Around Town 2
Club
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-dong
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.
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 or visit www.onceinabluemoon.co.kr.
Club Answer
Cheongdam-dong
Club Answer, chosen as one of the five hottest clubs in Seoul by CNN, provides spacious interior and brilliant lighting systems, filling the stage by world’s renowned DJs. Club Answer is located in prosperous area of Cheongdam-dong, a district known to lead the party culture of Seoul. Located near exit 13 of Cheongdam Station on subway line 7. For more information, call (02) 514-4311 or visit www.clubanswer.co.kr.
Club Ellui
One of the largest clubs in Asia and located under Hotel Ellui, world-class DJs such as Alex Kenji and Ferry Corsten feature in weekend lineups. Located near exit 13 of Cheongdam Station on subway line 7. For more information, call 1577-9669 or visit www.ellui.net.
Luv Superlounge
Nestled in the heart of Itaewon, Luv Superlounge offers a wide selection of drinks, and a solid sound system with resident DJ Andi Numan from New Zealand. Located near exit 1 of Itaewon Station on subway line 6. For more information, call (02) 794-8898 or visit ko-kr.facebook.com/luvsuperlounge.
Club Double Eight
Sinsa-dong
Opened in 2010, Club Double Eight takes clubbing to a whole new level. Located in Gangnam, it provides diverse hotel promotions and features weekend lineups with global DJs. Located near exit 1 of Sinsa Station on subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 543-8803 or visit cafe.naver.com/doubleeight.
Club Mute
Club Mute is a boutique club with exquisitely designed decorations and a custom-tailored sound system. Located near exit 1 of Itaewon Station on subway line 6. For more information, call (02) 796-6853 or visit www.clubmute.com.
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 through 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, call (02) 3447-1191 or visit www.kunsthalle.com.
Dojo
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.
Traditional
‘Goodbye 2012, Hello 2013’
Seoul Namsan Traditional Theater
Through Jan. 12
Korean traditional music and performances will be held at Seoul Namsan Traditional Theater. On Jan. 4, a “gugak” percussion band, Ensemble Dutole, will hold a concert with their own music, and Ensemble Ryu, comprised of Korean traditional wind and string instruments, perform on Jan. 5. On Jan. 10 and 11, the Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theatre Company performs and Seoul Metropolitan Traditional Music Orchestra finishes up on Jan. 12. Located near exit 4 of Chungmuro Station, subway lines 3 and 4. Tickets cost 1,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2261-0515 or visit www.sejongpack.or.kr.
‘Dance, Chunhyang’
National Theater of Korea
Through June 16
The National Dance Company of Korea performs “Dance, Chunhyang,” based on “Chunhyangjeon” that was passed down as “pansori” (traditional Korean narrative music) and then published in print during the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910). In this traditional love story of a young couple, Jang Yoon-na is Chunhyang, the daughter of a “gisaeng” (courtesan) and Cho Yong-jin plays Mongryong, the son of the governor of Namwon, North Jeolla Province. Choreographed by Bae Jung-hye and directed by Kook Soo-ho. Located near exit 2 of Dongguk University Station, Subway line 3. Tickets cost 20,000 to 70,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2280-4114 or visit
Art Exhibitons
Revolving Stage: Contemporary Video Art in China
Arario Gallery Cheonan
Through Feb. 24
Arario Gallery Cheonan holds an exhibition of modern video artists in China. Jiang Pengyi, Sun Xun, Wang Gongxin, Wang Jianwei and Wu Junyong have created experimental art work in opposition to the Cultural Utilitarianism of China. This exhibition shows how the artists reinterpret China, which is undergoing drastic change, through their eyes. Located near Chungcheong Shinsegae Department Store in Dongnam-gu, Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province. Admission is free for children under eight, 2,000 won for students and 3,000 won for adults. For more information, call (031) 551-5100 or visit arariogallery.com.
Illumination: Light in Today’s Art
Hangaram Art Museum, Seoul Arts Center*
Through Jan. 27
The exhibition introduces pieces of light art including photos, paintings, motion pictures, sculptures, and installations. Along with 15 Korean artists including Paik Nam-june and Hong Seung-hye, the exhibition shows uses of light in contemporary art. Tickets cost 8,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300 or visit www.sac.or.kr.
Lee Ho-do
Gallery Illum
Jan. 7-16
Photographer Lee Ho-do will hold a solo exhibition in central Seoul. The photographer is known for delivering delicate and intense scenes. Located near exit 11 of Euljiro 3-ga Station, subway lines 2 and 3. For more information, call (02) 2263-0405 or visit www.galleryillum.co.kr.
