choi Ki-chang and Han Kyung-woo ― present a variety of works with themes such as individual identity as a foreign student and historical events such as the international dispute over Port Hamilton, also known as Geomun Island. The medium ranges from photographs, videos and installations, offering a sampling of the diversity of Korean contemporary art. Admission is 6,000 won. Located near Hangangjin Station on subway line 6. For more information, call (02) 2014-6900 or visit www.leeum.org.

Kohei Nawa: TRANS

Arario Gallery

Through Nov. 4

Kohei Nawa is a young Japanese artist who is holding a solo exhibition for the first time in Korea at Arario Gallery. The exhibition presents Nawa’s new sculptures and paintings. Tickets cost 3,000 won. For more information, call (041) 551-5100 or visit www.arariogallery.co.kr.

2012 Exposition du Musee du Louvre

Hangaram Art Museum, Seoul Arts Center

Through Sept. 30

A group of artworks from the Louvre themed “Myths and Legends” came to Korea for a special exhibition. Three experts from the prestigious museum hand-picked works related to familiar Olympian gods and goddesses. The pieces on from the priceless collection inclue the marble sculpture “Cupid and Psyche” by Italian Antonio Canova, “Pygmalion and Galatea” by Anne-Louis Girodet and “Daphnis and Chloe” by Francois Gerard. Admission is 12,000 won. For more information, call (02) 325-1077 or visit www.louvre2012.co.kr.

SeMA Gold 2012: Hidden Track

Seoul Museum of Art

Through Aug. 26

Established artists in their 50s and 60s have set and unique artistic styles but once in a while they have the desire to break out from their established approaches and “SeMA Gold 2012: Hidden Track” gives them a chance to express their hidden aspirations. For more information, visit www.seoulmoa.org or call (02) 2124-8800.

Different Special

Gyeonggi Museum of Modern Art

Through Oct. 7

“Different Special” brings together artworks of 41 disabled artists from three nations ― Korea, the United States and Japan for one exhibit. The artworks are all creatively made by artists who suffer from developmental disability. Tickets cost 4,000 won. For more information, call (031) 481-7007 or visit www.gmoma.co.kr.

Kids

Garuya Garuya

COEX Artium

Open Run

This children’s exhibition allows visitors to play with flour. Activities include baking bread, playing with instruments used for flour, making dough, drawing pictures using flour and more. Closed on Mondays and only children over 24 months are allowed. Tickets cost 17,000 to 23,000 won. Discounts are also available. For more information, call (02) 738-8289.

Eric Carle English Art Studio

Yoondang Art Hall

Through Sept. 9

Eric Carle is a famous children’s picture book author and illustrator from New York. Carle’s artworks are on display at Yoondang Art Hall through Sept. 9. Admission is free. For more information and reservations, please call 1577-2046.

Cocomong Eco Park

The Cocomong Eco Park focuses on the importance of developing children’s senses so they can pay more attention to the world around them. Through incorporating various aspects of nature within the park, it will allow children to become naturally concerned with ecology. Tickets cost 18,000 won. For more information, call 1661-0568.

Sports Games

Football

Saturday, Aug. 25

No Games

Baseball

SK Wyverns vs. Nexen Heroes

Mokdong Baseball Stadium at 5 p.m.

Samsung Lions vs. LG Twins

Jamsil Baseball Stadium at 5 p.m.

KIA Tigers vs. Hanwha Eagles

Daejeon Baseball Stadium at 5 p.m.

Doosan Bears vs. Lotte Giants

Sajik Baseball Stadium at 5 p.m.

Horseracing

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.