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 the classy 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
Heritage of Korea
Busan National Gugak Center
Through Oct. 25
The Busan National Gugak Center will hold a traditional Korean music performance every Friday through late October. The concerts will comprise six traditional music pieces, including the Royal Ancestral Rite and Ritual Music at the Jongmyo Shrine and the folksong “Arirang.” A commentary service in English will be available for people from overseas. Tickets cost 20,000 won. For more information, call (051) 811-0040 or visit its English web page at busan.gugak.go.kr/eng/main/.
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.
Art Exhibitions
Roh Choong-hyun
Kukje Gallery
Through July 14
A solo exhibition of work by veteran artist Roh Choong-hyun will be held at Kukje Gallery in downtown Seoul through July 14. Twenty-five pieces of his new work, portraying the urban landscape around the Han River, are on display. 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.
Alphonse Mucha
Hangaram Museum, Seoul Arts Center*
July 11-Sept. 22
Czech illustrator Alphonse Mucha’s works will be displayed at the Hangaram Museum of Seoul Arts Center from July 11 to Sept. 22. It will feature more than 230 works, including famous posters featuring French stage actress Sarah Bernhardt. Tickets cost 8,000 won for elementary school student, 10,000 won for middle and high school students and 12,000 won for adults. For more information, call 1666-2775 or visit www.mucha2013.com.
Shin Heung-woo
Gallery Seensee
July 4-Aug.5
A solo exhibition of work by Veteran artist Shin Heung-woo will be in southern Seoul from July. For more information, call (070) 4619-2827.
Familiar and Defamiliar Narrative
Atelier Aki
Through July 19
Four contemporary photo artists — Noh Jung-ha, Lee Won-chul, Won Seoung-won and Ha Tae-bum — will hold an exhibition at the Atelier Aki in Seoul. Located near exit 4 of Seoul Forest Station, subway Bundang Line. For more information, call (070) 4402-7710 or visit www.atelieraki.com.
Muneyoshi Yanagi
Deoksugung Gallery, National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea
Through July 21
The late Japanese art critic Muneyoshi Yanagi’s (1889-1961) art collection from the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910) is on display at the Deoksugung Gallery, National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea in central Seoul. Yanagi, regarded the father of Japan’s folk art movements during the 1920’s and 30’s, was influenced by Korean folk art crafts since he first visited in 1916. He collected some 2,000 art pieces from Korea throughout his lifetime. The exhibition features a total of 139 artifacts. The venue is located near exit 2 of City Hall Station, subway lines 1 and 2. Tickets cost 4,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2188-6144 or visit www.mmca.go.kr.
Gauguin: Voyage into the Myth and After
Seoul Museum of Art
Through Sept. 29
A total of 60 works by French post-Impressionist Paul Gauguin (1848-1903), including three never before seen masterpieces, will be on display at the Seoul Museum of Art (SEMA) from Friday to Sept. 29. Hosted by the Hankook Ilbo, a sister paper of The Korea Times, the exhibition marks the first time Gauguin’s “Where do we come from, What are we, Where are we going,” “The Yellow Christ” and “The Vision of the Sermon,” will be displayed in one place. The exhibition will run through Sept. 29. SEMA is located near exit 1 of City Hall Station, subway line 1. Tickets cost 8,000 won for elementary school students, 10,000 won for middle and high school students and 13,000 won for adults. The venue will be closed every Monday. For more information, call 1588-2618 or visit the official webpage at www.gauguin.kr.
Kim Jeong-hyun
Songeun Art Cube
Through July 16
Video artist Kim Jeong-hyun will hold a solo exhibition in southern Seoul. It will be highlighted by the works from Kim’s video art series called “Survivor Game.” Located near exit 2 of Apgujeong Rodeo Station, subway Bundang line. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 3448-0100 or visit www.songeunartspace.org.
Lee Se-kyung
Through Aug. 10
The southern Seoul gallery will feature some 90 pottery works by contemporary artist Lee Se-kyung. Located near exit 2 of Apgujeong Rodeo Station, subway Bundang line. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 3448-0100 or visit www.songeunartspace.org.
Bingo: The Story of Life and Arts from Cuban Refrigerators
Sejong Center for the Performing Arts*
Through 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.
Buddhist Guardian Deities of the 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 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.
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, visit www.daelimmuseum.org.
Harry Meyer
TV 12 Gallery
July 4-25
German artist Harry Meyer will hold a solo exhibition in southern Seoul, featuring 15 of his paintings of nature. 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.
Kang Se-hwang
Through Aug. 25
This National Museum of Korea special exhibition will highlight the work of Kang Se-hwang, one of the leading painters and calligraphers of the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910). Some 100 art pieces, including his self-portrait, along with calligraphy and landscape paintings are on display. Located near exit 4 of Ichon Station, subway line 4 and the Jungang Line. For more information, call visit www.museum.go.kr.
Lim Young-joo
Scalatium
Through July 1
Contemporary artist Lim Young-joo, known for his experimentalism and bold brushstrokes, will hold a solo exhibition in southern Seoul. The gallery, otherwise known as a wedding hall, is located near exit 1 of Gangnam Station, subway line 2 and Sinbundang Line. For more information, call (02) 501-6016 or visit www.scalatium.com.
Kids
Kids Park
aT Center
July 5-Aug. 25
A new indoor theme park for children will be open in southern Seoul. Children will be able to enjoy various kinds of activities and games. The venue is directly connected with exit 4 of Yangjae Citizen’s Forest Station, subway Sinbundang Line. Tickets cost 16,000 won for children and 13,000 won for adults. For more information, call 1588-7890 or visit www.ticketlink.co.kr.
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 of 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 Jungang 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, June 28
Nexen Heroes vs. Hanwha Eagles
Daejeon Hanbat Baseball Stadium at 6:30 p.m.
SK Wyverns vs. LG Twins
Seoul Jamsil Baseball Stadium 6:30 p.m.
Doosan Bears vs. NC Dinos
Masan Baseball Stadium 6:30 p.m.
KIA Tigers vs. Samsung Lions
Daegu Baseball Stadium 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 29
Daejeon Hanbat Baseball Stadium at 5 p.m.
Seoul Jamsil Baseball Stadium at 5 p.m.
Masan Baseball Stadium at 5 p.m.
Daegu Baseball Stadium at 5 p.m.
Sunday, June 30
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.