Around Town 2
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. For more information, call (02) 516-8847.
Club Volume
Itaewon
Offering a venue for specially-themed weekly events and world-class DJs, Club Volume is located in the Crown Hotel near Noksapyeong 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
Kyoungridan-gil
Work hard, play hard, sleep later! Lying underground Noxa in the thriving Kyoungridan 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 “hotteok” pancake set, multi-grain lattes and more. The cafe is 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 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. Located in Huam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. For more information, visit www.naosnova.com 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 a.m to 1 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, go to Apgujeong Station on line 3 and leave via exit 5. 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.
Cultural shows
Korea House
Open run
Korea House regularly holds a series of traditional performances featuring dance, “pansori” (Korean traditional narrative song) and more. Tickets cost 50,000 won. Located near exit 3 of Chungmuro Station, subway lines 3 and 4. For more, call (02) 2266-9101.
Art Exhibition
Kim Dong-yoo
Gallery Hyundai Gangnam
Through Nov. 30
Painter Kim Dong-yoo is best known for paintings that are comprised of hundreds of smaller portraits of other works. In this exhibition, he presents reinterpreted versions of Michelangelo’s “Pieta” and Albrecht Durer’s “Praying Hands.” Admission is free. Located near exit 2 of Apgujeong Station on subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 519-0800 or visit www.galleryhyundai.com.
‘Trace Back’
Changdong Art Studio, National Museum of Contemporary Art
Through Nov. 25
Changdong Art Studio has been providing space for young artists so that they can concentrate on their creations since 2004. In this exhibition, “Trace Back,” 10 artists from Canada, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Turkey, India, Slovenia, and Ukraine who came to Korea through international exchange programs present their works to the public. For more information, call (02) 995-0995 or visit www.artstudio.or.kr.
Ibero — American Art Fair Seoul
Seoul Arts Center*
Nov. 15-19
Ibero-American Art Fair Seoul 2012 is a specialized exhibition of the works of modern artists of Europe and Central and South America. About 130 artists from 15 countries including Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Venezuela and Cuba will be introduced. Tickets cost 5,000 to 10,000 won. For more information, call (02) 739-4333 or visit www.sac.or.kr.
Testing Testing 1.2.3: Selections from the SongEun Collection
SongEun Art Space
Through Dec. 11
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the business firm Samtan, SongEun Art Space presents an exhibition solely devoted to acknowledging work by artists old and new. With two divisions in the exhibition, one is a selected collection of young Korean artists who were supported by SongEun in the past. The other consists of work by recognized and pivotal international artists from many genres in art. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 3448-0100 or visit www.songrunartspace.com.
Modern Masterpieces from the Museum Collection: Poetry and Dreams
Deoksugung, National Museum of Contemporary Art
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, hope and changes during this era of Korean adversity. The exhibition presents around 100 works by more than 50 artists. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 2188-6114 or visit www.moca.go.kr.
Choi Jae-eun: - verse
Kukje Gallery
Through Nov. 22
Choi Jae-eun, primarily based in Germany and Japan, is holding her first solo exhibition in five years. Choi was the first Korean artist to have a solo exhibition at the Hara Museum of Contemporary Art in Tokyo, Japan in 2010 and moved to Germany afterwards in an attempt to move into conceptual art. She has also worked with diverse mediums ranging from sculpture and installations to architecture, as well as photography, video and sound. Since moving to Berlin in 2010, she has been fascinated by large wide-open skies, and completed “Finitude,” a video that captures the movements of the night sky from dusk till dawn in real time. For more information call (02) 735-8449 or visit www.kukjegallery.com.
Anish Kapoor
Leeum Samsung Museum of Art
Through Jan. 27, 2013
Installation artist, Anish Kapoor’s first major museum show in East Asia is under way at the Leeum. Born in Mumbai, India in 1954, Kapoor started to showcase his works from the 1970’s in England. He is known for using a variety of materials in his work including paint, fiberglass, stone, PVC, stainless steel, wax and cement. In this exhibition, “Void,” large scale monochromatic works, and stainless-steel sculptures dominate. The exhibition is the first to occupy the museum’s entire exhibition space including the garden. For more information, call (02) 2014-6901 or visit leeum.samsungfoundation.org.
