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
Eensemble Sinawi
National Theater of Korea
July 19-20
Traditional music group Ensemble Sinawi will perform at the National Theater of Korea in central Seoul on July 19-20. They will perform well known traditional music pieces like “Chunhyangga” and “Shimchungga.” Located near exit 6 of Dongguk University Station on subway line 3. Tickets cost 30,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2280-4114 or visit www.ntok.go.kr.
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/.
Art Exhibitions
‘Nathalie Lete’
Lotte Gallery, Lotte Department Store in Myeongdong
Through Aug. 5
French artist Nathalie Lete will hold her first solo exhibition in Korea at the galley in the Lotte Department Store in Myeong-dong. About 80 of her paintings and illustrations will be displayed. Located near exit 7 of Euljiro 1-ga Station, subway line 2. For more information, call (02) 726-4428 or visit https://store.lotteshopping.com/handler/GalleryManage_F-ingview.
‘Sea and Traditional Korean Shamanistic Ritual’
National Folk Museum of Korea
Through Nov. 18
The National Folk Museum of Korea has prepared a special exhibition exploring Korea’s tradition in shamanism. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station, subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 3704-3114 or visit www.nfm.go.kr.
Jang Pa
TV12 Gallery
Aug.8-29
Painter Jang Pa will hold a solo exhibition at a gallery in Gangnam, southern Seoul. Titled, “The World until Yesterday,” the exhibition will feature his newest paintings, photos and video art. 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.
‘Picasso de Malaga, Picasso Absoluto’
Incheon Culture & Arts Center
Through Sept. 22
Some 200 works of Pablo Picasso will be displayed at the Incheon Culture & Arts Center through late September. The works were provided by the Malaga-based Picasso Foundation. Located near exit 6 of Arts Center Station, Incheon subway line 1. Tickets cost 10,000 won for students and 12,000 won for adults. For more information, call 1599-2298 or visit the official website at picassoabsoluto.com.
‘Takashi in Superflat Wonderland’
Plateau, Samsung Museum of Art
Through Dec. 8
The recent works of Japanese pop artist Takashi Murakami are on display at the Plateau, Samsung Museum of Art, in central Seoul. Tickets cost 5,000 won for adults 4,000 won for students. For more information, call 1544-7595 or visit www.plateau.or.kr.
Lee Ung-no
Ungno Lee Museum of Art, Daejeon
Through Oct.27
Ungno Lee Museum of Art in Daejoen will hold an exhibition highlighting the definitive works of abstract artist Lee Ung-no. Located near the Government Complex Station, Daejeon subway. For more information, call (042) 611-9821 or visit ungnolee.daejeon.go.kr.
Lee Jeong-lok
VIT Gallery
Through July 27
Jeju-based photo artist Lee Jeong-lok, whose legion of fans include Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh, is holding a solo exhibition at the Seoul gallery. Located near exit 2 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line No. 5. For more information, call (02) 720-2250 or visit www.vitgallery.com.
Isa Melsheimer
PKM Gallery
Through July 31
Veteran German artist Isa Melsheimer is holding her first solo exhibition in Asia at the central Seoul gallery, which will feature some of her newest sculptures, installation works and paintings. For more information, call (02) 734-9467 or visit www.pkmgallery.com.
‘Happniness’
Gana Art Gallery
Through Aug. 20
The Gana Art gallery will hold a special exhibition featuring some rare color paintings from the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910) to celebrate its 30th anniversary. For more information, call (02) 720-1020 or visit www.ganaart.com.
Alphonse Mucha
Hangaram Museum, Seoul Arts Center*
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.
‘The Hero: We Are All Heroes’
Seoul Museum
Through Nov. 17
The Seoul Museum is holding an exhibition inspired by baseball icon Park Chan-ho. It features the works of artists Kwon O-sang, Lee Hyun-se and Yoo Hyun-mi, and also Park’s own paintings and baseball memorabilia. The exhibit runs through Nov. 17. Tickets cost 7,000 won for children, 10,000 won for students and 12,000 won for adults. For more information, call (02) 395-0100 or visit www.seoulmuseum.org.
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.
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.
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.
Harry Meyer
TV 12 Gallery
Through July 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.
‘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.
Kids
Kids Park
aT Center
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, 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 www.museum.go.kr.
Sports Games
Football
Sunday, July 21
K-League Classic
Incheon United vs. Jeju United
Jeju World Cup Stadium at 7 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 Racecourse Park Station, subway line 4, exit 3. For more information, call (02) 509-1114 or visit www.kra.co.kr.