Around Town
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-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
‘Seopyunje’
National Theater of Korea
March 27-31
Lee Cheong-jun’s novel “Seopyunje”will be performed as “changgeuk,” or traditional Korean opera. The story revolves around ``pansori’’ (traditional vocal and percussion music) singer Song-wha and her lifelong dedication to the art. Pansori veteran Ahn Sook-sun will appear in the finale, which is the highlight of the show. To get there, from exit 6 of Dongguk University Station, subway line 3, take a shuttle bus provided by the theater. Tickets cost 20,000 to 70,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2280-4114 or visit www.ntok.go.kr.
‘Jami’
Samcheonggak
Through June 28
A special ``gukak’’ or traditional Korean music performance takes place at Samcheonggak and guests will be able to enjoy the concert over a gourmet lunch. The performance will feature five different artists for every weekday. Kang Eun-il, a player of ``haegeum,’’ a traditional string instrument, performs on Mondays, while the gukak percussion ensemble Dutole performs on Tuesdays. Ryu, an ensemble of wind and string instruments, will play on Wednesdays, folksong band Arisu on Thursdays, and Project Rock Acoustic, which mixes electronic music with gukak, will perform on Fridays. Samcheonggak is located at Seongbuk-dong, Seoul and shuttle bus is provided. Tickets cost 50,000 to 70,000 won including concert and Korean table d’hote. For more information, call (02) 765-3700 or visit www.samcheonggak.or.kr.
‘Dance, Chunhyang’
Through June 16
The National Dance Company of Korea is performing “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 visitwww.ntok.go.kr.
Art Exhibitions
Ahn Young-sang
Gallery NoW
Through April 2
Teacher-turned-photographer Ahn Young-sang will be holding an exhibition in Seoul, featuring pictures he took on Jeju Island. The venue is located near exit 6 of Anguk Station, subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 725-2930 or visit www.gallery-now.com.
‘Nancy Lang and Gangnam Friends’
TV12 Gallery
Through April 6
Since her debut as a professional artist in 2001, Nancy Lang quickly gained attention for her unique work and her penchant for stirring controversy. In her Seoul exhibition, she presents paintings of 12 world famous figures such as Michael Jackson, Barack Obama, Muammar Gaddafi, Warren Buffett and Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Kun-hee, holding her cat doll ``CoCo Chanel.’’ To get to the gallery, from exit 9 of Cheongdam Station, subway line 7, take bus No. 4419. Get off in front of Cheongdam elementary school. For more information, call (02) 3143-1210 or visit www.television12.co.kr.
2013 New Visions New Voices
National Museum of Contemporary Art, Korea
Through June 23
The National Museum of Contemporary Art, Korea, holds an exhibition featuring some of Korea’s younger and most experimental artists. The ``New Visions New Voices’’ exhibition has been an annual event since 1981 aimed at highlighting the country’s new artistic talents. This year’s exhibition will feature the works of 97 artists, including painters, photographers, animation artists and installation artists. Located near exit 4 of Seoul Grand Park Station, subway line 4. Tickets cost 3,000 won for adults and free for persons under 18 and seniors above 65. For more information, call (02) 2188-6095 or visit www.moca.go.kr.
‘Love Actually’
Seoul Museum
This lighthearted exhibition aims at a playful juxtaposition of paintings, installments and movies. Divided into six sub-sections, Love Actually explores the subject of love in the movies and pairs the works of famous artist with famous quotes from the movies. On the second floor of the museum, representative paintings in Queen Victoria period in 19th century are on display. The museum is near Gyeongbokgung Station on subway line no. 3 and also could be reached by city buses No. 1020, 1711 and 7016. Tickets cost 5,000 won for children between ages three and seven, 7,000 won for students from elementary school to high school and 10,000 won for adults. For more information, call (02) 395-0100 or visit www.seoulmuseum.org.
‘Documenting Human, Recording Times’
Sejong Center for the Performing Arts
Through April 9
Korea Press Photographers Association (KPPA), comprising of 550 photo journalists, holds its annual exhibition on the representative works of Korean photo journalism. This year’s exhibition will be highlighted by last year’s recipients of the KPPA annual awards. Tickets cost 5,000 won. For more information, call (02) 733-9576 or visit www.sejongpac.or.kr.
‘Figurative Journal: Chung Guyon Archive’
Through Sept. 22
The museum wil display some of the definitive works of architect Chung Guyon, widely acclaimed for his unique interpretatin of nature that is relfected in his bulidings and installments. Chung is most known publically as the artist who designed the private residence of late former President Roh Moo-hyun in his hometown in Bonghan village, South Gyeongsang Province, and his involvement in the Miracle library project to build more public libraries across the nation. Located near exit 4 of Seoul Grand Park Station, subway line 4. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 2188-6000 or visit www.moca.go.kr.
Michael Lau
Sejong Center for the Performing Arts*
Through April 14
Artist Michael Lau, known for his illustrations and toy deigns, will exhibit the latest of its creations inspired by K-pop. This is an extension of his exhibition last year, titled “Fanseum,” which featured drawings and items inspired by popular boy bands TVXQ and SHINee. At this exhibition, Lau displays his 113 character figures and drawings of the Korean pop stars. Tickets cost 6,000 to 12,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555 or visit www.michaellau.co.kr.
