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 visit www.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 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
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 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
‘Jami’
Samcheonggak
Through June 28
A special “gugak” 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 a different artist every weekday. Kang Eun-il, a player of “haegeum,” a traditional string instrument, performs on Mondays, and gugak percussion ensemble Dutole performs on Tuesdays. Ryu, an ensemble of wind and string instruments, will play on Wednesdays, folk band Arisu on Thursdays, and Project Rock Acoustic, which mixes electronic music with gugak, will perform on Fridays. Samcheonggak is located at Seongbuk-dong, Seoul and a 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’
National Theater of Korea
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.
Kim Chong-hak
Gallery Hyundai
June 12-July 7
Veteran artist Kim Chong-hak will hold an exhibition featuring 80 of his new works. For more information, call (02) 2287-3500 or visit www.galleryhyundai.com.
Art Exhibitions
Choi Chan-sook
Sungkok Museum
May 31-July 28
Berlin-based video artist Choi Chan-sook will hold a solo exhibition in Seoul, which will combine her media art with installation work she has been recently experimenting with. Located near exit 7 of Gyeongbokgung Station, subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 737-7650 or visit www.sungkokmuseum.com.
‘Bingo The Story of Life and Arts from Cuban Refrigerators’
Sejong Center for the Performing Arts*
June 15-Sept. 1
The central Seoul culture venue will offer a rare opportunity to enjoy Cuban contemporary art, including paintings and installations. A variety of colorfully decorated refrigerators will fill the venue. Tickets cost 6,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555 or visit www.interpark.com.
Jaime Permuth
Ryugaheon Gallery
Through June 2
The works of New York-based photographer Jaime Permuth are on display at the Ryugaheon Gallery in central Seoul. Located near exit 4 of Gyeongbokgung Station, subway line 3. The gallery closes every Monday. For more information, call (02) 720-2010 or visit www.ryugaheon.com.
Kim Jong-hee
June 4-16
Korean craft artist Kim Jong-hee’s latest works will be displayed at the Ryugaheon Gallery in central Seoul. Kim, who is running an institute for teaching handicraft, uses traditional Korean paper, ''hanji,’’ to portray the images and shapes of wild flowers. Located near exit 4 of Gyeongbokgung Station, subway line 3. The gallery closes for every Monday. For more information, call (02) 720-2010 or visit www.ryugaheon.com.
‘The Myth of Metropolis’
June 18-23
“Thinking Photo,” a creative circle of six amateur photographers, will hold a photo exhibition in Jongno, central Seoul. Located near exit 4 of Gyeongbokgung Station, subway line 3. The gallery closes for every Monday. For more information, call (02) 720-2010 or visit www.ryugaheon.com.
Yun Dam-mi
Art Space Scalartium
Through June 10
Hyper-realist painter Yun Da-mi holds an exhibition at the gallery in southern Seoul. The exhibition displays the artist’s latest works, which portray status symbols such as luxury handbags, chinaware and wine glasses, representing her commentary on 21st-century consumerism. Located near exit 4 of Gangnam Station, subway line 2 and Sin Bundang Line. For more information, call (02) 501-6017 or visit scalatium.com.
‘Buddhist Guardian Deities of Late Joseon’
National Museum of Korea
Through Sept. 8
The National Museum of Korea will display a variety of artifacts highlighting Buddhist art during the latter part of the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910). Located near exit 4 of Ichon Station, subway line 4 and the Jungang Line. For more information, call (02) 2077-9000 or visit www.museum.go.kr.
Kim Byung-joo
TV 12 Gallery
June 6-27
Award-winning installation artist Kim Byung-joo will hold his fourth exhibition at the gallery in Cheongdam, southern Seoul. In the exhibition, Kim will feature a total of 16 new works, including a two-meter high installation that doubles as his commentary on contemporary life. 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.
Choi In-sun
Gallery Yeh
Through June 12
Veteran painter Choi In-sun holds his 38th exhibition in the gallery in southern Seoul. It will be his first exhibit in four years as he spends more time teaching students at the art school of Hongik University. The exhibition features his new 50 works, which are bolder and more colorful than his older works. Located near exit 5 of Apgujeong Station, subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 542-5543 or visit www.gelleryyeh.com.
Park Se-jin
Doosan Gallery
Through June 13
Landscape painter Park Se-jin holds an exhibition in central Seoul. Located near exit 1 of Jongno 5-ga, subway line 1. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 708-5050 or visit www.doosangallery.com.