Van Gogh in Paris: A Dialogue with Modernism
Hangaram Design Museum, Seoul Arts Center*
Through March 24, 2013
Post–impressionist painter, Vincent van Gogh’s works will go on show in Seoul. This exhibition focuses on the painter’s time in Paris (March 1886-February 1888) where he changed his style from realist to modernist. Most of the masterpieces are from the Van Gogh Museum in Netherlands including one of the museum’s finest pieces, “Self-Portrait with Grey Felt Hat” (1887). Tickets cost 15,000 won. For more information, call (02) 724-2900 or visit vangogh2.com.
Choe U-ram
Gallery Hyundai
Kinetic artist Choe U-ram holds his solo exhibition at Gallery Hyundai in Sagan-dong, central Seoul. In this exhibition, some 50 of Choe’s sketches and eight moving sculptures including the latest are on display. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 2287-3500 or visit www.galleryhyundai.com.
The Bull’s Eye: Folkert De Jong
Arario Gallery Seoul Samcheong
Through Dec. 9
Folkert De Jong is a sculptor and installation artist based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. He expresses problems of humanity — ranging from environmental problems and abuse of science to war and natural disaster — using polystyrene and polyurethane. In his first exhibition in Korea, he will show 12 pieces including four new works. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 723-6190 or visit www.arariogallery.com.
Sparkling Secrets -– Swarovski
Daelim Museum
Through Feb. 17, 2013
This exhibition brings together the diverse collections and stories of Swarovski’s jewelry. It includes art pieces that have been loved by numerous celebrities such as Audrey Hepburn, Madonna, and Lady Gaga; and dresses that collaborate with Giorgio Armani, Vera Wang, and Vivienne Westwood. Audiences can take a photo wearing Swarovski’s items in the experience room. Tickets cost from 2,000 to 5,000 won. Located near exit 3 of Gyeongbokgung Station on subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 720-0667 or visit www.daelimmuseum.org.
Kids
Garuya Garuya
COEX Artium
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 24 months to 13 years old, and free for under 24 months. Located in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. For more information, call 1661-0568 or visit www.cocomongecopark.com.
Sports
Football
Sunday, Nov. 11
Chunnam Dragons vs. Incheon Utd.
Incheon Football Stadium at 3 p.m.
Daegu FC vs. Sangju FC
Sangju Civil Stadium at 3 p.m.
Gangwon FC vs. Gwangju FC
Gwangju World Cup Stadium at 3 p.m.
Gyeongnam FC vs. Busan Ipark
Main Stadium of Busan Asiad at 3 p.m.
Seongnam FC vs. Daejeon Citizen
Daejeon World Cup Stadium at 3 p.m.
Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC vs. Suwon FC
Suwon World Cup Stadium at 3 p.m.
Jeju FC vs. Pohang Steelers
Pohang Steelyard at 5 p.m.
Men’s Basketball
Friday, Nov. 9
Incheon ET-Land Elephants vs. Wonju Dongbu Promy
Wonju Chiak Gymnasium at 7 p.m.
Busan KT Sonicboom vs. Jeonju KCC Egis
Jeonju Indoor Gymnasium at 7 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 10
Changwon LG Sakers vs. Seoul Samsung Thunders
Jamsil Indoor Stadium at 2 p.m.
Seoul SK Knights vs. Ulsan Mobis Phoebus
Ulsan Dongchun Gymnasium at 2 p.m.
Goyang Orions vs. Anyang Korea Ginseng Corporation KGC
Anyang Gymnasium at 4 p.m.
Jeonju KCC Egis vs. Changwon LG Sakers
Changwon Indoor Gymnasium at 2 p.m.
Wonju Dongbu Promy vs. Ulsan Mobis Phoebus
Incheon ET-Land Elephants vs. Busan KT Sonicboom
Busan Sajik Indoor Gymnasium at 4 p.m.
Women’s Volleyball
GS Caltex Seoul KIXX vs. Korea Expressway Corporation Hi-pass Zenith
Seongnam Indoor Gymnasium at 4 p.m.
IBK Altos vs. Hyundai Engineering & Construction Hillstate
Suwon Indoor Gymnasium at 4 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 Race course Station, subway line 4, exit 3. For more information, call (02) 509-1114 or visit www.kra.co.kr.