‘Seoul has the City Walls’
Seoul Museum of History
Through May 19
Seoul Museum of History holds an exhibition of images capturing the capital city from the earlier part of the modern era to the present. It also highlights the history of the city walls which have been surrounding Seoul since the days of the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910). Located near exit 7 of Gwanghwamun Station, subway line 5. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 724-0289 or visit www.museum.seoul.kr.
‘Modern Art in Text Book’
ARAM Art Gallery
Through May 26
The Goyang Cultural Foundation will hold its “Modern Art in Text Book” exhibition from Feb. 20 at the Goyang city gallery. The displays will be aimed at helping youngsters understand the history and heritage of Korean art. The exhibition will be divided into three parts. The first section will feature the paintings of prominent Korean artists such as Park Soo-geun and Lee Joong-sup, whose works were mainly inspired by nature. The second part will be devoted to abstract and expressionist artists including Yoo Young-kuk. The third part of the display is devoted to the influences of art in everyday life including consumer products and the urban environment. Located near exit 3 of Jeongbalsan Station, subway line 3. Tickets cost 3,000 won. For more information, call (031) 960-0180 or visit www.artgy.or.kr.
‘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 display in Seoul. This exhibition focuses on the painter’s time in Paris (March 1886-February 1888) where
he changed his style from Realism to Modernism. 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.
‘New Contemporary Art from China’
Arko Art Center
Through March 31
The exhibition celebrates the diplomatic relations between Korea and China, which celebrated their 20th anniversary in 2012. Arts Council Korea, China’s Culture Ministry, and the Chinese embassy collaborated for the exhibition, which highlights the work of prominent Chinese artists Xu Bing and Yuan Yuan. Located near exit 2 of
Hye-hwa Station, subway line 4. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 760-4850 or visit www.arkoartcenter.or.kr.
‘Memory of Landscape I Have Never Seen’
The National Museum of Art, Deoksu Palace
Through April 21
Czech modern art is to be introduced to Korea for the first time. A total of 107 paintings from 28 Czech artists from the National Gallery in Prague are on display at the National Museum of Art, Deoksu Palace. The exhibition is comprised of three parts: part one displays a collection drawn from 1905 to 1917; part two is from 1918 to 1930; and part three is from 1931 to 1943. Notable artists featured are Emil Filla, a leader of the avant-garde movement in Prague, and Frantisek Kupka, a pioneer of the early Abstract Art Movement and co-founder of Orphic Cubism. Located near exit 2 of City Hall Station, subway lines 1 and 2. Tickets cost 12,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2022-0600 or visit www.moca.go.kr.
Tim Burton Exhibition
Seoul Museum of Art
Film director Tim Burton’s paintings and artwork are on show in central Seoul. Artwork from his movies “Edward Scissorhands,” “Batman,” “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “Alice in Wonderland” and “Frankenweenie,” and about 700 of his sketches, drawings and photographs are on display. Located near exit 1 of City Hall Station, subway line 1. Tickets cost 8,000 won for children under 12, 10,000 won for students under 18, and 12,000 won for adults. For more information, call (02) 325-1077 or visit sema.seoul.go.kr.
‘Musei Vaticani’
Hangaram Art Museum, Seoul Arts Center*
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 information, call 1544-8755 or visit www.museivaticani.co.kr.
Kids
Kemy Land
Open Run
This exhibition, featuring characters from children’s cartoon “Kemy,”doubles as an art display and children’s playroom. Children can make cookies in the food zone, play drums in the music zone and play with plastic building blocks in the playground zone. Located near exit 4 of Jakjeon Station, Incheon Subway. Tickets cost 6,000 to 12,000 won. For more information, call (032) 542-9751 or visit www.kemyland.com (Korean only).
‘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 open to the audience. Tickets cost 10,000 to 15,000 won. 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.
Sports Games
Baseball (Exhibition Games)
Friday, March 22
Samsung Lions vs. Hanwha Eagles
Deajeon Hanbat Baseball Stadium at 1 p.m.
KIA Tigers vs. LG Twins
Seoul Jamsil Baseball Stadium at 1 p.m.
Doosan Bears vs. Nexen Heroes
Seoul Mokdong Baseball Stadium at 1 p.m.
Lotte Giants vs. NC Dinos
Masan Baseball Stadium at 1 p.m.
Saturday, March 23
Lotte Giants vs. Hanwha Eagles
Daejeon Habbat Baseball Stadium at 1 p.m.
KIA Tigers vs. Samsung Lions
Daegu Baseball Stadium at 1 p.m.
Doosan Bears vs. LG Twins
NC Dinos vs. SK Wyverns
Incheon Munhak Baseball Stadium at 1 p.m.
Sunday, March 24
Daejoen Hanbat Baseball Stadium at 1 p.m.
Admission for exhibition games is free.
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 Park Station, subway line 4, exit 3. For more information, call (02) 509-1114 or visit www.kra.co.kr.