‘Slant Rhymes’
Kukje Gallery
This exhibition will highlight some of the more experimental minds in the art scene. Art critic Kim Hyun-jin organized the drawings, installations and media art of young artists such as Lee Mi-yeon, Jung Eun-young and Nam Wha-yeon to show the cutting edge of Korean contemporary art. Located near exit 2 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line No. 5. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 735- 8449 or visit www.kukjegallery.com.
‘Contemporary Age’
Gana Art Gallery
Through June 9
Commemorating Gana Art Gallery’s 30th anniversary, this exhibition is a retrospective of the works of 50 prominent Korean artists who have displayed their art at the gallery since it opened in 1983. It’s a rare chance for art lovers to revisit Choi Jong-tae’s sculptures, Bae Byoung-u’s photographs and Go Young-hoon’s hyper-realism paintings. For more information, call (02) 720-1020 or visit www.ganaart.com.
Kim Chong-yung
Kim Chong Yung Museum
Through July 7
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the late Korean sculptor Kim Chong-yung’s debut (1915-1982) winning a prize at the International Sculpture Fair held by Tate Britain Museum, an event that doubled his artistic breakthrough and provided critical international exposure to Korea’s art scene. To commemorate the achievement, the museum is offering an exhibition of Kim’s definitive works and also his rarely-seen drawings and calligraphy. Take bus no. 1711 and 1020 from exit 3 of Gyeongbokgung Station, subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 3217-6484 or visit kimchongyung.com.
Choi Jeong-hwa
Daegu Art Museum
Through June 23
Installation artist Choi Jeong-hwa will display his latest works in Daegu. Choi has been actively holding exhibitions throughout the world, including an outdoor exhibition at last year’s London Olympic Games. Take the shuttle bus that operates every 30 minute from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. from exit 3 of Daegu Grand Park Station, subway line 2. For more information, call (053) 790-3000 or visit www.daeguartmuseum.org.
Kim Whan-ki
Whanki Museum
The exhibition highlights the works of the late painter Kim Whan-ki (1913-1974), a prominent name among the first-generation abstract artists in modern Korea. Kim drew inspiration from traditional Joseon era paintings based on black ink and water colors and dedicated his career to marrying these traditional methods with modern techniques. Kim left more than 3,000 paintings at his death, many of them available for public display at the Whanki Museum, posthumously established by his wife. To get there, take bus no. 1020, 7022, or 7212 from exit 3 of Gyeongbokgung Station, subway line 3, and get off at Buam-dong Community Center. Tickets cost 5,000 to 7,000 won. For more information, call (02) 391-7701 or visit www.whankimuseum.org.
‘Shadow Play’
Hongik Daehangno Art Center
Through June 30
The display will feature some of the Chinese puppets used in the country’s traditional puppet plays, which date back as far as to 2,000 years ago. Located near exit 2 of Jongno 5-ga Station, subway line 1. Tickets cost 6,000 to 10,000 won. For more information, call (02) 742-0300 or visit www.hongikartcenter.com.
‘Rolling! Visual Art in Taiwan’
Seoul Museum of Art
The exhibition features some of the definitive works in Taiwanese contemporary art. Paintings, photography, installations and video art pieces from 32 Taiwanese artists, currently kept at the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts. Located near exit 1 of City Hall Station, subway line 1. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 2124-8942 or visit sema.seoul.go.kr.
‘How to Make a Book with Steidl’
Daelim Museum
Through Oct. 6
Gerhard Steidl, book publisher of German-based publishing company, Steidl, features 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.
‘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.
Kids
‘Picking One’s Nose’
COEX Art Hall
Dec. 31
The children’s musical, based on Japanese author Takako Saito’s children’s book of the same title, will be staged at the Coex Art Hall in Gangnam, southern Seoul until the end of this year. The venue is directly connected with exit 5 and 6 Samseong Station, subway line 2. Tickets cost 20,000 won. There will be no performance on Monday. For more information, call 1588-5212 or visit www.coex.co.kr.
The Children’s Museum
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.
Sports Games
Baseball
Friday, May 31
LG Twins vs. KIA Tigers
Gwangju Mudeung Baseball Stadium at 6:30 p.m.
Lotte Giants vs. Samsung Lions
Daegu Baseball Stadium 6:30 p.m.
Nexen Heroes vs. Doosan Bears
Seoul Jamsil Baseball Stadium 6:30 p.m.
NC Dinos vs. Hanwha Eagles
Daejoen Hanbat Baseball Stadium 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 1
Gwangju Mudeung Baseball Stadium at 5 p.m.
Daegu Baseball Stadium at 5 p.m.
Seoul Jamsil Baseball Stadium at 5 p.m.
Daejoen Hanbat Baseball Stadium at 5 p.m.
Sunday, June 2
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.