Baek Byung-yeul is a journalist at The Korea Times focused on cultural content, including films and cultural events in South Korea. You can contact him at baekby@koreatimes.co.kr to share your insights.
Around Town 2
Clubs
The Octagon
Nonhyeon
Near the New Hilltop Hotel in Nonhyeon, 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.
Once in a Blue Moon
Apgujeong
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. For more information, call (02) 549-5490 or visitwww.onceinabluemoon.co.kr.
Club Answer
Cheongdam
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, 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 visitwww.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 visitwww.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
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 visitwww.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 visitwww.kunsthalle.com.
Dojo
Work hard, play hard, sleep later! Lying underground Noxa in the thriving Kyonggridan 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
‘Sound of Maestro Park Bum-hoon’
National Theater of Korea
April 19-20
Park Bum-hoon, a composer of traditional Korean music and the first director of the National Orchestra of Korea, is back after a stint in academia and officialdom. Park will present songs with the National Orchestra Company of Korea, an orchestra that plays traditional Korean instruments. Renowned musicians including “Pansori” (Korean narrative song) singer Kim Young-im, traditional percussionist Kim Duk-soo and “gayageum” (a 12-string Korean zither) specialist Kim Il-ryun will join him. To get to the venue from exit 6 of Dongguk University Station, subway line 3, take a shuttle bus provided by the theater. Tickets cost 20,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2280-4114.
‘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 visit www.ntok.go.kr.
Art Exhibitions
Oh Chi-gyun
Gallery Hundai
Through April 28
Oh Chi-gyun’s solo exhibition in downtown Seoul will feature 20 of his recent works he painted under the theme of persimmon. He has been drawing works based on the fruit since 2009, conveying his emotions for his old hometown village that had persimmon trees growing outside many houses. Located near exit 5 of Gyeongbokgung Station, subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 2287-3500 or visit www.galleryhyundai.com.
‘How to Make a Book with Steidl’
Daelim Museum
Through Oct. 6
Gerhard Steidl, book publisher of German-based publishing company, Steidl, will feature some of his art works that were used in books he has published over the years. The exhibition also provides a glimpse of his creative process in bookmaking. Located near exit 3 of Gyeongbokgung Station on subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 720-0667 or visit www.daelimmuseum.org.
‘Vision, Revised’
UNC Gallery
April 18-May 10
Works of up-and-coming artists Jung Sung-hoon and Indian Shaik Azgharali are currently displayed at the southern Seoul gallery. The creations of both Jung and Azgharali are notable for their pop cultural influence and underlying social commentary. Located near exit 11 of Cheongdam Station, subway line 7. For more information, call (02) 733-2798 or visit www.uncgallery.com.
Youn Myeung-ro
National Museum of Contemporary Art, Korea
Through June 23
Veteran artist Youn Myeong-ro holds a solo exhibition at the National Museum of Contemporary Art. Youn has been renowned for over 50 years and the exhibition reflects the evolution of his work through five chronological sections. Early works, such as “The Original Sin” (1961), which reflects a difficult period in history, will be on display; as will more recent pieces including “Homage to the Gyeom Jae” (2007). Located near exit 4 of Seoul Grand Park Station, subway line 4. Tickets cost 3,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2188-6232 or visit www.moca.go.kr.
‘Seoul Nostalgia: A Retrospective Photographic Exhibition by Kim Han-yong’
Seoul Museum of History
Through May 5
Veteran photographer Kim Han-yong holds an exhibition highlighting Seoul and its residents from the 1940s to the 1990s. Kim started his career as a reporter in 1947 and fled to Busan after the outbreak of the Korean War. He returned to Seoul in 1954 to document the ruined city with his camera. Some 220 photos including those of starving people in the 1950s and modern buildings in the 1960s are on display. Located near exit 4 of Seodaemun Station, subway line 5. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 724-0254 or visit www.museum.seoul.kr.
Seoul Photo 2013
COEX
Through April 7
Seoul Photo, one of the biggest photo fairs in Asia, will hold this year’s event at the COEX convention center in southern Seoul. The exhibition is highlighted by a large entry from Russian photo artists and works from established photographers who are visually challenged. Located near exit 5 of Samseong Station, subway line 2. For more information, call (02) 6000-1596 or visit www.seoul-photo.com.
Li Gang
Gallery NoW
Through April 23
Chinese photographer Li Gang holds a solo exhibition in Seoul. In his first exhibition in Korea last year, Li presented some stunning pictures of Mongolia and its nature. Outer Mongolia is the theme of this exhibition. Located near exit 6 of Anguk Station, subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 725-2930 or visit www.gallery-now.com.
David Salle
Leeahn Gallery
Through April 14
American painter David Salle holds a solo exhibition in downtown Seoul. Salle is known as a representative artist of 1980’s American arts along with Eric Fischi and Julian Schnabel. Some 10 of Salle’s latest paintings are on display. Located near exit 3 of Gyeongbokgung Station, subway line 3. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 730-2243 or visit www.leeahngallery.com.
‘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.
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.
Michael Lau
Sejong Center for the Performing Arts*
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.
John Pai
Gallery Hyundai
Through April 25
Korean-American sculptor John Pai holds an exhibition in Seoul. Pai, who moved to the United States in 1949 and attended the Pratt Institute in New York, is known for his use of steel wire. Though he is 75 years old, the energetic artist prepares everything from the planning of his work to welding the steel. Around 20 of his works are on display at the Gallery Hyundai, downtown Seoul. Located near 1 of Anguk Station, subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 2287-3500 or visit www.galleryhyundai.com.
Kids
The Children’s Museum
National Museum of Korea
Open Run
The Children’s Museum run by the National Museum of Korea provides an opportunity for children to see the lifestyle of Koreans in the past. The museum also exhibits duplicated versions of Korea’s national treasures, which visitors can touch. In the “hands-on” activity room, children can play traditional Korean music instruments. Located near exit 2 of Ichon Station, subway line 4 and Jung Line. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 2077-9647 or visit English web page at
www.museum.go.kr/main/index/index007.jsp.
Kemy Land
Incheon Dongbo Apt Shopping Mall
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).
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
Friday, April 12
LG Twins vs. Hanwha Eagles
Daejeon Hanbat Baseball Stadium at 6:30 p.m.
Lotte Giants vs. Doosan Bears
Seoul Jamsil Baseball Stadium at 6:30 p.m.
SK Wyverns vs. NC Dinos
Masan Baseball Stadium at 6:30 p.m.
Samsung Lions vs. Nexen Heroes
Seoul Mokdong Baseball Stadium at 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 13
Daejeon Hanbat Baseball Stadium at 5 p.m.
Seoul Jamsil Baseball Stadium at 5 p.m.
Masan Baseball Stadium at 5 p.m.
Seoul Mokdong Baseball Stadium at 5 p.m.
Sunday, April 14
Daejeon Hanbat Baseball Stadium at 2 p.m.
Seoul Jamsil Baseball Stadium at 2 p.m.
Masan Baseball Stadium at 2 p.m.
Seoul Mokdong Baseball Stadium at 2 p.m.
Horeseracing
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 visitwww.kra.co.kr.