Musei Vaticani
Through March 31
A total of 73 works including paintings, decorative arts, and sculptures from the Early to High Renaissance are on show. Famous artwork from the High Renaissance period such as Leonardo da Vinci’s “St. Jerome in the Wilderness,” Raffaello Santi’s “Charity”and Michelangelo Buonarroti’s “Pieta” will be also on display. Tickets cost 6,000 won for preschoolers, 8,000 won for elementary students, 10,000 won for middle and high school students, and 15,000 won for adults. For more, call 1544-8755 or visit www.museivaticani.co.kr.
‘Transcending Vision: American Impressionism 1870-1940’
Through March 29
To celebrate the 130th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the U.S. and Korea, 130 American Impressionism paintings by 90 artists are to be exhibited. American Impressionism first started at the Hudson River School and then developed in various regions. In the exhibition, the pieces are on display according to the artists’ main schools and regions for the purpose of representing the history of American Impressionism. Tickets cost 4,000 won for children over four, 5,000 won for elementary school students, 8,000 won for middle and high school students and 12,000 won for adults. For more information, call (02) 580-1300.
Lim Choong-sup
National Museum of Contemporary Art, Korea
Installation artist and sculptor Lim Choong-sup holds a solo exhibition under the title “Luna, and Her Thousand Reflections.” Lim attained a bachelor’s degree in painting at Seoul National University, and left for the United States in 1973. He has been working in such diverse genres as painting, sculpture, media arts, and installations for over 50 years. This exhibition presents some 70 pieces including previously undisclosed works. Located near exit 2 of Seoul Grand Park Station, subway line 4. For more information, call (02) 2188-6000 or visit www.moca.go.kr.
The 12th SongEun Art Award Exhibition
SongEun Art Space
Through Feb. 28
The SongEun Art Space displays works by winners of the 12th SongEun Art and Cultural Foundation awards. Artists Beak Jung-ki, Choi Sun, Ha Tae-bum and Yoon Bo-hyun were chosen among some 600 applicants. Through the end of February, pieces by the four will be on display, and one will be selected as a grand winner before the group exhibition ends. The winner will have the opportunity to hold a solo exhibition within two years at the gallery. Located near exit 11 of Cheongdam Station, subway line 7. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 3448-0100 or visit www.songeunartspace.org.
Sparkling Secrets ― Swarovski
Daelim Museum
Through Feb. 17
This exhibition brings together the diverse collections and stories of Swarovski’s jewelry. It includes pieces that have been loved by numerous celebrities such as Audrey Hepburn, Madonna, and Lady Gaga and dresses from collaborations with Giorgio Armani, Vera Wang, and Vivienne Westwood. Visitors can take a photo wearing Swarovski 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.
Anish Kapoor
Leeum Samsung Museum of Art
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. 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
Post-Impressionist painter, Vincent van Gogh’s works are 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 the 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.
Kids
‘I Am an Artist’
Art Center Ida
In this exhibition, 11 renowned artists’ original pictures and about 100 works for children’s books are on display. Three ateliers, classified thematically, are opened to the audience. Tickets cost 10,000 won for adults and 15,000 won for children. Located near exit 1 of Yangjae Citizen’s Forest Station, on the Sinbundang line. For more information, call (02) 3143-4360 or visit www.artcenterida.com.
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. Tickets cost 17,000 to 23,000 won. Discounts are also available. For more information, call (02) 738-8289.
Rolling Ball Children’s Museum
Anyang Kidsmom Center
In Rolling Ball Children’s Museum, children can play with “rolling balls,” a kind of kinetic art, using a variety of tools. Located near exit 8 of Indeogwon Station, subway line 4. Tickets cost 9,000 won and entry is free for children under 24 months. For more information, call 1544-9986 or visit
Sports Games
Basketball
Friday, Jan. 4
Ulsan Mobis Phoebus vs. Changwon LG Sakers
Changwon Indoor Gymnasium at 7 p.m.
Goyang Orions vs. Wonju Dongbu Promy
Wonju Chiak Gymnasium at 7 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 5
Jeonju KCC Egis vs. Seoul SK Knights
Jamsil Students’ Gymnasium at 2 p.m.
Busan KT Sonicboom vs. Anyang KGC
Anyang Gymnasium at 2 p.m.
Incheon ET-Land Elephants vs. Seoul Samsung Thunders
Jamsil Indoor Stadium at 4 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 6
Busan KT Sonicboom vs. Wonju Dongbu Promy
Wonju Chiak Gymnasium at 2 p.m.
Ulsan Mobis Phoebus vs. Goyang Orions
Goyang Gymnasium at 2 p.m.
Seoul SK Knights vs. Changwon LG Sakers
Changwon 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.