Clubs

Clubs

The Octagon

Nonhyeon-dong

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 dancing 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.

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

The Monsterius

Arario Gallery SeoulSamcheong

Through Oct. 7

Lee Seung-a holds an individual exhibition four years after “The Monster”in 2008. The monsters the artist sketches represent the darkness within the human psychology and the society. Tickets cost 5,000 won. For more information, call (041)551-5100 or visit www.arariogallery.co.kr.

2012 Korea Artist Prize

National Museum of Contemporary Art, Korea

Through Nov. 11

Without a definite theme, “2012 Korea Artist Prize” presents art works of four artists ― Gim Hong-sok, Moon Kyung-won and Jeon Joon-ho as a team, Lim Min-ouk and Yee Soo-kyung. Because the artists were asked to present any works they were able to manifest, the exhibition introduces works of four distinct themes. Located near exit 2 of Seoul Grand Park Station on line 4. Tickets cost 5,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2188-6114 or visit www.moca.go.kr/engN.

Ham Jin: Planet

PKM Gallery Bartleby Bickle & Meursault

Through Oct. 26

“Planet” is a solo exhibition featuring large scale sculptures by Ham Jin, one of the most accomplished young sculptors in Korea. Known as a miniature sculpting artist, Ham Jin explores a new area in sculpting involving larger dimensions and greater depth. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station on line 3. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 734- 9467.

Familiar Scenery

Opera Gallery, Seoul

Through Sept. 30

Opera Gallery is an international gallery with branches worldwide. Its Seoul branch will hold an exhibition titled “Familiar Scenery” featuring landscapes only by Korean artists. Works by four artists share a common theme, Deja vu, which occurs when imagination and reality coincide. The artists managed to put together their peculiar perception of typical and ordinary scenery. For more information, call (02) 3446- 0070 or visit www.operagallery.com.

Homage to Jung Sun

Pyo Gallery Seoul

Through Sept. 28

Pyo Gallery presents Cha Ou-hi’s solo exhibition, “Homage to Jung Sun.” The artist’s several years stay in Berlin has impacted her art style. She is best known for spending quite some time on her art, using several pencil sketches and several layers of paint. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 543- 7337.

Kimsooja: To Breathe

Kukje Gallery

Through Oct. 10

The art world of Kim Soo-ja is beyond just visual perception. Rather, her art explores the psychological and philosophical aspects of humanity. The exhibition displays around 10 videos made solely by the artist. Some of the works include “Mumbai: A Laundry Field” and “Breathe: Invisible Mirror.” Admission is free. Located near exit 2 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5. For more information, call (02) 735- 8449 or visit www.kukjegallery.com.

Felix Gonzalez-Torres

Plateau

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.

Remember Me

Gallery Hyundai

Through Oct. 14

“Remember Me” is the largest group exhibition presented by Gallery Hyundai, and involves six internationally well-known artists such as Chung Seo-young, Ai Weiwei, and Simon Dybbroe Moller. The exhibition introduces a variety of art styles, including video, paintings, and much more. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 734-6111 or visit www.gallery hyundai.com.

Meena Park Drawings 1998-2012

Doosan Gallery

Through Sept. 27

From 1998 to the present, Park Mee-na created 785 drawings, and 300 are displayed at her solo exhibition in Doosan Gallery. Her works attempt to establish a unique color system to change the existing way of thinking. The works displayed use children’s coloring pages to show the artist’s peculiar drawing style. Located near exit 1 of Jongno 5-ga Station on subway line 1. For more information, call (02) 708-5050.

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 Foundation Misulsang 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 offer a peek into contemporary Korean art. Admission is free but is closed on Wednesdays. For more information, call (02) 544-7722.

Deoksugung Project

Through Oct. 28

In order to solidify the historical significance of Deoksu Palace, artwork by contemporary Korean artists is to be installed there. A total of 9 various pieces, ranging from sculpture to visual art, portray different perspectives on how the artists perceive history. Tickets cost 3,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2188-6114 or visit www.moca.go.kr.

Life: A User’s Manual

Culture Station Seoul 284

Through Nov. 4

“How does art create and change our life?” The French author Georges Perec’s “La Vie Mode d`Employ,” discusses the importance of design and life. The exhibition features more than 70 pieces of design, art, and architecture in relation to human life. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 3407-3500 or visit seoul284.org.

2012 Exposition du Musee du Louvre

Hangaram Art Museum, Seoul Arts Center

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 are from the priceless collection including 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.

Different Special

Gyeonggi Museum of Modern Art

“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 disabilities. 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 utensils 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.

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. Tickets cost 18,000 won. For more information, call 1661-0568.

Sports Games

Football

Saturday, Sept. 22

Gangwon FC vs. Seongnam Ilwha

Gangneung Stadium at 3 p.m.

Jeonbuk Hyundai vs. Gyeongnam FC

Jeonju World Cup Stadium at 3 p.m.

FC Seoul vs. Pohang Steelers

Seoul World Cup Stadium at 3 p.m.

Daejeon Citizen vs. Incheon UTD

Daejeon World Cup Stadium at 3 p.m.

Baseball

SK Wyverns vs. Doosan Bears

Jamsil Baseball Stadium at 2 p.m.

KIA Tigers vs. Nexen Heroes

Mokdong Baseball Stadium at 5 p.m.

Lotte Giants vs. Samsung Lions

Daegu Baseball Stadium at 5 p.m.

Horseracing

Gwacheon Seoul Race Track 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 www.kra.co.kr.